Planning a move? Whether you’re helping your son or daughter move in or out of a dorm or an Evanston business relocating to a larger space, moving is an exciting but sometimes stressful experience. One way to minimize the worry is by having the right supplies, including the right moving boxes.
As Chicago’s most trusted moving company, Joey’s Movers has been part of over 100,000 relocations, helping individuals, families, students, and businesses make successful transitions to their new locations. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best place to buy moving boxes, including factors like cost, durability, environmental impact, and convenience. There are plenty of options for where to buy moving boxes, and we’re happy to share our knowledge.
One important note before we begin: It’s tempting to think that the best place to buy moving boxes is the same as the cheapest place to buy moving boxes, but that’s not necessarily the case. Using quality boxes is important.
Unlike the random cartons you can collect from liquor stores or recycling bins, high-quality moving boxes are specifically designed to protect your belongings during transport and to make the process of moving easier. They’re sold in consistent sizes so that they stack safely and efficiently, and they have to meet standardized strength ratings so you can be sure of their structural integrity. And unlike boxes you pick up from behind your local grocery store, quality moving boxes are clean, dry, and odor- and insect-free.
If you need help with purchasing boxes for your move, give us a call at (847) 674-7779 for pricing.
Traditional Retail Options
Big-Box Stores
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart are all reliable choices for purchasing moving supplies. There are several advantages to buying boxes from these retailers, including the following:
– Multiple convenient store locations
– Competitive pricing and frequent sales
– Generally well stocked for immediate access to various size boxes and other moving supplies
Price range: The average cost for standard boxes at these stores ranges from $1-2 for small boxes, $2-3 for medium boxes, and $3 -4 for large boxes. Most of these stores offer boxes in bulk packs that discount these prices.
Office Supply Retailers
Like the other big box stores, office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot have high-quality boxes for sale, but these stores offer some extra items, options, and benefits, including:
– Specialty boxes for documents and electronics, often with handles
– Professional-grade packing materials
– Reward programs for additional savings
– Helpful staff familiar with shipping and packing and able to provide advice
These stores typically charge slightly more for boxes than home improvement retailers, but the quality and specialization of their selection may justify the extra cost, especially for high-value items that need extra protection during your move.
Price range: The average cost for document boxes at these stores is $4-6 each, but buying boxes that are sold in bulk can provide discounts of 15-25%.
Moving Truck Rental Companies
U-Haul, Penske, and other truck rental companies offer more than just trucks. They are also convenient one-stop shops where you can find a wide range of moving supplies, and they usually sell them at lower prices than other stores. Buying moving supplies from truck rental companies offers several advantages:
– Extensive selection of box sizes and packing materials
– Expert staff experienced in all aspects of helping people move
– Opportunity to bundle supplies with a truck rental
– Buy-back program for the boxes you don’t use
Price range: Boxes at truck rental stores start as low as $1, with specialty boxes that you can’t find at big box retailers or office supply stores available for $5 to $15.
Online Shopping Options
Online shopping has changed how we purchase everything from groceries to specialty items, including moving supplies. Instead of driving around town searching for specific box sizes, bubble wrap, or specialty packing materials, you can now browse multiple retailers at any hour, comparing prices and reading reviews from the comfort of your couch. Whether you need wardrobe boxes or acid-free paper to wrap delicate items, the convenience of 24/7 access means you can plan and purchase exactly what you need with just a few clicks.
E-commerce Platforms
Amazon has become the go-to site for where to get moving boxes, but there are also specialized sites like Uboxes.com. Both offer competitive pricing, detailed customer reviews and ratings, and bulk purchase options, as well as convenient home delivery.
Be sure to examine what’s included in the moving box kits that both of these platforms sell before making a big purchase. Though these kits have the advantage of including various sizes and quantities based on home size, they may include items that you don’t need.
Price range: Moving box kits cost between $30 and $100. Individual boxes are comparable in price to what you’ll find at retail stores.
Specialized Moving Supply Websites
A bit of Googling will introduce you to diverse places to buy boxes, including specialty moving supply websites like UsedCardboardBoxes.com. This site, and others like it, focuses on the eco-friendly alternative of quality-checked, gently used boxes at reduced prices. The advantages of buying moving supplies from these companies include the following:
– Environmental benefits of reuse
– Curated moving kits
– Significant cost savings
These specialized sizes generally provide excellent value while supporting sustainable practices. Some even offer educational resources for proper packing.
Price range: Used boxes generally cost 40-60% less than new boxes.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Moving Solutions
While cardboard boxes are recyclable, choosing eco-friendly alternatives can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your move. Sustainable options both minimize waste and conserve resources. They may also be more durable and cost-effective in the long run, especially if you move frequently or can pass them along to others.
Reusable Plastic Moving Boxes
Renting plastic moving boxes from companies like U-Haul, EcoBins, EZ Bins, Box Beaters, Stack Moves, Rentacrate, and reBOX Move has become an increasingly popular option. The containers are durable and weather-resistant, with no assembly required. They’re stackable and come in uniform sizes, environmentally friendly, and many of the companies will deliver directly to your door and then pick the boxes up from your new location when you’re done with them.
While the rental cost of these boxes may be more than cardboard boxes, they offer convenience and environmental benefits that make them an attractive option for eco-conscious movers.
Price range: The price depends on how many boxes you need for your move. Studio apartment costs start at $50.
Environmental Considerations
In addition to being exciting, stressful, and exhausting, moving has a significant environmental impact that few people think about. The average household move produces approximately 16.8 kg of CO2 emissions, so making environmentally conscious decisions during your relocation can make a big difference.
Moving boxes are a good place to start. High-quality boxes can be reused for storage or shipping, or you can be creative and disassemble them to use as children’s forts, cat scratching posts, or drawer organizers. Many rental and moving companies and local community groups and colleges promote sustainability through box exchange programs that connect people looking to trade moving supplies.
Cost Analysis
When calculating your moving costs, comparing the prices of moving boxes from different retailers is a good place to start. However, it’s also important to understand the true value of your purchase. Be sure to consider quality.
Price Comparison by Retailer Type
| Retailer Type | Small Box | Medium Box | Large Box | Specialty Box |
| Big-Box Stores | $1.50 | $2.50 | $3.50 | $6.00 |
| Office Supplies | $2.00 | $3.00 | $4.00 | $7.00 |
| U-Haul | $1.00 | $2.00 | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Online Retailers | $1.25 | $2.25 | $3.25 | $5.50 |
| Used Box Sites | $0.75 | $1.50 | $2.00 | $3.00 |
Hidden Costs to Consider
Be sure to factor in potential hidden costs and the additional cost of supplies such as packing tape and cushioning materials. All the items listed below will substantially impact your total expense.
– Delivery fees
– Minimum order requirements
– Return policies/restocking fees
– Assembly time
– Storage needs
Understanding Box Quality and Durability
The quality and durability of your moving boxes can make the difference between your belongings arriving safely and arriving damaged.
Box Strength Ratings
The Edge Crust Test (ECT) measures at what point a moving box will crush when stacked. A higher ECT rating indicates a stronger box. The ECT for moving boxes suitable for lightweight items is 32 ECT, with 44 ECT reflecting standard moving box strength and 48 ECT appropriate for heavy-duty applications.
Moving boxes should have double-wall construction for maximum protection and structural integrity to prevent damage during transport.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Joey’s Movers has been providing professional moving services for over 40 years, and we know the importance of using high-quality, durable boxes. One of the best ways to ensure that the boxes you purchase are going to meet your needs is by checking the testimonials that people write on the websites where the items can be purchased. Another good resource is reviews written by experts in the field. Taking the time to see what other people have to say is a great way to avoid making mistakes.
Convenience and Accessibility
Preparing for a move means being pulled in 100 different directions all at once, so the convenience and accessibility of different resources are important factors to consider when deciding which is the best place to buy moving boxes.
Delivery and Pickup Options
Most retailers offer various purchasing methods, including:
– Same-day in-store pickup
– Next-day home delivery
– Scheduled delivery for large orders
– Rush delivery services
Store Availability
Equally important to how your items will be delivered is the question of when and where you can shop. To maximize the convenience factor, consider the following:
– Store hours and locations
– Stock availability
– Bulk order lead times
Innovative Solutions and Money-Saving Tips
There are many ways to save money on moving supplies. Before you set out to buy moving boxes, consider the following money-saving tips:
DIY Box Alternatives
With a little creativity, you can find innovative packing solutions in your own home that will cut down on your moving box expenses. Take advantage of the following items:
– Plastic storage bins you already own
– Suitcases and duffel bags
– Moving drawers from dressers and chests as-is, with their contents
– Laundry baskets and hampers
– Reusable shopping totes for smaller items
Equipment Rental Options
In addition to purchasing moving boxes, you also need to consider how you’re going to physically move them once they’re packed. If you’re going to do it yourself, consider renting moving equipment to enhance efficiency and save yourself aches and pains. Items that can be rented include:
– Dollies and hand trucks
– Furniture pads
– Packing tape dispensers
– Loading ramps
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I save money on moving boxes?
Compare prices at big box retailers, websites, and truck rental companies. Look for bulk discounts and try to time your purchase around sales.
2. Where can I get free boxes?
Local retail stores like liquor stores and bookshops often have boxes, but they’re not the best choice for durability and cleanliness. Check online to see whether your community has a box exchange.
3. Where is the cheapest place to buy moving boxes?
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Walmart have competitive prices for new boxes, especially if you’re purchasing in bulk. Used box websites can also provide significant savings.
4. How much should you pay for moving boxes?
Prices vary by size, but you can expect to pay around $1-2 for small boxes, $2-3 each for medium boxes, $3-4 for large boxes, and $4-5 for extra-large boxes. Buying in bulk can reduce these prices by 20-30%.
Making Your Final Decision
The best place to buy moving boxes depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re searching for premium supplies or the cheapest place to buy moving boxes, here’s a quick summary of your options:
– For immediate needs: Local home improvement stores
– For bulk purchases: Online retailers
– For eco-friendly options: Reusable box rental services
– For specialty items: Office supply stores
– For convenience: Moving truck rental locations
Remember that quality moving boxes are an investment in protecting your belongings. While finding the cheapest option may be tempting, balancing cost with quality and convenience will lead to the best moving experience.
Need expert help with your upcoming move? Joey’s Movers in Chicago is here to help you with everything from moving supplies to full-service professional moving services. Our experienced team can help ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free, from packing to final delivery.
