So, you’ve lined up your new home, you’ve booked a mover, and now it’s time to start packing. You know you need moving boxes, but how many? What size? And where is the best place to buy moving boxes? That’s where this guide comes in!
We’ve compared the cost of moving boxes from several top brands — from extra-small to extra-large sizes, in both standard and heavy-duty. With these details, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on where to buy moving boxes and which ones to choose for your move.
Best Place To Buy Moving Boxes in 2025
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of moving box sizes and prices, here are our top picks for the best places to buy moving boxes in 2025.
Best place to buy moving boxes OVERALL: U-Haul
While U-Haul doesn’t have the absolute cheapest box prices, they have a wide variety of box sizes and even offer specialty boxes, making them a one-stop shop for moving boxes (because nobody needs to be driving all over town when they’re in the middle of a move).
Best place to buy moving boxes BASED ON PRICE: Walmart
Walmart offers the cheapest moving boxes, although, notably, they don’t carry the smallest sizes. Also, Walmart boxes tend to run a little small for their labeled size compared to boxes offered by other retailers.
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Best place to buy moving boxes FOR SIZE VARIETY: The Home Depot/ULINE
Both The Home Depot and ULINE offer moving boxes from X-small to X-large. Their pricing is very similar, although moving boxes at The Home Depot are sometimes a little cheaper (and also a little smaller).
Best place to buy SPECIALTY MOVING BOXES: U-Haul/ULINE
While ULINE has the widest selection of specialty moving boxes, they also have a 5-box minimum order. U-Haul also offers a variety of specialty boxes without a minimum order, but they’re sometimes more expensive. For most people, U-Haul will be the better option, but for very large moves involving a lot of framed art work, TVs, clothing on hangers, or other specialty items, U-Line is probably your best bet.
Moving Box Sizes Explained
In order to protect your belongings (and your back), it’s important to use the right size boxes during your move.
As a general rule, each box should weigh no more than 40 lbs or whatever weight you can comfortably lift and carry. This is most easily accomplished by packing heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in large boxes.
The chart below provides a breakdown of the different sizes of moving boxes, their dimensions, capacities, and examples of what should be packed in each.
Moving Boxes Size Chart
| Moving Box Size | Dimensions | Capacity | Recommended For |
| X-Small | 15 in. x 12 in. x 10 in. | 1 ft³ | Small, heavy, or fragile items (e.g., silverware, glassware, candlesticks, books, papers, canned goods) |
| Small | 17 in. x 11 in. x 11 in.
16 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. 17 in. x 11 in. x 13 in. 16⅜ in. x 12⅝ in. x 12⅝ in. 14 in. x 14 in. x 14 in. |
1.2 ft³
1.3 ft³ 1.4 ft³ 1.5 ft³ 1.6 ft³ |
Heavy items (e.g., books, dishes, electronics, framed pictures, dumbbells) |
| Medium | 15 in. x 16 in. x 16 in.
18 in. x 18 in. x 12 in. 19 in. x 14 in. x 17 in. 21 in. x 15 in. x 16 in. 18 in. x 16 in. x 18 in. |
2.2 ft³
2.3 ft³ 2.6 ft³ 2.9 ft³ 3 ft³ |
Mid-weight items (e.g., clothing, plastic dishware, aluminum water bottles, shoes) |
| Large | 27 in. x 15 in. x 16 in.
24 in. x 16 in. x 19 in. 18 in. x 18 in. x 24 in. |
3.8 ft³
4.2 ft³ 4.5 ft³ |
Light, bulky items (e.g., towels, blankets, linens) |
| X-Large | 26 in. x 18 in. x 18 in.
24 in. x 20 in. x 21 in. 24 in. x 18 in. x 24 in. 22 in. x 22 in. x 22 in. 24 in. x 24 in. x 24 in. |
4.9 ft³
5.8 ft³ 6 ft³ 6.2 ft³ 8 ft³ |
Large, light, bulky items
(e.g., pillows, stuffed animals, duvets, sleeping bags) |
How Much Are Moving Boxes?
You can expect to pay $1–$10 for a single moving box, depending on the size of the box, whether or not it’s heavy-duty, and where you buy it. While that doesn’t sound too crazy, it can quickly add up.
“…new moving boxes are sturdier and easier to stack, and they offer greater protection for your belongings than used boxes, especially for delicate or expensive items that require specialty boxes.”
Not all moving boxes are created equal, either. “Small,” “medium,” and “large” don’t necessarily mean the same things at every store. For example, a large box from Menards is 15% smaller than one from Lowe’s and only ten cents cheaper.
To help you decide where to buy moving boxes, the chart below shows the cost and capacity per box for five different box sizes across top brands. Several of these stores also sell moving boxes in bundles, which may offer some cost savings.
Cost of Moving Boxes (Per Box): Top Brands Compared*
| Moving Box Size | Best Price | Walmart | ULINE (10 box min.) |
Lowe’s | The Home Depot | U-Haul |
| X-Small | The Home Depot | N/A | N/A | N/A | $1.28 (1 ft³) |
$2.05 (1 ft³) |
| X-Small Heavy Duty |
Lowes/ The Home Depot | N/A | $2.23 (1 ft³) |
$1.98 (1 ft³) |
$1.98 (1 ft³) |
N/A |
| Small | Walmart | $1.00 (1.3 ft³) |
$1.51 (1.3 ft³) |
$1.68 (1.3 ft³) |
$1.68 (1.2 ft³) |
$1.63 (1.5 ft³) |
| Small Heavy Duty |
Walmart | $1.98 (1.4 ft³) |
$3.21 (1.3 ft³) |
$2.75 (1.3 ft³) |
$2.68 (1.2 ft³) |
$2.95 (1.5 ft³) |
| Medium | Walmart | $1.64 (2.6 ft³) |
$2.54 (3 ft³) |
$2.18 (3 ft³) |
$2.18 (2.9 ft³) |
$2.19 (3 ft³) |
| Medium Heavy Duty |
Walmart | $2.93 (2.6 ft³) |
$4.29 (2.3 ft³) |
$3.68 (3 ft³) |
$3.68 (2.9 ft³) |
$3.95 (3 ft³) |
| Large | Walmart | $2.10 (4.2 ft³) |
$3.23 (4.5 ft³) |
$2.58 (4.5 ft³) |
$2.58 (3.8 ft³) |
$2.85 (4.5 ft³) |
| Large Heavy Duty |
Walmart | $3.98 (4.2 ft³) |
$6.53 (4.5 ft³) |
$4.98 (4.5 ft³) |
$4.98 (3.8 ft³) |
$5.95 (4.5 ft³) |
| X-Large | Walmart | $2.86 (4.9 ft³) (25 box min.) |
$4.17, $6.22 (6, 6.2 ft³) |
$3.68 (6 ft³) |
$3.68 (5.8 ft³) |
$3.76 (6 ft³) |
| X-Large Heavy Duty |
Walmart | $4.44 (4.9 ft³) (15 box min.) |
$9.35 (8 ft³) |
N/A | $6.98 (5.8 ft³) |
$7.95 (6 ft³) |
*Pricing is based on publicly available information as of March 2025 and may vary by location or change over time.
Specialty Moving Boxes
In addition to standard moving boxes, you can purchase specialty moving boxes that are designed to protect specific items and make them easier to pack. Unlike small, medium, and large boxes, specialty moving boxes are typically only available at select stores (ULINE has the largest variety).
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are taller than your standard moving boxes and include a metal or plastic bar to hang clothes on. You can find wardrobe boxes in various sizes. Shorter wardrobe boxes are best for hanging shirts, while taller ones may be necessary for long dresses and coats.
Cost of Wardrobe Boxes
- ULINE Standard Wardrobe Box (12.8 ft³): $22.81 (with a 5-box minimum order quantity)
- U-Haul Large Wardrobe Box (16 ft³): $21.50
- Walmart Wardrobe Box (7.9 ft³): $13.88
Dishware Boxes
Dishware boxes are typically small and include cardboard dividers to keep wine glasses, mugs, plates, and other dishes separated from each other. Some dishware boxes include protective sleeves as well.
Cost of Glass Packing Boxes
- ULINE Glass Packing Box: $12.33 (with a 5-box minimum order quantity)
- U-Haul Glass Packing Box: $15.50
Cost of Dish Packing Boxes
- ULINE Dish Packing Box: $17.47 (with a 5-box minimum order quantity)
- U-Haul Dish Packing Box: $15.49
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TV Moving Boxes
TV moving boxes typically come as two pieces that slide together to fit around a flat screen TV. Using additional padding or packing paper will ensure the TV fits snugly in the box and doesn’t move around in transit.
Cost of TV Moving Boxes
- ULINE TV Moving Boxes (various sizes): $5.09–$105.41 (with a 5-box minimum order quantity)
- U-Haul TV Moving Box (various sizes): $20.25–$39.95
- Walmart TV Moving Box: $30.94
Mirror Boxes
Mirror boxes are similar to TV boxes, but they often come as four corner pieces that slide together to fit around a mirror. As with a flat screen TV, use additional padding or packing paper to keep the mirror from moving inside the box.
Cost of Mirror Boxes
- ULINE Mirror Boxes (small to extra-large): $1.97–$21.52 (with a 5-box minimum order quantity)
- U-Haul Mirror Box (37 x 4 x 27): $6.95
- Walmart Mirror Box: $19.22
How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?
The exact number of moving boxes you’ll need has less to do with the size of your home and more to do with the actual number of things you need to pack.
While it’s not a perfect marker, home size generally offers the best insight into what you’ll need. The chart below is based on moving box kits that U-Haul offers for different home sizes.
| Home Size | Extra Small Boxes | Small Boxes | Medium Boxes | Large Boxes | Extra Large Boxes | Wardrobe Boxes | U-Haul Kit Cost |
| Dorm/Studio | – | 2 | 5 | 2 | – | 1 | $39.98 |
| 1-Bedroom House | – | 10 | 10 | 10 | – | – | $99.98 |
| 2-Bedroom House | – | 20 | 20 | 10 | – | 3 | $199.98 |
| 3-Bedroom House | – | 20 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 6 | $399.98 |
| 4+ Bedroom House | 10 | 30 | 40 | 20 | – | 6 | $499.98 |
Is It Worth Buying Boxes for Moving?
Whether or not it’s worth it to buy moving boxes is really a personal decision. Moving boxes are an extra cost and can feel wasteful as a one-time use product. On the other hand, new moving boxes are sturdier and easier to stack, and they offer greater protection for your belongings than used boxes, especially for delicate or expensive items that require specialty boxes.
“As a general rule, each box should weigh no more than 40 lbs or whatever weight you can comfortably lift and carry. This is most easily accomplished by packing heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in large boxes.”
Overall, our recommendation is that if you can afford it, buy new moving boxes. Due to uniform sizes, you will end up saving space in your truck or container, and you don’t run the risk of the box falling apart. And if you do buy new moving boxes, look for an opportunity to share them with those in need when you’re finished unpacking.
Where Is the Cheapest Place To Pick Up Moving Boxes?
Good news for those on a budget: Several online retailers offer cheap moving boxes, such as Walmart and Menards. It’s also not hard to find moving boxes for free. In our experience, the two best resources for free moving boxes are social media and big-box stores.
- Write a short social media post asking if anyone has any moving boxes they don’t need anymore (it doesn’t hurt to ask).
- Search Facebook Marketplace for “free boxes” or “moving boxes” and see what pops up.
- Head to the nearest big-box bookstore to check the cardboard recycling bins in the back. They’re usually brimming with clean boxes that were only ever used once to transport books into the store.
- Other stores that may have excess boxes up for grabs include office supply stores, liquor stores, and restaurants (which may also have glass packing boxes).
Packing Made Easy
With moving, a little planning goes a long way — and that includes getting your packing supplies ready. Knowing which moving boxes you need and where to buy them can save you time, money, and stress, and that’s something we can all use when it comes to tackling a big move.
For more packing tips, check out our Pro Packing Guides. And if you need help with heavy lifting, HireAHelper can connect you with expert moving help you can rely on, backed by our $1,000 Service Guarantee.
