June 24, 2025

The choice of cardboard box supplier can make the most important difference to your bottom line and affect the environment. The UK alone uses over 12 million tons of cardboard and paper yearly. This makes your packaging material source a crucial business decision.

My extensive testing of different suppliers helped me find the best options for every need. The right supplier matters whether you need cheap moving boxes or shipping materials for your products. This piece covers everything from large cardboard boxes to individual-specific cardboard boxes. BoxPrintify emerged as the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes after my testing, though excellent alternatives exist based on your needs. The sort of thing I love about well-laid-out packaging is how it can reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Your supplier choice matters more than you might expect.

1. BoxPrintify

Image Source: Box Printify

BoxPrintify leads the market as the premier destination to buy cardboard boxes with custom designs and eco-friendly materials. My research comparing dozens of suppliers shows BoxPrintify ranks #1 for custom cardboard boxes. The company excels in quality, customization, and sustainability.

What Makes BoxPrintify Unique

The company’s eco-friendly approach sets it apart with recyclable and biodegradable materials that minimize environmental impact. BoxPrintify’s design flexibility matches your exact needs to ensure products fit perfectly in every box.

State-of-the-art digital and inkjet printing technology creates vibrant, high-definition prints that make brands memorable. The company’s 24/7 customer support team ensures someone will help with your packaging needs quickly.

BoxPrintify Box Types Available

BoxPrintify’s impressive variety meets all shipping needs:

• Collapsible Shippers: Compact boxes ideal for cosmetics, accessories, and electronics
• Large Shipping Boxes: Heavy-duty options for bulky items
• Custom Logo Shipping Boxes: Branded boxes that serve as mobile billboards
• Corrugated Shipping Boxes: Exceptional strength for fragile or high-value items

The company’s specialized options include display boxes, pillow boxes, gable boxes, tuck boxes, and die-cut window boxes.

BoxPrintify Pricing & Bulk Deals

Quality doesn’t mean premium prices at BoxPrintify. The company’s volume-based pricing structure rewards larger orders with wholesale discounts. Businesses looking to buy boxes in bulk will find BoxPrintify’s rates most competitive.

BoxPrintify Ideal Use Cases

BoxPrintify excels at creating personalized cardboard boxes that improve the unboxing experience for e-commerce businesses. The solutions work in a variety of industries, with notable success in:

• Cosmetics and beauty products requiring elegant presentation
• CBD and specialty retail items needing compliant packaging
• Food businesses seeking eco-friendly containers
• Subscription box services requiring consistent, branded packaging

BoxPrintify’s large custom cardboard boxes protect products and showcase your brand’s identity effectively.

2. Amazon

Image Source: Amazon.com

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, makes cardboard boxes accessible to everyone – from households to businesses. The company dominates U.S. e-commerce with a 37.6% market share and reaches 76% of U.S. households through Prime memberships.

What Makes Amazon Unique

Amazon’s scale lets them deliver most packaging products the next day. The company delivered about 4.75 billion packages in the United States during 2021, showcasing their unmatched logistics network. Their sustainability programs are a great way to get better environmental results. The Amazon Day delivery option cuts box usage by 20%, while their Ships in Product Packaging program eliminates unnecessary packaging.

Amazon Box Types Available

Amazon provides a detailed selection of cardboard boxes:

• Small boxes: Typically 15″ x 10″ x 12″ – ideal for books, small electronics, and clothing
• Medium boxes: Generally 18″ x 14″ x 12″ – perfect for kitchenware and medium-sized items
• Large boxes: Approximately 20″ x 20″ x 15″ – suitable for bulky household goods
• Wardrobe boxes: 24″ x 24″ x 40″ with hanging bars for clothing

Amazon Pricing & Bulk Deals

Small moving boxes cost around $3.69 each in bulk packs of 20. Medium boxes range from $1.95-$3.80 per unit in multi-packs. Prices drop substantially with quantity, and Subscribe & Save options give you an extra 5-10% off regular orders.

Amazon Ideal Use Cases

BoxPrintify remains the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes. Amazon excels at quick delivery of cardboard boxes to store items, move homes, or handle simple shipping needs. Their boxes work well for personal moves, seasonal storage, or e-commerce businesses that need standard packaging. Yes, it is the go-to choice if you need same-day or next-day delivery, though customization options are limited.

3. Uline

Image Source: Uline

Uline has emerged as a major player in the packaging industry with more than 1,700 box sizes ready to ship. BoxPrintify still leads the market for custom cardboard boxes, but Uline provides an impressive range of standard shipping options.

What Makes Uline Unique

The company’s vast inventory and technical expertise set them apart from competitors. Their boxes meet ASTM D5118 standards, which guarantees quality consistency. Orders placed by 6 pm ship the same day, which makes them perfect for last-minute packaging needs.

Uline stands out by providing detailed technical specs for each box. Their transparency about bursting strength (pound test) and stacking strength (ECT) ratings helps companies choose the right packaging based on their shipping needs.

Uline Box Types Available

The company’s catalog cardboard boxes for shipping has several options:

• Corrugated Boxes: Standard 200 lb. test boxes in various configurations
• Heavy Duty Boxes: Extra protection for delicate items
• Bulk Cargo Boxes: Triple-wall boxes that support up to 1,100-1,300 lbs
• Specialty Options: Multi-depth boxes you can cut to your needed heights

The size range runs from tiny 3″×3″×3″ boxes to massive bulk shipping containers, making them a great source for large cardboard boxes.

Uline Pricing & Bulk Deals

The company’s pricing rewards bulk purchases. Their popular 12″×12″×12″ box costs $1.09 per unit in bundles of 25. Many standard sizes maintain consistent pricing, while some boxes offer better deals at 100, 250, 500, and 1,000+ quantities.

Uline Ideal Use Cases

Uline’s standardized options work best for businesses that need reliable packaging without customization. These boxes excel at shipping hardware, books, electronics, and kitchenware. The strength ratings fit everything from light items (32 ECT boxes up to 30 lbs) to heavy equipment (500# Double Wall up to 140 lbs per UPS guidelines).

Uline’s 14 North American locations ensure quick delivery to most business addresses, making them a reliable choice for quality cardboard boxes.

3. The Boxery

Image Source: The Boxery

The Boxery has spent the last 20 years mastering packaging solutions. They’re a reliable choice if you need cardboard boxes for businesses of all types. Their impressive selection comes with competitive prices, and they have detailed packaging options that work great for personal use and business needs.

What Makes The Boxery Unique

The Boxery stands out because they keep massive inventory levels. This gives customers extra confidence that products will be ready when needed. Their warehouses across the US will give a quick shipping nationwide, cutting down wait times for urgent orders. They process all payments through Authorize.net, so customers can feel secure with every purchase.

Their 20 years of experience shows in how they help customers pick the right packaging. As a long-standing boxing supplier, they help people find budget-friendly options that match their exact needs.

The Boxery Box Types Available

The Boxery amazes customers with over 1,000 different box sizes in stock. Their huge selection has:

• Corrugated boxes certified for use with national shipping carriers
• Cube corrugated boxes that maximize storage space
• Special options like multi-depth and heavy-duty boxes
• Extra supplies like stretch wrap, poly bags, and packing labels

The Boxery Pricing & Bulk Deals

The Boxery’s competitive pricing works best for customers who buy in volume. Looking for the cheapest boxes? The Boxery has special bulk discounts you can get by calling their hotline (877-826-9379). Their straightforward pricing helps businesses plan their packaging costs better.

The Boxery Ideal Use Cases

The Boxery works great for people moving homes, sending gifts to loved ones, or storing items in small boxes. Businesses love their wide range of cardboard boxes that come in different sizes and strengths.

Need large cardboard boxes or wondering about local options? The Boxery’s nationwide warehouse network makes their products available everywhere. Just remember – BoxPrintify remains #1 for custom-branded boxes, while The Boxery shines with their huge selection of standard shipping solutions.

4. Walmart

Image Source: Walmart

Walmart makes cardboard boxes available through its store network and online platform. This makes it a convenient option for anyone looking to buy cardboard boxes locally.

What Makes Walmart Unique

Walmart’s packaging strategy revolves around their innovative “right-sizing” technology. The system creates custom packages that precisely fit customer orders, “eliminating any unused space in the box” and cuts waste from oversized packaging by up to 26%. Customers can also request multiple items packed into fewer boxes, which reduces excess packaging materials.

Walmart gives eco-conscious shoppers “recyclable paper mailers and right-sizing cardboard box packaging.” All the same, cardboard production is “water intensive” and “generates emissions.” This poses potential risks of deforestation if not sourced responsibly.

Walmart Box Types Available

Walmart’s selection has:

• Standard moving boxes in different sizes
• Heavy-duty packing cartons for shipping
• Foldable storage boxes that save space
• Small postal boxes (approximately 35×19×23cm)

Most options come with thick cardboard that provides “amazing strength and durability” for shipping needs.

Walmart Pricing & Bulk Deals

Walmart keeps prices competitive and offers better value than specialized shipping stores. Their cardboard boxes are an “economical choice” compared to envelopes when shipping small items. Customers can save more through multi-pack purchases in-store and online.

Walmart Ideal Use Cases

Walmart’s cardboard boxes work best for:

• Simple moving needs with standard box sizes
• Shipping small gifts too big for envelopes
• Storing household items short-term
• Cost-conscious shoppers who need affordable options

BoxPrintify remains the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes, but Walmart provides easy access to simple packaging solutions. Their extensive store presence makes them a perfect answer to “where to buy cardboard boxes near me” for people who need immediate packaging without customization.

5. Home Depot

Image Source: The Home Depot

Home Depot gives customers both in-store and online access to moving supplies. This makes them a practical choice if you need cardboard boxes quickly.

What Makes Home Depot Unique

Home Depot stands out with their detailed moving solutions. Their moving box kits come with everything you need – boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and dish packs. This creates a one-stop shopping experience for your relocation needs. The kits are designed for different household sizes, which takes away the guesswork when buying supplies.

Home Depot teams up with PRATT INDUSTRIES to deliver high-quality medium moving boxes that often come with handles for easier carrying. They also offer recycled cardboard options that appeal to customers who prefer environmentally responsible packaging.

Home Depot Box Types Available

Home Depot offers several sizes if you’re looking to buy cardboard boxes for shipping:

• Small boxes (18″ L x 11″ W x 12″ D) starting at $1.75
• Medium boxes (20″ L x 16″ W x 15″ D) with handles for $2.00-$4.97
• Large boxes (27″ L x 15″ W x 16″ D) priced around $3.55-$6.67
• Extra-large boxes (24″ L x 20″ W x 21″ D) at approximately $5.25

You’ll also find specialty options like heavy-duty TV/picture boxes with adjustable sizes and wardrobe boxes with metal hanging bars (24″ x 24″ x 34″) priced at $24.97.

Home Depot Pricing & Bulk Deals

Home Depot’s cardboard boxes cost between $1.00 to $17.00, based on size and type. Medium-range boxes usually cost $2.00-$4.97 each, while specialty wardrobe boxes cost much more ($24.97-$29.97).

The store offers bulk pricing on moving boxes, though their website doesn’t list specific discount details. Some products target business needs, like their 40-pack shipping boxes (8″ x 6″ x 4″).

Home Depot Ideal Use Cases

Home Depot boxes work great for homeowners because capacity measurements appear right on the packaging. The sturdy boxes with handles are perfect for DIY moves that don’t involve professional movers.

BoxPrintify remains the #1 choice for custom cardboard boxes with branding. Home Depot excels when you need cardboard boxes nearby for immediate moving or storage projects that require standard sizes and reliable quality.

6. Staples

Image Source: Staples

Staples gives consumers a detailed selection of cardboard boxes in their stores and online. This office supply retailer makes packaging solutions available to businesses and individuals.

What Makes Staples Unique

Staples stands out with its wide range of box styles you won’t find easily elsewhere. Their multi-depth boxes come with sides scored at different depths that let you adjust the height to fit your items perfectly. The side-loading boxes make it easy to insert frames, mirrors, and flat items. Staples’s specialized telescoping boxes feature two-piece designs that adjust to hold longer or irregularly shaped items.

Staples Box Types Available

Staples offers several options to buy cardboard boxes:

• Standard shipping boxes: Made from strong, durable corrugated fiberboard with 200#/ECT-32 ratings
• Heavy-duty boxes: Provide additional stacking strength (48 ECT for over 100 pounds)
• Corrugated File Storage Boxes: Perfect to organize and archive documents
• Deluxe Moving Boxes: Feature special “flap tabs” that hold flaps out of the way during packing

Staples’s boxes meet shipping carrier specifications and contain at least 30% recycled content. Some eco-conscious options even contain up to 50% recycled materials.

Staples Pricing & Bulk Deals

The price of Staples shipping boxes depends on their size and strength ratings. Their standard boxes range from small (3 inches) to large (over 29 inches) dimensions. Bulk purchases offer better value, especially if you ship items regularly. Staples’s environmentally-friendly options are non-toxic, formaldehyde-free, and VOC-free.

Staples Ideal Use Cases

Staples boxes work best to relocate offices, ship fragile items that need extra protection, and store documents. You can find their boxes available immediately at nearby locations. BoxPrintify remains the #1 company to create custom cardboard boxes with branding. Staples helps customers who need quick access to quality corrugated boxes with reliable strength ratings to ship, move, or store items.

7. U-Haul

Image Source: U-Haul

U-Haul, a company known for truck rentals, has grown into a trusted source to buy cardboard boxes specifically designed for moving.

What Makes U-Haul Unique

U-Haul’s 100% buyback guarantee sets them apart. Customers can return unused boxes with a receipt to any U-Haul center nationwide. Their boxes go through extensive durability tests. A small U-Haul box withstands up to 721 pounds of pressure before crushing, yet bounces back to its original shape.

The “Flap Lock” feature keeps box flaps connected while you pack, which saves space and prevents paper cuts. The boxes also come with built-in handle slots that make carrying easier and support up to 65 pounds of weight.

U-Haul Box Types Available

U-Haul’s box selection meets various moving needs:

• Standard boxes: Small (16-3/8″ x 12-5/8″ x 12-5/8″), Medium (18-1/8″ x 18″ x 16″), and Large (18″ x 18″ x 24″) boxes that hold up to 65 pounds
• Specialty boxes: Dish Saver Kits, Glass Pack Kits, and Medium Wardrobe boxes (18″ x 18″ x 46″) with metal hanging bars
• Unique options: Mirror/Picture boxes, Lamp boxes (12″ x 12″ x 40″), and Flat Panel TV Moving Box Kits

U-Haul boxes meet all UPS, USPS, and FedEx shipping requirements.

U-Haul Pricing & Bulk Deals

U-Haul’s competitive pricing includes their “Take a Box, Leave a Box” program at company stores and many independent dealers. This program lets customers recycle used boxes and get free boxes from previous movers. This makes U-Haul a cost-effective place to buy boxes—or even get them free.

U-Haul Ideal Use Cases

U-Haul’s boxes work best for residential moves because of their strength and specialty options for household items. The specialized kits come with protective foam pouches that make them ideal for fragile items like dishes, glasses, and electronics.

U-Haul is a great choice to buy cardboard boxes locally with its physical locations. However, businesses looking for customized cardboard boxes with branding should consider BoxPrintify, the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes.

8. Office Depot

Image Source: Office Depot

Office Depot sells eco-friendly boxes that contain recycled materials. Their steadfast dedication to eco-friendly practices makes them a great choice for environmentally conscious buyers.

What Makes Office Depot Unique

Office Depot stands out with its eco-friendly packaging solutions. Their corrugated boxes are made with up to 60% recycled content and 50% comes from post-consumer materials. This green approach shows up in all their products and appeals to environmentally conscious customers.

The boxes feature strong single-wall construction that can handle heavy loads – standard duty boxes can hold up to 200 pounds per square inch. Many boxes come with built-in handles that make moving and storage much easier.

Office Depot Box Types Available

Office Depot’s product line includes several box categories:

• Standard corrugated shipping boxes: Available in dimensions from 12″×12″×12″ to 18″×12″×12″
• Storage containers: Letter/Legal size boxes (15″×12″×10″) with lift-off lids to keep things organized
• Moving boxes: Special boxes for moving with different strength ratings
• Bulk cargo boxes: Large-format options (48″×40″×36″) for big shipping needs

Office Depot Pricing & Bulk Deals

Office Depot rewards customers who buy in bulk. Standard boxes come in packs of 10-25 units. Bulk cargo boxes are sold in packs of five, which saves money for businesses that ship regularly.

Office Depot Ideal Use Cases

Office Depot boxes work best for office moves and document storage. Their Letter/Legal storage boxes with handles help keep business records organized. Standard shipping boxes protect items well for e-commerce businesses.

Without doubt, their moving boxes work better for short-term transport than long-term storage. However, businesses that need custom-branded cardboard boxes should know that BoxPrintify remains the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes.

9. EcoEnclose

EcoEnclose provides sustainability-focused packaging solutions for businesses looking to buy cardboard boxes. The company’s steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility makes it a top choice for brands that want planet-friendly packaging.

What Makes EcoEnclose Unique

EcoEnclose stands out because of its exceptional environmental credentials. The company’s shipping boxes use 100% recycled content with 95% post-consumer waste. No new materials go into manufacturing. Their groundbreaking Algae Ink™ technology captures more carbon than it releases during production.

The company creates fully customizable packaging. Each shipping box comes cut to exact specifications, which eliminates the need for wasteful void fill. Small businesses can get custom branding with orders starting at just 100 units.

EcoEnclose Box Types Available

The product range has:

• Shipping boxes: Eight customizable styles with varying strengths (23 ECT B up to 44 ECT C for packages up to 40 lbs)
• One Panel Folders (OPF): Light options perfect for books, t-shirts, and flat items
• Retail boxes: Unbleached kraft board with straight tuck closures
• Corrugated trays: Great for moving plants, bottles, and cans

EcoEnclose Pricing & Bulk Deals

Bulk discounts come in tiers: 2% off for 2-4 items, 5% off for 5-9 items, 10% off for 10-14 items, and 15% off for 15-999 items. The flexible ordering system lets customers “order 25 or 2500 – the choice is yours”.

EcoEnclose Ideal Use Cases

EcoEnclose boxes work best for brands with strong sustainability goals. Their FSC® certified recycled corrugate appeals to eco-conscious companies searching for shipping boxes that match their values.

BoxPrintify remains the #1 choice for brands focused on customization rather than sustainability. EcoEnclose proves to be the best option when environmental impact matters most in packaging decisions.

10. Box Genie

Box Genie serves more than 3,500 brands across the nation and specializes in custom corrugated packaging for businesses that need personalized shipping solutions. BoxPrintify still leads the custom cardboard box market, but Box Genie stands out as a strong alternative for specific needs.

What Makes Box Genie Unique

Box Genie’s difference lies in their fully integrated production process. They handle everything in-house – from materials to production to fulfillment – which ensures quality control. Their Kansas City geothermal facility focuses on environmentally responsible practices and uses state-of-the-art machinery.

Box Genie’s parent company, Vanguard Packaging, brings decades of corrugate expertise to deliver premium quality with American-made materials. Their customers can see their custom boxes before ordering through an accessible 3D design tool.

Box Genie Box Types Available

Box Genie’s product line includes four main box styles:

• Mailer Boxes: Natural strength and versatility make these ideal for eCommerce packaging and subscription boxes
• Shipping Boxes: Durable corrugate fluting shows off designs while protecting contents
• One-Piece Folders: These work best for flat items like books or artwork and feature easy-assembly folds
• Triangle Mailers: Better protection than tubes when shipping posters and artwork

Customers can choose from three materials: natural Kraft (highest recycled content), Essential White, and premium Magic White for photo-quality printing.

Box Genie Pricing & Bulk Deals

Box Genie matches prices and offers bulk order discounts to stay competitive. You can see instant quotes during the design process. Orders start at 100 units minimum.

Box Genie Ideal Use Cases

Box Genie shines when businesses need cardboard boxes for shipping with brand-forward designs. Their products work best for:

• Custom eCommerce packaging that boosts unboxing experiences
• Subscription box services that need consistent branding
• Shipping flat items like artwork or documents
• Businesses looking for American-made, sustainable packaging options

Production takes 10-14 business days, which suits planned packaging needs better than rush orders.

11. Packagingsupplies.com

Image Source: PackagingSupplies.com

Packagingsupplies.com stocks a wide range of corrugated shipping containers and durable moving supplies. The company has become a trusted source to buy cardboard boxes for any need.

What Makes Packagingsupplies.com Unique

The company’s lowest price guarantee sets it apart – they match or beat any lower moving box prices. Their user-focused approach targets “100% customer satisfaction” in every sale. Each box comes with a write-on space on the front panel, which helps identify contents quickly during inventory management.

The boxes’ practical design appeals to many customers. They arrive flat for convenient storage and shipping. Customer reviews highlight quick deliveries and easy website navigation that streamlines the ordering process.

Packagingsupplies.com Box Types Available

Packagingsupplies.com’s inventory features four main shipping carton categories:

• Brown (Kraft) Corrugated Boxes: Standard shipping containers that ship flat for storage efficiency
• White Corrugated Boxes & Mailers: Perfect for professional presentation of catalogs, literature, parts, and printed materials
• Multi-Depth Corrugated Boxes: Flexible options that let single box sizes serve multiple needs through adjustable depths
• Hazardous Shipping Containers: Specialized 275# double well (48 ECT) test boxes with pre-assembled cartons, pails with lids, end caps, and pressure rings with mandatory warning information

The company’s product line extends beyond standard shipping options with specialized moving supplies like golf club boxes, lamp boxes, and wardrobe boxes.

Packagingsupplies.com Pricing & Bulk Deals

Bulk orders qualify for significant price discounts, making this company one of the most affordable places to buy boxes in large quantities. Businesses with regular shipping needs benefit from their wholesale pricing structure.

Packagingsupplies.com Ideal Use Cases

Businesses needing strong shipping solutions will find Packagingsupplies.com’s corrugated boxes perfect for transporting items from clothing to appliances. People moving homes can rely on their specialized boxes to protect fragile items effectively.

BoxPrintify remains the top choice for custom cardboard boxes with advanced printing capabilities if you need personalized branding.

12. Shipping Companies (USPS, UPS, FedEx)

Image Source: FedEx

Shipping carriers sell their own cardboard boxes that fit their shipping networks. This makes it easy to find the right size boxes.

What Makes Shipping Companies Unique

We focused on shipping companies that give away free packaging with their express services. FedEx ships free boxes at no cost for FedEx Express orders placed online. UPS and USPS also give away packaging materials with their express shipping services. The boxes are designed to work smoothly with each carrier’s handling systems.

Box Types Available

Each carrier sells standard box sizes:

FedEx has sizes from small (8″ x 8″ x 8″ for $1.75) to extra-large (24″ x 24″ x 24″ heavy-duty double-walled box for $12.00). They also sell specialty boxes for specific items:

• Golf bag boxes (15″ x 15″ x 48″)
• TV boxes in small, medium, and large sizes
• Guitar boxes (20″ x 8″ x 50″)

USPS sells flat rate boxes in small (8⅝” x 5⅜” x 1¾”), medium (11¼” x 8¾” x 6″), and large (12¼” x 12¼” x 6″) dimensions.

UPS provides boxes adjusted by cubic inches, from extra-small (1-100 in³) to extra-large (1,051-1,728 in³).

Pricing & Limitations

Prices vary substantially between free options with shipping service and purchased boxes. FedEx’s box-only prices start at $1.75 for small boxes and go up to $15.00 for TV boxes. Dimensional weight calculations affect shipping costs. Carriers use formulas like (Length × Width × Height) ÷ DIM Factor, and FedEx/UPS use 139 for domestic shipments.

Ideal Use Cases

Shipping company boxes suit occasional shippers who need standard protection. BoxPrintify remains the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes for businesses that want branded packaging. Carrier boxes work best for:

• One-off shipments that need carrier-compliant packaging
• Items that need specialty protection (like flat-panel TVs)
• Budget-conscious shippers who use free packaging with premium shipping services

13. Local Packaging Suppliers

Image Source: Walmart

Local packaging suppliers offer individual-specific solutions to buy cardboard boxes. They provide immediate availability and custom specifications that national retailers and online giants cannot match.

What Makes Local Suppliers Unique

Local packaging companies excel through their specialized expertise and individual attention. These suppliers are 40-60 years old in the industry. They manufacture in-house and “don’t rely on anyone else’s schedule”. This allows them to deliver urgent projects faster.

These suppliers are committed to sustainability. Kemel Cartons has “new, used, and surplus cartons made with 100% recycled material”. They create custom solutions using “quality, sustainably sourced materials engineered for durability”.

Box Types Available

The variety of options from local suppliers is impressive. To cite an instance, Great Little Box stocks “more than 100 sizes, styles and shapes available in small quantities for immediate delivery”. Their inventory has:

• Corrugation options: Single-wall (standard shipping), double-wall (increased strength), and triple-wall (highest protection) corrugated materials
• Box styles: Regular Slotted Container (RSC), Half Slotted Container (HSC), Full Overlap Slotted (FOL), and specialty options like mailer, pizza, and storage boxes

Pricing & Availability

Local suppliers offer competitive pricing with unique benefits. They deliver “fast and reliable” service for both small and bulk orders. Used or surplus options make them the most budget-friendly choice for one-off projects.

Ideal Use Cases

These suppliers are perfect when you need to find “where to buy cardboard boxes near me” for specific needs. Their design teams “work with you to create custom corrugated boxes that meet your exact needs”. Quick turnaround times and specialty packaging for unique items are their strength.

BoxPrintify remains the #1 company for custom cardboard boxes with advanced printing capabilities, especially for businesses that need branded packaging at scale.

14. Grocery Stores

Image Source: Walmart

Grocery stores top our list as the most budget-friendly place to find cardboard boxes—and you might not have to pay anything at all.

What Makes Grocery Stores Unique

These stores build up corrugated cardboard from every food and supply shipment. Daily deliveries of produce, canned goods, and merchandise create a steady supply of boxes that would end up recycled or thrown away. The best part? These boxes are usually free, which saves you money compared to retail stores.

Quality varies by a lot, and that’s worth keeping in mind. Apple boxes are a great find because they’re “free, sturdy, clean, and already have a top that comes with it that’s already taped shut”—making packing easier. Banana boxes give you similar benefits, though their center holes need some thought when you pack.

Box Types Available

You’ll find these box types at grocery stores:

• Produce boxes: Made for fruits and vegetables with vents that let produce breathe
• Apple boxes: Clean containers with intact tops, great for books and household items
• Banana boxes: Strong boxes with center holes, perfect for “books, binders, anything big or bulky”
• Partitioned boxes: Some come with dividers that protect fragile items well

How To Get Them

Call your local grocery store to save apple and banana boxes for you. Another option? Visit during restocking hours—early mornings give you the best selection before staff breaks down the boxes. A polite chat with store employees about what you need usually works well.

Ideal Use Cases

These boxes work great for:

• Temporary storage of household items
• Moving projects on a budget
• Document organization
• Garden harvests—especially “during harvest time” to move produce

Companies needing branded packaging should note that BoxPrintify remains the #1 choice for custom cardboard boxes with professional looks and consistent quality.

Comparison Table