4 Ways to Get Free Moving Boxes or Save on New Boxes

Many customers wonder whether they can get free moving boxes from U-Haul®. The answer is yes, but not in the way you might expect. While U-Haul doesn’t provide brand-new moving boxes for free in-store, you can still find free boxes through programs like Take a Box, Leave a Box” and the U-Haul Box Exchange. If free boxes aren’t available, there are also affordable options such as bundle pricing and reusable box rentals. Here’s how you can get moving boxes at little to no cost with U-Haul. 

Low-Cost Moving Box Solutions With U-Haul

Check the “Take a Box, Leave a Box” Area at Your Local U-Haul Store 

Most U-Haul locations have a designated area where customers can drop off gently used moving boxes and supplies. With over 2,000 participating locations, you can easily find one and take what you need at no cost. This not only helps you save money but also keeps boxes out of landfills. In fact, more than 1.8 million boxes were reused last year alone through this program, so your use makes a meaningful impact on reducing waste.  

Pro Tip: Visit mid-week or early in the day for the best selection, as many boxes are dropped off after weekend moves.

Before taking boxes, make sure they are sturdy, intact, and free of water damage. Choosing boxes in good condition helps protect your belongings and makes packing easier. 

Use the U-Haul Box Exchange 

Another option is the U-Haul Box Exchange, which connects people who have leftover moving supplies with those who need them. Each year, an estimated 20,000 to 60,000 boxes are reused through the program. Customers can post available boxes, and others can arrange to pick them up.  

Use Ready-To-Go Box® 

While free boxes are a great way to save money, they may not always meet your needs. If you’re on a tight timeline or require a larger number of boxes, renting boxes may be a more reliable option. In these cases, consider Ready-To-Go Boxes.  

Ready-To-Go Boxes are available for rent in select U.S. and Canadian markets and are especially convenient for local moves. With no minimum rental period or quantity, you can rent exactly what you need and keep the boxes for as long as necessary. 

For local moves, this allows you to move at your own pace. These reusable plastic boxes are typically priced similarly to a large moving box, with the added benefit of durability and convenience. Once you’re finished, you can simply return them; there's no need to worry about disposing of excess cardboard.

 

Buy by the Bundle (Bulk Pricing) 

Another easy way to save during your move is by buying boxes in bundles. U-Haul offers discounted pricing on standard box sizes, including small, medium, and large. Each size is available in bundle quantities, which lowers the cost per box compared to buying boxes individually. 

When you look at both quality and price, U-Haul box bundles are tough to beat. That’s why they’re backed by our Best Price Guarantee, so you can feel confident you’re getting sturdy, reliable boxes at a great value. 

Also, if you overestimate and end up with more boxes than you need, U-Haul has a buy-back guarantee that allows you to return unused boxes and packing supplies with a receipt for a full refund. For added convenience, same-day delivery is also available in many U.S. metro areas for select moving supplies. 

How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need? 

The number of boxes you need depends on how much you pack. Luckily, U-Haul makes it easy. You can use the Moving Supply Calculator on the U-Haul website or app. Just enter details like the number of rooms or the volume of your belongings, and the tool will recommend the right number of boxes and packing supplies for your move. 

 

U-Haul offers flexible options to help you find free boxes or save on new ones, so you can move at a lower cost. Once your move is complete, you can also help the next customer by leaving your boxes behind at a Take-A-Box, Leave-A-Box station or by posting them on the Box Exchange. 

Get the moving boxes and supplies you need from U-Haul today to make your move easier.