Boxes add up fast — a one-bedroom move needs 20–30 of them, a house far more — and buying every box new is money you could spend on the move itself. LA is full of free box sources if you know where (and when) to look.
Best free sources around LA
The most reliable spots are stores that unpack inventory daily and recycle the boxes anyway. Ask the staff what time they restock:
- Liquor stores — small, thick, sturdy boxes (built for bottles) that are perfect for books and heavy items.
- Grocery stores and Costco — ask at customer service; produce and banana boxes are strong, though some are open-top.
- Bookstores and offices — clean, uniform boxes ideal for stacking.
- Big-box and furniture stores — larger boxes for bulky, lighter items.
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Apps, groups and neighbors
Movers constantly give away their just-used boxes. Check your local Buy Nothing Facebook group, Facebook Marketplace (free section), Craigslist free listings, and Nextdoor — someone in your LA neighborhood almost always moved last weekend and wants the boxes gone. Post a quick "ISO moving boxes" and they'll come to you.
When it's worth buying new
Free boxes are great for most things, but buy new for a few jobs: dish-pack (cell) boxes for kitchenware, wardrobe boxes so clothes move on the hanger, and TV/mirror boxes for flat fragile items. New boxes also stack more safely on a truck because they're uniform and uncrushed. It's a small spend that protects expensive, breakable things.
How many you'll actually need
As a rough guide: a studio needs 10–15 boxes, a one-bedroom 20–30, a two-bedroom 40–60, and a three-bedroom 60–90, plus packing paper and tape. Grab 20% more than you think — running out mid-pack is the classic move-week headache. If you'd rather skip the box hunt entirely, our packing service includes all materials, and our crews bring blankets and wardrobe boxes on loan as part of the move. See our guide to how many boxes you need or get a free quote.
Related guides
Related questions
Are free moving boxes safe to use?
Yes, as long as they're clean, dry and structurally sound. Avoid damp, crushed or food-stained boxes (they can be weak or attract pests). Liquor and book boxes are among the sturdiest free options.
Where can I get free moving boxes fast in LA?
Liquor stores, grocery customer-service desks and your neighborhood Buy Nothing or Nextdoor group are the quickest. Posting an 'ISO moving boxes' note locally usually gets a same-day response from someone who just moved.
Should I buy boxes or get them free?
Get standard boxes free, but buy specialty ones — dish-pack boxes for kitchenware, wardrobe boxes for clothes, and TV/mirror boxes for fragile flat items. The protection is worth the small cost.
Does Best Movers LA provide boxes?
Our packing service includes all materials, and crews bring moving blankets and wardrobe boxes on loan as part of any move. Ask for packing when you book your quote.
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