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October 18, 2024

 

Where to Get the Best Moving Boxes for Your Next Move

 

Moving is one of those life events that most of us go through at some point, whether it's relocating for a new job, upgrading to a larger home, or moving into your first apartment. If you’re getting ready for a DIY move, you’ll need moving supplies!

Moving can feel expensive – buying a new home, lawyer and closing fees, and now you need to pack up your life! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore where to get the best moving boxes, covering everything from traditional retail stores to online retailers and eco-friendly options.

 

Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Moving Boxes

Before we dive into where to get your moving boxes, let's briefly talk about why selecting the right ones matters. Moving boxes aren't just containers; they provide structure and protection to your belongings. Opting for weak, damaged or poorly-sized boxes can result in broken items, or cross contamination.

The right boxes help ensure:

• Protection: It is important to remember that not all boxes are created equal! They come in a variety of thicknesses, that relate directly to their strength for fragile items.
• Organization by keeping different items in the right-sized boxes.
• Cleanliness in keeping your items free from pre-existing moisture, mold or other contaminants.

Now that we’ve established their importance, let’s explore the best places to find them.

 

First, we will look at The Box Shoppe by The Storage Box

Our new online store is the best place to get moving boxes and packing essentials, delivered right to your door. Moving can feel overwhelming to get started and many people don’t know what supplies they need to get started.  

Why Choose The Storage Box to buy moving boxes?

• Selection: Our moving boxes and supplies offered online were carefully selected for the benefit of our customers. Simply the essentials, pre-bundled to keep the guess work out of it.
• Value: Our pre-bundled kits provide the absolute best value per item, and include shipping within Ontario. We have the best priced moving boxes and the largest, and best valued bubble rolls on the internet!
• Shipping: get these bulk, cumbersome items shipped direct to your door!

Returning unused moving supplies can be done with ease. While they may offer a wide selection and easy access, their supplies are priced on the higher end compared to smaller retailers.   

Large Online Retail Marketplace: ie. Amazon and U-Haul

If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, Amazon and U-Haul are two common spaces to find variety. You may pay slightly more with Amazon Prime shipping, and U-haul has among the highest-priced supplies on the market.

Why Choose Amazon over U-haul?

• Huge Variety: Amazon offers an almost endless selection of box types and sizes from different brands. You can find basic cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, and heavy-duty options. Some boxes even come in eco-friendly materials.
• Convenience: Amazon Prime members can often get boxes delivered with free two-day shipping, making it convenient for last-minute movers.
• Expedited shipping: prime delivery has very fast shipping options.

Why Choose U-Haul?

• Value: U-Haul is one of the most trusted names in the moving industry. Some of their buying power can be found in much more competitively priced items like moving boxes.
• Variety: Their website offers a wide range of box options, including custom-sized boxes for televisions, electronics, and dishes.

While the online selection is vast, Amazon’s pricing is not always preferred compared to smaller retailers. U-haul has some select supplies competitively priced, many of their items are significantly more expensive than competitors since they’re the oldest name in moving!  

 

Office Supply Stores like Staples

Office supply stores such as Staples also stock an array of moving boxes. These stores are going to have a more narrowed down selection when compared to home improvement retailers.

Why Buy from Office Supply Stores?

• Convenience: These stores are easily accessible and typically open late during the week.  

Boxes from office supply stores are priced for the convenience and are more expensive than those from general retailers, and the selection is sometimes limited to smaller or mid-sized boxes.

 

Grocery and Liquor Stores: Free Box Options

If you’re looking to save money on moving supplies, grocery stores and liquor stores are fantastic places to score free boxes.

Why Get Free Boxes?

• Cost-Effective: The boxes are free, which helps keep your moving costs low.
• Durable: Liquor boxes are often sturdy and designed to carry heavy bottles, making them ideal for packing books, canned goods, or fragile items.
• Environmentally Friendly: Reusing boxes reduces waste and is an excellent way to move sustainably.

While free boxes are great for saving money, they might not always be available in the sizes you need or in the best condition. Additionally, because these boxes were used, they could be contaminated and promote mold growth on your stored items.

 

Big box retailers and home improvement stores.

Most homeowners know where there nearest big box store or home improvement stores are – we’ve all used them! They typically have whatever you need, including moving boxes. Typically, these stores stock a wide variety of box sizes, ranging from small to extra-large, as well as specialty boxes for specific items like dishware, televisions, and mirrors.

Why Buy from Big-Box Retailers?

• One-Stop Shopping: Along with moving supplies, you can get your weekly groceries and other necessities.

While you can often find standard-size boxes at big-box retailers, their selection might not be as extensive as specialized moving stores. Returning unused moving supplies can be done with ease. While they may offer a wide selection and easy access, their supplies are priced on the higher end compared to smaller retailers.   

 

 

Online Marketplaces: ie. Facebook Marketplace

For those on a tight budget or seeking to reuse moving supplies, checking Facebook Marketplace can yield great deals—or even free boxes.

Why Choose Online Marketplaces?

• Free or Low Cost: Many people offer up their used moving boxes for free or at a reduced cost after they've completed their own move.
• Eco-Friendly: Reusing boxes is an excellent way to cut down on waste and reduce your environmental footprint.
• Local Pickup: You can often find boxes available for pickup in your local area, which eliminates the need for shipping.

Keep in mind that since these are used boxes, their durability might not be up to par for heavier or more fragile items. It's a good idea to inspect them before use and reinforce them with extra tape if necessary. Like boxes from grocery or liquor retail, they could be soiled and promote mold growth on your stored items.

 

Rental Moving Box Services

For an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional cardboard boxes, consider renting reusable plastic moving boxes from companies like our discontinued Little Red Boxes.

Why Rent Plastic Moving Boxes?

• Durability: These boxes are made of heavy-duty plastic and are much more durable than cardboard. They're perfect for protecting fragile items and can be reused multiple times.
• Eco-Friendly: Renting plastic boxes reduces waste since they can be reused hundreds of times.
• Convenience: Companies deliver the boxes to your door and pick them up once you’re done. No need to worry about recycling or disposing of the boxes after your move.

The big drawback to rental moving boxes is the cost. The cost to properly clean, deliver and pickup these totes is very high.

 

Choosing the Best Moving Boxes for Your Move

I hope this has helped you determine the best place to buy moving boxes. Choosing the right moving boxes is an important part of making your move smoother, more organized, and more efficient. Whether you opt for free boxes from grocery stores, budget-friendly options from Walmart, or specialty boxes, there’s a solution for every type of move. If you're still unsure or have questions, call our all-star team at 1-800-555-4510 for assistance.