One of the biggest expenses during a move is moving boxes, as they can be costly. Finding free cardboard boxes for moving is one of the easiest ways to save money. Most of the smart movers out there know that finding quality moving boxes don’t have to cost a lot, all you need to do is a bit of planning and have a little bit of insider knowledge.
In this article, we are going to have a look at some of the best tips and sources on where to get moving boxes, so you’ll be able tp secure sturdy boxes for your move without spending a dime.
30 Seconds Summary
- Moving can cost a lot, just the cost of moving trucks, movers and other related supplies can add up to a fortune. Budgeting is significant here, and one of the ways to cut cost is by getting your hands on free moving boxes.
- To source free moving boxes get in touch with your friends and family, or visit your local supermarkets, warehouses, stores, restaurants and cafes, as these places get their supplies in cardboard boxes which are usually thrown away.
- Always check the condition of the cardboard boxes, choose boxes that are not damp, are not torn, and don’t have insects crawling around.
- Always use tape to reinforce your cardboard boxes.
Why Should You Get Free Moving Boxes

As you are planning your move, everything needs to be organized, and remember that moving can cost a lot. Just the cost of moving trucks, movers, and some of the related supplies may seem like a burden on your pocket. This is why you need to keep an eye out for free moving boxes. With just a little insider knowledge, you will be able to find boxes that will safely move your goods from one place to another without compromising on protection or convenience. Plus, these boxes are easy to find if you know where to look!
The Benefits of Cardboard Boxes for Moving
Let’s face it, if you have a lot of stuff, you are probably going to need a lot of boxes, which might mean a lot of expenses. But why should you use cardboard boxes for packing? Using cardboard boxes is one of the most common ways to pack, and that too for good reason. Here are a few benefits:
- Cardboard Boxes are Affordable and Accessible: You can easily find free boxes for moving or buy them at a very low cost.
- They are Lightweight Yet Durable: Did you know that cardboard boxes are really easy to carry and are strong enough to protect fragile items?
- These are Reusable and Eco-Friendly: Cardboard boxes are great for the environment, as you can reuse or recycle them.
- Available in a number of Sizes: You can easily find boxes in various sizes that will fit almost anything from books to kitchenware.
- Space-Saving: Cardboard boxes can be easi;y stacked one above the other, which saves a lot of space during your move.
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Reasons Why You Need Cardboard Boxes for Your Move

- Cardboard boxes are sturdy and strong and provide excellent protection for items, shielding them from any kind of damage and wear during your move.
- When you are using cardboard boxes you can easily group multiple smaller items together, which makes it easier for you t organize your items and keep them safe during the move.
- Moving several items within a single box is far more convenient than handling them individually.
- When packed using packaging tape, cardboard boxes become so durable that they can withstand external pressure and abrasion.
- Using these boxes is also highly practica, as you can easily dismantled, flattened, and stored them for future use.
- These boxes are reusable in nature, which makes them an affordable and sustainable option.
- Available in various shapes and sizes, cardboard boxes offer incredible versatility for different needs, and the best part is that you can often find them for free or at a minimal cost compared to other packing solutions.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes?
Wondering where to find free moving boxes? Finding moving boxes within your vicinity is very simple as long as you know where to look. Here are some of the best sources to get moving boxes for free:
- Ask Your Friends and Family
Start by asking your friends and family. It doesn’t matter if you have a small circle. Your friends and family might have a few leftover boxes lying around from their previous moves or deliveries. You will certainly get a few sturdy packing boxes, and that is completely free. Even if they don’t have any boxes, maybe they’d help you find a person or a place that offers free moving boxes.
- Search Through Social Media Groups
You can even use social media to find free boxes for packing. Log in to your social media account and search for house-moving groups or communities. Most of the groups on Facebook encourage passing on used or second-hand cardboard boxes. You can even post a request for free boxes for packing and watch the offers come in. You’ll be able to find similar groups and communities on other social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
- Use Platforms Like Freecycle
You can even use platforms like Freecycle and Freegle. These are non-profit organizations that want to keep reusable stuff away from the landfills, these are also a places where people give away things they no longer need. All you need to do is visit these platforms on your phone or a computer, make an account, and join a local online group.
Once you have done all that, you can either browse for free moving boxes, or you can post a request and wait for a response. Once you get a response you should drive to your nearest local facility to get your free cardboard boxes for moving.
- Check Local Supermarkets
One of the best places for free moving boxes are supermarkets. Supermarkets discard hundreds of boxes on a daily basis, and you can get them if you just ask nicely. Visit your nearest grocery store and ask for leftover boxes from deliveries. Hopefully you will get some cardboard boxes in good condition.
Tesco, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s are great places to start.
- Try Checking on Gumtree and Nextdoor
Gumtree is a free online marketplace that lets its users buy and sell different items locally, while Nextdoor is a private social network that lets people connect with their neighbors. Both of these platforms are excellent places to find free boxes for packing and other moving supplies. If you are lucky you might find some free supplies, including moving boxes, otherwise you can even post an ad for the need of cardboard boxes.
- Visit Nearby Restaurants and Cafés
One of the best ways of how to get free moving boxes is contacting restaurants and cafes. Restaurants and cafes usually get their supplies in cardboard boxes. And since most of the restaurants and cafes don’t need these boxes, they throw them away. Hence it is always a good idea to visit a nearby café or fast-food outlet and ask if they have spare boxes.
- Head Over to Recycling Centers

Most of the paper-based products in your city will end up at the recycling center, which includes these cardboard boxes. Hence, it is always a good idea to visit your local recycling centers and ask them for boxes. You will be able to find boxes in a number of sizes here, plus most of the boxes are in good condition, as they are prepped for processing. However, at times you might have to sort a little to make sure that the boxes are clean, have no insects, and are not damp.
- Inquire at Warehouses
When you are looking for moving boxes, it is always a good idea to check with your nearest warehouses. Warehouses often have a lot of packing supplies available, including packing boxes. Speak with the person who is incharge to see if they could spare some. Even if they can’t spare any, you might be able to buy a few for just a small amount.
At the warehouses, you would not only get a variety of boxes in different sizes, but you might also be able to get your hands on moving boxes made of sturdy material. You might just need a bit of searching and a little advice to find a box that fits your needs.
- Check Schools and Offices
Checking schools and offices for cardboard boxes is also a good idea. Schools and offices get their supplies in cardboard boxes, and these boxes are thrown away later on. Hence, check with your friends who work, and local schools. This way you might be able to get your hands on cardboard boxes for free.
- Find Someone Who Recently Moved
People move all the time, and for their moves they need plenty of boxes. Check with your friends, family and neighbours to find someone who has recently moved. They would be waiting to get rid of all the empty boxes which are taking up all teh space, and what better way to get rid of these boxes other than reusing them.
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Tips on Securing Free Boxes
With these simple tips and tricks, you can get moving boxes for free:
- Plan Ahead: Start searching for free moving boxes weeks before you move. Get ahead of your move with Fairway Movers’ pre-move planning services, and make your move as easy as a breeze.
- Always Pick Boxes that are in Good Condition: When you are looking for moving boxes you might always come across some that seem damp or damaged, have insects crawling around, or are torn. Do not pick such boxes as they might compromise your belongings.
- Use Tape: You can always use tape to strengthen the boxes and add durability.
- Clean Before Use: Always inspect and clean all boxes to make sure they are safe for packing.
- Ask Politely: Be polite when asking around for any spare moving boxes; you are more likely to get the boxes you need if you are polite.
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Over to You
Consult with your friends and family and get in touch with local supermarkets, stores, and warehouses to find free cardboard boxes for moving. Theer are countless ways of sourcing quality boxes at no cost at all.
Do you need help with packing or moving? Let Fairway Movers handle everything for you, we offer a range of services including pre-move planning, packing, and transportation, so you can enjoy a hassle free relocation.
FAQs
Q: How do I make sure that the boxes are safe for packing?
A: To make sure that the boes are safe for packing you need to inspect each box thoroughly. Check for any signs of dampness, damage, insects, and mold. Remember to use tape to reinfore the base of these boxes and to make them more sturdy.
Q: What size boxes should I look for?
A: The choice of the size of the box depends on your what you are plannin to pack. Small boxes are a good choice for books, while you can always pack lighter and bulkier items in large boxes.
Q: Are free boxes good for heavy items?
A: Yes, if these boxes are in a good condition, remember to always reinforce the boxes with tape to prevent tearing during transport.
Q: Can I reuse old boxes?
A: Yes, absolutely; all you have to do is make sure that they are clean and sturdy.