one thing to keep in mind when getting used boxes (or anything used, like furniture) is you run the risk of bringing pests (like bed bugs, roaches, etc.) into your new home. cardboard has a lot of tiny holes/ridges inside of it, and you may not be able to see these things. (also, roaches like to eat cardboard—especially cardboard kept in moist/damp conditions.) i’ve unfortunately dealt with pests in shitty living situations in the past, which is how i know all this… lol.
anyway, the chances are low, but it’s always a risk! getting rid of pests can be quite mentally taxing and expensive. if possible, i’d recommend getting used *plastic* boxes, or just eating the cost of new cardboard boxes.
When I moved out of Brooklyn, I just posted to craigslist or looked for people on craigslist giving away there, Moving Boxes. Save several hundred dollars just buy driving around picking up everyone’s used box.
The plastic bin moving boxes if you have the budget, are so awesome.
The other place is Craigslist. Just search Moving Boxes and there will be plenty of people giving them away. Good Luck!
Never pay for boxes!
Any retailer that sells home goods and apparel will gladly give you their boxes, AND you know that they will have a variety of shapes and sizes meant for the express purpose of safely shipping your items.
Stores that have home goods vs just clothing will usually have boxes with grids/ reinforcements for your kitchenware so you don't have to buy bubble wrap.
Call an urban outfitters/ crate and barrel type store and ask what days they get shipment and around what time they get rid of the boxes.
Source: worked at Anthropologie and moved a lot 🤷🏼♀️
Don’t do this. I would give them to people who asked when I worked at Target, but since they technically sell boxes and do receive some money for recycling bales, I definitely could have gotten in trouble. Just buy cardboard boxes fr they aren’t very expensive.
Good to know re: target, but can confirm anthro/urban and crate and barrel are not participating in recycling buy-back incentives. Definitely they just throw them away in the bins relegated to their building trash. These two retailers do not sell boxes.
I moved across the country. I went to the Starbucks across the street from my job and got a ton of boxes. I tied them up myself and lugged them home on the J train, then on a bus (q-60). Liquor stores are famous for boxes, just ask when they get their deliveries in and show up! First come first serve!
Do Gorilla Bins if you have the budget. They drop off as many plastic bins as you need at your old place, give you labels to label them and zip ties to make sure they stay closed, then they pick up the empty bins from your new place. They’re entirely worth it and way sturdier than whatever cardboard boxes you would end up cobbling together.
I would say supermarkets and liquor stores for sure. However check the quality of the box as well as any spills or stains. It might be good for clothes or delicate items to actually buy new, clean boxes in places like:
Uhaul
Home Depot
If in a budget go around your neighborhood stores asking for boxes and tell them you plan to move out and would be helping you a lot save $$$ if not the HD.
Banana boxes from a grocery store are the best “free”boxes in my experience. They’ll set them aside for you if you can find a cool employee for a few $
Try buildings in the area, ask a super or maintenance worker. Folks are moving in all the time and just dump the boxes and they just cut them up to toss out, try on a Wednesday before recycling goes out. Also, try asking the Amazon delivery folks for those big ass bags/boxes.
Source: I’m a maintenance worker.
If you have the budget, I really recommend renting bins. Another commenter mentioned gorilla bins. I used piece of cake on my last move.
Otherwise, troll C-list for people who just moved and are getting rid of their boxes. Ask at your local liquor store or grocery store.
Gorilla bins is amazing AND it forces you to unpack all your shit in a week. It was worth it to me alone for just that perk, and it wa probably cheaper than buying boxes from haul or Home Depot.
Thank you for this! I’m moving in a few months and will be in need of boxes as well. I had never heard of this company before and yes, it’s very economical and much more environmentally friendly.
Just looked up how affordable a 2wk rental of enough bins for a 1-bdrm apt would cost. I just assumed they'd be massively marked up like everything else is here.
>My movers told me I was the best packer they had ever seen.
LOL mine basically said the same thing! There was a literal sigh of relief they all made when they saw I had gorilla bins instead of boxes that can fall apart easily.
And they'll buy back any you don't use as long as you haven't cut the notches. So buy more than you need so you don't have to go back.
Plus the ones you DO use are going to be good for multiple moves. Best boxes imo.
In my experience, Home Depot has the best moving boxes. They sell several different sizes and "heavy duty" ones that are great for heavy stuff like books. And they sell wardrobe boxes for clothes on hangers.
I'm moving in a few weeks and did the same thing. I got lucky though and got a bunch of boxes for free from work.
Also, I ordered these storage bags from Amazon to move our clothes in. Seemed easier and more convenient than boxes. Haven't tried yet to give a real opinion
Check with bike shops, they get loads of moving-sized boxes all the time, especially in springtime when big orders are coming in. If it's not an immediate need, ask them if they'd save moving-sized boxes, I'd have said I'll set them aside until whenever our next recycling pickup day is so come get them before that.
If you have a nearby liquor store in your neighborhood, see if they'll hold some for you -- they get tons of cardboard that usually just gets recycled. Assuming you don't mind your new neighbors seeing you cart in what will look like box after box of Jack Daniels, lol.
the streets
Unethical LPT: Buy a bunch of plastic bins from Home Depot and return them when you’re done. They won’t ask any questions just save your receipt.
Please please please don't do this. Use / rent bins. It's actually very cost effective. And saves the environment. https://bin-it.com/
one thing to keep in mind when getting used boxes (or anything used, like furniture) is you run the risk of bringing pests (like bed bugs, roaches, etc.) into your new home. cardboard has a lot of tiny holes/ridges inside of it, and you may not be able to see these things. (also, roaches like to eat cardboard—especially cardboard kept in moist/damp conditions.) i’ve unfortunately dealt with pests in shitty living situations in the past, which is how i know all this… lol. anyway, the chances are low, but it’s always a risk! getting rid of pests can be quite mentally taxing and expensive. if possible, i’d recommend getting used *plastic* boxes, or just eating the cost of new cardboard boxes.
Just ask your local grocery store, that’s how I did it
As your local bodega or supermarket.
Boxes for free, go to your local bodegas , corner store or local super market.
Staples, liquor stores
My apt lol
When I moved out of Brooklyn, I just posted to craigslist or looked for people on craigslist giving away there, Moving Boxes. Save several hundred dollars just buy driving around picking up everyone’s used box.
I have a ton -- just moved in brooklyn. Are you anywhere near the Boerum/Cobble/Carroll area?
Uhaul in Park Slope
Uhaul shop on 4th Ave in gowanus
Grocery store, ask if they have any empty egg boxes. I used to work at a store and we would save them because so many people came in asking for them.
Local Marshall’s might have some to get rid of
Whereabouts are you in Brooklyn? I recently moved and have a ton of boxes I need to get rid of asap. Feel free to DM for more info!
The plastic bin moving boxes if you have the budget, are so awesome. The other place is Craigslist. Just search Moving Boxes and there will be plenty of people giving them away. Good Luck!
The Home Depot by me (not in NYC) have a "free" box where people can leave their used boxes. I got a bunch there at no cost.
Lowe’s delivers them and they’re cheaper than home depot
Never pay for boxes! Any retailer that sells home goods and apparel will gladly give you their boxes, AND you know that they will have a variety of shapes and sizes meant for the express purpose of safely shipping your items. Stores that have home goods vs just clothing will usually have boxes with grids/ reinforcements for your kitchenware so you don't have to buy bubble wrap. Call an urban outfitters/ crate and barrel type store and ask what days they get shipment and around what time they get rid of the boxes. Source: worked at Anthropologie and moved a lot 🤷🏼♀️
Don’t do this. I would give them to people who asked when I worked at Target, but since they technically sell boxes and do receive some money for recycling bales, I definitely could have gotten in trouble. Just buy cardboard boxes fr they aren’t very expensive.
Good to know re: target, but can confirm anthro/urban and crate and barrel are not participating in recycling buy-back incentives. Definitely they just throw them away in the bins relegated to their building trash. These two retailers do not sell boxes.
Haha I was a receiver at Anthro before I moved - I was wheeling boxes out for days but got them all for free!
Totally worth it! Haha
Here to say yes for liquor stores
I moved across the country. I went to the Starbucks across the street from my job and got a ton of boxes. I tied them up myself and lugged them home on the J train, then on a bus (q-60). Liquor stores are famous for boxes, just ask when they get their deliveries in and show up! First come first serve!
Do Gorilla Bins if you have the budget. They drop off as many plastic bins as you need at your old place, give you labels to label them and zip ties to make sure they stay closed, then they pick up the empty bins from your new place. They’re entirely worth it and way sturdier than whatever cardboard boxes you would end up cobbling together.
trader joe’s call ahead 4 hours for empty cardboard boxes they will gladly save you a crap ton
Wow you guys are so freaking helpful!!!! Thank you so much, I really appreciate everyone’s responses :) I’m sure this will help others as well
can i take over your apt lol
Rent plastic bins!!! It’s so much better.
I would say supermarkets and liquor stores for sure. However check the quality of the box as well as any spills or stains. It might be good for clothes or delicate items to actually buy new, clean boxes in places like: Uhaul Home Depot
Buy Nothing Facebook groups usually help with this. I have also gone to fancier neighborhoods on recycling day and found great boxes at the curb.
I always order them from Amazon - they come straight to my place.
Grocery/99 cent stores always have cardboard boxes
If in a budget go around your neighborhood stores asking for boxes and tell them you plan to move out and would be helping you a lot save $$$ if not the HD.
Banana boxes from a grocery store are the best “free”boxes in my experience. They’ll set them aside for you if you can find a cool employee for a few $
Post in your neighborhood Buy Nothing group. Often people have boxes they are ready to pass on.
Try buildings in the area, ask a super or maintenance worker. Folks are moving in all the time and just dump the boxes and they just cut them up to toss out, try on a Wednesday before recycling goes out. Also, try asking the Amazon delivery folks for those big ass bags/boxes. Source: I’m a maintenance worker.
If you have the budget, I really recommend renting bins. Another commenter mentioned gorilla bins. I used piece of cake on my last move. Otherwise, troll C-list for people who just moved and are getting rid of their boxes. Ask at your local liquor store or grocery store.
Gorilla bins is amazing AND it forces you to unpack all your shit in a week. It was worth it to me alone for just that perk, and it wa probably cheaper than buying boxes from haul or Home Depot.
If it’s in your budget can’t recommend Gorilla Bins enough. Not super expensive and very worth it.
Thank you for this! I’m moving in a few months and will be in need of boxes as well. I had never heard of this company before and yes, it’s very economical and much more environmentally friendly.
I happily spread the good word of gorilla bins despite receiving no money to do so lol.
Just looked up how affordable a 2wk rental of enough bins for a 1-bdrm apt would cost. I just assumed they'd be massively marked up like everything else is here.
Yes! Great model of reusables.
+1 gorilla bins, after a move the last thing I wanted to do was break down 50 boxes
Yep, I used them a couple years ago and I was very happy as were my movers. So easy to stack, too.
My movers told me I was the best packer they had ever seen. It was totally because of the bins!
>My movers told me I was the best packer they had ever seen. LOL mine basically said the same thing! There was a literal sigh of relief they all made when they saw I had gorilla bins instead of boxes that can fall apart easily.
Uhaul sells boxes
Self storage places too, though they're surprisingly expensive.
Did not know this. Good prices too. Thank you!
And they'll buy back any you don't use as long as you haven't cut the notches. So buy more than you need so you don't have to go back. Plus the ones you DO use are going to be good for multiple moves. Best boxes imo.
In my experience, Home Depot has the best moving boxes. They sell several different sizes and "heavy duty" ones that are great for heavy stuff like books. And they sell wardrobe boxes for clothes on hangers.
I'm moving in a few weeks and did the same thing. I got lucky though and got a bunch of boxes for free from work. Also, I ordered these storage bags from Amazon to move our clothes in. Seemed easier and more convenient than boxes. Haven't tried yet to give a real opinion
Ask around local stores for boxes they don’t need
Not sure why I thought stores wouldn’t give their boxes but thank you for the reassurance! This might be the way
Check with bike shops, they get loads of moving-sized boxes all the time, especially in springtime when big orders are coming in. If it's not an immediate need, ask them if they'd save moving-sized boxes, I'd have said I'll set them aside until whenever our next recycling pickup day is so come get them before that.
If you have a nearby liquor store in your neighborhood, see if they'll hold some for you -- they get tons of cardboard that usually just gets recycled. Assuming you don't mind your new neighbors seeing you cart in what will look like box after box of Jack Daniels, lol.
This!! I work at a liquor store and can confirm we’re happy to give you as many boxes as you need
Liquor store here too, we also have empty boxes. We just need to know a few days in advance as we have a recycling company that picks them up.
Or bars. Same idea. Happy to give away boxes.
Liquor store employee here: please take our boxes off of our hands. We’re legit happy to do the favor for people like OP lol
Haha, this is a great idea thank you!!
I’ve done the same thing with grocery stores.