Cheap Moving Boxes: Where to Buy Moving Boxes in the UK
Looking for cheap moving boxes without ending up with flimsy cardboard that gives way halfway through your move? There are plenty of places to buy boxes in the UK, as well as ways to find them for free.
This guide explains where to buy moving boxes, which types are worth paying for, where you may be able to find free boxes and how many boxes you are likely to need. We’ll also cover the packing supplies that can make moving day much easier.
Quick answer: where can you buy moving boxes?
You can buy moving boxes from online retailers, stationery suppliers, storage companies, DIY stores and specialist packaging companies. Buying online is often the easiest option if you need boxes delivered directly to your home.
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Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes
The cheapest place to buy moving boxes will depend on how many you need, the sizes you want and whether delivery is included. Rather than looking only at the price of an individual box, compare the overall cost of a moving-box bundle and the strength and size of the cardboard boxes you’re getting.
Amazon
Useful if you want a wide choice of box sizes, moving packs and specialist boxes. Check dimensions and quantities carefully before ordering rather than comparing packs by price alone.
See the moving boxes we found →Ryman
A familiar UK stationery retailer that stocks cardboard boxes and packing products. It’s worth checking if you want boxes alongside tape, labels and other moving supplies.
Browse boxes at Ryman →Storage Companies
Self-storage companies frequently sell packing supplies because their customers are often moving or storing household belongings. They can be useful if you need specialist boxes or supplies at short notice.
DIY & Packaging Stores
DIY stores and specialist packaging suppliers are worth comparing, particularly if you need larger quantities or heavy-duty double-wall boxes.
What Are the Best Moving Boxes?
The best moving boxes aren’t necessarily the biggest or the cheapest. A mixture of sizes is normally more useful because different belongings need different types of box.
| Box type | Best for | Our tip |
|---|---|---|
| Small boxes | Books, tins, tools and other heavy items | Keep heavy items in smaller boxes so they’re easier to lift. |
| Medium boxes | Kitchenware, toys, ornaments and general household items | These are often the most versatile boxes to have. |
| Large boxes | Bedding, cushions, towels and lighter bulky items | Don’t fill large boxes with heavy books or crockery. |
| Wardrobe boxes | Coats, dresses, suits and hanging clothes | Useful for clothes you’d rather not fold and repack. |
| Double-wall boxes | Heavier or more valuable belongings | Worth considering where extra strength matters. |
Single-Wall vs Double-Wall Moving Boxes
Single-wall cardboard boxes have one layer of corrugated cardboard. They’re generally suitable for lighter household belongings and can be cheaper.
Double-wall boxes use an additional layer of corrugated cardboard and are usually stronger. They’re particularly useful for heavier belongings, stacking or situations where boxes may spend time in storage.
Don’t automatically buy the largest boxes you can find. Large boxes packed with books or crockery quickly become extremely heavy. Use smaller boxes for heavy belongings and save the biggest boxes for lightweight items such as bedding.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
There isn’t one exact number because households vary enormously. Someone who has recently decluttered may need far fewer boxes than a family that has lived in the same property for many years.
Rather than ordering dozens of identical boxes, start with a mixture of small, medium and large sizes. Pack the rooms you use least first and you’ll quickly get a better idea of how many additional boxes you need.
Our moving house packing checklist takes you through the house room by room so you can organise the job without trying to pack everything at once.
Can You Get Moving Boxes for Free?
Yes. If you’re trying to keep moving costs down, it’s often possible to find usable cardboard boxes without buying every box new.
- Ask friends, relatives or neighbours who have recently moved.
- Ask local shops whether they have clean boxes they’re happy to give away.
- Check local community and reuse groups.
- Keep strong delivery boxes you receive before your move.
- Ask your workplace whether suitable packaging is regularly discarded.
Inspect used boxes carefully. Avoid cardboard that is damp, torn, badly crushed or contaminated. For fragile, valuable or particularly heavy belongings, buying strong new boxes can be worth the extra cost.
Is It Worth Buying Moving Boxes?
You don’t necessarily need to choose between buying every box and finding every box for free. A combination can work well.
Use good-quality free boxes where they’re suitable, then buy stronger or specialist boxes for heavier, fragile or awkward belongings. This keeps costs under control without relying on weak cardboard for everything you own.
Looking for Moving Boxes Online?
Compare the size, quantity and strength of each pack before buying. A cheap bundle isn’t good value if the boxes are too small or unsuitable for what you’re packing.
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Moving House Packing Essentials
Boxes are only part of your packing kit. Having the main supplies ready before you start can save a lot of frustration once you’re halfway through packing a room.
You don’t need to buy every packing gadget available. For most moves, strong boxes, proper packing tape and protective wrapping will cover the essentials.
Moving Boxes
Start with a mixture of box sizes rather than buying dozens of identical boxes. Smaller boxes work well for heavy items while larger boxes are better for lighter, bulky belongings.
View Moving BoxesPacking Tape & Dispenser
Proper packing tape is much better suited to sealing moving boxes than ordinary household tape. A handheld dispenser can also make sealing a large number of boxes considerably quicker.
View Tape & DispenserBubble Wrap
Protective wrapping is useful for glassware, ornaments and other breakable belongings. Use enough cushioning to stop fragile items moving around inside the box.
View Bubble WrapKeep marker pens, labels, scissors and a tape measure with your packing supplies. Colour-coding boxes by room can also make unloading at the new house much easier.
Affiliate disclosure: The Amazon links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Move Without Mayhem earns from qualifying purchases.
How to Label Moving Boxes Properly
At minimum, write the destination room on the top and side of every box. Adding a short description such as “Kitchen – pans” or “Bedroom – bedding” makes finding things much easier after you arrive.
Clearly mark fragile boxes and identify anything you will need immediately. Keep important documents, medication, chargers, keys and valuables with you rather than burying them in the removal van.
Don’t Pack Everything
Moving is an excellent opportunity to reduce what you’re taking with you. Before buying huge quantities of boxes, go through cupboards, wardrobes, lofts and garages and decide what you genuinely want in the new home.
Selling, donating or recycling unwanted belongings means fewer boxes to buy, fewer things to pack and potentially a smaller removal load. For more ways to make the process easier, see our moving house tips.
Pack a First-Night Box Separately
One box shouldn’t disappear into the pile: your first-night box. Keep it somewhere accessible or transport it with you.
- Kettle, mugs and basic drinks or snacks
- Toilet roll and toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Medication
- Nightwear and a change of clothes
- Children’s bedtime essentials
- Pet food and bowls where applicable
Moving Box Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading large boxes with heavy books or crockery.
- Leaving empty space around fragile items so they can move in transit.
- Using damaged boxes simply because they were free.
- Forgetting to reinforce the base of boxes carrying heavier items.
- Only labelling the top, which becomes impossible to read once boxes are stacked.
- Buying one box size instead of using a useful mixture.
- Packing essential items too early and having to open boxes again.
Make Packing Your House Easier
Buying the right boxes is just one part of organising a move. These guides can help you plan the rest:
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View the Complete Moving House ToolkitCheap Moving Boxes: FAQs
Where is the cheapest place to buy moving boxes?
There isn’t one retailer that will always be cheapest. Compare the number of boxes, dimensions, cardboard strength and delivery cost rather than looking only at the headline price.
Where can I get moving boxes for free?
Friends, workplaces, local shops and community reuse groups can all be potential sources of free cardboard boxes. Only use boxes that are clean, dry and structurally sound.
Are supermarket boxes good for moving?
Some can be useful for lighter belongings, but check their condition and strength carefully. Avoid damp, dirty or weakened boxes and use stronger moving boxes for heavy, fragile or valuable items.
Are double-wall boxes better for moving house?
Double-wall cardboard generally provides greater strength than single-wall cardboard. It can be particularly useful for heavier belongings, stacking and storage, although you may not need double-wall boxes for every item.
Should I buy a moving-box kit?
A moving kit can be convenient if it contains a useful mixture of box sizes and packing supplies. Check exactly what’s included before buying because the number of boxes alone doesn’t tell you whether the kit is suitable for your home.
What packing supplies do I need when moving house?
The basics normally include strong cardboard boxes, packing tape, marker pens or labels and suitable protective wrapping for fragile belongings. Specialist boxes can also be useful for clothes, TVs and other awkward items.