Moving house is a notoriously stressful and expensive time. Whether you’re buying a new home, or moving into a new rental, there’s a high chance your bank account has felt a bit of a blow with moving costs. So, it’s time to get thrifty and save the dollars where we can. In this case, we’re sharing how you can save money by sourcing moving boxes from your local area. Before we continue, see where else you can cut expenses in our guide on how much it costs to move house in Australia.
Here’s a guide to help you gather the supplies you need without spending a single cent.
One of the easiest places to source moving boxes is from your local supermarket. Grocery stores receive and unpack hundreds of cardboard boxes every single day and some of those are available for customers free of charge. Usually these are located close to the checkouts as an alternative option to bags. While the shapes and sizes of these boxes can vary greatly, these are usually perfect for smaller items that need to be packed up.
Tip: Ask a staff member if they have any boxes available. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to catch staff when they’re stocking shelves.
“A typical supermarket or grocery store waste bin and you will find paper, cardboard and food make up 65% of the weight of the contents. That means more than 70% of what has been discarded as rubbish could actually be recycled, instead of going to landfill. By reusing cardboard boxes from your local store rather than ordering new ones, you are contributing to a more sustainable future.”
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has some tips on how to reduce waste which you can apply when moving home.
Trade and department stores are known for stocking larger items meaning there’s a fairly good chance they will have a surplus of larger boxes available for free. Much like at your supermarket, the best approach is to ask a staff member if they have any boxes available for free. There is usually a team member located at the entrance of the store to welcome you meaning you don’t have to go searching for someone to ask.
Liquor stores tend to have sturdier boxes that can hold heavier items making them a great option for moving. Ask at your local bottle shop; many will be happy to give you their empty boxes, which are often more durable than standard boxes.
Websites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree often have listings for moving boxes. People who have recently moved may be looking to get rid of their boxes. Search for keywords like "free boxes" or "moving boxes" and you may find a treasure trove of supplies.
Local community groups on social media platforms can be a goldmine for free moving boxes. Join Facebook groups specific to your area and post a request. Many community members are willing to help, and you may find someone who has recently moved and is looking to offload their boxes.
Recycling centres are another excellent resource when it comes to packing supplies and moving boxes. They often have a variety of boxes that have been brought in for recycling.
Tip: Call ahead to check if they have any boxes available that you can collect.
Construction sites often receive heavy-duty, oversized boxes designed to withstand large weights. It’s worth checking in with the site manager to see if you can take any unwanted boxes off their hands - you may be surprised at how eager they are to clear them off site.
Local shipping or freight companies often have large boxes they need to get rid of. Do a ring around your local shipping businesses to see if any of them have boxes going for free.
Finally, if you have tried all of the above and still need some more boxes - check in with your moving company before you order and pay for them. Some removalists include packing materials—our moving house packing guide has more handy tips to help you prep like a pro.
Many moving companies include boxes in their pricing or will offer a certain number of boxes free with their various services. Remember, every saving counts and it never hurts to ask.
If you’ve yet to find the right mover for your relocation, we can help.
At Upmove, we’re all about keeping costs down and delivering premium moving experiences. We help you find and book affordable removalists from across the country to help you get your personal belongings to their new destination.
Upmove is Australia’s trusted choice for removalist and moving company services, helping thousands of customers move homes, furniture, cars, motorcycles, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services across Australia. Our focus has always been on making moving simple and stress-free — from booking experienced removalists to completing your delivery with care. With Upmove, you get professional service, fixed prices, and peace of mind on every move.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
