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11 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Denver

Are you moving out of state or relocating across town in Denver? Whether you’re moving by yourself or moving with your family, you can cut down moving costs by using cheap or free moving boxes. Here’s a guide to finding affordable moving boxes near you in Denver!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When coordinating your move, you can choose to buy new moving boxes in Denver or look around for used moving boxes for free. Each of these options comes with pros and things to consider.

Buying moving boxes is a smart choice if you want to be able to find specific box sizes and types that are suited to your items. In addition, new boxes are sturdy, fresh, and offer uniformity so they can be stacked neatly in moving trucks or personal vehicles. Purchasing new boxes is also more convenient as it requires less time and energy than hunting down used and potentially damaged boxes.

If you’re moving on a budget, however, you might want to consider searching for free, used moving boxes in Denver. Not only is this more cost-effective, but opting for free moving boxes in Denver also reduces waste, making it a more sustainable choice as well.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Denver

Did you know moving supplies is one of the top unexpected costs of moving? Find cardboard boxes for free in the Denver area at liquor stores, online marketplaces, grocery stores, and more. Here are some other spots to find free moving boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Denver

There are several digital marketplaces where you can find free moving boxes online. Some online marketplaces that could help with your Denver move include Facebook Marketplace Denver, groups like Denver Buy/Sell/Trade, Craigslist Denver, Nextdoor Denver, Denver U-Haul Box Exchange, and more. You can search these platforms for free packing supplies and cheap moving boxes in the Denver area. Just be sure to prioritize safety when participating in online exchanges by always telling a friend about your meetup, taking a friend with you for pickup, or exchanging at one of Denver’s SafeTrade Stations. Or, you can also try reaching out to your friend groups on social media networks to see if they have boxes they can give away to you.

Liquor Stores & Breweries in Denver

Local liquor stores are some of the best places to find free, reusable moving boxes in Denver. Liquor store boxes tend to be sturdy and may even come with built-in dividers for added convenience. Contact liquor stores in Denver like Denver Liquor Galaxy, Molly’s Spirits, and Walnut Liquors to see if they could set aside some boxes for you. Similarly, you can also consider reaching out to Denver breweries like Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Denver Beer Company, and Tivoli Brewing Company.

Grocery Stores in Denver

If you want to find cheap or free cardboard moving boxes in Denver, grocery stores are a great place to look as they tend to have sturdy boxes in differing sizes. Some might even come with built-in handles to make carrying heavier items more convenient. Reach out to grocery stores in Denver like Choice Market, Marczyk Fine Foods, and King Soopers to see if they have any available boxes or can save some for you. If you do pick up boxes from these stores, check for stains or signs of pests to ensure they’re safe to pack your belongings in. In addition, be mindful if choosing to use banana boxes, as they have large, circular holes that may allow smaller items to fall through.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Denver

Many residents drop off their used cardboard at local recycling centers in Denver—and if you give them a call, they might offer used boxes to you for free. Some recycling centers near Denver to consider include Curbside, Inc., WM of Denver‘s Franklin Street Recycling Center, and Envirocycle. Make sure you examine any used moving boxes for stains, evidence of pests, and stability. Since most people will break their boxes down before recycling, you’ll likely need to tape them back together to reinforce their sides and bottoms, as well.

Other Stores & Retailers in Denver

More Denver stores to check out for free moving boxes include pet stores, electronics outlets, and other retailers that usually receive large shipments of inventory. Places like Pet Supplies Plus, Ross Dress For Less, and Micro Center may have excess cardboard boxes they’re willing to give away for free if you give them a call ahead of time.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Denver

Some of the best places for buying cheap moving boxes in Denver include self storage facilities, office supply chains, local moving box stores, and more. Moving boxes in Denver are available in a wide variety of sizes and prices—with small boxes starting at $1.00 and large boxes selling for $8.59 or less.

Walmart

You can buy low-cost moving boxes in Denver as small as 17x11x13 for $1.00 or as large as 24x16x19 for $2.10 at Walmart! There are five Walmart locations in Denver that sell moving boxes. Walmart also sells other moving supplies like packing tape, bubble cushions, and packing paper.

Home Depot

Browse moving boxes ranging from 15x10x12 for $1.28 to 24x20x21 for $3.48 at Home Depot. There are two Home Depot locations in Denver that sell moving boxes, though other locations may sell other moving supplies like packing paper, packing foam, and bungee cords.

Ace Hardware

Find Denver moving boxes in sizes 6x6x6 for $1.59 to 18x24x24 for $8.59 at Ace Hardware. Nine Ace Hardware locations in Denver sell moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like bubble wrap, lifting straps, and stretch wrap.

Office Depot

Office Depot offers moving boxes for cheap in the Denver area ranging from 6x6x6 for $1.69 to 20x20x24 for $3.69. There are three Office Depot locations in Denver that sell moving boxes. While you’re there, you can also pick up other moving supplies like labels, packing peanuts, and shipping tape.

Denver’s Moving Boxes

If you need inexpensive moving boxes in the Denver area, find a selection ranging from 16x12x12 for $1.70 to 22x22x22 for $3.99 at Denver’s Moving Boxes. This local business sells boxes and moving supplies like mattress bags, wardrobe boxes, and moving blankets for the Denver metro. Simply place an order online or over the phone before heading over to pick them up in store—or opt for delivery.

Extra Space Storage

Find high-quality moving boxes and supplies in Denver at Extra Space Storage. Boxes are available from 16.625×12.5×12.5 for $3.29 to 24x18x24 for $6.99. There are 12 Extra Space Storage locations in Denver that sell sturdy moving boxes and other helpful packing supplies at affordable prices—including dish protection kits, stretch wrap, tie downs, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Denver

As you settle into your new home and finish unpacking, the boxes will begin to pile up. Dispose of your moving boxes by reselling them through online exchanges like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist—or take your boxes to a recycling center in Denver!

Waste Management

Waste Management accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper that you can drop off for a fee, which you can confirm by calling ahead of time. Their hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Find Waste Management of Denver’s Recycling Facility at 5395 Franklin Street.

Cherry Creek Recycling Dropoff

Recycle cardboard moving boxes, paper, and plastic containers at Cherry Creek Recycling Dropoff. There’s no fee associated with drop-offs, but be prepared to show proof of Denver residency upon arrival. Their hours are typically 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Find Cherry Creek Recycling Dropoff at 7400 Cherry Creek S Dr.

Quail Street Recycling Center

Recycle or donate cardboard moving boxes and moving supplies like paper, plastic, and more at Quail Street Recycling Center. Before your drop-off, sort through your recyclables and ensure all cardboard is clean, dry, and flat. Be aware that no trailers are allowed. Their hours are typically 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Find Quail Street Recycling Center at 1068 Quail St in nearby Lakewood.

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Check out our moving supplies guide to see what you can pick up in-store at storage facilities in Denver.

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.