How to Get Moving Boxes in Metro Vancouver

Boxes are one of the biggest variable costs in a move. Buy them all new and you can easily spend $150–$300 on cardboard alone. With a bit of effort, you can get most of what you need for free — or close to it.

Here is where to look.

Free Moving Boxes in Metro Vancouver

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist

Search "free moving boxes" on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. People who have just moved are often eager to get rid of boxes quickly. You can usually find a full set of boxes within a few days of searching.

The catch: you need to pick them up, and the quality varies. Check that boxes are sturdy and dry before using them for heavy items.

Liquor Stores

BC Liquor Stores and private liquor stores receive regular shipments in sturdy, divided boxes — perfect for glasses and bottles. Ask at the counter if they have boxes available. Most stores are happy to give them away rather than recycle them.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores go through enormous quantities of boxes. Ask at the customer service desk or the produce section. Banana boxes are particularly popular for moving — they are sturdy, have lids, and are a consistent size.

Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores receive books in small, very sturdy boxes — ideal for heavy items. Ask if they have any available.

Buy Nothing Groups

Metro Vancouver has active Buy Nothing groups on Facebook for most neighbourhoods. Post a request for moving boxes and you will often have responses within hours.

Nextdoor

The Nextdoor app connects you with neighbours. A post asking for moving boxes often gets quick responses from people who recently moved and have boxes to give away.

When to Buy New Boxes

Free boxes are great for most things, but there are situations where buying new is worth it:

Dish pack boxes — These have double-thick walls and are designed specifically for dishes and fragile items. Worth buying new for a full kitchen.

Wardrobe boxes — Tall boxes with a hanging bar for clothes. Convenient if you have a lot of hanging items. Available at moving supply stores.

Mirror/picture boxes — Adjustable boxes designed for artwork and mirrors. Worth buying if you have large framed pieces.

Electronics boxes — If you no longer have original packaging for TVs or monitors, purpose-built electronics boxes offer better protection than repurposed boxes.

Where to Buy Moving Boxes in Metro Vancouver

• U-Haul — Multiple locations across Metro Vancouver; sells boxes individually or in kits
• Home Depot — Carries a range of box sizes
• Staples — Good for small and medium boxes
• Moving supply stores — Specialty stores carry dish packs, wardrobe boxes, and packing paper

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

A rough guide:

• Studio: 10–20 boxes
• 1-bedroom: 20–30 boxes
• 2-bedroom: 30–50 boxes
• 3-bedroom: 50–80 boxes

These are estimates. The actual number depends heavily on how much stuff you have and how you pack. Buy or collect more than you think you need — you can always give extras away after the move.

Ready to Book?

4 You Moving handles moves across Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. Call 778-200-8825 or get a free quote online.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get free moving boxes in Metro Vancouver? Liquor stores, grocery stores, bookstores, and pharmacies often have free boxes. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local Buy Nothing groups are also good sources. Check NextDoor for neighbours who just moved.

How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment move? A 2-bedroom apartment typically requires 40–60 boxes. This varies based on how much you own and how you pack. It is better to have too many boxes than too few — unused boxes can be returned or recycled.

What size boxes should I use for heavy items like books? Use small boxes for heavy items like books, tools, and canned goods. A box that is too heavy is a safety risk for movers and more likely to break. Small boxes should weigh no more than 30–40 lbs when full.

Are wardrobe boxes worth it for a move? Yes if you have a lot of hanging clothes. Wardrobe boxes let you transfer clothes directly from the closet without folding, saving time on both ends. They are bulky but worth it for dress shirts, suits, and dresses.

How do I reinforce moving boxes so they do not break? Use H-taping on the bottom — tape along the seam and then across both sides in an H pattern. For heavy boxes, double-tape the bottom. Never overfill boxes to the point where the top bows out.

Can I use garbage bags instead of boxes for soft items? Yes — garbage bags work well for pillows, bedding, stuffed animals, and soft clothing. They are flexible and easy to load. Label them clearly and avoid overfilling so they do not tear.