Where to Get Cheap Moving Supplies and Boxes in Fall River, MA
Packing supplies can quietly add up to hundreds of dollars if you are not paying attention. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers are all small purchases that compound fast, especially if you have a full house to move. Here is where to find them cheap, or even free, before your Fall River move.
Free Boxes: Where to Look
Liquor and Wine Stores
Liquor stores receive constant shipments in double-walled, reinforced boxes built to hold heavy glass bottles. These are among the most durable free boxes available, ideal for books, kitchen items, and anything else that is heavy and dense. Ask the manager or stop in late morning when restocking is usually finished. Stores along North Main Street and near the Fall River malls tend to move high volume.
Grocery Stores
Stop by the produce or dairy section of your local Market Basket, Stop & Shop, or Price Rite and ask when they break down boxes. Timing matters — early mornings or just after delivery windows are your best bet. Produce boxes are not always the sturdiest, but banana boxes with lids are a well-known mover’s find.
Bookstores and Office Supply Stores
Bookstores receive inventory in uniform, clean boxes that stack well. Staples on William S Canning Boulevard often has clean cardboard available near the back. Call ahead to ask when boxes are available rather than showing up and waiting.
Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups
Search “moving boxes” or “free boxes” on Facebook Marketplace and filter by Fall River. Locals who just finished their own move often post full sets of used boxes for free pickup. The Fall River Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are also active and frequently have packing supplies listed. Check early in the week when new posts go up.
Craigslist Free Section
The free section on Craigslist is still a functional resource in the greater Fall River area. Search for boxes and check daily, posts go fast. Having a pickup vehicle ready when you see a good listing is the key to not missing out.
Your Workplace
Office supply closets, shipping rooms, and break rooms accumulate cardboard fast. Ask your facilities manager or office administrator if you can take boxes before they go to recycling.
Low-Cost Supplies: Where to Buy
Dollar Tree and Ocean State Job Lot
Dollar Tree on Rodman Street carries packing tape, markers, and basic cushioning materials at flat low prices. Ocean State Job Lot, a New England staple, frequently runs deals on storage bins, packing tape, and moving supplies. Their Fall River location on William S Canning Boulevard is worth a stop before you start packing.
U-Haul Moving Supply Kits
U-Haul sells bundled moving kits at fixed prices that can be cheaper per unit than buying items individually. They also have a box buyback program: unused boxes in original condition can be returned for a refund after your move. This is an underused option that effectively makes boxes free if you over-estimate your needs.
Home Depot and Walmart
Home Depot on Mariano Bishop Boulevard carries moving boxes in standard sizes and sells packing supplies in bulk. Walmart on Mariano Bishop Boulevard offers some of the lowest prices on tape, markers, and plastic wrap in the area. Buying in bulk from either store saves money compared to picking up small quantities at a convenience store.
What to Prioritize Spending On
Not every supply is worth cutting corners on. Here is a practical breakdown:
- Packing tape: Buy quality. Cheap tape fails and your boxes come apart mid-move.
- Bubble wrap and packing paper: This is where free alternatives work fine — use old newspaper, clothing, and towels to cushion fragile items.
- Wardrobe boxes: These are worth renting or buying new if you have a large wardrobe. Ask Sheridan Movers whether they offer wardrobe boxes as part of your moving package.
- Specialty boxes: Dish packs and mirror boxes are worth the cost for items that are expensive to replace.
One More Option: Let Your Movers Handle It
Sheridan Movers offers packing supplies and full packing services for Fall River residents who would rather spend time on other priorities before moving day. Ask about what is included in your quote and whether supply packages are available, sometimes bundling saves more than sourcing everything independently.