There are so many aspects to moving that can be stressful. One of the top challenges Chicagoland residents face as they prepare to relocate is finding enough sturdy boxes in which to pack their belongings. Whether you’re moving to a new neighborhood, downsizing, or just need somewhere to store your loose things, the question “Where can I get empty boxes?” is one we at Joey’s Movers hear all the time. While we’re happy to provide high-quality boxes as part of our packing and unpacking service, we also know that people try to save money wherever they can. The good news is that there are plenty of places throughout the metropolitan area where you can get boxes for free.
Where Can I Get Empty Boxes?
Moving requires careful planning and organization. Though proper packing materials are essential to ensuring your things arrive safely, they’re an item that people prefer not to spend money on. Though new, high-quality boxes are available for purchase, they represent an additional expense, especially for larger households. Finding free or low-cost alternatives saves money and has the added benefit of reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded, offering a more sustainable approach.
This guide will highlight convenient local options for Chicagoland residents looking for empty boxes for moving or storage purposes.
Local Retailers Offering Free Boxes
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores receive multiple shipments every week, and they often make extra boxes available for customers. In the Chicagoland area, check out popular chains including Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, and Aldi frequently and ask whether they have empty boxes that previously held produce, dry goods, and other products.
Pro tip: Visit early (between 6-8 AM) when the store is restocking or late (after 9 PM) when staff is unpacking deliveries. Speaking directly with the store manager or a representative at the customer service desk can boost your chances of success.
Liquor Stores
Liquor store shipments are known for having plenty of boxes that are particularly useful for a move. Designed to protect heavy glass bottles, they’re strong, and often include dividers. This makes them especially useful for packing fragile items like glassware or small electronics.
While independent liquor stores in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Logan Square are good options, Binny’s Beverage Depot has multiple locations throughout Chicago and has a reputation for accommodating box requests.
Bookstores
Books are another example of heavy items that arrive at stores in durable boxes, and bookstores receive shipments every day. Big chains like Barnes & Noble and local independent bookshops such as Unabridged Bookstore in Lakeview or The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square are both good sources for empty boxes.
Both bookstore boxes and liquor store boxes have an added advantage: they are typically the same or similar size and often have cutouts that make them easier to carry. This makes them ideal for packing books, kitchen items, and other heavier belongings.
National Chains and Their Policies
Walmart
If you’re wondering whether Walmart will give you empty boxes, the answer is generally yes. Walmart stores throughout the Chicago suburbs, including locations in Niles, Bedford Park, and Forest Park, frequently have empty boxes available after their overnight restocking operations.
The best way to make sure you don’t waste a trip is to call ahead and ask the individual store about their policy, as practices vary by location. Most stores are happy to set aside boxes if customers give them advance notice.
Target
Target stores typically restock shelves during the evening and early morning hours. Locations throughout Chicagoland, including those in the South Loop, Wilson Yard, and Evanston, are good sources for free moving boxes.
The best way to get free boxes from Target is to go to the customer service desk with your request, preferably when the store isn’t busy. In most cases, Target employees will direct you to areas of the store where recently emptied boxes are collected for recycling.
Costco and Sam’s Club
Wholesale clubs like Sam’s, Costco, and BJ’s are constantly turning over enormous volumes of merchandise and have a steady supply of empty boxes that are located at the front of the store for customers to box their purchases in. Costco locations in Lincoln Park and South Loop, as well as the Sam’s Club in Evergreen Park, are known for being generous with their excess boxes, and since they’re already set up near the checkout area for customers to use, there’s no need to call ahead, though the stores are likely to frown on taking so many that there are none left for customer use.
Online Platforms for Sourcing Boxes
Craigslist
The “Free” section of Chicago’s Craigslist regularly features moving boxes listed by people who’ve recently completed their own moves. This is a great place for finding where to get cardboard boxes for free with minimal effort.
To make your search even easier, the platform lets you set up alerts for keywords. Plug in “moving boxes” or “empty boxes” and you’ll receive notifications as soon as new listings are posted.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace and neighborhood groups like “Chicago Free Stuff” or “Hyde Park Free Share” are great ways to find free moving boxes. Many Chicagoans list their used boxes after unpacking, hoping to pass them along to others in need, and if you have a community Facebook page, you can post a note asking, “Where can I get empty boxes?” and your neighbors are sure to reply.
Freecycle Network
The Freecycle Network is specifically designed to help people give away unwanted items and keep them out of landfills. The Chicago branch is very active, and members frequently offer moving supplies including boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap.
Community Resources
U-Haul Box Exchange
U-Haul’s Customer Connect Box Exchange is a free online service where people can list or find moving boxes. All you have to do is plug in your zip code to see whether anybody has posted available packing supplies. There are numerous U-Haul locations throughout Chicago, so your chances of finding what you need are high.
Local Recycling Centers
Chicago’s recycling centers occasionally have access to clean, gently used boxes. The Chicago Recycling Coalition and facilities like the Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility in Goose Island may provide leads on empty boxes that are still in good condition.
Neighborhood Apps
Nextdoor and similar community-based apps connect residents within specific Chicago neighborhoods. Posting a request for moving boxes on these platforms generally gets a quick response from neighbors with boxes to spare.
Tips for Acquiring Boxes
Timing
Timing is critical when you’re on the hunt for free moving boxes, so plan to start your box search at least three weeks before your move. Most Chicago retailers restock overnight or in the early morning, so visit stores right when they open to get the best selection.
Communication
When asking for boxes, never assume that the people you’re talking to know exactly what you’re looking for. The more clearly you communicate your needs, the better your chances of success. Start by explaining that you’re moving and looking for strong, good-sized boxes that would otherwise be recycled or discarded. Most store employees are happy to help if they’re asked nicely.
Box Condition
Not all free boxes are created equal. Boxes that were used for produce or frozen items tend to have moisture damage, and some of them may be dirty or even have bugs! If you start looking early enough, you’ll have the time to inspect boxes for structural integrity, cleanliness, and size.
Environmental Considerations
Benefits of Reusing Boxes
Looking for free moving boxes does more than save money — it also contributes to sustainability efforts. Reusing boxes extends their lifecycle and reduces demand for new cardboard production, which uses significant resources and energy.
Recycling Post-Move
After your move is complete, be thoughtful about people who can benefit from your efforts and pass your boxes along to others. You can go through the same channels you used to acquire them. If your boxes are no longer usable, Chicago’s Blue Cart Recycling Program accepts flattened cardboard boxes, ensuring they’re properly recycled.
Conclusion
If you’re in the Chicago area asking, “Where can I get empty boxes?” options abound. From local retailers and national chains to online platforms and community resources, finding free or low-cost moving boxes requires a bit of effort but yields significant savings. It also promotes environmental sustainability.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of the resources in this guide, you’ll find all the boxes you need without spending a fortune. Remember that the key to success is timing, clear communication, and being willing to collect boxes from multiple sources. If you’re looking for professional moving services to safely transport those boxes once they’re packed, contact Joey’s Movers today to get a free quote. We’re dedicated to ensuring your move is smooth and worry-free.
Photo by SHVETS production
