If you're planning a move in Bloomington, Indiana, you're probably wondering where to grab moving boxes. The good news: there are several options. The better news: you may not need cardboard at all.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes in Bloomington
- U-Haul (W 3rd St) — The go-to for moving supplies. Carries a full range of box sizes, tape, bubble wrap, and specialty boxes for dishes and mirrors.
- Home Depot (W 3rd St) — Good selection of standard and medium boxes, usually cheaper than U-Haul for large quantities. Available in-store and for same-day pickup.
- Walmart (College Mall) — Affordable basic boxes. Smaller selection but convenient if you're already shopping there.
- Menards (W 3rd St) — Carries moving boxes and supplies, often at lower prices than the dedicated moving stores.
- Free boxes — Check Facebook Marketplace, the IU Free & For Sale group, and local Nextdoor posts. People give away boxes after moving all the time, especially during IU move-in and move-out season.
- Liquor stores and grocery stores — Places like Kroger and local liquor stores often have free used boxes in the back. Call ahead and ask.
The Problem with Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard works — but it has real drawbacks for a typical Bloomington move:
- Cost adds up fast. Enough boxes for a 1-bedroom apartment typically runs $40–$80 just for the boxes, not counting tape, markers, and packing paper.
- They take time to assemble and break down. You tape them together before packing and break them down again after unpacking. That's two extra steps per box.
- They're single-use. After your move, the whole stack goes to the recycling bin or sits in your garage waiting for someone to haul it away.
- They collapse under weight if not assembled carefully, and don't hold up well in rain or humidity — both common in Bloomington's humid summers.
The Alternative: Rent Plastic Moving Totes
Instead of buying boxes, many Bloomington movers are switching to renting plastic moving totes. Here's how it works with Tote Smarter:
- Pick a package — Studio (20 totes), 1-BR (30), 2-BR (40), or 3-BR (50)
- We deliver clean totes and a moving dolly to your door
- Pack, move, unpack
- We come pick everything up from your new place — no recycling runs, no disposal
How Totes Compare on Cost
A 2-bedroom move with cardboard boxes: $60–$120 in boxes, $10–$15 in tape, plus 45 minutes breaking everything down after. A 2-bedroom tote rental starts at $149 for 2 weeks and includes 40 totes, a dolly, and free delivery and pickup both ways. For a 1-bedroom, packages start at $119.
When you factor in the convenience, the dolly, and not having to dispose of 30 cardboard boxes afterward, the price difference is minimal — and for many moves, totes come out cheaper once you price out boxes and tape properly.
When Cardboard Still Makes Sense
Be honest: if you need boxes in the next 2 hours, cardboard from Home Depot is the answer. Tote rentals require at least 48 hours of lead time (more during busy IU move season). Same-day needs? Go cardboard. But if you have a few days to plan — and most moves do — totes are the more convenient and waste-free option.
Book Your Totes for a Bloomington Move
Tote Smarter serves Bloomington and surrounding areas including IU campus, Ellettsville, Smithville, and Clear Creek. Check availability and book your tote package online — it takes about 2 minutes.