Save 50-70% on Shipping Boxes: Your Guide to Used Boxes in New Mexico
You'll save hundreds of dollars on shipping costs while helping the environment by buying quality used boxes instead of new ones.
Why Buy Used Boxes?
- Cut costs in half: Pay $2-5 for boxes that cost $8-12 new
- Help the planet: Keep cardboard out of landfills
- Same quality: Most used boxes are barely used once
- Quick delivery: Many suppliers deliver to your door
Where to Find Used Boxes
Professional Suppliers (Best for Businesses)
RePackify
- Serves Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe
- Small to large shipping boxes
- Many wall thicknesses available
- Call for prices and delivery
Local Packaging Companies
- Check your phone book for "packaging supplies"
- Many buy and sell used boxes
- Often cheaper than online suppliers
Moving Supply Stores
U-Haul Stores
- "Take a Box, Leave a Box" program
- Browse free boxes left by other customers
- Found at most U-Haul locations statewide
The UPS Store
- Some locations sell returned boxes
- Ask the manager about used box availability
- Quality is usually very good
Free Options (Best for Small Needs)
Grocery Stores
- Ask at customer service desk
- Best boxes: produce, cereal, paper goods
- Avoid boxes that held raw meat or chemicals
Liquor Stores
- Boxes are usually small and very strong
- Perfect for books or heavy items
- Most stores happy to give them away
Apartment Complexes
- Check dumpster areas (ask permission first)
- Best times: end of month, college move-out
- Look for clean, dry boxes only
Online Sources
Craigslist
- Search "free boxes" or "moving boxes"
- Post a "wanted" ad with your phone number
- Check daily - good deals go fast
Facebook Marketplace
- Join local buy/sell groups
- Search "boxes" or "moving supplies"
- Many people sell moving leftovers cheap
Nextdoor App
- Neighbors often give away boxes
- Post what you need
- Usually free pickup
What to Look For
Good Boxes Have:
- No water damage or stains
- All corners intact
- No bad smells
- Original shape (not crushed)
Avoid Boxes With:
- Grease stains or food residue
- Torn corners or holes
- Chemical odors
- Excessive tape residue
How Much You'll Pay
Box Pricing by Size
Small (12×9×6)
- New price: $3-4
- Used price: $1-2
- Your savings: $2 each
Medium (18×14×12)
- New price: $5-7
- Used price: $2-3
- Your savings: $3-4 each
Large (24×18×18)
- New price: $8-12
- Used price: $3-5
- Your savings: $5-7 each
Extra Large
- New price: $15-20
- Used price: $6-8
- Your savings: $9-12 each
Tips for Success
Buy more than you think you need - extras are cheap insurance
Check boxes before you leave - saves return trips
Ask about bulk discounts - most suppliers negotiate
Plan ahead - don't wait until moving day
Bring cash - many sellers prefer it
Real Example
Sarah from Albuquerque needed 50 boxes for her business. New boxes would cost $350. She found used boxes for $140 - saving $210 in one purchase. The boxes worked perfectly and looked almost new.
Used boxes are smart money. You get the same protection for half the price while helping reduce waste. Start with the free options for small needs, then try professional suppliers for bigger orders.
Your wallet and the planet will thank you.