If you’re moving in Montreal in 2025, you’re not alone, thousands of neighbors still switch apartments around July 1, and the scramble for sturdy moving boxes is very real. At Discount Moving, we see what works (and what doesn’t) every single week across the island, from Griffintown condos to Mile End walk-ups. This guide distills that on-the-ground experience so you can quickly figure out where to find moving boxes in Montreal, free, new, delivered today, or eco-friendly, without wasting weekends chasing flimsy cartons.
Below you’ll find a quick at-a-glance shortlist, then detailed options neighborhood by neighborhood. We’ll also help you choose the right box types and quantities, avoid bedbug or moisture issues, and recycle properly when you’re done. And if you’d rather skip the errand run, you can always ask us to help you plan supplies as part of your move. Learn more about how we work on our About Us page or browse more tips on our Blog.
Best Places To Get Boxes At A Glance
Cheapest Free Sources
- Grocery stores (IGA, Metro, Super C, Provigo): Ask for banana or produce boxes in the morning before compactors get used. Banana boxes are strong and stackable.
- SAQ (liquor stores): Great for glassware because of built-in dividers: typically clean and rigid.
- Pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix/Shoppers): Small, clean boxes, perfect for bathroom items and pantry goods.
- Bookstores and small retail: Heavier-duty book boxes that protect fragile items.
Pro tip: Always check for moisture, tears, and any signs of pests before you take anything home.
Most Reliable New Boxes
- Hardware/home improvement chains (Home Depot, RONA/Réno-Dépôt, Canadian Tire): Consistent sizing, bulk packs, and specialty boxes.
- Moving counters (U-Haul centers, Enterprise/Discount truck rental locations): Broad selection of moving-specific sizes and add-ons (tape, bubble, mattress bags).
- Office/shipping retailers (Bureau en Gros/Staples, UPS Store, Canada Post outlets): Handy for last-minute specialty mailers or wardrobe/dish kits.
Fastest Same-Day Delivery
- Retailers offering same-day or rapid pickup: Bureau en Gros/Staples, select Home Depot/RONA locations, and some U-Haul centers often support quick pickup and may partner with on-demand couriers. Check the store’s checkout for “same-day” or “2‑hour” options.
- Online marketplaces: Amazon.ca and local sellers on Facebook Marketplace/Kijiji often have same-day/next-day availability within Montreal.
Eco-Friendly Rentals
- Reusable plastic bins delivered and picked up after your move reduce waste and packing time. Several Montreal providers cover the island, the West Island, Laval, and the South Shore. Rentals are ideal when you want uniform, durable containers and minimal recycling at the end.
If you want help estimating and sourcing boxes along with your moving date, request a free quote and note your box needs, we’ll guide you on quantities and options.
Where To Buy New Moving Boxes In Montreal
Hardware And Home Improvement Chains
When you need dependable, uniform boxes, big hardware stores are your best friend. In Montreal, Home Depot, RONA/Réno‑Dépôt, and Canadian Tire usually stock small, medium, large, and extra‑large moving boxes, plus wardrobe boxes, dish barrels, bubble wrap, stretch film, and tape guns. Pricing is consistent across locations, and you can often order online for in‑store pickup to dodge weekend crowds.
What we like as movers: these chains carry specialty sizes and dish/ glass kits that actually fit the box snugly, making packing faster, and safer on bumpy elevator thresholds.
Moving Supply And Truck Rental Counters
U‑Haul centers and many truck rental counters in Montreal keep a surprisingly deep lineup: mirror/TV boxes, lamp boxes, file boxes, mattress bags, sofa covers, and box bundles sized to apartments. If you’re renting a truck anyway, it’s convenient to grab supplies at pickup. Also ask about buy‑back programs, some locations will repurchase unused boxes (still flat) after your move.
Office, Shipping, And Big-Box Retailers
Bureau en Gros/Staples, UPS Stores, and Canada Post outlets are clutch for last‑minute specialty packaging and wardrobe/dish kits. Walmart and Costco sometimes stock seasonal moving bundles: selection varies by store, so check inventory online before you go. These retailers are ideal when you’re short a few pieces, not necessarily for outfitting a whole 4½.
Online And Same-Day Delivery Options
If you’re tight on time, look for retailers that support same‑day delivery or rapid pickup around Montreal. Bureau en Gros/Staples often has fast turnaround for in‑store pickup: some home‑improvement and moving supply outlets list same‑day slots via on‑demand couriers. Amazon.ca covers standard sizes and specialty boxes (like heavy‑duty book boxes and TV kits) with next‑day or two‑day delivery to most Montreal postal codes.
Tip: Order 10–15% more boxes than your first estimate. You’ll use them for last‑minute “miscellaneous” drawers and cleaning supplies, and you’ll pack safer when you’re not overfilling.
Where To Find Free Moving Boxes In Montreal
Grocery, SAQ, And Pharmacies
- Groceries (IGA, Metro, Super C, Provigo): Morning is best. Ask a manager where the flattened boxes go and whether you can take banana/produce boxes before they’re compacted.
- SAQ: Wine/spirit boxes often include dividers, fantastic for glasses and spice jars.
- Pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix): Consistently clean and a good size for toiletries, pantry cans, and cleaning products.
Bring tape, most free finds need a quick re‑seal.
Bookstores, Electronics, And Small Retail
Indigo and independent bookstores toss sturdy book cartons, high crush strength, perfect for heavier items. Local electronics or small appliance shops sometimes have medium cartons with foam inserts (remove the foam if you don’t need it). Always check condition and volume: boutiques may only have a handful each day.
Campus And Community Groups
Student move‑out/move‑in is prime hunting season near McGill, Concordia, UQAM, and Université de Montréal. Look for campus Facebook groups and neighborhood Buy Nothing or “Free Stuff” groups where people post stacks of boxes after move day. Many buildings place flattened cartons in lobbies or near recycling, ask your concierge before taking them.
Curbside Finds And Moving Day Etiquette
On and around July 1, it’s normal to see “free” piles curbside. If you pick boxes up:
- Avoid anything damp, smelly, or dirty.
- Skip mattresses/fabric items (bedbug risk) and any box from known infested buildings.
- Keep sidewalks clear while you sort and flatten.
When in doubt, prioritize your safety and buy new for fragile or fabric items.
Reusable Plastic Bin Rentals (Eco-Friendly)
Why Rent Bins Instead Of Buying Boxes
Reusable bins save time and waste. They arrive clean, stack perfectly, don’t need tape, and close with tamper ties. They’re weather‑resistant (key in Montreal springs) and far less likely to crush when stacked in elevators or trucks. After the move, they’re picked up, no mountain of cardboard to wrangle.
How Rentals Work, Pricing, And Deposits
- You choose a package (for example, 25–40 bins for a 3½, 45–65 for a 4½/5½), add dollies and labels if needed.
- Provider delivers to your door 3–7 days before your move and picks up 7–14 days after, with options to extend.
- 2025 pricing: roughly $0.80–$1.50 per bin per week in Montreal, with package deals (e.g., 40 bins for $89–$129 for the first week). Deposits are usually modest or waived with card-on-file.
Montreal Providers And Service Areas
Several bin‑rental companies cover the Island of Montreal, the West Island, Laval, and South Shore municipalities like Longueuil and Brossard. Many movers (including Discount Moving) can help coordinate bin rentals with your booking so delivery and pickup align with your schedule. If you’re unsure which package fits your space and timeline, include a note when you request your moving quote and we’ll size it for you.
Box Types, Sizes, And How Many You’ll Need
Common Sizes And What They’re For
- Small (1.5 cu ft): Books, canned goods, tools, toiletries. Heavy items, dense packing.
- Medium (3.0 cu ft): Kitchenware, pantry, decor, small appliances. Your workhorse size.
- Large (4.5–5.0 cu ft): Linens, pillows, plastic containers, lightweight bedding.
- Extra‑large (6.0+ cu ft): Very light, bulky items only, comforters, lamp shades, stuffed toys.
- Heavy‑duty variants: Thicker walls for fragile or heavier loads.
Specialty Boxes Worth Buying
- Wardrobe boxes (short or tall): Move hanging clothes without folding. Doubles as a last‑minute “clean closet” bin.
- Dish barrel + cell/divider kit: Protects plates and glassware, faster than DIY wrapping for whole kitchens.
- TV/mirror/art boxes: Adjustable, rigid protection for flat screens and framed pieces.
- File boxes: If you keep paper records, these stack neatly and open easily at destination.
- Mattress bags/covers: Essential for hygiene and building rules.
Estimating Box Counts By Apartment Size
These are averages from our crews: adjust for your lifestyle, storage, and hobbies:
- Studio/1½: 12–18 small, 10–14 medium, 4–6 large, 1 wardrobe, 1 TV/mirror if needed.
- 2½–3½ (typical one bedroom): 18–24 small, 16–22 medium, 6–10 large, 1–2 wardrobes, specialty as needed.
- 4½ (two bedrooms): 24–30 small, 24–30 medium, 10–14 large, 2–3 wardrobes, 1 dish kit, 1 TV/mirror.
- 5½+ (three bedrooms): 30–40 small, 30–40 medium, 14–20 large, 3–4 wardrobes, 1–2 dish kits, multiple TV/mirror boxes.
Add 5–10 banker/file boxes for home offices, and 4–6 heavy‑duty smalls if you own lots of books or vinyl.
If you want a personalized count based on your inventory and building access, a quick note on your quote request will let our coordinators tailor a box list to your move.
2025 Price Benchmarks And Budget Tips
- Small boxes: $1.75–$2.50 CAD
- Medium: $2.50–$3.50 CAD
- Large: $3.50–$4.50 CAD
- Heavy‑duty small/medium: +$0.50–$1.00 per box
- Wardrobe boxes: $18–$25 CAD (includes bar)
- Dish barrel + cell kit: $5–$7 CAD
- TV/mirror kits: $25–$40 CAD
- Mattress bags: $8–$15 CAD
Budget tips:
- Mix free (small) and new (medium/large) to control costs without sacrificing structure.
- Standardize sizes: it speeds loading and reduces labor time.
- Don’t overfill: splitting heavy items into two smalls costs pennies more and prevents crushed cartons.
Neighborhood And Timing Tips
Plateau–Mile End And Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
Independent grocers and SAQs are everywhere, great for a steady trickle of free boxes if you start a week ahead. Bookstores along Saint‑Viateur/Mont‑Royal have sturdy book cartons: ask politely and offer to return later when staff have finished unpacking. For new supplies, the larger hardware stores on major arteries (Saint‑Laurent, Papineau) stock a wide range.
Downtown, Milton-Parc, And The Concordia–McGill Corridor
High student turnover means lots of free boxes in lobbies and via campus groups, especially late June and early July. If you need new, aim for office/shipping retailers (Bureau en Gros/Staples, UPS) for quick grabs during lunch hours, and check for same‑day pickup options to avoid traffic.
Verdun, Saint-Henri, And Griffintown
Boutique shops and cafes receive frequent, smaller shipments, great for clean medium boxes. New condos in Griffintown often require sealed, clean boxes and mattress covers for elevator bookings: buy new medium/large boxes and mattress bags in advance so your elevator slot isn’t delayed.
NDG, Côte-Des-Neiges, And Outremont
Near universities and hospitals, you’ll find a mix of free academic/bookstore boxes and reliable new stock at nearby hardware chains. If you’re in a walk‑up, favor small and medium sizes so carrying stairs is safer and faster for everyone.
Inspection, Hygiene, And Safety
Spotting Bedbugs, Mold, And Moisture Damage
Montreal’s older housing stock means you should always inspect free boxes:
- Bedbugs: Look for tiny black specks or rust‑colored streaks in seams and flaps: check corrugation lines with a flashlight. If in doubt, skip it.
- Mold/moisture: Musty smell, soft spots, warping, or discoloration = no go. Moisture weakens fibers and collapses stacks.
- Odors/contaminants: Avoid boxes that held chemicals, raw meat, or strong-smelling products, residue can transfer.
Sanitizing And Storing Boxes Safely
- New boxes: Store flat, off the floor, in a dry room. Assemble only what you’ll pack today to keep hallways clear.
- Free boxes: Wipe with a light disinfectant, let them dry completely, and use for non‑fabric items. Reinforce bottoms with two strips of tape.
- Keep tape, a marker, and a knife in a “packing caddy” so you’re not hunting tools all day.
What Not To Reuse And When To Buy New
- Skip reusing boxes for mattresses, bedding, baby gear, or clothes if you can’t verify their source, buy new or rent clean bins.
- Heavy books and vinyl deserve new/heavy‑duty smalls to prevent blowouts on stairs.
- Art, TVs, and heirlooms: specialty boxes or professional packing are worth every dollar.
Sustainability, Reuse, And Recycling In Montreal
Reuse And Donation Options After Your Move
Post in neighborhood Buy Nothing groups, building lobbies (with permission), or campus forums. Flatten boxes and leave a clearly labeled stack so others can grab what they need. You can also ask your movers to set aside the cleanest ones for reuse.
How To Recycle Cardboard Correctly
Flatten all boxes, remove big tape clumps, and keep them dry. Place them in or next to your blue bin as per your borough’s guidelines, tied bundles prevent wind scatter. Pizza boxes or anything greasy shouldn’t go in paper recycling: compost or trash those parts.
Écocentres, Borough Rules, And Pickup Schedules
Montreal’s boroughs have specific recycling pickup days: check your building’s posted schedule or the city website. If you’ve got a massive pile post‑move, consider an Écocentre drop‑off, just keep everything flattened and clean. Rules evolve, so verify hours and accepted materials before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving Boxes in Montreal (2025)
Where can I find free moving boxes in Montreal in 2025?
Try grocers (IGA, Metro, Super C, Provigo) for sturdy banana/produce boxes, SAQ for divider boxes, and pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix) for small, clean cartons. Bookstores and campus groups near McGill, Concordia, UQAM, and UdeM post giveaways. Go early morning and inspect for moisture, odors, or pests.
What are the best places to buy new moving boxes in Montreal?
For reliable moving boxes in Montreal, shop Home Depot, RONA/Réno-Dépôt, and Canadian Tire for uniform sizes and specialty kits. U-Haul centers carry TV, lamp, and wardrobe boxes. Staples/UPS/Canada Post are great for last‑minute needs. Order online for in‑store pickup to avoid weekend crowds.
Can I get moving boxes delivered same day in Montreal?
Yes. Staples often supports same‑day pickup; select Home Depot/RONA and some U‑Haul locations partner with on‑demand couriers. Amazon.ca frequently offers next‑day, and Facebook Marketplace/Kijiji sellers may deliver locally. Check the checkout page for “same‑day” or “2‑hour” options to secure moving boxes Montreal residents need fast.
How many moving boxes do I need for a 4½ (two‑bedroom) apartment?
Plan roughly 24–30 small, 24–30 medium, and 10–14 large boxes, plus 2–3 wardrobe boxes, one dish kit, and one TV/mirror box. Add 10–15% extra to avoid overfilling and to handle last‑minute items. Adjust up for hobbies, books, or extensive kitchenware.
Is it cheaper to buy or rent moving boxes in Montreal?
For a typical 4½, buying boxes runs about $200–$350 CAD in 2025 (mix of small/medium/large plus a few specialty kits). Renting 45–65 reusable bins costs roughly $89–$129 for the first week, then $0.80–$1.50 per bin per week. Rentals save money short‑term and reduce waste.
When should I start collecting moving boxes before a July 1 Montreal move?
Begin 2–3 weeks ahead of July 1. Demand spikes citywide, so visit grocers and SAQ in the morning and check campus or neighborhood groups daily. Flatten and store boxes in a dry room, and confirm if your building requires sealed/new cartons for elevator bookings.
