Where to find free and cheap moving boxes

On the hunt for moving boxes? Skip the guesswork. Our guide zeroes in on practical spots, including where to get boxes for movingfree from retailers or affordable options elsewhere. Expect clear, actionable tips to navigate this essential task with ease.

Moving house and need affordable storage? HOLD Self Storage offers free 24-hour access (upon request) and a local price match.

Whether you’re picking up free boxes or buying moving boxes, inspect every box. Avoid old boxes and second hand boxes that show tears, crushing, damp patches, or water damage. Smell the cardboard too. If it’s musty, mouldy, or smells of food, skip it. Check for pests as well, such as insects or droppings.

If you want to reuse boxes for storage or shipping later, remove old labels and markings so you don’t confuse what’s inside.

A simple plan helps you save effort and save money:

Create a quick list of what you’re packing by room.

Keep one essentials bag for the first night in the new house.

Use small boxes for heavier items. Save large cardboard boxes for lighter things.

If you see “supermarket supermarkets” in a search or note somewhere, treat it as a repeated phrase people type, not a special type of store.

If you want to find free moving boxes quickly, ask for specific types:

Small cardboard boxes for heavier items like books.

Medium moving boxes for most household items.

Large cardboard boxes for light bulky items like bedding.

Flat free cardboard for layering, separating, and protecting items.

You won’t always get perfect boxes, but you can usually get boxes in many shapes if you start early.

A local supermarket is one of the best places to find free cardboard boxes because they receive stock deliveries constantly. Stores like Tesco, Asda, Lidl, and Aldi receive bulk shipments, so they may have sturdy boxes available, especially if you ask at the right time.

For the best selection, it’s often worth visiting early in the morning or midweek when staff are restocking and clearing packaging. If they cannot hand boxes over immediately, ask if they can set aside spare cardboard for you to collect later.

Convenience stores can be an easy win because decisions happen quickly. Discount stores such as Home Bargains, B and M, Poundland, and IKEA also handle lots of stock, so they often have empty boxes and free cardboard going spare.

A simple approach works best:

Ask when they break down deliveries.

Offer to collect at a quiet time.

Take only boxes in good condition.

Pharmacies receive frequent deliveries in compact boxes that are useful for toiletries, small kitchen items, and breakables. Ask staff if they have any free boxes they can spare, and offer a convenient time to collect.

Libraries and independent bookstores often have sturdy cardboard boxes designed for heavy books, which makes them useful for moving boxes.

Off licences can also have reinforced boxes, sometimes with dividers, which can help protect fragile belongings.

If you’re still searching, try greengrocers, electrical stores, and department stores. These stores often have free cardboard boxes from deliveries and are happy to get rid of them if you ask politely.

Coffee shops and fast food restaurants receive regular deliveries, sometimes in large cardboard boxes. Ask outside busy times, and avoid anything with grease or strong food smells.

Facebook Marketplace can help you find free moving boxes in your local area quickly. Some people sell bundles, others give them away for free, and you can message the seller directly from your account.

Local Facebook groups also work well, particularly if you post early and keep the request specific. If you’re trying to find free cardboard boxes in useful sizes, mention what you need and when you can collect. That makes it a lot easier for people to help.

Nextdoor can help you connect with neighbours who have spare boxes after moving house. It’s useful if you want to find free moving boxes without visiting lots of stores.

Friends, family, and coworkers are often an overlooked source of free cardboard boxes. A quick message can turn up extra boxes that are already flattened and ready for packing.

Many schools have deliveries of stationery, paper, books, and sometimes food shipped in packing boxes. A local school or nearby universities may have spare cardboard boxes available, especially around term changes. Ask reception or the office team and offer to collect at a time that’s easiest for them.

Print shops are a reliable place to find free cardboard boxes because paper arrives in strong cartons that stack neatly. Call a couple of print shops, ask what day they receive stock, and offer to collect promptly.

Local warehouses and distribution centres often handle large volumes of cardboard. With permission, they can be an excellent place to pick up packing materials and boxes that would otherwise be recycled. Focus on boxes in good condition and avoid anything exposed to moisture.

A local recycling centre may have clean reusable boxes available, but rules vary. Some councils run reuse areas or shops, while others do not allow items to be taken once deposited. If you plan to try a local recycling centre, check first and ask for permission.

If you do collect from a local recycling centre, inspect carefully for tears, damp, and pests before loading boxes into the car.

After the move, anything you cannot reuse should be recycled so it can be recycled into new cardboard products.

Freecycle is a reuse network where people list bundles of free cardboard boxes after moving house, aimed at reducing waste. It can be a strong option if you want to collect a bundle in one go.

Free moving boxes are great, but buying can save money overall if it reduces breakages, avoids last minute worry, and makes stacking easier.

Self storage stores and storage companies usually stock a range of moving boxes and packing supplies such as tape, wrap, and labels. If you want a simple option, look for a best seller bundle that fits your needs, add it to your basket, and add tape and packing materials at the same time.

HOLD Self Storage sells high-quality, affordable boxes and packing materials.

Office suppliers are useful for standard sizes plus packing supplies. Packaging shops are often better for a wider range and stronger cardboard options.

Moving boxes can be purchased online for convenience and variety. Amazon offers moving boxes for purchase with delivery options, which can help during a busy moving house week.

Prices vary by size, quantity, and seller. You may see options around £12 for a small bundle, which is roughly €14, depending on the listing. Availability can also fluctuate based on demand and stock levels, so if you find a suitable set, it can be worth purchasing promptly.

Reinforce the bottom of second hand boxes with tape before you start packing.

Put heavier items in small boxes, not large ones.

Fill gaps with paper or spare cardboard so items do not shift.

Label the top and one side so you can organise each stack quickly and save space in the van.

Moving house, need business storage or a secure short term solution for your items? HOLD Self Storage provides a simple way to store packed boxes and larger items as you go. You’ll get strong security, flexible terms, with 24-hour access available on request, so you can drop off what’s done and collect it when you’re ready.

Get a guaranteed price match and 50% off for the first 8 weeks.