Moving house can be an expensive endeavour, with costs for removals, deposits, and new furnishings quickly adding up. One area where you can make significant savings is on packing materials. Instead of spending a small fortune on brand-new cardboard boxes, a little planning and local knowledge can help you source all the boxes you need for absolutely nothing. This guide directly answers the critical question, "where can i get cardboard boxes for free?", by providing a detailed list of the best online communities, local spots, and savvy tactics to secure sturdy, reliable boxes without spending a penny.

We'll explore the pros and cons of each source, offering practical advice on when and how to ask, and what to look for in terms of quality and size. While our focus is on free options, it's also wise to explore resources for general moving boxes to ensure you have all the specialised sizes and types needed for a secure move. This comprehensive resource is organised to help you find the best sources for your specific needs, whether you're a student moving for term-time, a family relocating, or a business needing storage. Let's get you packed and ready to move, the budget-friendly way.

1. Supermarkets and Large Retailers

This is perhaps the most classic and reliable method to get cardboard boxes for free. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda, along with other large retailers, receive vast quantities of stock daily. This stock arrives in sturdy cardboard boxes which are often immediately flattened for recycling. By approaching them, you can intercept high-quality boxes before they are destroyed.

How to Succeed

The key is timing and politeness. Avoid peak times like evenings or weekends. Instead, try visiting on a weekday morning when staff are restocking shelves. Find a stockroom assistant or the store manager and politely explain you're moving house and ask if they have any spare boxes. They are often happy to help, as it saves them the labour of breaking down the boxes themselves. Fruit and vegetable boxes are particularly sought after; their double-walled construction makes them perfect for heavier items like books and kitchenware.

Pro Tip: Aim for the boxes used for sturdier produce like apples or bananas. They are generally cleaner and stronger than those used for softer items.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: High availability, strong boxes suitable for heavy items, and numerous locations.
• Cons: Success isn't guaranteed and depends on store policy. Boxes may need cleaning, and multiple trips might be needed to gather enough.

2. Freegle (I Love Freegle)

Freegle is a fantastic UK-based online community dedicated to reuse, operating as a network of local, volunteer-run groups. It’s essentially a modern-day classifieds site where everything is offered for free. People frequently list bundles of moving boxes after they’ve unpacked, making it an excellent resource for anyone wondering where to get cardboard boxes for free. The platform is built on the principle of keeping usable items out of landfills by connecting people who have things they don't need with those who do.

How to Succeed

Success on Freegle comes from being proactive and responsive. Start by joining your local group and posting a "WANTED" request clearly stating you need moving boxes. Check new listings regularly, as good-quality boxes are claimed quickly. When you find an offer, reply promptly and politely, suggesting a few flexible collection times. Since it’s a community-run platform, being a reliable and courteous user helps build a good reputation, making people more willing to help you out in the future.

Pro Tip: Set up email alerts for keywords like "boxes" or "cardboard" in your local group. This ensures you’re one of the first to know when a new set becomes available.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Entirely free, strong community focus, and you can specifically request the items you need. Actively helps reduce waste.
• Cons: Availability is highly dependent on your local area and timing. You must arrange collection yourself, and the condition of boxes can vary.

3. Trash Nothing

For those who want to centralise their search, Trash Nothing is an invaluable tool. It acts as an aggregator, pulling together listings from various local reuse and recycling communities like Freecycle and Freegle into a single, easy-to-search feed. This saves you from having to join and monitor multiple different groups, streamlining the process of finding people in your area who are giving away moving boxes.

How to Succeed

The power of Trash Nothing lies in its alert system. After signing up, create a saved search for "cardboard boxes" or "moving boxes" within your desired postcode radius. You can then enable email or push notifications, which will ping you the moment a new listing matching your criteria goes live. As these items are highly sought after, responding to a new post within minutes is often crucial to securing them. Be polite, state when you can collect, and stick to the arrangement.

Pro Tip: Use the map view feature before replying to a post. It allows you to quickly see how far away the pickup location is, helping you decide if the journey is worthwhile before you commit.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Highly efficient, consolidating many sources into one place. Customisable alerts give you a competitive edge. Often find large quantities of boxes from a single person.
• Cons: Requires you to register. You still need to be extremely quick to reply to new listings, as competition is fierce. Collection is entirely dependent on the giver's schedule.

4. Gumtree Freebies (UK)

One of the most direct and effective digital methods for sourcing free cardboard boxes is through Gumtree's dedicated Freebies section. This popular UK classifieds website allows people to post items they are giving away for free, and moving boxes are a frequent listing. People who have just completed a move are often keen to get rid of a large stack of boxes quickly, making it a perfect opportunity for those about to start their own packing process.

How to Succeed

Success on Gumtree relies on speed and local awareness. Use the website's search and filter functions to narrow listings to your local area. Set up alerts for keywords like "moving boxes" or "cardboard boxes" to be notified as soon as new listings appear. When you find a suitable offer, use the built-in messaging system to send a polite and concise message expressing your interest and proposing a quick collection time. Being flexible with collection can often make your offer more appealing to the person giving them away.

Pro Tip: Look for listings that offer "moving bundles". These often include not just boxes but also leftover bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape, saving you even more money.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: High volume of daily UK listings, ability to find large quantities in one go, and it's easy to see the condition and sizes in photos.
• Cons: High demand means you must act fast. Box quality can vary, and you need to arrange collection yourself, which requires transport.

5. Facebook Marketplace – Free Stuff

The digital equivalent of a community noticeboard, Facebook Marketplace has become a hotspot for finding free items locally, including moving boxes. People who have just finished moving are often eager to get rid of their box mountain quickly and will list them for free to anyone willing to collect. This creates a fast-moving, hyperlocal source for anyone wondering where to get cardboard boxes for free.

How to Succeed

The key to success is speed and communication. Navigate to the Marketplace section and use the filters to show only ‘Free’ listings in your local area. Listings for good quality boxes often disappear within hours, so it pays to check regularly or set up a search alert. When you find a suitable listing, use Facebook Messenger to send a polite, clear message stating when you can collect. Being flexible and reliable will make you a preferred choice for the person giving them away.

Pro Tip: Also search within local "Freecycle" or community groups on Facebook. People often post box giveaways here first before creating a public Marketplace listing.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: High volume of local listings, often available immediately, and easy to coordinate collection via Messenger.
• Cons: Requires a Facebook account, you must act fast to secure good listings, and you need to be cautious and apply common sense safety when arranging collections.

6. Nextdoor – Free Finds

This neighbourhood-focused social platform connects you directly with people in your immediate vicinity who are giving items away. The ‘Free Finds’ section is a goldmine for anyone looking to get cardboard boxes for free, as residents often post them right after they've finished unpacking from their own move. Because the platform is built around verified local communities, you can trust that the listings are genuinely close by, making collection simple and quick.

How to Succeed

Success on Nextdoor comes from being proactive. After creating an account tied to your postcode, regularly check the ‘Free Finds’ section or use the search function for "boxes" or "moving boxes". You can also create a post asking if anyone has spares; many neighbours are happy to help out if they have boxes cluttering up their home. Act quickly when you see a listing, as free boxes are usually claimed within hours.

Pro Tip: Set up alerts for keywords like "boxes" so you get a notification on your phone the moment someone in your neighbourhood posts them.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Hyper-local pickups mean minimal travel. Excellent for urgent, last-minute needs. The community-based platform adds a layer of trust to exchanges.
• Cons: You must create an account and verify your address. Availability is unpredictable and relies entirely on your neighbours' moving schedules.

7. OLIO (Non‑food Free Section)

Originally an app to combat food waste, OLIO has a thriving "non-food" section where users give away household items for free. This is a fantastic modern resource to find cardboard boxes, especially if you're looking for smaller quantities. People who have just moved house often list their entire collection of boxes and packing materials, keen to see them reused rather than sent for recycling.

How to Succeed

Success on OLIO is all about speed and locality. As the platform is app-based, it’s wise to turn on notifications for keywords like "boxes" or "moving" in your local area. Listings are first-come, first-served, and you will need to arrange a collection in person, as OLIO's policy for free items prohibits postage. Be prepared for potentially short collection windows, as givers are often eager to clear the clutter quickly.

Pro Tip: Check the app frequently, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. Many people move over the weekend and will be looking to get rid of their used boxes at the start of the week.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Highly localised, supports the reuse economy, and you can sometimes find packing materials like bubble wrap included.
• Cons: Availability is inconsistent and depends on your area. It's primarily a mobile app, and you may need to act fast to secure a listing.

8. iammoving.com (Free box promotion)

This is a clever, modern route to acquiring brand-new moving boxes for free. iammoving.com is a UK-based change-of-address service that helps you update your details with councils, utility companies, and other organisations in one go. Periodically, they run a promotion offering a pack of 10 free, brand-new moving boxes to users who register for their service, combining a useful admin tool with a practical moving freebie.

How to Succeed

Success with this method depends on timing, as the free box offer is subject to availability and runs as a limited-stock promotion. You need to sign up for the change-of-address service when the offer is active. Keep an eye on their website or sign up to be notified. Once you've registered, you may need to wait for an email with details on how to claim your boxes. While the service itself streamlines many complex tasks associated with moving, as outlined in this guide on how to move house, the free boxes are a fantastic bonus.

Pro Tip: Register for the service well in advance of your move date. This gives you the best chance of catching the promotion while it's live and ensures the boxes arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Provides brand-new, clean moving boxes. The accompanying change-of-address service is genuinely useful and saves time. No need to physically collect from a store.
• Cons: The offer is periodic and stock-limited, so it isn't always available. You are typically limited to a set number of boxes (e.g., 10), which may not be enough for a full house move.

9. Reuseabox

While the focus of this guide is on where you can get cardboard boxes for free, sometimes you need a guaranteed supply of strong, uniform boxes without the hassle. Reuseabox is an excellent UK-based company that bridges the gap between free and brand new. They specialise in selling used, second-hand cardboard boxes that have only been used once, offering a sustainable and incredibly low-cost alternative to buying new.

How to Succeed

This platform is perfect when you've exhausted free options or need a large quantity of reliable boxes quickly. Simply visit their website and browse their selection of used moving boxes, often available in convenient packs. Their model is built on diverting high-quality boxes from the waste stream, so you get sturdy, often double-walled boxes suitable for a house move at a fraction of the price of new ones. They offer fast nationwide delivery, typically within 1-3 business days.

Pro Tip: Check their ‘Moving Kits’ which bundle various box sizes with packing tape and bubble wrap. This often works out cheaper and more convenient than buying items separately.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Very low cost compared to new boxes, guaranteed quality and supply, and a great sustainable choice. Quick nationwide delivery is ideal for last-minute needs.
• Cons: Not free. The best value is found in larger bundles, and smaller orders may have delivery charges. Available stock sizes can vary.

10. Argos – StorePAK moving boxes and kits

While this listicle focuses on where to get cardboard boxes for free, sometimes convenience and reliability are worth paying for. If your free sources have run dry or you need specific sizes urgently, Argos offers a dependable paid alternative. As a national retailer, they stock a wide range of StorePAK moving kits and individual supplies, making it a quick and easy solution when time is short.

How to Succeed

The main advantage of Argos is its same-day click-and-collect service, available at thousands of locations across the UK. You can browse their pre-made bundles online, tailored for everything from a student move to a 1-2 bedroom house, and pick them up within hours. This makes Argos an excellent backup plan to top up your supply if you find yourself a few boxes short on moving day. For effective packing strategies, check out these tips on moving house packing.

Pro Tip: Check the product details and customer reviews carefully. Some of the more affordable "eco" kits use single-wall board, which is fine for lighter items but not ideal for books or kitchenware. Opt for double-wall boxes for your heavier possessions.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Convenient nationwide pickup and reliable stock. Competitive kit pricing is great for topping up your free box collection.
• Cons: It's not free, and costs can add up for a large move. Popular kits can sell out during peak moving season (summer and university term times).

11. B&Q – Moving box kits

Although this listicle focuses on where to get cardboard boxes for free, sometimes convenience or a last-minute shortage means you need a paid option. For this, major DIY chains like B&Q are an excellent and reliable fallback. They offer dedicated moving kits, often from brands like StorePAK, that bundle together various box sizes, tape, and bubble wrap, making them a one-stop shop for moving supplies.

How to Succeed

The main advantage here is reliability and convenience. You can use their click-and-collect service to reserve a moving pack online and pick it up alongside other DIY essentials for your new home. Kits are often organised by home size, such as a "15-box moving pack," which simplifies the process for time-pressed movers. Keep an eye out for online-only offers which can provide better value than buying individual items in-store.

Pro Tip: While you're there, grab a marker pen and a good quality tape gun. Using a dispenser makes sealing dozens of boxes significantly faster and less frustrating than fumbling with a roll of tape.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Consistent availability across a national chain of stores, all-in-one kits are convenient, and easy to pick up during a store visit.
• Cons: This is a paid option, not free. The quality can vary between different kits, and heavier-duty boxes will cost more.

12. Packing Solution

While the focus of this guide is on finding free boxes, sometimes you just need a specific size or a guaranteed-quality box that your scavenging hasn't produced. This is where a dedicated online retailer like Packing Solution becomes an invaluable backup. It’s a UK-based, family-run business that offers a straightforward way to buy the exact new, double-walled boxes you need to complete your packing kit, with next-day delivery available.

How to Succeed

This isn't about finding freebies; it's about strategic purchasing. Use Packing Solution to fill gaps. For instance, if you've gathered plenty of medium-sized boxes but are missing large ones for duvets or small, sturdy ones for books, you can buy just what you need. Their clear per-box pricing and quantity discounts mean you can order a small bundle of five or ten boxes without committing to a huge expense. Their double-walled options are perfect for protecting fragile items or supporting heavy loads. For those who value convenience and guaranteed quality alongside their free finds, a well-placed order can save a lot of last-minute stress. If you're looking for an on-site box shop, check out the selection available at MG Self Storage.

Pro Tip: Before finalising your move, do a quick inventory. Identify which specific box sizes you're short on and place a single, targeted order to minimise delivery costs.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Guaranteed quality and cleanliness, specific sizes available on demand, and next-day delivery for urgent needs. Ideal for topping up your free collection.
• Cons: It's not free; the cost can add up, especially for small orders. The selection is focused on common moving sizes rather than specialist shapes.

Comparison of 12 Free Cardboard Box Sources

Source	Core features	Availability & convenience	Condition & quality	Best for / Target audience	Cost & value
Freecycle	Nonprofit local offers/wanted; email alerts	Hyperlocal; in-person collection; fast claims	Varies; often post-move bundles (sometimes bubble wrap)	Sustainable movers looking for bulk free boxes	Free
Freegle (I Love Freegle)	UK volunteer groups; web & mobile posting	Wide UK coverage; pickup windows vary	Varies; check strength on pickup	Requesting specific box types locally	Free
Trash Nothing	Aggregated feed of many free groups; app & map	Monitors multiple groups; notifications; join required	Varies; often well‑titled posts with size info	Time-savvy users tracking many sources at once	Free
Gumtree Freebies (UK)	Nationwide classifieds; photos & distance filters	High daily volume; must respond quickly	Varies; photos help assess condition	Finding large multi-box bundles nearby	Free
Facebook Marketplace – Free Stuff	Hyperlocal listings; Messenger coordination	Very high local reach; quick pickups	Varies by poster	Immediate, last-minute local pickups	Free (FB account required)
Nextdoor – Free Finds	Neighbourhood-verified listings; local feed	Very local; postcode verification; quick	Trusted neighbour context; varies	Last-minute needs within your street/area	Free
OLIO (Non‑food)	App-based sharing; non-food free section	App notifications; in-person collection only	Varies; good for small quantities	Small box needs and sustainable reuse	Free
iammoving.com (Free box promo)	Change-of-address service with promo boxes	Periodic promotion; limited stock; online sign-up	New boxes when promo runs	Movers who register for change-of-address tools	Free when available (limited)
Reuseabox	Retailer of used & new double-wall boxes; bundles	Nationwide delivery (1–3 days); fast shipping	Reclaimed stock or new; quality varies by batch	Bulk low-cost buyers wanting sustainable option	Low cost; best value in bundles/pallets
Argos – StorePAK	Pre-made kits and single boxes; click & collect	Nationwide; same-day click & collect & delivery	New boxes; some lighter board grades	Quick top-ups; students and small moves	Paid; competitive kit pricing
B&Q – Moving box kits	DIY chain kits + accessories (tape, wrap)	In-store pickup & online; widespread branches	New; quality varies by kit	One-stop shop for packing supplies	Paid; price varies by kit/grade
Packing Solution	Double-walled boxes; clear per-box pricing	Next-day delivery; quantity discounts	High quality double-wall; UK-made	Topping up specific sizes; heavy/fragile items	Paid; good value at larger quantities

Your Packing Plan: Putting It All Together

Navigating the logistics of a move or decluttering project can feel overwhelming, but sourcing your packing materials shouldn't add to the stress. As we've explored, the answer to "where can I get cardboard boxes for free?" is surprisingly varied, with a wealth of resources available right in your local community and online. From the community-driven ethos of Freecycle and OLIO to the daily stock cycles of your neighbourhood supermarket, a proactive and organised approach can yield all the boxes you need without costing a penny.

The key to success lies in a multi-pronged strategy. Don't rely on a single source; instead, combine several methods for the best results. Set up alerts on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, make a habit of politely asking managers at retail stores during their quieter hours, and don't underestimate the power of a simple "WANTED" post on a local forum. This proactive approach will help you build a steady supply of packing materials in the weeks leading up to your move.

Your Action Plan for Free Boxes

To make the most of the resources discussed, here are your essential next steps:

• Plan Ahead: Start your search at least two to three weeks before you need to begin packing. This gives you ample time to collect boxes from various sources without a last-minute panic.
• Be Strategic with Your Timing: Remember to visit supermarkets and retail stores in the morning or late evening on delivery days, when they are most likely to be breaking down stock boxes.
• Prioritise Quality Control: Always inspect free boxes for structural integrity, signs of damp, and pests. A weak or contaminated box is a risk you don't want to take with your valued possessions. Reinforce seams with strong packing tape and ensure they are clean and dry before use.
• Stay Organised: As you gather your boxes and pack your items, keeping track of everything is crucial. To effectively manage your belongings during the relocation, you might find it useful to create an essential moving inventory list template.

Ultimately, sourcing free cardboard boxes is a fantastic way to make your move more sustainable and budget-friendly. It requires a little planning and effort, but the savings can be significant. And for those times when you can't find the right size, or you need specialised materials like wardrobe boxes or bubble wrap, knowing a reliable fallback option is invaluable. This hybrid approach ensures you get the best of both worlds: the cost-saving benefits of free materials supplemented by the guaranteed quality of new ones when necessary.

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Whether you’ve gathered a mountain of free boxes or need to supplement your collection with high-quality, specialist packing materials, MG Self Storage is here to help. Our on-site box shop in Exeter offers a comprehensive range of durable moving boxes, tape, and protective wrap to ensure your belongings are safe and secure. Visit us today to get everything you need for a smooth and stress-free move.