Something as simple as packing away things around your family home can get surprisingly expensive.
Finding free packing boxes is one of the easiest ways to keep household costs down.
Luckily, there are plenty of places to pick up sturdy, good-quality boxes without spending a cent!
Once you’ve stocked up, it’s important to properly pack fragile items, like glassware, plates, ornaments and electronics, so they don’t break.
In this article, we break down exactly where to find free packing boxes and how to safely pack your fragile belongings.
Where can you find packing boxes for free?
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best places to find free packing boxes, whether in stores, online, or around your home.
Bunnings and hardware stores
Large hardware retailers like Bunnings Warehouse have free boxes you can grab near the entrance or checkout areas. If you don’t see them, just ask a staff member for help. They also sell a wide range of durable packing boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and protective materials.
Retail stores and supermarkets
Officeworks, Kmart and even liquor stores usually have sturdy boxes behind the counter or in the stockroom that you can ask the staff for and reuse for packing. Liquor boxes, in particular, are great for fragile glassware because they usually come with dividers.
Online marketplaces
Websites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace almost always have people selling or giving away used moving boxes. This is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option.
Reusable boxes and household packaging
If you’re trying to reduce waste, collect and reuse any boxes and containers you already have. You can even wrap items in towels, linens or soft clothing instead of using disposable materials!
Storage supply shops
If you can’t find the exact box you need for free, specialty packing and storage shops sell new boxes in all shapes and sizes. You can get wardrobe boxes, heavy-duty carton boxes, and glass-divider kits.
How to pack fragile items
Now that you’ve got the packing boxes and materials sorted, the next step is to pack all your items carefully and securely.
Wrap items individually
Wrap each plate, mug, glass, and delicate decoration one-by-one in wrapping paper. The goal is to keep them from directly touching each other to minimise breakage.
Fill empty spaces
You’ll be surprised how much damage is caused by things moving inside the box. Use crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts/void fill to keep items in their place.
Pack heavier items first
Place heavier, sturdier pieces at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. This stops things being crushed and keeps the weight balanced.
Stack boxes carefully
Once the boxes are packed, label the fragile ones clearly with “FRAGILE” and sit them on top of heavier, more durable boxes.
Keep essentials accessible
If there are things you use on a regular basis, keep them in a separate box or space. You won’t have to move or unpack every box just to find that one thing.
Write it all down
If you want to be extra organised, label each box with the main category of its contents. You can also make a simple inventory list on your phone to help you easily find them later.
If you’re packing for a move
If you’re not just packing things away for storage, and you’re actually preparing for a move, free boxes will get you most of the way there.
They’re great for books, clothing, and general household items. But when it comes to fragile or high-value pieces like artwork, heirlooms, mirrors, dining sets or electronics, it’s worth stepping things up.
These items need sturdier, purpose-built boxes that offer better protection for your things.
Professional removalists, like Holloway Removals, offer reliable packing boxes and bundles in all kinds of sizes, plus high-quality packing materials for fragile items. They can even safely pack and handle delicate pieces and reduce the risk of breakage.
If you want to save time or avoid the stress of handling delicate pieces yourself during a move, consider contact a professional removalist.
Checklist for packing fragile items
- Collect enough free, sturdy boxes from supermarkets, Bunnings, local stores, or online groups.
- Choose the right box sizes. Small, snug boxes are usually safest for fragile items.
- Wrap each fragile item individually using bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft linens.
- Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Fill all empty spaces so nothing shifts while you transport it.
- Label boxes with ‘Fragile’ and ‘This Way Up’ if necessary.
- Keep any ‘frequently used’ boxes separate
Finding free packing boxes is easy if you know where to look!
Once you’ve stocked up, keep those packing techniques to ensure your fragile items are safe and organised in your home or while you’re moving house.
And if you have delicate, high-value pieces that need extra care during a move, professional removalists, like Holloway Removals, offers high-quality boxes, professional packing and expert removalist services.