Save Money and Help the Environment: Where to Buy Used Shipping Boxes in Nashville
What you'll get from reading this: Learn where to find quality used shipping boxes in Nashville that cost 50-70% less than new ones while reducing waste.
Why choose used boxes? You'll save significant money and help the environment by reusing materials that would otherwise go to landfills.
Best Places to Find Used Shipping Boxes
1. Specialty Box Suppliers
RePackify (Nashville area)
- Standard cardboard boxes in multiple sizes
- Common sizes: 24×16×16, 20×16×12, 26×12×16
- Price: $0.36–$0.95 per box
- Bulk discounts available for orders of 99 boxes or more
- Local pickup available
- Delivery Monday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM
- Free delivery on large orders
RePackify Gaylord boxes (for bulk shipping)
- Size: 48×40×40 and other large sizes
- Pricing by strength:
- 2-ply: $12–15
- 3-ply: $15–18
- 4-ply: $18–22
- 5-ply: $22–28
Free and Low-Cost Options
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
- Individual sellers offering moving boxes
- Price: Free to $5
- Search for "moving boxes" or "shipping boxes"
- Best finds after someone moves
Buy Nothing Nashville Facebook group
- Neighbors giving away boxes for free
- Post "ISO boxes" (In Search Of) requests
- Community-driven sharing
Local businesses with free boxes
- Liquor stores (wine boxes are very sturdy)
- Grocery store produce departments
- Best time to ask: mid-week when shipments arrive
How to Choose the Right Boxes
Box Strength Guide
- 2-ply (light duty): Books, clothes, lightweight items
- 3-ply (standard): Most household items, general shipping
- 4-ply (heavy duty): Electronics, fragile items
- 5-ply (extra heavy): Very heavy items, industrial use
Size Considerations
- Small boxes (20×16×12): Heavy items like books
- Medium boxes (24×16×16): Clothes, kitchen items
- Large boxes (26×12×16): Pillows, blankets, light bulky items
- Gaylord boxes (48×40×40): Bulk shipping, warehouse use
Money-Saving Tips
Buy in bulk - Orders of 99+ boxes often get discounts
Check return policies - Many suppliers offer 30-day returns
Compare total costs - Factor in delivery fees
Ask about volume pricing - Businesses often negotiate better rates
Time your purchase - Some suppliers have seasonal sales
What to Look For When Buying
Box condition checklist:
- No tears or holes
- Corners still intact
- No water damage or stains
- Flaps close properly
- Bottom can support weight
Questions to ask suppliers:
- What condition are the boxes in?
- Are bulk discounts available?
- What's the return policy?
- Do you offer delivery?
- Are there minimum order requirements?
Environmental Impact
Using boxes saves resources in several ways:
- Reduces demand for new cardboard production
- Keeps boxes out of landfills
- Decreases manufacturing emissions
- Supports circular economy practices
Getting Started
For small needs (under 50 boxes):
- Start with Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing groups
- Visit local liquor stores and grocery stores
- Check with friends who recently moved
For larger needs (50+ boxes):
- Contact RePackify for bulk pricing
- Compare prices from multiple suppliers
- Consider delivery options for convenience
For ongoing business needs:
- Establish relationships with local suppliers
- Set up regular delivery schedules
- Negotiate volume discounts
Remember: The best deal isn't always the cheapest price per box. Factor in your time, transportation costs, and the convenience of delivery when making your decision.