Packing Boxes

Where to Buy Packing Boxes: Best Places Near You

If you’re moving house, putting things into storage or having a clear out, you soon realise you never have enough boxes. The big question is: where to buy packing boxes that are strong, affordable and easy to get hold of?

This quick guide runs through the main places to buy moving boxes near you, what to look out for, and why it’s worth choosing decent boxes if you’re using self storage.

What Makes a Good Packing Box?

Before you start hunting for packing boxes, it helps to know what you’re looking for:

Strong and double-walled – especially for books, tools and heavier items
Sensible size – big enough to be useful, not so big you can’t lift it
Easy to tape and stack – flat sides and proper top flaps
Clean and dry – no oil, food or damp

If you’re paying for self storage or moving everything in one go, good quality packing boxes are worth it. They stack better, protect your things and are less likely to collapse.

1. Supermarkets and High Street Shops

A lot of people start by looking for packing boxes in supermarkets or big chain shops.

Buying new boxes:
Some larger stores sell flat-packed moving boxes and basic packing kits.

Handy if you only need a few
You can see the size and strength in person
Not always the strongest for long-term storage

Asking for used boxes:
You can sometimes get free boxes from supermarkets or off-licences.

Great if you’re on a tight budget
Fine for light items or short-term use
Can be thin, torn or damp – not ideal for stacking in a storage unit

2. DIY Stores and Hardware Shops

DIY and hardware stores are often a better bet if you want strong moving boxes.

You’ll usually find:

Heavy-duty moving boxes
Wardrobe boxes with rails
Archive boxes for files

These are designed to carry weight and stack safely, making them a good choice if you’re putting things into self storage.

3. Buying Packing Boxes Online

If you want to plan ahead, buying packing boxes online is simple and usually gives you the most choice.

Look for:

Bundles of small, medium and large boxes
House moving kits with tape, bubble wrap and pens included
Double-walled boxes for extra strength

When you search for “where to buy packing boxes” or “packing boxes near me”, you’ll find national suppliers and local businesses. Check box sizes, strength and delivery times so everything arrives before you start packing.

4. Second-Hand Boxes and Local Groups

If you’re keen to save money and reduce waste, you can also look for second-hand packing boxes:

Local Facebook groups and community pages
Online marketplaces
Friends and family who’ve recently moved

These can be ideal if you’re packing light items or using the boxes short-term. For heavier or fragile items, and for long-term storage, proper moving boxes are still safer.

How Many Packing Boxes Do You Need?

Everyone is different, but as a rough guide:

A 1–2 bedroom home: around 20–40 boxes
A 3–4 bedroom home: around 40–80 boxes

It’s better to have a few spare than run out on the last day. Any unused boxes can be kept flat for future clear-outs.

The Best Place to Buy Packing Boxes for You

When you’re deciding where to buy packing boxes, think about:

Strength – are they double-walled and stackable?
Convenience – can you get boxes, tape and bubble wrap in one place?
Travel – is it easy to park and load your car or van?
Storage – will they stack safely if you’re using a self storage unit?

If you’re planning a move, a renovation or a big declutter, it’s often easiest to sort packing boxes and storage together. That way you know your belongings are packed safely, stored properly and easy to get to when you need them again.