If you have found this page using a Google search for “where to find moving boxes”, we hope that you’ve found the answer. In an effort to help our London removal customers ease into their home move, we’ve collated our best knowledge on where to find moving boxes.
But it’s not just boxes: Embarking on a move necessitates the right selection of packing materials. Let’s explore the essentials that will safeguard your valuables and streamline your moving process.
Let’s begin.
Essential Moving Materials
The Importance of Quality Cardboard Boxes
For home or office moves of any scale, we advocate for sturdy, double-walled cardboard boxes, particularly if your focus is on safeguarding delicate items. Typically, standard boxes are sufficient for most items of low to medium weight which won’t transport anything fragile.
Safeguarding with Bubble Wrap
Certain items demand extra care during moves, and bubble wrap is indispensable in these scenarios. Stock up on bubble wrap in advance to ensure your fragile items are well-protected throughout their journey. As with most things in modern life, there are different types an qualities of bubblewrap available. We would recommend being cautious of the cheapest on the market and if buying online, check the reviews! Personally, we would always recommend a bubble wrap with fewer, larger bubbles – while this can be slightly less flexible – it will offer superior protection.
Packing Paper: Your Underrated Ally
Affordable and easily accessible, packing paper is a key player in protecting a variety of items. Wrapping delicate items in bubble wrap followed by an outer layer of packing paper is a proven strategy for ensuring their safety.
Invest in Strong Packing Tape
Investing in robust packing tape to reinforce cardboard boxes and secure your belongings is a choice you will not regret! Getting stronger tape is essential for adding strength to your packing efforts and ensuring items remain intact during transport. Cheaper brands and lower quality tape will be less adhesive and easier to break under the weight of your boxes.
Moving Crates Provide Enhanced Protection
Crates can be much more expensive than boxes, but can gain a second life in your new home after your move – or even stored in the attic for your next home move – a third option is to rent crates for your removal. When choosing crates for your move, consider the dimensions of larger items. High-quality crates, whether purchased or rented, provide enhanced protection for your belongings.
Where to Find Moving Boxes
Here’s the news you came here for! Where exactly do you find moving boxes or crates for your house move? While it might seem challenging to find enough boxes come moving day, there are several avenues to explore. From social media groups to local recycling centres, we provide tips on where to find boxes and crates, including free options.
1. Social Media Communities: Such as Facebook
Leveraging platforms like Facebook groups can be an effective way to connect with locals who may have spare boxes suitable for moving. People are moving all the time, and remember that once someone has moved, they are probably very keen to get rid of their boxes – so ensure you collect them quickly – before they are done!
2. Your Network of Friends and Family
Often overlooked, friends and family can be a valuable source of cardboard boxes and packing materials. Ask around to see if anyone you know has recently moved, or even if one of their neighbours has just moved in and might have boxes going spare.
3. The Eco-Friendly Option: Hiring Crates
Consider hiring crates for an environmentally friendly moving solution. The more durable, weatherproof crates offer the best protection, but come with a higher price tag ensure the safe transport of your belongings. Check for a local crate rental company in your area, who will deliver and collect.
4. Contact your Local Recycling Centre
Your local council recycling centre will get thousands of cardboard boxes every year. Some of them will be torn to pieces before recycling, but some will be perfectly intact and ready for your removal. Be sure to contact your local recycling centre before you head down, as they might not allow you on site to collect.
5. Markets and Car Boot Sales.
Your local market or car boot sale will be packed with sellers with cardboard boxes looking for someone to take them of their hands. Remember that marketplace sellers will leave early for the day if they’re not making many sales, so get there well before the end of the say for best success.
6. Sourcing from Fast Food Outlets
Fast food and takeaway establishments often have an abundance of large cardboard boxes from regular deliveries. Inquire at local chains like McDonald’s or KFC for spare boxes. Likewise, high street restaurants and pubs will get large deliveries in cardboard boxes, so pop in to check with these places as well.
7. Utilising Online Platforms like Gumtree or NextDoor.
Check Gumtree for free cardboard boxes and crates. People who have recently moved often use this platform to pass on their packing materials. A newcomer to the local networking world is NextDoor, this website allows you to connect exclusively with your neighbours.
8. Freecycle for Box Hunting
Freecycle is another excellent website for finding people giving away cardboard boxes for free, especially useful if they’ve been lightly used.
9. Ask your Local Supermarkets
Supermarkets are a reliable source of cardboard boxes due to their daily large deliveries. Visit during restocking hours, typically early mornings or late evenings, to request spare boxes from staff.
10. Discount Stores for Packing Supplies
Stores like B&M, Poundland, and Home Bargains receive goods in large cardboard boxes and are usually willing to give them away, reducing their disposal needs.
11. Off-Licences Use Durable Boxes
Beer, wine and vodka are heavy items that come in fragile glass containers, that’s why off-licenses receive alcohol deliveries in strong cardboard boxes, making them an excellent source for your moving boxes.
12. Behind Local Shops in Town Centres
Investigate behind town centre shops for discarded boxes. These might need some reassembling and inspection for damage but can be a valuable source.
13. Warehouses and Distribution Centres
Contact local warehouses and distribution centres, as they often have an excess of large, strong packing boxes that they’re willing to give away.
Hire A Premium Moving Company
Moving home can be a stressful time, and packing boxes before you move can can more time than our busy lives allow us to give. If the thought of sourcing boxes and other packing materials for your house move is a bit much, then the answer is simple: Hire a premier removal company such as Cavendish & Country of London and enjoy all the perks that come with using experts for your move.
Our Signature House Removals Service includes a comprehensive pack and unpack service, with all moving boxes and packing materials included.
