Where to Find Free and Cheap Packing Materials in Ottawa–Gatineau

Packing supplies add up fast. Between boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper, a typical three-bedroom home can easily require dozens of boxes and rolls of protective material. The good news: in a city the size of Ottawa–Gatineau, free and affordable packing materials are everywhere if you know where to

This guide covers the best local sources for free boxes, budget-friendly supplies, and smart alternatives that protect your belongings without draining your wallet.

Want to skip the packing hassle entirely? Get a free quote for our full-service packing and moving package.

Free Moving Boxes: Where to Get Them

Grocery and Retail Stores

Grocery stores and big-box retailers receive daily shipments in sturdy corrugated boxes. Many are happy to give them away rather than break them down for recycling.

Best places to ask in Ottawa–Gatineau:

LCBO / SAQ stores — Liquor boxes are ideal: strong, uniform size, and come with built-in dividers (perfect for glassware)
Costco (Merivale, Blair, Gatineau) — Produce and paper-goods boxes are large and durable
Grocery stores (Loblaws, Metro, Farm Boy, IGA in Gatineau) — Ask the produce or stock department; best time to visit is early morning when shelves are being restocked
Canadian Tire — Seasonal stock turnover means plenty of boxes, especially spring and fall
Pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu in Gatineau) — Smaller boxes, great for books and heavy items

Pro Tip: Call ahead and ask when deliveries arrive. Most stores will set aside boxes for you if you give them a day's notice. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to be restock days at many Ottawa-area grocery chains.

Online Marketplaces — Free Section

Facebook Marketplace — Search "free moving boxes Ottawa" or "boîtes déménagement gratuites Gatineau"
Kijiji Ottawa — Free section regularly has boxes from people who just moved
Buy Nothing groups — Ottawa and Gatineau both have active Buy Nothing communities on Facebook, organized by neighbourhood

People who recently moved often have stacks of perfectly good boxes they want gone. Act fast — these listings get claimed quickly.

Workplaces and Offices

If you work in an office — especially in the government buildings common in Ottawa and Gatineau — check with your mailroom or facilities team. Office paper boxes (printer paper, copier paper) are incredibly sturdy and a perfect uniform size for packing books, files, and kitchen items.

Friends, Family, and Neighbours

This sounds obvious, but it's often the easiest source. Post on your social media that you're moving — someone in your network likely has boxes from a recent move or Amazon delivery habit.

Budget-Friendly Packing Supplies: Where to Buy Locally

When free isn't an option (or you need specialty items), here's where to shop smart in Ottawa–Gatineau. For more strategies on keeping your total moving budget in check, see our How to Reduce Moving Costs Legally and Safely guide.

Discount and Dollar Stores

Store TypeWhat to GetWatch Out ForDollaramaTape, markers, small boxes, zip-lock bagsBox quality varies — test before loading heavy itemsDollar TreePacking paper, labels, garbage bagsLimited stock; go earlyBulk Barn—Great source for tissue paper and wrapping material

Hardware and Home Stores

Home Depot / Rona — Sell moving box kits, wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and bubble wrap by the roll
U-Haul locations — Multiple locations in Ottawa and Gatineau sell boxes, tape, and specialty items like mattress bags and dish-packing kits
Home Hardware — Often has competitive pricing on packing tape and paper

Specialty Moving Supply Stores

Some Ottawa businesses specialize in packing and shipping supplies. These tend to carry heavier-duty materials — wardrobe boxes with hanging bars, custom-sized TV boxes, and picture-frame cartons — that you won't find at a dollar store.

Smart Alternatives to Traditional Packing Materials

You don't need to buy everything brand-new. Here are practical substitutions that work just as well:

Instead of Bubble Wrap

Towels, blankets, and linens — You're moving these anyway; use them to wrap plates, glasses, and small electronics
Winter jackets and sweaters — Excellent padding for fragile items
Socks — Perfect for wrapping individual glasses or small vases

Instead of Packing Paper

Newspaper — Free from recycling bins, though ink can transfer to light-coloured items
Brown paper grocery bags — Cut them open for flat wrapping sheets
Clean newsprint (ink-free) — Available in rolls from moving supply stores if you want the paper without the ink

Instead of New Boxes

Suitcases and duffel bags — Fill them with clothes, shoes, or linens
Laundry baskets and storage bins — You already own these; pack them full
Dresser drawers — Leave clothes in drawers and wrap the dresser in moving blankets instead of emptying it

For a full guide on professional packing techniques, see our How to Pack Your Home Like a Professional article.

Rather have professionals pack for you? Our team brings all the supplies and handles every room. Get a free full-service packing quote.

What You Shouldn't Skimp On

Not everything should be free or DIY. Some supplies are worth buying new:

Must-Buy Items

Packing tape — Get quality tape with a built-in dispenser. Cheap tape fails under weight and humidity. Budget for at least 3–4 rolls for a one-bedroom, 6–8 for a three-bedroom.
Mattress bags — Protect your mattress from dirt, moisture, and tearing during transport. Especially critical for winter moves in Ottawa when road salt and slush get everywhere.
Stretch wrap — Keeps drawers shut, bundles items together, and protects furniture from scratches. A single roll goes a long way.
Wardrobe boxes — If you have suits, dresses, or coats you care about, these are worth the investment.
Marker and labels — Label every box with contents and destination room. Your future self (and your movers) will thank you.

For a detailed supplies list, check our Essential Packing Supplies for Stress-Free Moving guide.

How Many Boxes Do You Actually Need?

This varies widely, but here's a rough guide based on what Ottawa moving crews typically see:

Home SizeEstimated BoxesNotesStudio / Bachelor15–25Fewer if you use suitcases and bins1 Bedroom25–40Add 5–10 if you have a full kitchen2 Bedroom40–60Families with kids: add 10–153 Bedroom60–80+Basements and garages add volume4+ Bedroom80–120+Consider professional packing

Pro Tip: It's always better to have too many boxes than too few. Overpacked boxes are heavy and dangerous. Underpacked boxes crush in the truck. Each box should be full but not straining at the seams.

Eco-Friendly Packing: Reduce Waste

If sustainability matters to you (and it should), here's how to minimize your packing footprint:

Reuse boxes — After your move, offer them on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group
Skip the styrofoam peanuts — Use crumpled paper, towels, or shredded cardboard instead
Rent reusable moving bins — Some Ottawa-area companies rent stackable plastic bins that replace cardboard entirely
Recycle responsibly — Ottawa's blue bin program accepts clean cardboard and paper; Gatineau has its own recycling schedule

For a deeper dive into sustainable moving practices, see our Eco-Friendly Moving Guide.

Where NOT to Get Boxes

A few sources to avoid:

Dumpsters — Boxes from dumpsters may be wet, contaminated, or structurally compromised
Boxes that held food or liquids — They attract pests and may not hold weight
Boxes that are already crushed or torn — A collapsed box in the truck can damage everything around it
Very old boxes — Cardboard loses strength over time, especially if it's been stored in a humid garage or basement

Packing doesn't have to cost a fortune. With a little planning and these Ottawa–Gatineau local sources, you can protect your belongings and keep your budget intact.

👉 Get your free moving quote today — and ask about our packing supply delivery options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get free moving boxes in Ottawa?

The best sources are LCBO/SAQ stores, grocery stores (ask the stock department), Facebook Marketplace free sections, Kijiji, and Buy Nothing groups. Call ahead to have boxes set aside for you.

How far in advance should I start collecting boxes?

Start at least 2–3 weeks before your move. This gives you time to accumulate boxes gradually rather than scrambling at the last minute.

Are liquor store boxes good for moving?

Yes — they're among the best free boxes available. They're built to hold heavy bottles, have consistent sizes, and often include dividers perfect for glassware.

Is bubble wrap necessary for moving?

Not always. Towels, blankets, sweaters, and socks work well as padding for most items. Save bubble wrap for genuinely fragile or valuable pieces.

Can I reuse Amazon boxes for moving?

Yes, as long as they're in good condition — no tears, no moisture damage, and they still hold their shape when loaded. Reinforce the bottom seam with packing tape.

How do I get rid of boxes after my move?

Offer them on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or your local Buy Nothing group. Many people post "free moving boxes" and have them claimed within hours. Remaining boxes go in Ottawa's blue bin or Gatineau's recycling.

Should I buy a moving box kit?

Box kits from stores like Home Depot or U-Haul can be convenient — they include a variety of sizes and sometimes tape and paper. But they're usually more expensive per box than sourcing individually. They make sense if you're short on time.

Do movers provide packing materials?

Many Ottawa–Gatineau moving companies offer packing supply packages or full-service packing. Ask when requesting your quote — bundling can sometimes save money compared to buying supplies separately.