Best place to buy moving boxes

Best place to buy moving boxes

Companies like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and U-Haul prioritize durability, size variety, and ease of use when selling moving boxes. Typically, the best moving boxes need to have strong, thick cardboard, often double-walled for extra strength. They also need handles or cut-out grips and flat surfaces for labeling.

Where is the best place to buy moving boxes?

The best place to buy moving boxes depends on your location, budget, how far you are moving, and your specific needs.

In this article, we have curated our top picks for the best places to buy moving boxes and explained what to look out for at each store. We are not biased!

From your moving company

If you're hiring a full-service moving company, you can have them provide the boxes and packing materials. Some moving companies may even pack your items for you, so the boxes they provide will be specifically designed for your needs. The upside is that moving companies often supply high-quality boxes that are more durable than generic ones you might find at Walmart.

However, most moving companies charge premium prices for their boxes, which can be significantly more expensive than purchasing from stores like Home Depot or U-Haul. They may also add a markup on the cost of other packing materials like bubble wrap, tape, and furniture blankets.

Home Depot

Home Depot sells moving boxes in different sizes and related supplies like bubble wrap, moving blankets, dollies, packing paper, tape, and lifting straps. One of the standout features of Home Depot boxes is that they tend to be taller than wide, making them ideal for packing long items like lamps or clothes.

Additionally, Home Depot often offers bulk discounts on box deals, and its boxes are sturdy enough to hold up well during a move. However, the downside is that Home Depot’s larger boxes are often smaller compared to other brands like U-Haul, meaning you may need to purchase more boxes.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers a selection similar to Home Depot’s in quality and variety. They also run frequent discounts and promotions, which can be a real advantage if you’re trying to save money on moving supplies. However, Lowe’s tends to have fewer bulk box deals compared to Home Depot, making it a bit less economical if you're moving large quantities of items.

U-haul

U-Haul’s quality moving boxes come with a unique advantage: cut-out handles on the sides, which make them easier to carry and stack, especially for heavier items. This feature sets U-Haul apart from competitors and can make the physical process of moving smoother. 

U-Haul’s boxes are also arguably cheaper than those at Home Depot and Lowe’s, which is a major selling point for budget-conscious movers. Additionally, U-Haul offers a buyback policy allowing you to return unused boxes.

Walmart

Walmart is a great option if you're looking for low-cost moving boxes. Their prices are typically lower than those of competitors. Walmart’s convenience is another advantage; you can easily find a nearby store and pick up your boxes in person or order online for delivery or store pickup. 

However, the box quality is often considered inferior to other brands. The cardboard used in Walmart boxes tends to be thinner and less durable, so the boxes may fall apart more easily during a move, especially if you are moving out of state.

Amazon

Amazon offers a massive selection of moving boxes and related supplies, which means you can find what you need, no matter the size or type of box. The convenience of shopping online and receiving fast delivery is a huge plus, especially if you're in a hurry or need boxes shipped directly to your door. 

Additionally, Amazon provides access to customer reviews, which can help you assess the quality of different box brands before purchasing. However, Amazon tends to be more expensive compared to physical stores like U-Haul or Walmart, and shipping costs can also add up, making it less economical for smaller orders.

Menards

Menards offers a strong combination of competitive pricing and good-quality boxes comparable to those found at Home Depot and Lowe's. They run frequent sales and rebates, which can make moving supplies more affordable. 

However, one limitation is that Menards has fewer locations than Home Depot or Lowe's, making it less convenient if you don’t live in an area with a nearby store. Additionally, Menards doesn't offer a wide selection of specialty boxes like wardrobe or dish pack boxes, so you might have to look elsewhere if you have specific needs.

Uline

Uline is known for its industrial-grade cardboard boxes, which are more durable than the average box. Uline's boxes are a great choice if you're moving particularly heavy items or need boxes that will withstand a long-distance or commercial move. They offer a wide selection of sizes and specialty boxes, which are ideal for protecting fragile or awkwardly shaped items. 

However, the trade-off is that Uline boxes are typically more expensive than those at Home Depot, Lowe's, or U-Haul. Furthermore, Uline doesn't have physical retail locations where you can pick up boxes in person, and shipping fees can make smaller orders look less cost-effective.

Where to buy moving supplies and packing materials

Besides moving boxes, you need to buy other essential moving supplies to ensure a smooth and safe relocation. 

Packing tape is one of the most important items, as it securely seals boxes and prevents them from opening during transit. You also need bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion fragile items like glassware, electronics, and ceramics during the move. 

Moving blankets or furniture pads is necessary to protect large items like sofas, dressers, and tables from scratches, dents, and dirt. In comparison, a stretch wrap is useful for bundling and securing items like mattresses or furniture.

Additionally, wardrobe boxes allow you to hang clothes directly, making unpacking easier and keeping your clothing wrinkle-free. Likewise, utility knives or scissors make opening boxes and cutting tape easy as you unpack.

Best place to buy moving boxes in bulk

U-Haul is best if you are buying moving boxes in bulk and don’t want to compromise on quality. They offer great bulk prices, and their buyback policy for unused boxes reduces the risk of over-purchasing. If you overestimate how many boxes you need, you can return them for a refund.

Cheapest moving boxes

Walmart has some of the cheapest moving boxes in the market, with prices as low as $1.00. However, Walmart boxes tend to be thinner and less durable. So, while they are fine for local moves or packing non-fragile items, they may not hold up well when moving heavy items or for long-distance moves.

Best place to get packing boxes

If you're looking for used moving boxes or free cardboard boxes, go to the “Free” section in your local Craigslist area and search for “moving boxes” or “cardboard boxes.” You can also post a request for boxes. Similarly, check Facebook Marketplace or call local stores to ask if they have empty boxes to give away.

Best place to get moving boxes

Knowing how many moving boxes you need depends on the size of your home, the amount of items you have, the size of the box, and how you pack. The general rule of thumb is to plan for 10 to 15 boxes per room, but the number will vary. 

It’s always better to overestimate by about 10 to 15% and have a few extra boxes than to run out mid-move. As you are estimating the cost of boxes and supplies, also consider the cost of hiring movers and the best moving companies to hire. As a platform of reliable pros filled with detail reviews, we recommend Angi.