Where to Find Free Moving Boxes in Des Moines | 8 Smart Sources
Buying boxes for your move can add up quickly — but with a little strategy, you can skip the expense altogether. Knowing where to find free moving boxes in Des Moines helps you stay on budget and reduce waste at the same time.
Below are the best local spots and smart tricks for collecting sturdy, reusable boxes before your move. For more help getting organized, check out our full packing guide for Des Moines moves.
Free boxes aren’t just good for your wallet — they’re good for the environment, too. By reusing boxes that would otherwise be recycled or thrown out, you reduce waste and make your move a little greener. Many of the best places to find boxes in Des Moines are happy to give them away because it saves them the hassle of disposal. It’s a win-win.
Some people worry that free boxes won’t be sturdy enough, but many of these sources provide strong, clean boxes that were only used once. With the right mix of effort and timing, you can collect everything you need without spending a dime at the store.
1. Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups
Many Des Moines residents post free moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace. You can also check your local “Buy Nothing” Facebook group — these hyper-local exchanges often have free supplies available after someone’s recent move.
Search terms like “free moving boxes” or “moving supplies” can yield surprising results. These groups refresh often, especially at the beginning and end of the month when people are on the move. Just be sure to act quickly — good boxes go fast.
Pro tip: Be courteous, pick up when you say you will, and thank the giver — it builds good community karma, and some may even message you directly when they have more available.
2. Grocery and Liquor Stores
Stores like Hy-Vee, Fareway, Trader Joe’s, and local liquor stores receive weekly shipments in sturdy boxes. Ask a manager if they have clean boxes available for pickup — especially liquor boxes, which are strong and great for books or breakables.
Go early in the day, when inventory gets unpacked. Most stores will gladly hand over flattened boxes at no cost.
Liquor boxes are especially prized because they come with cardboard dividers, making them perfect for glassware, small kitchen items, and pantry goods. Just make sure boxes are dry and haven’t held anything that leaked or smelled.
For best results, speak with a manager or stock clerk — they’ll usually tell you the best time to come back, or even set some aside if asked nicely.
3. Office Supply and Electronics Stores
Big-box retailers like Staples and Best Buy often discard boxes used for printers, computers, and monitors. These boxes tend to have foam inserts or extra padding, making them great for fragile items.
While you're there, ask about bubble wrap or packing materials they’re throwing away as well.
These stores often recycle in bulk and may allow you to take packing peanuts, molded foam, or air pillows — all perfect for protecting valuables. It’s one of the lesser-known but highly useful tricks for zero-cost packing materials.
If you work in an office, check with your office manager — businesses that receive frequent deliveries may have a stockpile of strong boxes they’d be happy to share.
4. Apartment Complex Recycling Areas
Visit apartment complexes near move-out weekends (end of month or lease cycles). Residents often break down clean boxes and leave them by dumpsters or recycling bins. Just make sure to ask the property manager or follow community rules before taking anything.
These are often treasure troves for moving supplies — especially in complexes with lots of short-term renters or students. Check early in the morning before recycling trucks arrive, and always respect posted signage about scavenging.
It’s worth driving through a few complexes in popular areas like Waukee, Johnston, or West Des Moines. With a quick loop, you might score a full carload of gently used boxes in great shape.
5. U-Haul Box Exchange and Local Moving Forums
Browse neighborhood forums or Des Moines Reddit threads for additional tips and real-time leads on free box locations.
You might also find people giving away furniture pads, wardrobe boxes, or mattress bags — especially if they hired a moving company and no longer need the gear. Don’t hesitate to ask around; most people are happy to pass things along.
Reddit threads like r/DesMoines or neighborhood subreddits often have active members who’ve just moved or are decluttering. A single post can yield multiple offers.
6. Craigslist “Free” Section
Search the “free” section of Des Moines Craigslist for listings from recent movers. Many people offer clean moving boxes for pick-up with no strings attached — and you’ll help them avoid waste too.
New listings appear daily, and the best ones go fast. Look for keywords like “moving soon,” “boxes available,” or “garage clean-out.” Some even bundle extras like wardrobe boxes, paper wrap, or blankets for local pickup.
It’s also worth checking the “household” section, where people sometimes list moving leftovers that didn’t make it into the “free” category. Be ready to drive out quickly if you find a promising post.
7. Workplace or Warehouse Connections
If you or someone you know works at a business that receives regular shipments, ask about taking home flattened boxes. Retail back rooms, shipping departments, and distribution centers often have an overflow of usable cartons.
Restaurants, bookstores, and pharmacies can also be good sources — they get frequent deliveries in strong boxes and often throw them out daily. If you’re polite and explain your move, most employees will be happy to help.
Some workplaces even have designated recycling days or bins you can check. Let your coworkers know you’re moving — you might be surprised how many will bring boxes from home or share internal resources.
8. Ask Your Moving Company
Some Des Moines movers offer gently used boxes to their clients. At Blue Cow Moving & Storage, we occasionally provide recycled boxes to local customers upon request — especially for off-peak moves or short distances.
Reach out ahead of your move to ask if we have any available or can point you toward free local options.
Moving companies often collect lightly used boxes from previous clients and set them aside. Even if your movers don’t advertise this, it’s worth asking. You may be able to get specialty items like dish packs, mirror boxes, or wardrobe cartons at no charge.
And if you're hiring packers, they may bring extra materials with them — just one more reason to ask what’s included ahead of time.
Final Thoughts | Where to Find Free Moving Boxes in Des Moines
Now you know where to find free moving boxes in Des Moines — from grocery stores to local Facebook groups. With a little timing and communication, you can stock up without spending a dime.
Need help with packing or figuring out how many boxes to get? Contact Blue Cow Moving & Storage for expert planning, local advice, and full-service moving support in Central Iowa.
From studio apartments to large family homes, the number of boxes you’ll need can vary — and getting them early helps you stay ahead. The tips above give you everything you need to gather boxes the smart way — affordably, efficiently, and with sustainability in mind.
Happy box hunting, and good luck with your move!
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