Austin Guide to Free & Cheap Moving Boxes (2024)

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Whether you’re relocating out of state or to a different area within Austin, moving costs can add up quickly. One great way to save money while moving is to search for free or cheap moving boxes in Austin. Use this guide to find the best places to buy moving boxes near you without breaking the bank!

  • Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
  • Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Austin
  • Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Austin
  • Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Austin

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

While you should consider finding free cardboard boxes if you prioritize sustainability and saving money, you should buy new moving boxes if you’re seeking reliability or moving on short notice. Check out the pros and cons of each option in more detail below.

Why you should buy new moving boxes:

  • Uniformity: Professional movers prefer moving boxes that are consistent in quality as they’re easier to organize and stack.
  • Specific Sizes: You can choose from a range of moving box sizes to suit your specific packing needs.
  • Quality Assurance: New boxes are typically stronger and cleaner than used, free ones.
  • Convenience: Buying moving boxes is quicker and more straightforward than searching for used cardboard boxes.

Why you should get used, free moving boxes:

  • Cost-Effective: Free moving boxes save you money that can be used elsewhere during your moving process.
  • Sustainability: Reusing moving boxes reduces waste.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Austin

There are many places in Austin to consider in your search for free boxes. Be sure to check local stores, visit online community boards, and stop by local recycling centers to find used moving boxes for free.

Online Exchanges in Austin

One of the best ways to find second-hand moving boxes is to look online! In Austin, you have options like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist to search for used boxes for moving.

  • Austin Facebook Marketplace: The Austin Facebook Marketplace features listings of gently-used boxes for free or a low cost.
  • Austin Facebook Groups: Groups like Austin buy sell trade and Buy Nothing No Rules Austin can help you connect with local community members about taking used moving boxes off their hands.
  • Austin Craigslist: The Austin Craigslist “free stuff” page makes it easy to search for free packing boxes for your move.
  • Austin Nextdoor: A great way to see if your neighbors have free moving boxes they’re trying to give away is by using Nextdoor.
  • Austin U-Haul Box Exchange: Avoid the clutter of other online exchanges by using the U-Haul Box Exchange, where Austin residents list only free or cheap cardboard boxes.

Liquor Stores in Austin

Austin liquor stores are some of the best places to get free moving boxes. Liquor store boxes are typically sturdy and can be ideal for heavy belongings or fragile items like glasses, particularly if the boxes come with built-in dividers. Call these stores in advance to ask if they can save you some boxes and when you should stop by to pick them up.

Grocery Stores in Austin

Grocery stores are ideal for finding free, heavy-duty boxes in a variety of sizes. Give your nearest Austin grocery store a call to ask if they have boxes that can be set aside for you. Try to avoid boxes with large openings and holes so your items don’t fall out. Additionally, check for evidence of pests, stains, or particles of food before packing your belongings.

  • Central Market: This local grocery store is known to give away extra boxes to customers. Call either of the Austin Central Market locations in advance to check if they can reserve boxes for you.
  • H-E-B: After stocking shelves, H-E-B often has boxes left over that you might be able to use for your move. Check out any of the 26 H-E-B locations in Austin to get free boxes.
  • Wheatsville Food Co-op: With Austin locations on Guadalupe St and S Lamar Blvd, you can swing by this co-op to pick up extra boxes they may have from shipments. Call ahead to confirm they have sturdy moving boxes available.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Austin

Some recycling centers in Austin may give away boxes. These free boxes should be inspected for stains, pests, and structural integrity before you use them. Since many recycling centers require customers to break down boxes, you may also need to tape any boxes you find to reinforce them. Contact these centers ahead of time to ensure they have boxes available and verify whether they are free or if there is a cost to obtain them.

  • Balcones Recycling: There may be corrugated moving boxes that have not yet been processed at Balcones Recycling. This local recycling center can be found at 9301 Johnny Morris Rd.
  • Break it Down: Located at 7400 FM 969, Bldg. B, this Austin recycling center has bins for cardboard where you may be able to find boxes to reuse.

Other Stores & Retailers in Austin

You may be able to find second-hand boxes at other local shops in Austin, including bookstores and electronics stores. Remember to call ahead so you can find out if they’re willing to give away free boxes and to determine the best time to stop by!

  • BookPeople: Bookstores are a great place to find high-quality, free moving boxes in varying sizes. This local Austin bookstore is located at 603 N Lamar Blvd.
  • Discount Electronics: Electronics stores are one of the best places to get free moving boxes, especially because many people don’t consider looking here. Find Discount Electronics at 4005 W Parmer Ln, Suite D.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Austin

You can find new but affordable moving boxes in Austin at local moving supply stores, big chains, and self storage facilities. Moving box prices in the city of Austin can range in price from $1.28 for small boxes up to $5.39 for large boxes.

1/2 Price Boxes

Moving supplies at 1/2 Price Boxes in Austin, TX include everything from bubble wrap, moving blankets, tape, and dollies to heavy-duty packing boxes in a variety of sizes.

  • Sizes range from 12x12x12 to 24x18x24
  • Prices range from $1.29 to $3.14 per box
  • One location in Austin

Home Depot

Home Depot has a variety of cardboard box options, as well as other moving supplies like mattress bags, packing paper, stretch wrap, bubble cushion, and more!

  • Sizes range from 15x10x12 to 24x20x21
  • Prices range from $1.28 to $3.48 per box
  • Seven locations in Austin

Life Storage

Life Storage in Austin sells reliable moving boxes in a variety of sizes. Plus, you can pick up other packing supplies such as moving kits, stretch film, protective covers, bubble wrap, and tape.

  • Sizes range from 18.75×11.75×9.75 to 24x18x18
  • Prices range from $3.09 to $5.39 per box
  • 12 locations in Austin

Lowe’s

In addition to sturdy moving boxes, you can find moving supplies at Lowe’s like furniture sliders, moving straps, and packing tape dispensers.

  • Sizes range from 16x12x12 to 22×21.5×22
  • Prices range from $1.38 to $3.48 per box
  • Five locations in Austin

TexanBox Wholesale Packaging & Moving Supplies

Browse the packing supplies from TexanBox Wholesale Packaging & Moving Supplies—from various types of boxes to moving straps, bubble rolls, and labels—to find exactly what you need for your Austin move.

  • Sizes range from 16.5×12.625×12.625 to 24x18x24
  • Prices range from $1.35 to $3.47 per box
  • One location in Austin

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Austin

Once you’re finished moving into your new home in the Capital of Texas, you can recycle your moving boxes to reduce your waste, using recycling facilities like Balcones Recycling and Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center. You can also give away or resell your moving boxes online at Craigslist Austin, Austin Facebook Marketplace, and more.

Balcones Recycling

Balcones Recycling offers drop-off containers in Austin where you can recycle used cardboard boxes and other materials from your move for free.

  • Accepts: Cardboard, paper, plastic containers, and more
  • One location in Austin (9301 Johnny Morris Rd)

Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center

Recycling at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center is free for Austin residents. This center is open by appointment only, so be sure to schedule an appointment to recycle moving boxes and other moving materials here.

  • Accepts: Cardboard, paper, plastic bags, styrofoam (no peanuts allowed)
  • One location in Austin (2514 Business Center Dr)

Break it Down

Stop by Break it Down in Austin from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends to recycle cardboard and other packing materials. This drop-off center is free to use with no appointment necessary!

  • Accepts: Cardboard, paper, plastic, and more
  • One location in Austin (7400 FM 969, Bldg. B)

***

Check out our moving supplies guide to see what you can pick up in store at facilities in Austin.

Austin Guide to Free & Cheap Moving Boxes (2024)

FAQs

What to do with moving boxes Austin? ›

Recycling and Composting Cardboard Helps Save the Planet

If recycling your boxes, ensure you've broken them down and store them in a dry place until recycling day. Remember that even a small wet spot can prevent a box from being recycled, so stick them somewhere safe to avoid waste!

What size is a 4.5 cubic foot box? ›

Large boxes (18 x 18 x 24 inches or 4.5 cubic feet): Made for bulkier items such as comforters, pillows, linens, vases, large dishes, board games and more.

How can I move without boxes? ›

The next time that you need to pack, consider using some of the following cardboard moving box alternatives.
  1. Plastic Bins and Totes. Most plastic containers can handle moisture and fluctuating temperatures, which makes them an excellent option for storage. ...
  2. Suitcases. ...
  3. Hampers. ...
  4. Reusable Plastic Moving Boxes.

What size is a 3 cubic foot box? ›

Medium boxes are typically 18 x 18 x 16 inches and have a 3 cubic feet capacity.

How to get rid of a lot of cardboard boxes? ›

How to dispose of large cardboard boxes: 7 tips
  1. Go to your local recycling centre. ...
  2. Give them away to family and friends. ...
  3. Use them for composting. ...
  4. Hire a skip bin. ...
  5. Put it in the recycling bin. ...
  6. Repurpose for home projects. ...
  7. Sell them online.

How do I get rid of cardboard in Austin? ›

Put these items in your blue recycling cart

(All cardboard boxes should be broken down into roughly 2'x2' squares. Use the lid of your recycling cart as a size guide.)

Is it worth buying boxes for moving? ›

Moving is a costly process, and the thought of having to buy boxes can be unappealing to anyone. Yet, in all reality, new boxes are worth it as they are easy to stack and sturdy enough to prevent any damage to your items throughout the move.

What else can be used to move the box easily? ›

Wheels create rolling friction which have the least magnitude compared to sliding and static friction. Hence, it is easier to use a wheeled trolley. A box has to be moved from point A to point B.

What does a 2 cubic foot box look like? ›

A 2 cubic ft box is slightly larger with dimensions of 18” x 15” x 12.5”. These boxes are ideal for packing smaller items that are heavy such as books, files, cutlery, etc.

What does 3 cubic feet look like? ›

The dimensions of a 3 cubic ft box are 18” x 18” x 18”.

How big is a 1 cubic foot box? ›

1 cubic foot = a box 12 inches long by 12 inches wide by 12 inches heigh. So if you measure a box that is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide and 24 inches heigh you would multiply 18x18x24 = 7776 then divide by 1728 = 4.5 cubic feet.

Should you reuse moving boxes? ›

You may be surprised to learn that these can be long-term resources! That's because good-quality moving boxes can be reused over and over again with a little TLC. We all know that reusing trumps tossing away. But did you know that it's so much more sustainable than recycling?

What to do with food items when moving? ›

What To Do With Your Food When Moving
  1. Step 1: Make an inventory of your food and perishable goods. ...
  2. Step 2: Throw out expired food items. ...
  3. Step 3: Eat most of perishable foods before moving. ...
  4. Step 4: Share food with friends and neighbors. ...
  5. Step 5: Donate non-perishable food items. ...
  6. Step 6: Pack food items you are moving.

What is the thing that helps you move boxes? ›

A: Your moving supplies list should include ratchet straps, rope, a disc lock, and anything on wheels that can help you transport and load items. Two of the best things you can have are a dolly or cart, to move large furniture pieces once they're outside your home, and a wagon, for moving multiple boxes at once.

How do you pack boxes for moving house? ›

Pack sensibly

Put light stuff in big boxes and heavy stuff in small boxes. Then label your boxes in two ways: mark which room they're going to, and list what's in the box. Put labels on two sides (rather than the top) so that you can see them. You could even use a different-coloured label or pen per room.

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