4 Ways to Get Free Moving Boxes or Save on New Boxes
Movers often ask, “does U-Haul have free moving boxes?” Well, yes and no. While you can’t walk into a U-Haul store and walk out with a stack of new moving boxes, you can get free or cheap U-Haul boxes in a few other ways. And if you need more boxes, we can help you get the best deal on those.
Where Can I Get Boxes for Free?
Check the “Take a Box, Leave a Box” Area at Your Local U-Haul Store
Every U-Haul store has a “Take a Box, Leave a Box” bin on the premises with gently used boxes and other moving supplies left behind by earlier customers. They leave their boxes behind so that future movers, like you, can take them and use them free of charge. Not only does this help movers get the supplies they need at the lowest cost, but it also helps keep our boxes out of landfills and strengthens our commitment to reusing our moving boxes as many times as possible.
The best part is that with over 2,000 U-Haul stores, chances are there’s a U-Haul store and Take a Box, Leave a Box bin near you.
Visit the U-Haul Box Exchange Page
Another way to get free U-Haul moving boxes is by visiting our Exchange page. This helpful program was created to connect supply-needy customers with customers that have moving boxes and other supplies to spare. How it works is simple: After moving, U-Haul customers make a post about their leftover supplies. Other users can contact that customer and come and pick up the items. So, start searching the Exchange page today and see what your fellow DIY movers have to offer. Don’t forget to make your own post after your move is completed and help someone else who may need boxes!
Get Cheap Moving Boxes
Buy by the Bundle (Bulk Pricing)
When free boxes aren’t available, buying new boxes can be a practical alternative. You don’t have to break the bank buying moving boxes, either. Often, the trick to saving on moving boxes is to simply buy more. Yes, you read that right. Here’s why it works.
All standard size U-Haul moving boxes (small, medium, large, and extra-large) have a lower bundle price. This means that if you buy in packs of 25, 20, 15, and 10 for each respective size you’ll end up paying less per box. Don’t worry if you end up buying more than you need. You can bring your unused boxes back for a 100% refund with receipt as part of our buy-back guarantee. For added convenience, we offer Same-Day delivery in most U.S. metro areas on many of our most popular moving supplies.
When it’s time to move, use our guide to buying boxes for moving to learn more about our buy-back program, the types of boxes we offer, and more. Then, find out where to get moving boxes from U-Haul and how to pack your boxes for moving, as told by the experts.
Combine Cardboard with Plastic Moving Box Rentals
It’s not always easy to find used boxes in large quantities, or to find boxes in decent condition. In those instances, you can cut back on the number of boxes you need altogether and instead use plastic moving totes. Not only does this remove the need for dumpster diving or scouring the internet for free boxes, but it also helps you spend less on packing tape and box cutters and gives you fewer cardboard boxes to get rid of after you’re done moving. And as a bonus, it’s more environmentally friendly.
Our Ready-To-Go Boxes are available for rent in certain U.S. and Canadian markets. They work wonders for local moves because there is no minimum rental period or box quantity. Rent as many as you need and keep them for as long as you want. If you're moving locally, you can go back and forth to your new place and unpack goods out of the boxes as many times as it takes. Ready To Go Boxes are about the same price as a large moving box, only you don’t keep them when you’re done.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
Whether you’re trying to score free boxes or paying for new boxes, you might also be wondering how many boxes you need. Of course, that answer is dependent ultimately on how much stuff you’re packing. But to help narrow things down, U-Haul has created the Moving Supply Calculator. Input basic info like the number of bedrooms, types of rooms, and about how much stuff you have, and this tool will give you a recommendation on how many boxes you need, as well as other packing supplies.
Remember, the next time you wrap up a move or unload a storage unit, you can help other movers score free boxes. Join the reduce and reuse movement at U-Haul by dropping off your boxes at a “Take a Box, Leave a Box” or post on U-Haul Exchange. Whether you're looking for new, free, cheap, or even plastic moving boxes, U-Haul has a solution to meet your needs.