Where to get free boxes for moving
September 14, 2018
Be it that your first move was as a child, a student or a full-grown adult, the stress of moving home is something that leaves a lasting impact. Planning your relocation, packing up your belongings, rearranging your utilities and trying to get settled into a completely new place. It’s no surprise that you’re left feeling drained and out of pocket.
But if you plan well, learn from previous mistakes and listen to experts, your move can be a much calmer process.
Firstly, let’s look at one of our favourite ways that you can save money when moving house. Because you’re stressed enough, there’s no need for financial difficulties to add to what should be an exciting experience. Whilst you can book a removal company early, or sell your bulky furniture to cover the costs, there’s nothing better than getting something for free.
And what better thing to pick up for free than moving boxes. We all need them, and there’s no getting around that, but with a sturdy set of heavy duty boxes for one person costing around £25 brand new, we need new options. Thankfully, several places within walking distance of your current home will have plenty to spare. Most businesses are big supporters of recycling these days, and most are happy to get rid of boxes that are doing nothing other than taking up space.
Finding moving boxes in good condition is important. No matter their size, look for boxes that haven’t been flattened, or had their tape or clips removed. That said, strong packing tape is relatively cheap, especially when you consider how much money you will be saving.
And no matter how perfect the box may appear, if you inspect it and think you see something crawling, throw it away. Insects are not something you want hitchhiking to your new home. And all of that money saved on boxes won’t make forking out for a pest controller in your new home any less of a financial strain.
Where do I get free boxes for moving house?
Friends who have just moved
You will soon come to learn that as useful as cardboard boxes can be, once you have moved in and unpacked they can quickly turn into unwanted clutter.
If you have a friend or family member who has moved recently, ask them if they have any boxes left over which they might be willing to give away.
Post about your search on social media too. Hopefully your friends and followers on Facebook or Twitter will be able to help. Commenters may even be willing to share some helpful moving and packing tips!
Facebook also has some brilliantly helpful local area pages or groups, post in these also and ask your local community for free boxes.
Free boxes on Gumtree, Freegle and Freecycle
Many online are now choosing to gift instead of sell, with sites such as Freecycle quickly becoming a hit with those moving house. With people finding a new home for their unwanted belongings by giving them away for free, and helping others in the process.
You should have no trouble finding some free cardboard boxes on sites such as Gumtree and Freecycle. And this search may even help you in your search for new furniture for the space you’re moving into.
Don’t forget to filter your search results to your local area. As the money you save on cardboard moving boxes could quickly be racked up again with postage or transport fees to get your hands on the cheaper ones.
Keep in mind that not everything that comes free of charge will be of a decent quality. Because of this, it will be a good idea to check what people have to say about the users who get in contact with you. If they have poor reviews or comments, it could be a good idea to look elsewhere.
Boxes from local shops
Most high street shops and supermarkets see a great deal of stock being sold and replaced. This means that new stock is constantly coming in, usually in boxes designed to hold heavy loads.
Because of this it is worth asking any local supermarkets, bookstores or off-licences if they have any leftover boxes.
Just be prepared to come back the day before the bins go out or at a later date, following a restock delivery.
Boxes from recycling centres and tips
These days, businesses have a legal responsibility to reduce waste by recycling as much as possible, meaning that millions of tonnes of recyclable goods, including cardboard boxes, are recycled in the UK every year.
If you have a tip or recycling centre in your local area, you should have no trouble finding plenty of cardboard waiting to be processed. Unfortunately, these boxes will usually be flattened, and tend not to be particularly clean. With such large amounts available, be sure to check every one, as there will be some that will make the hunt worthwhile.
Check for damp patches on the cardboard also, as this will weaken the boxes. We don’t want your prized possessions falling out when you’re relocating.
Fast food restaurants boxes
As the name implies, popular fast food restaurants have a rather quick turnaround of stock. Which typically comes hand in hand with a fairly streamlined process for getting rid of boxes. But with prior warning, many are willing to save a few boxes for you. Just pop in, say hello.
The boxes may well smell of french fries, so avoid using these to transport clothing and fabric, unless you want to feel hungry 24/7.
They may also be greasy if they have been carrying food, so it' best to inspect them before you put any of your belongings inside.
Removal company
When hiring a removal company, the cost of boxes will usually be included in the overall quote. While this is not exactly free, there are still several advantages to consider.
For one, the boxes used will usually be strong and well put together with high-quality packing materials. This can offer you peace of mind if you are moving a great distance, or even to a new country in Europe.
Secondly, a professional removal company will know how to pack quickly and efficiently while still keeping your most valuable belongings safe. Any reputable removal company should also be able to offer adequate insurance to cover your belongings against damage during transport, though this may only apply if they pack the goods themselves.
It’s always worth telling your removal company in advance if you have any particularly heavy or awkward belongings to take with you.
Whilst this may invite additional fees, such fees will often be worse if you leave telling your removal company until the last minute, as particularly high-duty packing materials or even a larger vehicle may be required to transport such belongings.