When you need sturdy, reliable boxes for packing and shipping items-whether for moving, online sales, or sending gifts-the most important first step is knowing where to look. This guide provides an in-depth overview of all the local and near-me options for buying shipping boxes, the types and sizes available, cost considerations, environmental factors, and tips for getting the best value. With this information, you’ll be able to locate the perfect boxes for your needs quickly and efficiently.
Major Retail Chain Options
Large retail chains and “big-box” stores are often the most visible and convenient sources for shipping boxes. Their extensive geographic footprint means you can almost always find one close to home or office, and they carry a variety of sizes and types.
Warehouse Clubs and Wholesale Retailers
Warehouse-style stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale offer shipping boxes in multi-packs at competitive bulk prices.
- Variety of sizes: small (8×8×4” up to 12×12×12”), medium (16×12×12”), large (18×18×16”)
- Durable single-wall or double-wall corrugated cardboard
- Often sold in packs of 10, 25, or 50-ideal for businesses or anyone with multiple packages to send
Office Supply Stores
Staples, Office Depot/OfficeMax and similar office supply chains are go-to choices for standardized mailers and shipping boxes.
- Specialty mailers: document mailers, padded envelopes, multi-depth boxes with perforations for easy resizing
- On-demand box cutters and tape for immediate packing needs
- Mixed-size box packs designed for e-commerce sellers
General Merchandise Superstores
Walmart, Target, and similar superstores stock a range of moving and shipping boxes:
- “Moving kits” that bundle small, medium, large, and wardrobe boxes plus tape
- Shipping supplies aisle with box cutters, bubble wrap, packing peanuts
- Lower per-box cost for basic single-wall boxes
Shipping and Postal Service Locations
Dedicated shipping outlets and post office branches provide not only reliable box stock but also expert packing assistance.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
USPS offers free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express® boxes in a variety of shapes-from Flat Rate small, medium, and large boxes to regional rate options.
- Flat Rate pricing: pay one price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) and destination within the U.S.
- Free direct ordering to your home or office via USPS.com (with delivery in 1–3 business days)
- Cons: custom-sized boxes not available; limited to USPS branding
FedEx Office and Express Ship Centers
FedEx locations carry FedEx-branded shipping boxes-standard, document envelopes, Tube shippers, and Pak mailers.
- Priority overnight, ground, and international options
- Professional packing services available for a fee
- Prices typically higher than general-purpose boxes, but integrated with FedEx rates
UPS Stores and Customer Service Centers
UPS Store branches and UPS Customer Centers stock UPS-branded corrugated boxes in multiple sizes.
- Flat Rate and Cubic pricing available (weight and dimension pricing options)
- Packing materials and professional packing services
- Convenient drop-off for next-day or ground shipment
Home Improvement and Hardware Stores
Local hardware and home improvement retailers can be surprisingly good sources for shipping and moving boxes.
Home Depot and Lowe’s
While known for paint and hardware, these stores have a dedicated moving supplies section.
- Sturdy double-wall boxes for heavier or delicate items (appliances, tools)
- Mirror-pack boxes, wardrobe cartons, and heavy-duty large boxes (24×24×24” and up)
- Often in single pieces or small quantities-better for one-off needs
Local Hardware Chains
Ace Hardware, True Value, and regional chains sometimes stock basic single-wall shipping boxes along with packing tape, bubble wrap, and foam peanuts.
- Smaller quantity packs for homeowners
- Price varies widely; local promotions may offer discounts on moving bundles
Grocery Stores, Department Stores, and Other Unconventional Sources
Not all shipping boxes have to come from a specialized retailer. Large supermarkets, department stores, and other brick-and-mortar outlets routinely receive merchandise in boxes that they may give away free or for a nominal fee.
Grocery Chain Giveaways
Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix often have pristine produce boxes or deli boxes.
- Strong single-wall construction, ideal for lightweight items
- Environmentally friendly “upcycling” of packaging
- Ask management for permission; visit early in day to find undamaged boxes
Department Store Backrooms
Department stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney frequently have clothing and shoe boxes available upon request.
- Shoe boxes are perfect for small, fragile items
- Medium inventory of wardrobe-style moving boxes
Electronic and Appliance Retailers
Big retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and local electronics shops can provide large, double-wall boxes used for TVs and appliances. These are especially useful for shipping odd-size, flat screen TVs or large electronics.
Online Marketplaces and Aggregators
For maximum selection and home delivery of shipping boxes, turn to e-commerce and online marketplaces.
Amazon and eBay
Both platforms offer extensive assortments from third-party sellers:
- Brand-name boxes (U-Haul, Duck Brand, Bankers Box)
- Bulk multi-packs in various sizes
- Prime-eligible for fast shipping
Dedicated Packaging Retailers
Websites such as Uline, Paper Mart, and The Boxery specialize exclusively in shipping supplies:
- Comprehensive catalogs spanning stock and custom sizes, protective inserts, and labeling supplies
- Volume discounts that undercut retail pricing if you need 100+ boxes
- Web chat or phone support to guide size selection
Local Online Classifieds and Buy-Nothing Groups
Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor often list free or low-cost moving boxes from neighbors who have recently moved.
- Perfect for short-term one-time shipments
- Environmentally friendly reuse model
- Be prepared to pick up quickly and in bulk
Specialty and Custom-Size Boxes
When standard box sizes just won’t fit your unique item, custom box manufacturers and on-demand packaging services are your solution.
Custom Corrugated Box Manufacturers
Regional corrugated board plants and custom box shops will fabricate boxes to your exact dimensions.
- Minimum quantity orders typically 25–100 boxes
- Choice of single-wall or double-wall board, custom printing, and inserts
- Lead times vary from 3–10 business days
On-Demand E-Commerce Packaging
Services such as Packlane, Packhelp, and Packwire allow you to design custom-sized boxes with branded printing.
- Online configurator for dimensions, printing options, and finishes
- No minimum order in some cases (for unprinted boxes)
- Ideal for small businesses seeking professional-looking packaging
Cost Comparison and Selection Advice
Choosing the right source balances cost per box, shipping speed, convenience, and environmental impact. The following table summarizes typical price ranges and pros/cons for each major option.
| Source Type | Price Per Box Range | Typical Quantity | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Club (Costco, etc.) | $1.00–$2.00 | Packs of 10–50 | Low unit price, variety of sizes | Must buy in bulk, membership required |
| Office Supply (Staples, etc.) | $1.50–$3.00 | Packs of 5–25 | Mixed sizes, on-demand packaging | Higher per-box cost |
| Superstore (Walmart, Target) | $1.00–$2.50 | Single or packs | Widely available, moving kits | Basic single-wall only |
| USPS Flat Rate | $9.65–$20.00 | Single | Flat-rate shipping included, free box | Only USPS branding, fixed sizes |
| FedEx/UPS-Branded | $4.00–$8.00 | Single | Integrated carrier service, packing services | Premium pricing |
| Hardware Home Improvement | $2.00–$4.00 | Single | Heavy-duty double-wall boxes | No bulk discounts, pay per piece |
| Grocery/Department Stores | Free–$0.50 | Variable | Free reuse, eco-friendly | Must scavenge, variable availability |
| Online Packaging Retailers | $1.50–$4.00 | Packs of 25–200 | Wide selection, volume discounts | Shipping fees may apply to online orders |
| Custom/On-Demand | $3.00–$10.00+ | Minimum 25–100 | Tailored dimensions, branded options | Higher cost, lead time required |
Tips for Finding “Near Me” Options
- Store locators and mapping services. Use Google Maps or the retailer’s store locator by entering search terms such as “shipping boxes near me,” “moving supplies near me,” or “packaging supplies near me.”
- Call ahead. Before making a trip, call your local store to confirm box availability and sizes in stock.
- Check online inventory. Many big-box and office supply chains display real-time inventory levels on their websites or mobile apps.
- Utilize curbside pickups and drive-through. Several retailers and shipping centers allow you to reserve boxes online and pick them up without entering the store.
- Leverage local “freecycle” communities. Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Freecycle.org can yield free gently used boxes-great for tight budgets and green shipping.
Environmental Considerations
Shipping and moving generate a significant amount of cardboard waste. To minimize your environmental footprint:
- Reuse and recycle. Community recycling centers accept corrugated cardboard. Breaking down boxes for curbside recycling is often free.
- Seek recycled-content boxes. Many retailers offer boxes made from recycled fibers, which reduces demand for virgin paper.
- Donate or pass along. Local nonprofits, college campuses, and reuse centers welcome box donations.
Conclusion
Finding and purchasing shipping boxes near you is a straightforward process once you know where to look. From major warehouse clubs and retail chains to specialized online suppliers and local upcycling sources, there are myriad ways to acquire the right boxes for any shipping task. By weighing cost, convenience, quantity, and environmental impact, you can make an informed choice that fits both your needs and values. Whether you need a one-off USPS flat rate box or hundreds of custom-sized cartons for your business, this guide empowers you to locate and procure shipping boxes easily in your local area.
Leave a Reply