Best places to find packing supplies in FL

Planning a move in Florida? From downtown Miami to quiet Gulf Coast towns, finding packing supplies is easier than you’d think. Stores, local businesses, and even your neighborhood recycling center can offer everything from boxes to tape without much hassle—or cost. In this Pro Movers Miami guide, we’ll cover affordable and free sources, national chain stores, and local businesses where you can find packing supplies in FL and choose based on your budget and location.

National chain stores for packing supplies in Florida

Florida is home to many national retail chains that carry moving and packing supplies. These stores are convenient and often budget-friendly, with locations across the state (and numerous in Miami). Here are some top chain retailers to check out.

Home Depot

This home improvement giant offers a wide selection of moving boxes (small, medium, large, wardrobe boxes, etc.), packing tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies. There are over 160 Home Depot stores in Florida, including around 10 in the Miami area, so it’s easy to find one nearby. Basic cardboard boxes here typically cost just $1–$3 each, making Home Depot a popular stop for inexpensive moving materials.

Lowe’s

Another big-box home improvement store, Lowe’s carries many of the same packing essentials as its competitor. You’ll find quality cardboard moving boxes, packing paper, foam peanuts—perfect for packing glassware and fine china for storage, and heavy-duty packing tape on the shelves. Lowe’s stores are located throughout Florida and provide a reliable source for sturdy boxes and specialty items like bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and moving blankets.

Walmart

The retail superstore is known for low prices, and moving supplies are no exception. Walmart stocks moving boxes in various sizes (often in the home/office aisle) and even sells bundled moving kits.

As a company famous for budget-friendly products, Walmart offers a wide range of boxes at very low prices, making it a great choice for thrifty movers. With many 24-hour locations, Walmart can be a convenient last-minute option to grab extra boxes or packing tape in Florida.

Office Depot/OfficeMax

Headquartered in Florida, Office Depot (and its sister brand OfficeMax) not only sells office supplies but also durable moving boxes and mailing materials. They carry heavy-duty file boxes, standard moving boxes, bubble cushioning, and shipping tape.

Office Depot’s boxes are known for thick cardboard and sturdiness – ideal if you need to protect important documents or heavier items. Many locations in Miami and statewide make it an accessible option.

Staples

This office supply chain offers a more limited selection of moving supplies, but you can still pick up essentials like various box sizes, packing peanuts, and tape. Staples stores in Florida stock basic moving kits and even extras like furniture pads and straps. It’s a convenient choice if you have a Staples nearby or if you’re already shopping for office items and want to add some moving boxes to your cart.

U-Haul centers

U-Haul isn’t just for truck rentals; their stores across Florida carry a full line of packing supplies. You can buy small, medium, large, and specialty boxes, along with mattress covers, wrapping paper, and more. You can return any unused boxes to any U-Haul store for a full refund with your receipt.

Prices are reasonable (around $1.37 for a small box, $2–3 for larger boxes), and U-Haul offers a unique box buy-back guarantee. Many U-Haul locations also have a “take a box, leave a box” bin where customers leave gently used boxes for others to take for free.

The UPS Store & FedEx Office

These shipping service chains sell packing materials like cardboard boxes (including specialty boxes for TVs or dishes), packing peanuts, and tape. They are virtually everywhere (with dozens of locations in South Florida alone) and are convenient if you need professional-grade packaging or last-minute supplies.

Do note that prices at UPS or FedEx stores tend to be higher – you pay for convenience. For example, a basic large moving box at a UPS Store can cost a bit more than at a hardware store, but if you’re in a pinch in Miami or beyond, they’re a reliable source.

The Container Store

A specialty retailer focusing on storage and organization, The Container Store is where you can find packing supplies in FL. They sell an assortment of high-quality boxes (including modular plastic crates, file boxes, and moving boxes), as well as unique packing solutions.

While not the cheapest option, it’s great for finding specialty moving boxes or packing accessories all in one place. Miami residents now have two stores (Kendall and Downtown) to visit for premium packing gear.

Dollar stores

Don’t overlook dollar store chains like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, or Dollar General for inexpensive packing supplies. These stores often carry basics such as packing tape, markers, labels, and sometimes small mailing boxes or bubble mailers for around $1-3.

While you might not find large moving cartons here, dollar stores are perfect for cheap filler materials (think tissue paper, foam sheets, or even pool noodles to cushion items) and other small packing needs on a tight budget.

Local Florida businesses for packing supplies

Beyond the big chains, Florida has plenty of local businesses that can help you with packing supplies, and the Miami area in particular has some great options. These include self-storage facilities, moving companies, and independent packaging retailers. Here are a few local sources to consider.

Local moving and storage companies

Some moving companies offer high-quality packing materials for sale, even if you’re not hiring them for a full move. For instance, companies providing comprehensive moving services also sell essential packing supplies and moving boxes in Miami, and can advise you on what you’ll need.

If you prefer the toughest, purpose-made moving boxes, checking with a reputable local mover in your city (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, etc.) can be a smart choice. They often have specialty items like mirror boxes or custom-crating materials not found in retail stores.

Packaging supply stores

You can find packing supplies in FL major cities that feature independent stores dedicated to packing and shipping supplies.

In Miami, for example, G‐Pack Supplies (Doral area) is a warehouse-style shop where you can find every kind of box, tape, mailer, bag, and bubble wrap at wholesale prices. Their motto “Pack More, Pay Less” reflects that you can save by buying direct from a local supplier.

In Tampa, a long-running local shop is Associated Paper & Supply, which has provided packing materials to the Tampa Bay area since 1979. They carry corrugated boxes of all sizes, packing peanuts, poly bags, and more for both personal and business needs.

These types of stores often offer a larger variety of box dimensions (including hard-to-find sizes or double-wall boxes) and personalized service. Check your area for packaging wholesalers or moving supply stores – in addition to Miami and Tampa, cities like Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale have similar local suppliers.

Local shipping and mail centers

Aside from UPS and FedEx chains, there are independent pack-and-ship centers (like Pak Mail, Postal Annex, or local mom-and-pop postal stores) that sell moving supplies. For example, Pak-n-Ship of SW Florida in Naples and Qwik Pack & Ship in Navarre are small businesses that stock boxes, tape, and cushioning materials for the community.

If you live in a smaller Florida city or town, your local mailbox store or shipping center may be one of the easiest places to grab packing supplies without driving to a big-box retailer. Just keep in mind that prices might be a bit higher in these small shops, but you’re paying for convenience and supporting local businesses.

Free and budget-friendly packing supply sources

Packing up a home doesn’t always mean you have to pay for boxes and bubble wrap. There are many ways to find free or very cheap packing supplies in Florida if you know where to look. Below are some ideas that can significantly cut costs – great for those on a tight budget (or anyone who likes to recycle and save money).

Friends, family, and neighbors

Start by asking around. Someone you know probably has leftover boxes they’d gladly give you. Post a quick ask on your social media or community board – you might be surprised at how many free packing supplies you need you can round up just by asking.

Your workplace

Check at work if there are boxes from recent shipments that you can have. Offices or businesses often receive supplies in good, sturdy boxes that get discarded. Ask your office manager or the folks in the mailroom – they might set aside paper ream boxes or equipment boxes for you. Always get permission first.

Florida businesses and public facilities

Across Florida, many local stores and public spots regularly receive shipments and discard sturdy cardboard boxes. Whether you’re in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or a smaller city, these places are easy to access and usually free. With a quick visit or phone call, you might find packing supplies in FL without spending a dime:

• Grocery and liquor stores – Supermarkets like Publix or Winn-Dixie typically have many cardboard boxes from stocking shelves. Visit or call your local store and ask if they have any boxes you can take. It’s best to go during a slow time and speak with a manager.
• Pet supply stores – Pet shops like PetSmart or local pet stores get frequent deliveries of pet food and supplies. This means they often have medium to large boxes that they throw out. Drop by and ask if they have any to give away.
• Other local retailers – Think about coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, pharmacies, or auto parts stores. Many of them have boxes from shipments they don’t need. If you’re a regular, they may be happy to save some boxes for you.
• Take a box, leave a box at U-Haul – Every U-Haul store in Florida has a free box exchange bin. Customers drop off used moving boxes, and anyone can take what they need. Check your local U-Haul for availability.
• Recycling centers – Visit your local recycling center to see if they allow box pickup. Some centers set aside clean, dry boxes that people can take. Always check the rules before taking anything.

These Florida-based options can quickly help you gather packing materials while keeping costs low. Most are open year-round and are especially useful if you’re planning a last-minute move.

Online sources for packing supplies

If you prefer online shopping or need packing supplies delivered to your door, there are several reliable options. These websites often offer bundle discounts and fast delivery:

• Amazon – Offers a wide selection of box bundles, packing kits, and fast delivery options.
• U-Haul online store – Allows you to buy moving boxes, kits, and supplies with optional store pickup.
• UsedCardboardBoxes.com – Sells gently used moving boxes at discounted rates and ships them to your door.
• Uline – Provides high-quality packing supplies in bulk, ideal for larger moves or businesses.
• UBoxes.com – Specializes in moving kits and discounted box bundles with frequent free shipping deals.
• Craigslist, OfferUp, and classifieds – Check the Craigslist Free section or search OfferUp for moving boxes. Many people give away boxes after moving. Be quick – the best boxes go fast.
• Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor – Use your social networks. Look for posts about free moving boxes or post a request. Nextdoor is great for local giveaways and often leads to boxes in your neighborhood.
• Freecycle – This platform helps people give and receive items for free. Join your city’s Freecycle group and search for moving boxes or posts that you’re looking for. It’s all about reuse.
• Walmart.com, HomeDepot.com, and other major retailer websites – Let you shop online for in-store pickup or home delivery of packing supplies.

Ordering online is a good option if you want to compare prices or need specialty items. Just allow time for delivery before your move.

Smart ways to wrap up your Florida move

No matter where you’re moving in Florida—whether it’s Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or a quiet coastal town—you have plenty of ways to find packing supplies. Using these local and online resources to find packing supplies in FL not only saves money but also cuts down on waste. Florida’s year-round moving activity means there’s almost always a supply of used boxes and materials nearby. With a little planning, you can gather everything you need to pack smart and start your move smart.