From hiring a removal van to buying packing supplies, moving can generate many additional costs. It’s not a surprise then that many people are interested in solutions that offer savings. One of the easiest ways to cut expenses is to use second-hand boxes for packing instead of buying new ones. In the article below, we’d like to share a few helpful tips on how to get free cardboard moving boxes and use them to pack your belongings safely.
How Many Packing Boxes Do You Need to Move House?
This is a very difficult question to answer because many factors have to be taken into account. These include the size of your home, the number of rooms and whether you’re a minimalist or more of a collector. The more things you own, the more moving boxes will be needed to pack them all. It’s generally safe to assume that you’ll need at least around 20 different-sized boxes per room.
Is It a Good Idea to Reuse Cardboard Boxes for Moving?
Moving boxes are definitely a great option for packing before a house move. They are typically made of sturdy cardboard and come in various sizes to fit different items around the house. But while cardboard boxes are not really all that expensive, their cost can quickly add up when you buy a lot of them.
Luckily, it’s possible to reuse any spare boxes you already have, as well as find free moving boxes. As long as you make sure that none of them is damaged or dirty, they can be a great alternative to store-bought packing boxes. In addition to being cheaper, reusing packing supplies whenever possible can help you reduce waste, so it’s a very environmentally-friendly choice.
7 Places Where You Can Find Free Moving Boxes
Your Own House
This may seem like the most obvious place to start looking for free cardboard boxes, but it’s often easy to overlook. Many people store boxes their appliances came in just in case they are ever needed, and there’s no better moment to actually use them than a house move! Online shops usually pack orders in good quality cardboard boxes, so if you often buy things online, it’s another easy way to gather many free boxes. Especially if you start putting them aside ahead of time.
Family and Friends
If you need cardboard boxes for moving but don’t have enough at home, there’s a chance someone in your family or friend group may be able to help you. Ask people around you whether they have any you can take or borrow. Even getting just a few from each person can be a great start.
It’s also possible to acquire more boxes this way if you know someone who has recently moved house or owns a business and has spare boxes they want to get rid of.
Social Media
Social media platforms have both advantages and disadvantages, but there’s no denying that they make it much easier to access information and connect with people in your area. There are two ways to use social media to find free boxes:
- You can post a question on your profile to reach all your friends and acquaintances at once. The more people read and share your message, the more likely you are to find someone who is able and willing to help you.
- Another option is to look for local community groups on Facebook. You can look for posts added by people who have free packing boxes to give away or create your own post asking for them.
Classifieds Websites
Many people tend to see websites such as Gumtree as a platform to buy things they need at a much better price or sell some of their belongings that they no longer want to get extra money. However, in reality, many ads offer free items, e.g., free moving boxes.
Then there are also websites created specifically to allow users to give away things they no longer need for free. One such website is Freecycle, where you can find everything from furniture and toys to free cardboard boxes. By looking for ads posted by people in your area, you can find many useful items without spending money.
Local Supermarkets and Discount Stores
Stores, especially the bigger ones like supermarkets, receive regular deliveries of products in large quantities, often even several times a week. Most of these deliveries come in both smaller or large cardboard boxes that are discarded once the items are unpacked and shelved. Although not every store may be willing to give them away, you have nothing to lose by asking.
The best time to visit your local supermarket or discount store is in the early morning or in the evening, as these are the usual hours for delivery and restocking. You can simply approach a staff member and ask whether there are any empty boxes available.
Local Businesses and Restaurants
Supermarkets and discount stores are not the only businesses that receive frequent deliveries. The same can be said about, e.g., restaurants, fast food chains, coffee shops, bookshops and DIY stores in your area. Even though smaller retailers most likely don’t order as many items, they are still a great place to look for free cardboard moving boxes.
Smaller and private businesses are also less likely to have company policies that make it difficult for them to give cardboard boxes away, which may sometimes be an issue with larger chains. It may also be a good idea to inquire about free boxes in advance. This way, even if they have smaller deliveries, you’ll be able to get as many boxes as you need over time.
Recycling Centres
Most people and businesses dispose of their cardboard boxes right away, so there’s a chance they won’t have any at hand when you ask. Luckily, there’s one place where all those boxes end up, and that’s your local recycling centre. So if you want to find as many free moving boxes as you need in one place, this is your best option.
To avoid unnecessary complications, call ahead of time to ask about available boxes and the best time to pick them up. Remember that most cardboard boxes come to the recycling centre flattened. And there’s no guarantee that each of them is in good condition. Be prepared that finding the right ones for your needs can be a bit of a challenge, so don’t go when you’re in a hurry.
Tips for Reusing Cardboard Boxes During a House Move
- Start gathering packing supplies early. Now you know that there are many places where you can find cardboard boxes for free, but you should also keep in mind that they are not available at all times. Not to mention that you’re most likely not the only person looking for free moving boxes. That’s why to make sure you get as many as you need, it’s best to start looking for them early. Flattened boxes don’t take up too much space, so storing them for a few weeks won’t be a problem.
- Remember that free cardboard boxes are not always in the best condition. You cannot expect that every free cardboard box you get will be in perfect condition. It’s essential to check each one carefully for any signs of damage and stains (chemical or food leftovers can damage your belongings). If you want high-quality boxes ready to be used without any effort on your part, store-bought options will be a much better solution for you.
- Look for sturdy boxes that will keep your belongings safe. Using second-hand moving boxes is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution, but it’s important to realise that even sturdy cardboard is not the most durable material. That’s why a cardboard box cannot be used over and over again without losing its quality, especially if it’s made of thin cardboard. To keep your belongings from getting damaged, always look for high-quality boxes for moving.
- Always secure the bottom of your boxes. Sometimes when packing individual items that are relatively light, it’s easy to forget that a full box will be significantly heavier. It’s especially problematic with large boxes, which tend to be more difficult to lift and carry due to their weight. To prevent the bottom of the box from opening, always secure it with packing tape for extra security.
- Get cardboard boxes in different sizes. While it may be tempting to get large cardboard boxes and fill them with as many items as possible to speed up the packing process, it’s not the best idea. Small and medium boxes are easier to fill, store and carry, so they are a much better option.
What Can You Do With Your Moving Boxes After Moving?
Now that you know how to get free cardboard boxes for moving, we have one final piece of advice: don’t throw your boxes away after your move! There are plenty of people who may still find them useful for their moving process. You can use the same groups and websites you used to search for boxes to let people know you have some to give away. And if you really have no one to give them to, make sure to recycle them properly.
You can get free cardboard boxes if you want to save money on packing supplies. But if you don’t have time to look for them and organise your move on your own, you can choose our professional moving services in London instead. We can take care of every step of the moving process for you, from packing and securing your belongings to transporting them to your new address. Contact us and let us know what we can do for you!
