Box Engine
- Same-day shipping
- All types of boxes
The Home Depot
- Wide availability
- Different boxes available
Cardboard Boxes
- BBB rated
- Free shipping
It’s almost time for your big move, and you need moving boxes stat.
Moving boxes are essential to ensure your move goes smoothly and that none of your belongings get broken along the way.
However, the cost of moving boxes can add up. While the price of moving boxes range from $1-$6, when you need 30, 40, or 50 moving boxes, the cost can feel like a lot. That makes finding low-cost, high-quality moving boxes incredibly important—just as important as the u haul and movers, if not more important.
The good news? We’ve found and compared all the moving box companies for you, and we know exactly where you can find the affordable, low-price—and sometimes even free—moving boxes locally and online.
In this article
Top 5 Places to Buy Moving Boxes
Here are the top five places to buy moving boxes so you can get started packing today.
Box Engine is your one-stop shop for everything except the U haul. Box Engine specializes in everything you need for moving—nothing more, nothing less.
The company delivers 100,000 boxes daily to consumers and business customers, and customers rave about high-quality packing boxes, low prices, and excellent customer support.
Pros
- All types of boxes
- One-stop shop for all moving boxes and supplies like tape and bubble wrap
- Same-day shipping
- High-quality moving boxes
- Excellent customer service
- Excellent customer service
- Hassle-free returns
Cons
- Smaller, specialized company
- You have to bulk order moving boxes; you can't just order one box or a couple boxes
Why Box Engine Made the List:
Box Engine is different from the rest of the companies on this list. It’s a small company that has stellar ratings with customers. What you get from smaller companies that you don’t get from conglomerates is excellent customer service.
These guys will go the extra mile for you. Their boxes are a good price, and they have everything you might need to move, like tape and packing gear. Having a company that specializes in boxes helps you get exactly what you need.
Price:
| Boxes Size | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | Wardrobe |
| Packages | 15 Boxes | 10 Boxes | 6 Boxes | 10 Boxes | 3 Boxes |
| Pricing | $32.81 | $32.81 | $32.81 | $46.75 | $46.75 |
Home Depot is the largest home improvement store selling directly to the consumer, with over 2,200 stores across the nation. It is the Walmart of home improvement, meaning it has everything you need not only to move but also repair or create a nicer home. The company has extensive inventories of supplies compared to others in the business, so the products you need will rarely be out of stock. And they can offer it at a reasonable price.
Home Depot also allows you to pick up your moving boxes and moving supplies—like tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper—from the store after purchasing them from the comfort of your home. This is one of the benefits of shopping for supplies on Home Depot’s website. Some companies limit the number of moving boxes you can purchase at a time. With Home Depot, there is no limit.
You can even order a single moving box of a particular size because they don’t have a minimum requirement. Unfortunately, other websites will make you order the boxes in bundles for cost’s sake. But sometimes you don’t need that many moving boxes.
Pros
- Different types of moving boxes are available
- Wide availability of packing boxes
- Largest inventory of supplies and moving boxes
- Low cost
- Offers shipping as well as in-store purchasing
Cons
- The website is not easy to navigate
- Harder to find what you need
- Shopping takes longer since there are so many options
Why Home Depot Made the List:
Home Depot can be found in almost every neighborhood. They are perfect for that last minute run to the store to get an extra box.
Or you can bulk order ahead of time. Home Depot made the list because they offer great prices and a flexibility that other companies can’t beat.
Price:
| Boxes Size | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | Wardrobe |
| Packages | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 6 Boxes |
| Pricing | $21.78 | $41.45 | $81.19 | $69.60 | $112.98 |
You will find cheap, used, heavy duty, and high-quality moving boxes on this website. They have been in business for twelve years and have an excellent rating. Orders are shipped for free throughout the United States
Pros
- Earth-friendly moving kits
- Free shipping across the United States
Cons
- Not all used moving boxes are sturdy
- Quality may vary as all the moving boxes are used
- Not the cheapest
- Have to buy packing boxes in bundles
- Shipping out of the country will not be cheap
Why Cardboard Boxes Made the List:
Cardboard Boxes offers a new approach to the box market. They repurpose used cardboard boxes so that they cut down on waste.
While their boxes aren’t always the cheapest, their business model allows you to occasionally get better prices on boxes while also providing a place where you can repurpose used boxes after your move.
Price:
| Boxes Size | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | Wardrobe |
| Packages | 25 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 12 Boxes | 12 Boxes | 3 Boxes |
| Pricing | $51.95 | $54.95 | $49.95 | $54.95 | $51.95 |
Lowes can be found in most strip centers where you find Home Depot, and like Home Depot, Lowes gives customers more options when shopping for moving supplies and boxes. You can get everything (except the u haul) in one place. The only difference between Lowes and Home Depot is that it has less presence in the country, with only 1,800 stores compared to Home Depot’s 2,200.
The online box order on Lowes’s website is similar to Home Depot’s. And they feature a lot of different types of boxes: wardrobe boxes, standard boxes, TV boxes. They also have different moving supplies, and it is easy to browse and locate the items you need.
Pros
- Different types of boxes are available
- Wide availability of boxes
- Largest inventory of moving supplies and boxes
- Low cost boxes
- Offers shipping as well as in store purchasing of supplies and boxes
Cons
- The website is not easy to navigate
- Harder to find what you need
- Shopping takes longer since there are so many options
Why Lowe’s Made the List:
If there isn’t a Home Depot in your neighborhood, you are bound to find a Lowe’s. Lowe’s offers a variety of different box sizes and types at the lowest price on the market.
They also allow you to order online or in person at one of their stores, making shopping for boxes a piece of cake. Their flexibility and low prices put them on this list.
Price:
| Boxes Size | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | Wardrobe |
| Packages | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 1 Box |
| Pricing | $22.99 | $41.45 | $40.99 | $54.67 | $23.48 |
If you are searching for a place where you can get all your supplies in one place, Amazon might be for you, and if you are a Prime member, you can get fast shipping and excellent discounts on the heavy duty boxes that you need.
Pros
- Quality moving boxes
- Flat bundled boxes to encourage savings
- Different box sizes
Cons
- The website is not user-friendly
- Most sellers require you to buy boxes in bulk, not just one box
- Products are difficult to compare
- Not the cheapest or most expensive option for boxes
- Quality is unknown as each vendor is different
Why Lowe’s Made the List:
If you’ve ever thought about ordering something online, Amazon is probably the first place that comes to mind. They are consistently the quickest delivery service in the market and you can buy almost anything from them.
While their variety of offerings make finding moving boxes on their site a little bit harder, Amazon makes the list because they will deliver boxes to your home in a pinch. Their shipping is faster than Lowe’s or Home Depot and they offer relatively low prices, depending on the vendor you buy from.
If you have Prime, you can order and receive boxes in the same day, which makes them the go-to choice for last minute orders when you realize you don’t have enough boxes on hand.
Price:
| Boxes Size | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | Wardrobe |
| Packages | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 20 Boxes | 1 Box |
| Pricing | $22.99 | $41.45 | $40.99 | $54.67 | $23.48 |
Key Types of Boxes for a Smooth Moving Experience
1. Small boxes
Small square boxes are a staple in your moving plans. They can organize your room’s things without getting too heavy to carry. Small boxes are popular because the small size limits how much you can put in it and allows it to be carried once it’s full.
The average price of a small box is about $1 to $2. If you are paying any more than that, it’s best to find a new provider.
2. Medium boxes
The medium box is the fan favorite of many movers and the best seller on almost every moving site. The medium boxes can do the same thing small boxes can, but they can hold slightly more. You can stack books or pack your clothes into these medium bad boys. And at the end of the day, its size makes it easy to carry once it has been filled—not too light, not too heavy.
You can find medium-sized boxes for as little as $1.98 and as much as $3. Prices range based on the store, but you will typically find the cheapest boxes at Lowes or Home Depot.
3. Large boxes
Large boxes can hold a lot. And because of their size, they are better for heavy items. They carry sheets, clothes, and duvets well. They are suitable for stuffing pillows and moving toys. Large boxes are the best for taking a lot of light items.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $3 for large boxes, finding lower prices at bigger stores.
4. Dish Packs
Who doesn’t want to buy new plates when they arrive at their destination? You? Yeah, we thought so. Dish packs are perfect for organizing your kitchenware. It gives your dishes a snug cubby to sit so they can’t topple onto each other and break during the move.
Dish packs can range in price based on size but should cost around $19 to $32.
5. Mattress boxes
The mattress box is for precisely what it sounds like: your mattress. It ensures the mattress doesn’t get filthy while moving. With the mattress contained in a box, you avoid dragging it on the ground or have it sit at the bottom of the moving truck, collecting dust and dirt.
A mattress box ensures your mattress gets to your destination just as clean as it was when you slept on it the night before moving day.
You can find mattress bags and boxes anywhere from $20 to $45, depending on the type of bag or box you want. Again, the more extensive the bag is the more expensive it will be.
6. Mirror boxes
Mirror boxes are for your precious mirrors. They ensure your mirrors stay intact on the way to your new home. Packing your fragile belongings well is key for everything arriving at the new place in one piece.
You can find mirror boxes starting at $10 to $30. Price varies based on the size of box you need.
7. Wardrobe boxes
Wardrobe boxes are the star of all the boxes. They allow you to quickly transfer all your hanging clothes without having to take anything off the hangar. Transfer the clothes from your closet to the wardrobe box, and all your clothes arrive unwrinkled and ready to hang in your new closet.
Because they have a metal rod in the middle of the box, these boxes can be a bit more pricey, but let me tell you, they are worth it and save a ton of time. Each wardrobe box costs about $25 and up.
8. Office boxes
Perfect for all the loose paper in your office. Office boxes help keep you organized as you move. You won’t be left wondering, “Where is that one important paper? Did we forget it in our old place?”
You can find office boxes anywhere from $10 to $25, depending on how extensive, heavy duty, and big you want the box to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when selecting moving boxes for a cross country move?
For a cross country move, it’s crucial to choose sturdy, high-quality moving boxes that can withstand the rigors of long-distance transportation. Consider the size and strength of the boxes to ensure they protect your belongings throughout the journey.
How can I calculate the moving costs, including the cost of moving boxes?
Use a moving cost calculator available on many moving company websites. This tool will help you estimate the overall cost of your move, including the expense of purchasing moving boxes, based on the distance of your move and the volume of your belongings.
Are there specific types of moving boxes recommended for local movers?
Local movers typically handle shorter distances, so standard moving boxes are usually sufficient. However, for fragile or valuable items, consider using specialty boxes, such as dish packs or wardrobe boxes, for added protection.
What’s the best way to source moving boxes for a long-distance move?
For long-distance moves, it’s advisable to invest in high-quality, durable moving boxes. You can purchase them from moving companies, home improvement stores, or online retailers. Ensure the boxes are capable of protecting your items during the extended transit.
Where can I find free moving boxes?
Contact your local grocery store or other businesses trying to get rid of boxes. Sometimes they will default to throwing the boxes away, but if you show up right on time, you can see if they will let you take some.
What is the most popular size moving box?
Medium! Medium boxes are the perfect size to pack light and heavy belongings without making the box too heavy. They are the best seller on almost every website. So when in doubt, choose medium sized boxes to move your stuff.
How much does it cost to rent moving boxes?
Renting crates costs nearly three times the cost of cardboard moving boxes, and that’s at a minimum. Often, they can cost up to 5 times more than cardboard moving boxes. However, crates are reusable and have a minor impact on the environment.
Recap
You can find the cheapest and best quality moving boxes at Lowes and Home Depot. Both locations offer a wide array of box types as well as other supplies you might need for your move. And you can buy the boxes in-person at the store or online, giving you the freedom to order your supplies in a way that works for you.
Because they are both national companies, they have the most unaffected inventories, meaning you will always be able to find the boxes you need at a low price. While the other suppliers are suitable, you can’t beat Lowe’s and Home Depot. Get everything except the U Haul in one place.
Happy moving day!
