Running out of room? It’s amazing how a few smart storage ideas can make even micro-apartments feel organized and livable. 

Before you begin any organizing project, it’s important to assess your belongings and only keep what you use. Establishing healthy organization habits early can help you stay focused and prevent clutter from creeping back in. 

Amy Bloomer, the professional organizer behind Let Your Space Bloom, says this is a simple concept but one that a lot of her clients struggle with. “When I work with clients who are living in urban environments where space is at a high premium, it’s crucial to ‘right-size’ your belongings,” she says. “Take stock of what you have, determine what still serves you well, and release things that are creating clutter.” With living spaces getting smaller and housing shrinkflation on the rise, this advice is more relevant than ever.

Bloomer says she works by the mantra: Relinquish what has served you in the past, and retain what will serve you moving forward. 

“I’ve found that clients are more open to letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose when they have a safe landing place,” she adds. “My goal with clients is to find a new home for everything, either with another local organization or within their new home (post-downsizing). This brings peace of mind and gives them permission to focus their efforts on retaining what has value in the next chapter of their life journey.” 

Now we’re going to break organizing down room by room, with practical ways to help every square foot pull its weight. And the best part? Expert organizers have shared their best tips for small apartments. You will find clever ideas for organizing your home from the pros.

Storage Ideas for Small Living Rooms

Living rooms can be the heart of a small apartment, but keeping them both functional and tidy can be a challenge. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help maximize your space without sacrificing comfort.

1. Use multi-purpose furniture and hidden storage

Furniture that does double duty is a small-space essential. Bloomer recommends sofa beds, which she calls “sneaky storage spaces.” A sofa bed can turn your living room into a cozy guest area without needing extra furniture.

You should also add discreet storage where you can. For example, a coffee table with a lift-up top can double as storage space for remotes, magazines or snacks. Ottomans with hidden storage are a great place to stash blankets, books or other small items.

Storage carts are another handy option and can be wheeled into different rooms as needed. Bloomer says mobile storage makes a big difference in keeping areas clutter-free. “Carts are an economical portable organizational solution when storage is limited,” she said. “They can be used as a nightstand or stand alone solution for anything from books to crafts to small accessories.”

2. Go vertical

When floor space is limited, turn to your walls to make a small space feel bigger. Floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets or narrow bookcases keep essentials within reach while leaving your floor clear. 

Nicole Gabai, a Certified Virtual Organizing Professional and founder of B. Organized, shares her thoughts on making the most of vertical space, “The goal of any space is to make better use of height, so valuable vertical space is not wasted.” 

To do this, she encourages people to install shelves and tall cabinets, or use hooks to free up counter and floor space. Or add stacking boxes if there is a large gap at the top or bottom of your clothes closet to take advantage of the height.

Hooks aren’t just for entryways. You can place adhesive hooks on walls or the sides of furniture to hang items like headphones, small bags or even keys. This keeps surfaces clear and items easy to grab when you need them. 

Libby Huffines, the professional organizer in charge of Libby and Labels, suggests Command or magnetic hooks as affordable, non-permanent options for small spaces. “Hats, jackets, oven mitts, and keys can all be stored on hooks,” she says.

3. Create zones

Divide your living area into zones to keep things organized. Sectional organizing involves dividing your space into sections based on specific activities. “Take some time to consider the activities you plan to do in each area so you can create a layout that works best for you,” Gabai suggests.

This can mean dedicating one corner for lounging and another for work or hobbies. Using rugs, open shelving or a simple divider helps visually define each area, so everything has its place. 

“People tend to give equal importance to all items in a room,” Gabai added. “However, it’s essential to prioritize frequently used items and keep them in Zone 1, the most accessible area. Place less frequently used items in Zones 2 or 3.” 

For example, in a small room’s study section, you should place items you use daily in Zone 1, such as your computer, pen, and notepad. Items like textbooks that you reference occasionally can go in Zone 2, which could be a small bookcase.

Small Apartment Bedroom Storage

A well-organized bedroom is key to comfort and functionality in a small apartment. Here’s how to make the most of your bedroom space, according to experts.

1. Embrace under-bed storage and multipurpose furniture

The space under your bed can be an excellent storage spot. “Think smartly about your furniture and utilize pieces with ample storage opportunities,” Huffines suggests. This could look like using rolling storage bins to keep out-of-season clothes, wedding storage, shoes or extra linens within reach yet out of sight.

For beds with lower frames, try adding risers to gain extra height, another “sneaky storage” trick from Bloomer for adding vertical space. You could also pick multipurpose pieces like bed frames with built-in drawers or storage ottomans that can double as seating or nightstands. These items enhance functionality without occupying extra space.

2. Use wall space wisely

Art makes bedroom walls pretty, but when you have space constraints, you can add more than art to put those walls to better use. Floating shelves and wall-mounted organizers can hold books, clocks or decorative items without taking up floor space.

Huffines encourages creative use of Command hooks on walls, which are perfect for hats, jewelry or even spare cords, allowing you to store items neatly while adding personality to your space. “Hooks will be your best friend,” she says.

Small Apartment Kitchen Storage

In small kitchens, every inch counts, and you can make more space for essentials with a few creative storage solutions.

1. Make use of vertical space

To maximize vertical space in a small kitchen, Gabai suggests installing tall cabinets that reach the ceiling or using shelf extenders to create extra levels inside cabinets. Overhead pot racks are another smart solution for freeing up cabinet space.

2. Try door-mounted storage

The inside of cabinet doors can serve as valuable storage. “Door-mounted racks, hooks or organizers for items such as spices, cleaning supplies or accessories can add extra storage,” says Gabai. This lets you keep items off the counters while making them easy to access.

3. Invest in compact furniture and built-in storage

Look for kitchen islands or tables with shelves and drawers underneath to store essentials like cooking utensils or dishware. You could also get a foldable table, as it can be tucked away when not in use.

4. Use bins and organizers

Organizing by category — such as pantry items, snacks and cooking tools — makes a big difference in keeping small kitchens clutter-free and functional. To achieve that, get a set of small baskets or bins and group similar items in cabinets and on shelves. Try using clear containers to see contents easily, or label them for quick identification.

Small Apartment Office Storage

In a small apartment, having an organized workspace can make a big difference in keeping things productive and comfortable. Here are some ways to make sure your office setup works without taking over the room.

1. Divide your workspace into zones

Keeping things organized in a home office is easier when everything has a zone. 

Gabai recommends setting up a prime spot for the stuff you reach for all the time — your computer, notepad or favorite pen. This will be your office Zone 1. 

Then, stash less-used things, like reference books or files, a bit farther away, like on a shelf or in a drawer. That way, your main area stays clear and ready for work.

2. Look up for storage

Free up desk space by using your walls. Wall-mounted shelves or tall cabinets are perfect for keeping supplies or books close but off your desk. 

Gabai points out that vertical storage is a real bonus in small spaces, especially if you share your office area with other activities. Hooks or small wall organizers can also hold cords, headphones or even bags, so you’re not scrambling for extra surface space.

3. Pick space-saving furniture

Look for desks with built-in storage, foldable desks that can hide away or even rolling carts for your office essentials. These options keep things neat and make it easy to adapt your space if you need to clear it for something else.

4. Keep cords and cables organized

Cords and cables can make a small office feel cluttered fast. Gabai suggests using drawer dividers to keep things like chargers, adapters and cables in their own spaces, so you’re not digging through a tangled mess. 

“In smaller spaces, it’s not always possible for each drawer or container to store only one category of items,” she says. “If you need to store more than one category of item per drawer or container, use dividers can separate each section clearly.” 

Cable clips or adhesive organizers are also simple fixes to keep cords from taking over your workspace.

Small Apartment Closet Storage

Even a tiny closet can hold more than you think with a few smart storage tricks.

1. Divide and conquer

Creating sections in your closet can make everything easier to find. Keep everyday essentials, like jackets or shoes, at eye level or within easy reach, while seasonal clothes or accessories can go higher up. 

You should also give drawer dividers and bins and baskets a try to separate smaller items like socks or scarves.

And don’t be afraid to ruthlessly thin your items out. Gabai swears by a personal rule she calls the “in-and-out-flow”. “In small spaces, maintaining organization means revisiting items regularly and decluttering anything unused or unnecessary,” she explains. “If I buy three new tops and two pairs of shoes, I immediately get rid of three items of clothing and two pairs of shoes.”

2. Use the inside of the closet door

Don’t let that door go to waste! The back of a closet door is prime real estate for apartment storage. Adhesive hooks can be used for everything from belts and scarves to handbags. 

Over-the-door shoe organizers are also a great choice — those little pockets are perfect for small accessories, gloves or even cleaning supplies you want out of sight.

3. Add shelf extenders and stackable bins

If you’ve got some extra vertical room in your closet, shelf extenders or stackable bins can help you make the most of it. The shelf extenders Gabai swears by allow you to use that awkward gap above your clothes, while stackable bins are handy for storing shoes, bags or sweaters.

4. Make the most of high spaces

The upper shelves in closets are ideal for bulky but lightweight items — think extra blankets, pillows or off-season clothes. To reach these high spots without any hassle, Bloomer suggests keeping a foldable step stool nearby. 

“Don’t be intimidated by using the full height of spaces for storage,” she says. “A simple resource like a foldable footstool can make all of the difference.”

Small Apartment Bathroom Storage

A small bathroom can be a bit of a challenge, but once you have it set up properly, you’ll find that there actually is ample room for the essentials.

1. Use vertical storage

When counter space is at a minimum, look to the walls. A few shelves above the toilet or beside the vanity will help store towels or toiletries, while wall-mounted hooks are perfect for washcloths or hair tools.

2. Take advantage of under-sink space

The space under the sink is prime apartment storage territory, especially if you add a few organizers. Stackable bins or small drawer units can help keep cleaning supplies and extra toiletries neat and easy to access. If plumbing limits your space, try using smaller bins to tuck around the pipes.

3. Get creative with corners and narrow spaces

Corners and narrow wall spaces in bathrooms can often go unused. Small corner shelves or narrow, freestanding organizers are great for storing toilet paper, small towels or even a few decorative items without crowding your main area.

Additional Small Apartment Storage Hacks

Sometimes, it’s the little tricks that make the biggest difference in a small apartment. Here are a few extras:

• Use room dividers that include shelves or storage pockets.
• Set up a shower rod with a small curtain to cover storage corners or open shelves.
• Install magnetic strips in kitchens, bathrooms or entryways to hold small metal items.
• Install wall-mounted baskets to hold anything from produce in the kitchen to towels in the bathroom.
• Attach small racks or hooks to the outer sides of kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
• In small spaces where drawers need to hold multiple item categories, use dividers to keep items organized within each section.
• Set up a pegboard as a “command center” in a multipurpose room, using hooks and holders to hang essential items, office supplies or tools.
• “Decorative storage boxes can both hold household items and add dimension to a bookshelf,” Huffines offers. 
• Declutter and donate what you no longer use.

Use a Self-Storage Unit to Maximize Space

If your apartment is starting to feel a bit tight, an extra storage unit can help you spread out without losing track of the things you love. In a way, this can become an extension of your apartment, just right for all those items you don’t need every day but still want close by.

Here are a few ways to make a storage unit work for you:

• Pack away off-season clothes, decorations or sports gear. Bring them back when they’re in season, keeping your apartment free for what you actually need now.
• Got a few pieces of furniture or keepsakes that just don’t fit right now? Store them safely and bring them out when you’ve got more space to play with.
• Store items in stackable bins and label each one so you can grab what you need without turning everything upside down.

Now You Know How To Organize Your Apartment

Now you have a full set of small apartment storage ideas to make the most of every room. With these expert tips in hand, creating an organized and comfy space in your apartment is completely doable. From clever storage hacks to room-by-room solutions, you’re ready to make each square foot work for you.

And when you run out of space at home, SelfStorage.com is here to help you find the perfect storage extension. Search for a location near your apartment, filter by the amenities you need and rent a unit today – no credit card required!

Sharing a storage unit with a friend can be a smart move. And there are many reasons people do it: to save some money, to make moving easier or just because it’s more fun to do things together. But, like any good team-up, it comes with its challenges.

Let’s see what makes sharing a storage unit both appealing and a bit tricky. And how to deal with any cons.

Pros of Sharing a Storage Unit with a Friend

First off, the good stuff. Sharing a storage unit with someone else brings a bunch of benefits to the table. From cutting down on costs to having someone to high-five when you finally get all those boxes stacked just right, there’s a lot to like here. Let’s check out these perks one by one.

Pros:

1. Cost Savings: Split the rental costs for a more affordable storage rental price.
2. Shared Responsibility: Divide the workload of organizing, packing, and maintaining the unit.
3. Access Flexibility: Either friend can access the unit as needed, doubling the convenience.
4. Pooling Resources: Store larger items together that wouldn’t fit in individual units.
5. companionship: Turn storage tasks into a fun team effort with a friend.

1. Cost savings

Well, who doesn’t like saving money? When you decide to share a storage unit with a friend, the first thing you’ll notice is how much lighter the rent feels on your wallet.

If the storage unit costs $100 a month, solo, you’re forking over that full amount. But bring a friend into the equation, and you’re each only paying $50. Even better, if your needs grow and you decide to get a larger unit that costs, say, $150, splitting it still keeps more money in your pocket compared to renting a small unit all by yourself.

That’s because the price per square foot tends to go down the larger the storage unit is. For instance, a 5’x10’ unit, while offering double the space of a 5’x5’ one is very likely to cost less than double. This comes in very handy, especially now, when it feels like the price of everything, from your morning coffee to gas, is climbing.

2. Shared responsibility

Sharing a storage unit with a friend saves you both some cash and that’s great. Do you know what else it saves? The load. It’s great to have an extra pair of hands to help out moving. Whether it’s organizing, packing or just keeping the place neat, two people means half the effort for each of you.

By sharing storage space, you can tag-team on the chores. Maybe you take turns, or perhaps one of you is better at organizing while the other is a pro at cleaning. Just decide on a schedule for who does what and when.

3. Access flexibility

You need to grab something from the storage unit, but your day is back-to-back meetings. Good thing you’re sharing that unit with a friend. This setup means either of you can dip in and out as needed, helping each other, without waiting for the other person to be free.   

And, if you and your storage companion are already roommates or office mates, you’ve got it even easier. One trip to the unit gets both of your to-do lists checked off. You’re effectively doubling your access opportunities, without doubling the effort.

4. Pooling resources

Ever had a piece of furniture or a set of seasonal sports equipment that you couldn’t fit at home? Well, by joining forces, you and your friend can now store those larger items that neither of you could manage alone. This is especially useful for items that are used occasionally but take up too much space, like kayaks, ski gear or that bulky guest mattress.

When sharing storage, you’re no longer limited by the constraints of your individual living spaces or storage units the size of a closet. This means you can keep those items that are too valuable to give away but too large to keep at home.

Plus, having a shared unit encourages you to make joint investments in items you both can use but might not have the space to store individually. Outdoor adventure gear, I’m looking at you.

5. Companionship

When you share a storage unit with a friend, the whole process turns into a team effort. That effort comes with its share of fun moments and the comfort of knowing you have someone to rely on, whether it’s for splitting costs or lending a hand with moving, storage planning, maintenance and cleaning.

It’s one thing to dread a day of sorting through boxes alone, but it’s entirely different when you have someone to share the laughs, decisions and the occasional trip down memory lane. Not to mention, having a friend there can spark creativity in organizing and using the space efficiently that you might not have thought of on your own.

Cons of Sharing a Storage Unit with a Friend

Now for the flip side. While sharing can be great, it’s not without its downsides. “What are the disadvantages of shared storage?” you may ask. Well, sometimes schedules clash, or disagreements pop up about who put what where. These issues are manageable, but it’s good to know what you might face before you sign up, right?

Cons:

1. Conflicting Schedules: Coordinating access times can be challenging with clashing calendars.
2. Shared Space Concerns: Potential disagreements over space allocation and cleanliness standards.
3. Financial Disputes: Disputes may arise over unexpected costs, late payments, or uneven space usage.
4. Dependent on Each Other: Reliance on your friend’s responsibility and trustworthiness.
5. Risk of Damage or Loss: Increased risk of belongings being damaged or misplaced due to shared access.
6. Legal Implications: Potential legal issues if only one person is on the lease and rules are violated.

1. Conflicting schedules

Ever tried to plan a simple lunch date and ended up feeling like you’re scheduling a space shuttle launch? Now, throw a shared storage space into the mix. If your calendar is all over the place and so is your friend’s, figuring out when to move stuff in or out can get complicated. Sometimes, you’re free when they’re not, and vice versa.

Here’s a quick fix approach:

• Stay ahead with a shared calendar to see when the stars align for both of you.
• Be a bit bendy with plans. If you can swing by the unit alone this time, maybe they can cover the next.
• Got an emergency? Set up a plan for those “I absolutely need it now” moments.

A little bit of give-and-take, and you won’t even notice those scheduling clashes.

2. Shared space concerns

Sharing a storage unit also means sharing every square inch of that space. Deciding who gets which shelf or how to stack those bins can spark a mini-debate. I know I’ve had roommate situations where deciding on the living room layout felt like a UN negotiation. Sharing storage space is a bit like that, but with fewer couches and more boxes.

And then there’s the cleanliness factor — if one of you is neat as a pin and the other, well, isn’t, you might find yourselves in a bit of a sticky situation.

Here’s how to smooth things over:

• Map the zones and agree on who gets what space from the get-go. Divide the floor with painter’s tape and color code boxes with different tapes or labels to make sure you don’t mix them up.
• Set a schedule and some ground rules for cleanliness. For starters, only store items that are clean and dry to avoid any mess or damage.

Pro Tip: Every now and then, take stock of the situation together. It’s easier to adjust as you go through regular check-ins rather than overhaul later.

3. Financial disputes

Money talks, and sometimes it can test friendships, especially when sharing a storage unit or a living space. Sure, you’ll be splitting rental costs, but what happens when there are extra fees, damages or someone is late with a payment?

To dodge those awkward money chats, lay down some clear rules right at the start.

• Talk about everything money-related. Who’s paying what and what happens if there’s an unexpected cost?
• Check in with each other regularly. Is someone using more space? Are there new costs coming up?
• Have a plan for surprises. If the rent goes up or if something needs fixing, decide how you’ll handle it together.

Pro Tip: Make sure you and your friend have a good understanding of how much you’re each looking to store. Maybe you have more stuff, or perhaps they do. Talk about how you’ll split the cost in a way that feels fair, based on what you’re each storing. This also helps in choosing the right unit size.

4. Dependent on each other

Sharing a storage unit means you’re depending on each other to keep things smooth. If someone forgets to pay for their part or hogs too much space, it’s not just annoying — it can mess with the whole setup. Suddenly, you’re no longer friends, but co-managers of a tiny warehouse. The key here is clear communication.

And speaking of keys, here’s another unpleasant situation nobody wants: getting locked out of the unit. Dodge this one out from the start. The lock belongs to you, not the storage facility, so you can cut as many keys as you like. This means everyone can get in when they need to, with no waiting around or stepping on any toes.

5. Risk of damage or loss

When you share a storage unit, you’re also splitting trust, especially when it comes to keeping your stuff safe. You might trust your friend, sure, but do you trust everyone they might bring along? If they’re not as careful as you or if they decide to let someone else in, your belongings could be at risk.

That doesn’t mean someone will steal your stuff, although that’s never completely out of the equation. It’s just that sometimes, things get damaged or lost in the shuffle, especially when moving boxes and furniture around.

Pro Tip: Know who’s got access and make sure it’s only people you both trust. If you plan on storing something very valuable to you, think twice about how and where you store it — a shared storage unit might not be the best bet, even if you have an insurance plan.

6. Legal implications

Jumping into sharing a storage unit without a clear plan can lead to tricky situations. For instance, if only your name is on the lease and the rent doesn’t get paid on time or something sketchy is found in the unit, it’s all on you. Late payments or damage could mess with your credit history.

So, before you shake hands on sharing storage, decide who’s officially signing up and the what-ifs of late payments or rule-breaking. Even better, scribble down an agreement. It sounds formal, but it’s just about being clear on who does what and keeping things smooth without any legal hiccups.

Tips for a Successful Shared Storage Experience:

• Establish clear rules and expectations upfront.
• Use a shared calendar and regular check-ins to coordinate access.
• Divide the space and label belongings to avoid confusion.
• Discuss financial responsibilities and have a plan for unexpected costs.
• Limit access to trusted individuals only.
• Consider a written agreement to outline responsibilities and liabilities.

Finding boxes is one of the biggest challenges when preparing for a move. First of all, it poses a lot of questions:

• How much do moving boxes costs?
• How many moving boxes do you need and how big should they be?
• Where can I get moving boxes for free?
• Where can I buy moving boxes?
• Will the moving company provide moving boxes?

Fortunately, there are a handful of great places to find affordable and, yes, even free moving boxes, so you don’t have to break the bank on purchasing these necessities.

Where Do I Get Moving Boxes?

Regular moving boxes are typically sold in bundles — the larger the bundle, the better the unit price. That doesn’t mean you should stock up on boxes way beyond your needs just to get a better deal. Buying individual moving boxes is also not a practical or economical idea, so you’re left with two main choices:

Get bundles of moving boxes

They have to be just large enough to cover all your belongings. You will find bundles of moving boxes both online and offline — think Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, and the like. Note that you will need several box sizes because heavy items, like books, are better off in a small box, while large but lightweight items, like duvets and pillows, fare better in large or even extra-large boxes.

Now, if you only have a studio or a small apartment and get a bundle for each size, you will easily exceed your budget and have a large number of leftover boxes in the end so it’s important to assess your belongings before purchasing bundles of any kind.

Note: You’ll want to make sure you have boxes set aside for fragile items that can’t go with bulky or heavy items.

Purchase moving kits from a moving supply store

This means you will get a mix of normal moving box sizes and types. Some moving companies and hypermarkets even estimate your moving supply needs based on home size. U-Haul takes this concept a step further and also allows you to tailor the moving kit to your needs.

You can get anything from a College Kit with just a few boxes, a small bubble wrap roll, clear tape, and markers, up to a 4+ Bedroom Master Pak that includes specialty boxes like large wardrobe boxes, breakable item or glass packing kits, and sealable mattress bags.

Finding boxes is one of the biggest challenges when preparing for a move. Fortunately, there are a handful of great places to find affordable or free moving boxes, so you don’t have to break the bank to purchase these necessities.

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How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?

Box sizes from different suppliers will vary slightly in size but more so in price, as we’re about to see. However, no matter where you get your moving boxes from, here’s a list of the lowest prices (you shouldn’t pay more than this):

Box Type	Volume	Best For	Price Range
Small moving box	1.3 to 1.5 cu ft	Kitchen gadgets, DVDs, books	$1 to $1.75
Medium moving box	3 cu ft	Decorative items, towels	$1.65 to $2.30
Large moving box	4.5 cu ft	Drapes, bedding, small appliances	$2.10 to $3
X-Large moving box	6 to 6.5 cu ft	Pillows, comforters, sports equipment	$3.5 to $4
Small wardrobe box	8 cu ft	Up to 65 lbs of clothes on hangers	$10.5 to $15
Mirror/Picture box	2.3 to 3.9 cu ft	Pictures, mirrors, framed artwork	$7 to $8

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How Many Boxes Do I Need?

The number of boxes you’ll need depends on many variables. For instance, if you’re a minimalist, you may need fewer boxes than if you have lots of belongings. Consider the following base estimates to begin your personal calculations:

• Studio apartment: 10 small and 15 medium moving boxes
• 1-2 bedroom home: 15 small, 25 medium and 10 large moving boxes + 3 large wardrobe boxes
• 3-4 bedroom home: 20 small, 35 medium, 15 large and 5 extra-large moving boxes + 5 book boxes + 4 large wardrobe boxes
• 4+ bedroom home: 30 small, 40 medium, 20 large and 10 extra-large moving boxes + 10 book boxes + 5 large wardrobe boxes

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Where Can I Get Free Packing Boxes?

If you’re looking to save on packing supplies—and why wouldn’t you?— there are plenty of places where you can get free cardboard boxes for moving.
First of all, take a look around the office or even around your house. You may have useful boxes lying around unaccounted for. If that’s not the case, or you haven’t found enough, it’s time to move to the second phase of box hunting: asking around.
Not sure where to find empty boxes free of charge? Here are some of the best places to check:

• People you know: Friends, family and neighbors who recently moved are your best bet.
• Craigslist: Head to the free section to see if anyone is giving away boxes.
• Retailers: Ask at your local grocery or liquor stores — they may have some cardboard boxes you can take off their hands. Pet stores and retail giants are also good bets.
• Apartment complexes: Any place with a lot of tenants is likely to have extra boxes lying around. Head into the nearest apartment complex office and speak to the manager.
• Recycling centers: Ask the attendant if they have boxes or take a look into the cardboard box bin and see what’s available. You may also find cardboard recycling dumpsters behind retail stores, but only take what you can reach. Never climb into a dumpster!

Note: When you go to pick up the boxes, you’ll want to make sure they’re in good condition so that you don’t arrive at your new home with damaged belongings.

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Where Is the Best Place To Buy Boxes?

If you decide to hire a moving company, they will typically provide boxes and popular packing supplies, like bubble wrap and packaging paper, but if you’re planning a DIY move, there are plenty of places to get boxes for moving. If you weren’t lucky enough on your free box hunt, then buying it will be.

Here are some of the best places to purchase moving boxes:

• U-Haul: This is best if you’re renting a storage unit or moving truck. You can also check their moving kits — while this doesn’t necessarily get you a better deal, it recommends packing supplies you may have overlooked. Isn’t it easier to get it all in one place?
• Home Depot: This is best if you need to check box details online before you purchase in-store. You can also have them delivered to your doorstep. Note that choosing a bundle of 10, 20 or more boxes does not get you a better unit price.
• Amazon: This is best if you want your moving boxes delivered as fast as possible. You also get a lot of choices in terms of size, type and sturdiness. Unfortunately, it comes with a heftier price tag, so not your first choice if you’re looking for cheap boxes online.
• Walmart: Many Walmart stores are open 24/7, so they may be your best bet if you run out of packing boxes or other moving supplies the night before your move. They also tend to carry some of the cheapest options out there — Pen+Gear is their store brand for school and office supplies.
• Uboxes.com: This is your go-to if you want to buy moving supplies kits. They range from dorm/college to 10+ room moving kits that include bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, moving labels and packing paper. You can also build your own kit for a better price than buying individual supplies.

Now that you’re all set, be sure to check out our guide for packing moving boxes next!

Ready for Your Move? SelfStorage.com Has You Covered

Now that you’ve sourced your moving boxes, let SelfStorage.com take care of the rest. We offer convenient storage solutions in your area, flexible rental terms, and climate-controlled units to protect your belongings during your transition. Visit SelfStorage.com today to find the perfect storage space and make your move stress-free.

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