Beware of Big-Box Store Pricing Tricks When Buying Moving Supplies
Compare moving supply prices wisely
Moving is often one of life’s most stressful and expensive events. While many people head to big-box retailers believing they’re getting the best deal on moving supplies, the reality is that the lowest-priced item isn’t always the cheapest overall option.
Retailers frequently use what is known as a loss leader—a product priced very aggressively to attract customers into the store. Once you’re there, you’re more likely to purchase additional items with higher profit margins.
A classic example is Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken. It’s intentionally located at the back of the store, encouraging shoppers to pass through multiple departments before reaching it. Home improvement stores often use moving boxes in a similar way. A small moving box may be priced significantly lower than competitors, but customers also need bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and other supplies—items that often carry much higher markups.
As a result, shoppers focus on saving a few cents per box while overlooking the total cost of their moving supplies.
Price Comparison by Box Size
Standard moving boxes are typically categorized by volume in cubic feet. Based on market pricing from major retailers and independent moving supply stores, the following comparison illustrates how costs vary by box size.
Small Box (1.5 cu. ft.)
Best for heavy items such as books, tools, and small household goods.
- U-Haul: approximately $2.16 per box
- Home Depot: approximately $1.75 per box
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $2.05 per box
Medium Box (3.0 cu. ft.)
A versatile size commonly used for kitchenware, toys, and household items.
- U-Haul: approximately $3.16 per box
- Home Depot: approximately $2.65 per box
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $3.55 per box
Large Box (4.5 cu. ft.)
Ideal for lightweight, bulky items such as linens and clothing.
- U-Haul: approximately $4.36 per box
- Home Depot: approximately $3.55 per box
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $3.85 per box
Extra-Large Box (6.0 cu. ft.)
Best suited for very lightweight items such as pillows, comforters, and bedding.
- U-Haul: approximately $5.36 per box
- Home Depot: approximately $5.25 per box
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $5.90 per box
At first glance, Home Depot appears to offer the lowest box prices across most categories. However, boxes are only one part of a complete moving supply purchase.
The Hidden Cost: Packing Materials
Most moves require additional supplies such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. These products can significantly impact your final bill.
Bubble Wrap (3/16″ x 12″ x 100′)
- U-Haul: approximately $29.95
- Home Depot: approximately $29.97
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $20.95
Newsprint Packing Paper (10 lb)
- U-Haul: approximately $29.95
- Home Depot: approximately $31.87
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $19.95
Clear Packaging Tape (48 mm x 100 m)
- Home Depot: approximately $18.87 per 6-pack
- Independent Moving Supply Store: approximately $19.90 per 6-pack
While the differences on individual items may seem small, they become much more significant when purchasing supplies for an entire household move.
Real-World Example: Moving a Three-Bedroom Home
The table below compares the estimated cost of moving supplies for a typical three-bedroom home.
| Product | Home Depot | U-Haul Canada | Independent Moving Supply Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Boxes (10) | $17.50 | $21.60 | $20.50 |
| Medium Boxes (25) | $66.25 | $79.00 | $88.75 |
| Large Boxes (15) | $53.25 | $65.40 | $57.75 |
| Extra-Large Boxes (5) | $26.25 | $26.80 | $29.50 |
| Wardrobe Boxes (5) | $149.85 | $114.75 | $119.95 |
| Newsprint | $95.61 | $45.95 | $32.95 |
| Bubble Wrap | $140.91 | $95.85 | $69.95 |
| Tape (6-Pack) | $18.87 | $23.90 | $19.60 |
| Total Cost | $568.49 | $473.25 | $438.50 |
The Bottom Line
Focusing solely on box prices can be misleading. While big-box retailers often advertise very competitive pricing on moving boxes, the total cost of a move is driven by all the supplies required to pack and protect your belongings.
Before making a purchase, compare the complete shopping list—not just the box prices. In this example, the independent moving supply store had the highest prices on some individual box sizes, yet still delivered the lowest overall cost for a typical three-bedroom move.
The lesson is simple: when shopping for moving supplies, evaluate the total package rather than a single item. The cheapest box doesn’t always lead to the cheapest move.