Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and mattress bags add up fast, and where you buy them affects both the price and how much you overbuy. Some stores let you return unused boxes for a refund, some sell in bulk at a discount, and some are just the most convenient stop on the way home. We compared the major places movers actually shop, weighing price, selection of specialty boxes like dish packs and wardrobe boxes, and whether you can return what you do not use.
For most moves, U-Haul is the smart default because you can return unused boxes and often grab free ones from the exchange. Home Depot and Lowe's win on convenience, Uline wins on bulk price for big moves, and Amazon wins when you just want supplies at the door. Whatever you buy, do not overbuy. MovePlan free supplies estimator and packing checklist help you figure out roughly how many boxes you actually need before you fill a cart.