Boxes are the one moving expense almost everyone underestimates, both how many you need and how much new ones add up to. The good news: you can find plenty for free around Edmonton if you start a few weeks early. Here's where to look, how many you'll need, and which supplies are worth buying new.
Where to find free moving boxes
- Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and local Buy Nothing groups. People who just moved are often happy to give away a whole stack. Search "moving boxes" and check back every few days.
- Liquor stores. Their boxes are sturdy, small and often come with dividers, which is perfect for glasses. Ask what day they get deliveries.
- Grocery stores. Produce and dry-goods boxes are strong; skip anything that held meat or got wet.
- Your workplace. Paper and supply boxes are ideal for books and files.
- Friends and family who moved recently, or who keep boxes in the garage "just in case".
Skip: boxes that are damp, stained, crushed at the corners or smell musty. Weak boxes are how the bottom falls out on the stairs.
When to buy boxes new
Free boxes are great for most things, but some items deserve new ones:
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, which go straight from the closet to the box on a bar.
- Dish-pack or cell boxes for glasses and fragile kitchen items.
- TV and mirror boxes if you don't have the originals.
- Matching-size boxes if you want stacks that are solid and easy to load.
Hardware stores, office supply stores and truck rental locations all sell moving boxes, usually in small, medium, large and wardrobe sizes. Many will take back unused boxes. Ask before you buy.
How many boxes do you need?
A rough guide, for a home that's packed tightly (more if you collect books, kitchen gear or hobby supplies):
| Home | Boxes |
|---|---|
| Studio | 20–30 |
| 1 bedroom | 30–45 |
| 2 bedrooms | 45–65 |
| 3 bedrooms | 65–90 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 90+ |
The kitchen alone often takes 10–20 boxes. Your box count is also a good way to choose a truck size; see our truck size chart.
Small boxes for heavy things
The most common packing mistake is putting books in a big box. Heavy items go in small boxes (books, dishes, tools, canned food); light items go in big boxes (bedding, pillows, lampshades, toys). A box should be easy for one person to lift.
The rest of your supply list
- Packing tape (the good kind) and a tape gun. Buy more than you think.
- Packing paper for dishes and anything breakable.
- Bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces.
- Thick markers for labelling. Write the room on two sides and the top.
- Stretch wrap to keep drawers shut and protect upholstery.
- Zip bags for screws, bolts and small parts.
- A box cutter, kept in your essentials box.
Pro tip: Pack suitcases, laundry baskets and storage bins too. They're free "boxes" you're moving anyway.
Rather skip the box hunt? With our packing service we bring the boxes, paper and tape, and pack it all for you. Here's how we pack fragile things if you're doing it yourself.
Quick answers
How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom?
Plan on roughly 45–65 boxes for a two-bedroom home, more if you have lots of books, kitchen gear or hobby supplies.
Where can I get free moving boxes in Edmonton?
Try Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and Buy Nothing groups, plus liquor and grocery stores, your workplace, and friends who moved recently.
What size box should I use for books?
Small boxes. Books get heavy fast, and a small box keeps the weight safe to lift.
