First, where to find large cardboard boxes-Offline acquisition : the preferred channel for zero-cost cartons
1. Supermarkets: a treasure trove of fast-moving consumer goods cartons
Large supermarkets receive a large amount of goods every day, which are usually transported in standardized large cartons, especially in areas such as beverages, daily necessities, and cleaning products. You can ask the staff if you can take away the empty cartons during the replenishment period (such as in the morning or afternoon). Some supermarkets will stack the cartons at the delivery port or receiving area for customers to pick up for free.
2. Bookstores: strong and neat high-quality cartons
Books are usually transported in high-quality and hard corrugated cartons, which are suitable for storage or carrying heavy objects. You can go to a local large bookstore or chain stationery store and politely ask the clerk if there are cartons available. Some bookstores will also clean the warehouse regularly and dispose of these cartons.
3. Furniture stores: an excellent source of oversized cartons
People who have purchased furniture may know that large furniture such as bookshelves, wardrobes, and dining tables are often transported in cartons that are strong and large. If there is an IKEA, MUJI or local furniture store nearby, you may want to ask the store staff if there are any discarded packaging cartons that can be collected for free.
4. Express companies: places with frequent turnover of cartons
Express companies accumulate a large number of cartons of different sizes in daily transportation, some of which are empty cartons discarded by customers and not damaged. You can go to nearby express delivery outlets (such as SF Express, YTO Express, Sagawa Express, etc.) to actively inquire, and some express delivery stations will be happy to dispose of the cartons that take up space.
5. Office buildings or company interiors: potential treasures of printing equipment packaging
Office buildings or companies often purchase a large number of office equipment, such as printers, scanners, water dispensers, etc. The outer packaging cartons of such equipment are usually large and sturdy. If you communicate properly with corporate managers or administrative colleagues, you can often get free carton resources.
6. Recycling stations: hidden carton distribution centers in cities
Many communities and cities have designated recycling stations that specialize in collecting waste cartons. Although most cartons may be worn, you can still pick out large, intact, reusable cartons. If you need a large number of cartons, you may want to negotiate with the recycling station manager, who can sometimes even provide them for a nominal fee.
Second,where to find large cardboard boxes-Online channels: convenient and diverse choices
7. E-commerce platforms: quick ordering and free choice of specifications
On Taobao, JD.com, Amazon and other platforms, there are a large number of merchants selling cartons, which are clearly classified by size, thickness, load-bearing capacity, etc., suitable for users with specific needs. You can buy single or bulk purchases, suitable for moving, logistics and other scenarios. Some merchants also support customized printing to meet personalized packaging needs.
8. Second-hand trading platform: cheap or even free
On second-hand trading platforms such as Xianyu, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari (Japan), people often transfer idle cartons and even give them away for free
Third, where to find large cardboard boxes-Social and community resources: a new perspective on obtaining cartons
9. Friends and neighbors: resources from people around you cannot be ignored
After moving, there are often a lot of cartons that are temporarily useless. If you plan to move or need cartons for handmade crafts, you might as well send a message in the circle of friends or neighborhood groups. Many people will be willing to share or re-donate. It can not only establish neighborhood relationships, but also solve practical needs.
10. Markets or traditional markets: a concentration of carton merchants
Some wholesale markets and farmers’ markets have stalls dedicated to selling cartons and packaging materials. There are various types of cartons here, and the prices are affordable. You can choose the size and thickness on the spot, which is suitable for users who need to buy in large quantities or special sizes
Fourth, where to find large cardboard boxes-Enterprise channels: hidden ways to obtain high-quality cartons
11. Factories or warehouses: centralized processing places for large numbers of cartons
Manufacturing or e-commerce warehouses usually use or process a large number of cartons every day, especially after the delivery process is completed. Such companies often process cartons in a centralized manner, and some even clean them up regularly every week. You can try to contact some small factories or logistics warehouses to see if you can recycle a batch of large cartons that they no longer use.
Post time: Jul-15-2025
