You don't need to spend £100+ on new moving boxes. Here are the best free and cheap sources of sturdy boxes — and what to avoid when sourcing them.
Ask at the customer service desk or go to the back of the store in the evening when stock is being replenished. Banana boxes from the fruit section are especially good — sturdy, with handles. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Aldi are all good bets.
Cost: Free
Wine and spirit boxes are exceptionally strong due to the weight of their contents. They're typically uniform in size and often come with internal cardboard dividers — perfect for glasses and mugs. Ask any off-licence; they receive new stock daily.
Cost: Free
Post a "wanted" request on your local Freecycle group or Nextdoor — people who've recently moved often have a large stack of boxes they're desperate to get rid of. You'll often find entire move-worth sets available.
Cost: Free (collect only)
Search "moving boxes" in your local Facebook Marketplace or post in local community groups. Many are free; some are listed at £5-£20 for a bundle of 20-30 boxes. The quality can be hit or miss — inspect before loading.
Cost: Free-£20 for a bundle
Bookshops (especially Waterstones or The Works) receive heavy stock in sturdy boxes — ideal for heavy items. WHSmith and office supply stores also have reliable boxes. Ask at the back of the store or when deliveries arrive.
Cost: Free
Simply asking neighbours or friends if anyone has moved recently is one of the quickest routes to a free set of boxes. Post on your street's WhatsApp group — someone will likely have a loft full of flattened boxes they want gone.
Cost: Free
| Source | Cost Per Box | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Removal company (buy direct) | £1.50-£3.00 | Move-grade quality; consistent sizes; includes specialist boxes |
| Amazon / online packaging | £1.00-£2.50 | Good value bundles; various sizes; delivered to door |
| Ryman / Staples | £2.00-£4.00 | Available same-day if you need urgent boxes |
| Safestore / Big Yellow | £2.00-£5.00 | Wide range including wardrobe boxes and TV boxes |
| IKEA flat-pack bags | £0.50-£1.00 | Clothing, bedding, and soft items — not structural |
Tall box with a hanging rail inside — clothes stay on hangers. Saves folding, ironing, and time. Cost: £8-£15 each. Worth buying for a full wardrobe.
Telescopic flat box for framed artwork and mirrors. Cost: £6-£12. Essential for large mirrors or valuable artwork — prevents the damage that bubble-wrap-only packing can cause.
Custom-sized or adjustable boxes for flat-screen TVs. Cost: £10-£20. If you no longer have the original box, this is the safest way to move a large TV.
Extra-strong small boxes specifically for books and heavy items. Cost: £1.50-£3.00. Worth buying for books — standard boxes collapse under the weight.