Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia has plenty of places to buy moving boxes: storage facilities, UPS, local movers, specialty packaging shops and even community online groups.
- Free boxes are easy to find if you start early: ask grocery stores, Trader Joe’s and local retailers before they recycle their empties.
- You can also call a rental that delivers reusable plastic-bin boxes to your door and pick everything up afterward.
Philadelphia’s historic charm can put your patience to the test on moving day. Between cobblestone streets, narrow rowhouse entrances and the occasional pothole, your belongings need more than whatever boxes happen to be lying around. Sturdy cartons and plenty of internal cushioning can make the difference between a dish set that survives the move and one that doesn’t. Start gathering your moving boxes early and you’ll have one less box to check off on packing day.
Self storage facilities in Philadelphia that sell moving supplies
If storage is part of your move, check whether the facility sells supplies before making a separate stop. Many Philadelphia locations stock boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers and specialty cartons.
- modSTORAGE(opens in new tab), at 3503 B St. in Philadelphia, sells sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and furniture covers. It also offers truck rentals, which can save you an extra stop when it’s time to load up.
- Safeguard Self Storage(opens in new tab) has multiple Philadelphia locations, including 6371 Keystone St. in Tacony, 6224 Germantown Ave. in Germantown and 830 E. Hunting Park Ave. They offer plenty of different moving boxes, bubble wrap, tape and protective covers.
- Devon Self Storage(opens in new tab) is located at 5200 Unruh Avenue in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia and has on-site moving supplies like boxes, packing tape and more.
Retail stores and shipping shops
For predictable stock and same-day pickup, retail stores are the straightforward choice.
The UPS Store is another easy walk-in option. Philadelphia locations at 1201 N. 3rd St. and 1300 S. Broad St. carry multiple box sizes, bubble cushioning, tape and other packing materials.
Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart are useful for basic boxes and moving kits, especially when you need a few last-minute cartons.
Local movers and packaging shops in Philadelphia
You don’t need to hire movers to buy from them. Moving companies often sell the same professional-grade supplies their crews use, which can be a step up from whatever box you rescued from behind a grocery store.
Two Men and a Truck(opens in new tab) sells supplies in Philadelphia with published pricing. Their boxes range from small to large-sized, as well as dish barrels and wardrobe boxes with hanging bars. It also carries tape, packing paper and mattress bags.
The Handle with Care Packaging Store(opens in new tab), at 325 Chestnut St. in Old City, sells boxes, tape, furniture pads, bubble packaging, peanuts and other supplies for pickup or delivery. It also offers custom crating for fragile or oversized items.
South Street Business Center, at 744 South St.(opens in new tab), offers more than 20 box sizes, including single- and double-wall cartons. It also stocks specialty boxes for artwork, computers, golf clubs, furniture and extra-long items, plus custom box-making.
Plastic bin rentals in Philly
If the thought of breaking down 40 cardboard boxes after moving day makes you want to take a nap on the kitchen floor, reusable bins are worth considering.
They arrive assembled, stack cleanly in a truck, resist moisture and spare you the post-move recycling pile. They’re especially useful for walk-ups, tight stairwells, rainy days or anyone who wants less cardboard in their life.
- Stack Moves(opens in new tab) delivers reusable bins, dollies and labels throughout Philadelphia, including Northern Liberties, Old City, Fairmount, Graduate Hospital and Manayunk. The company picks up the bins after you unpack and serves Philadelphia County through delivery rather than a storefront.
- Containers 4 Rent(opens in new tab) provides reusable bins and carts in Philadelphia. Its standard bins are heavy-duty 27-gallon totes and pickup is included.
Where to get free boxes in Philadelphia
You can absolutely find free boxes in Philadelphia. You just need to start before the week of your move. The best listings and store donations disappear quickly.
Ask local businesses
Philadelphia Reddit users regularly recommend asking managers directly for empty boxes. Trader Joe’s, grocery stores, Costco, Wawa and Home Depot come up often.
- Grocery stores: Ask early or after a delivery shift, before staff flatten the empties. Produce, dairy and egg boxes can work for heavier items, but check for moisture or food residue first.
- Trader Joe’s: Locals often say staff will set boxes aside if you ask politely, especially early or near closing.
- Retail and electronics stores: Ask a manager rather than taking boxes from a recycling area. Extra Space also suggests pet stores, clothing outlets, hardware stores and Best Buy.
Whatever route you take, always ask first. Most businesses would rather give a clean box to someone moving than send it straight to recycling.
Check local online groups
Neighborhood giveaways move fast, so check regularly in the weeks before your move rather than doing one search the night before.
- Facebook Marketplace: Search “free moving boxes” and browse Philadelphia-area groups.
- Buy Nothing Project: Find your local group; people often give away boxes after unpacking.
- Nextdoor: Check the free section or post a request for boxes nearby.
- Craigslist Philadelphia: Look in the free-stuff listings and search “moving boxes.”
- Freecycle: Useful for finding people giving away or reselling used boxes.
Reddit users also mention Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle, though some note that Freecycle activity in Philadelphia can be inconsistent.
How many boxes you’ll need
A practical starting point is about 15 boxes per bedroom: five small, five medium and five large. Kitchens and living rooms often need a similar amount, sometimes more if you have a lot of books, kitchenware or belongings that have somehow multiplied since your last move.
A few packing rules that save your back:
- Use small boxes for books, records, tools and files.
- Use medium boxes for shoes, pots, pans, toys and pantry goods.
- Save large boxes for light, bulky items like blankets, pillows, towels and lampshades.
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and dish boxes for glassware.
To pack it up
A good move in Philadelphia makes the most of the city’s troves of moving boxes: free boxes from local businesses and neighborhood groups, a few sturdy specialty cartons for fragile items and reusable bins if your building access or weather makes cardboard a hassle.
If you’re already renting storage, your facility can likely save you an extra stop. If you want bins delivered and collected, compare Stack Moves and Containers 4 Rent. And if you’re trying to keep costs down, start checking Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing, Nextdoor and local stores well before packing day.
Where to Get Moving Boxes in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s historic charm can put your patience to the test on moving day. Between cobblestone streets, narrow rowhouse entrances and the occasional pothole, your belongings need more than whatever boxes happen to be lying around. Sturdy cartons and plenty of internal cushioning can make the difference between a dish set that survives the move and one that doesn’t. Start gathering your moving boxes early and you’ll have one less box to check off on packing day.
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