Whether you’re moving across the country or to a new Indianapolis neighborhood—moving costs can add up quickly. Thankfully, those moving on a budget can find free and cheap moving boxes within the Indianapolis metro. Read our guide below for where to get boxes for your next move!
- Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
- Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Indianapolis
- Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Indianapolis
- Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Indianapolis
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
Before you can start packing for a move, you’ll need to decide if you have the budget to buy new moving boxes or if you want to find used ones for free. There are a few different considerations that come with each option.
If you buy new moving boxes, you’re more likely to find boxes in specific sizes to suit your needs, as they tend to be more uniform in shape and size, making packing your items easier. You’re also more likely to get better quality with new boxes that haven’t seen any wear and tear—plus, it’s quicker and more convenient than searching for quality used boxes for free.
Finding free moving boxes can also be beneficial for a few reasons. Namely, it’s a cost-effective method since you’re not spending any money. Free or used moving boxes are also a more sustainable option since you’re reusing materials.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Indianapolis
You can get free moving boxes in Indianapolis from online exchange platforms, as well as businesses like liquor stores, grocery stores, and recycling centers. In short, most businesses that receive deliveries in boxes are good candidates for finding free moving boxes.
Online Exchanges in Indianapolis
Online marketplaces and apps are great places to find used moving boxes for free. You can look for free Facebook Marketplace listings in your area as well as listings in groups like Buy Sell Trade Indianapolis and Indianapolis Buy, Sell, and Trade! Or search in Buy Nothing Project groups in Indianapolis like the ones in Southside and Glendale/Broad Ripple. Craigslist and the Nextdoor app can also help you find people in your area who are giving away free moving boxes—or you can try a U-Haul box exchange near you. While these are usually reliable ways of finding free moving boxes, you might also find some for a small fee.
Liquor Stores in Indianapolis
Liquor stores have particularly good boxes for moving fragile items or glass since they’re often heavy-duty and may even come with dividers. Liquor stores in Indianapolis have limited hours on Sundays by state law, but are generally still open most or all days of the week. Stores like Total Wine on 86th St have been confirmed by locals to give away boxes, but if you’d like to find more options, you can always call ahead to locations near you and ask!
Grocery Stores in Indianapolis
Grocery store boxes are great for moving because they’re sturdy and usually don’t get damaged easily. However, some grocery store boxes aren’t ideal for moving—for instance, banana boxes typically have large holes in the bottom or sides where your items could fall through. Before you pack up your things, you’ll also need to check the boxes for food stains and residue, as well as any signs of rodents or pests. Grocery stores in Indianapolis like Kroger, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s have been known to offer free moving boxes. Call ahead to any stores you’re planning on visiting to make sure they do give away boxes and find out what days and times are best to pick them up.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Indianapolis
After moving, many people drop their used moving boxes off at Indianapolis recycling centers. Some of these centers will allow you to take boxes and reuse them for free, but you’ll need to call ahead to ensure you can. Recycling centers in Indianapolis like Republic Services and Fire Dawgs Junk Removal have dedicated cardboard recycling options, so they could be good options to check with for free moving boxes. Remember to inspect any boxes you receive from recycling centers for wear and tear, pests, and stains. You may also need to tape them up to reinforce them, in case they’re slightly damaged or worn from use.
Other Stores & Retailers in Indianapolis
There are plenty of alternate options for finding free moving boxes in Indianapolis if you can’t find any at the previously mentioned places. Hardware supply stores and bookstores often get deliveries in sturdy boxes of varying sizes. Hardware stores may even have inexpensive boxes for sale, and bookstores will often have more uniform boxes since they’re used for books of similar sizes. Specifically, Menards, Tractor Supply, and Barnes & Noble are known to be a few good options for moving boxes in Indianapolis—but as always, call ahead to make sure.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Indianapolis
There are a few businesses in Indianapolis where you can buy affordable moving boxes individually, and a few places that offer more eco-friendly moving bin rentals. For individual moving boxes in Indianapolis, you’ll usually pay between $0.50 and $25.00, depending on the seller and the box type.
BoxCycle
You can find secondhand moving boxes ranging from small and narrow sizes to extra large and wardrobe boxes from BoxCycle sellers in Indianapolis—though sizes will vary depending on what independent sellers have available. Prices usually range from less than a dollar for smaller sizes to over $20 for wardrobe moving boxes. Once you’ve chosen your boxes and your order is confirmed, you’ll be provided with the seller’s address for pickup. Some sellers also offer delivery options. Additionally, BoxCycle allows you to post “boxes wanted” ads—and you can sell your own used moving boxes after your move!
Home Depot
You can find standard moving boxes at Home Depot ranging from 17x11x11 for $1.38 to 24x20x21 for $3.48—plus specialty options like TV boxes and wardrobe boxes at higher prices. You can also get other moving supplies from Home Depot, including bubble wrap, packing tape, moving blankets, and mattress bags. Additionally, you can rent equipment like hand carts, trailers, and dollies, as well as moving trucks. There are four Home Depot locations in Indianapolis that sell moving supplies.
Extra Space Storage
You can find moving boxes at any Extra Space Storage facility in Indianapolis! There are 27 Extra Space Storage facilities in Indianapolis where you can purchase moving boxes. The most affordable small boxes sized 16.625×12.5×12.5 are usually $3.29, and sizes range up to large wardrobe boxes sized 24x18x39 for $23.99. Other moving supplies like bubble wrap, tie downs, packing tape, and protection kits are also typically sold alongside boxes. Call a facility near you to check on availability!
BinIt Indy
You can find residential moving bin packages ranging from 20 bins at $99.00 to 100 bins at $339.00 at BinIt Indy in Indianapolis. The company also offers larger packages for commercial moves. BinIt Indy serves residents in Indianapolis and surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs with moving bin delivery services, then picks up the equipment at the end of your rental period. BinIt Indy also sells other moving supplies like wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, sofa and mattress covers, and inserts for glasses and plates.
QuickTotes
You can find plastic moving box kits ranging from 20 totes for $100 to 100 totes for $337 at QuickTotes in Indianapolis for residential needs, plus larger kits with more totes and equipment for commercial needs. There is one QuickTotes location in Indianapolis that rents and delivers moving boxes to local residents. QuickTotes also provides other moving supplies like dollies and labels. You can rent your moving kit for two, three, or four weeks.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Indianapolis
When you’re finished with your move, stay eco-friendly by recycling any cardboard moving boxes at Indianapolis recycling facilities like the ones listed below. You can also resell your moving boxes online with BoxCycle, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist, or donate your boxes to the Buy Nothing Project.
Fire Dawgs Junk Removal
Fire Dawgs Junk Removal accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like moving blankets and packing paper. They charge a fee for pick-up that depends on how many items you’re recycling. Their hours are typically Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.—but call ahead first if you plan to drop off recycling items. Find Fire Dawgs Junk Removal at 6810 North Guion Road.
GreenWay Waste & Recycling
GreenWay Waste & Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like paper bags, cardboard box dividers, and plastic containers. However, you cannot recycle other packing material or plastic wrap here. You can get a quote online for how much their services cost, and they specialize in door-side pick-up at apartment complexes. They generally pick up items five days a week. GreenWay Waste & Recycling has door-to-door service, but you can find their corporate office at 1300 East 86th St, Suite 90015.
Republic Services
Republic Services accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. They have free drop-off bins around Indianapolis sponsored by the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. Unless these drop-off bins are inside a business, they are available 24 hours. Business hours vary between locations, but they are typically open Monday through Friday, early morning to early or late afternoon. Find Republic Services drop-off locations at 832 Langsdale Ave, 3617 Southeastern Ave, and 4935 Robison Rd.
Waste Management
Waste Management accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper, plastic containers, and cardboard box dividers. There usually isn’t a fee for dropping off recycling, but you can also pay for their residential recycling pick-up services. Their recycling center hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. Find Waste Management recycling facilities at 2025 Stout Field W Dr and 200 S Harding St.
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Check out our moving supplies guide to see what you can pick up in-store at storage facilities in Indianapolis.
