Renting vs Buying Moving Boxes in Montreal

Buying Cardboard Boxes: Pros and Cons

Cardboard boxes are the traditional choice and they're easy to source in Montreal. You can buy new boxes at Home Depot, Canadian Tire, or RONA for $2–$5 each, or find them free from SAQ stores, grocery stores, and Facebook Marketplace's "free stuff" section.

The advantages: cardboard is cheap (or free), widely available, and recyclable. You can write directly on them, they come in every size, and you can break them down flat when you're done. The disadvantages: they're not waterproof, they weaken when stacked, and they create waste even when recycled.

For a typical Montreal 4½ move, expect to need 30–50 boxes of various sizes. If you buy new at an average of $3 each, that's $90–$150. Not a huge expense, but it adds up, especially when you add packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

Renting Reusable Plastic Bins: Pros and Cons

Reusable plastic bin rental services have grown popular in Montreal. Companies like Frogbox and Gorilla Bins deliver sturdy plastic bins to your door, let you use them for your move (usually 1–2 weeks), then pick them up at your new place.

The advantages: bins are stronger, stackable, waterproof, and zero-waste. They don't require tape, they have built-in handles, and they nest together when empty. They're especially great for Montreal moves during rainy or snowy weather when cardboard would get soggy.

The cost: rental packages typically run $100–$200 for 20–30 bins for a one-week rental. That's comparable to buying new cardboard, but you don't have to deal with breakdown and recycling afterwards. Some services offer extended rental periods for an extra fee.

Where to Find Free Moving Boxes in Montreal

If budget is your top priority, Montreal has plenty of free box sources:

• SAQ stores: Wine and liquor boxes are sturdy and have built-in dividers perfect for glasses and bottles.
• Grocery stores: Ask the manager at your local IGA, Metro, or Provigo. They often have banana boxes (very strong) and produce boxes available early morning.
• Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji: Search "free moving boxes" — people who just moved are eager to get rid of theirs.
• Buy Nothing groups: Montreal neighbourhood groups on Facebook regularly list free boxes.
• LCBO/beer stores: If you're near the Ontario border, LCBO boxes are also excellent.

Pro tip: collect free boxes 2–3 weeks before your move. Don't wait until the last minute — the good ones go fast, especially around July 1st.

Our Recommendation

For most Montreal moves, we recommend a hybrid approach. Use free cardboard for non-fragile, light items (clothing, linens, books). Rent plastic bins for the kitchen, bathroom, and anything fragile or heavy — their strength and water resistance make a real difference.

If you're moving with Up & Out, ask us about our packing supply options. We can provide boxes, tape, and packing materials as part of your move package, saving you the hassle of sourcing everything yourself. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is having enough boxes to pack properly — nothing is worse than running out of boxes halfway through packing your kitchen.