Do I have to use removal firm's boxes?

deaston

We still haven't exchanged, but our potential completion date of 26 November is getting too close for comfort now.

Because we haven't exchanged, I can't book removals, so they haven't dropped-off any boxes. So I'm thinking I should order a load of boxes from Amazon and start packing. Is that ok or will the removal company insist we use their boxes for insurance purposes or something?

Stevie_Palimo

Never heard of being asked to use there own boxes, Having your own will mean you can unpack at your own speed.

deaston

Stevie_Palimo wrote: »

Never heard of being asked to use there own boxes, Having your own will mean you can unpack at your own speed.

They take back the boxes?! I've not used a removal firm before, but assumed I was buying the boxes from them, not just renting them. Cheeky so-and-sos!

Stevie_Palimo

I suppose it depends on the firm and what box it is ie:- wooden one will be wanted back I presume but cardboard ones would probably be sold at a higher rate than you can source elsewhere, I would always get my own in any event.

libf

Depends on what you've agreed on.

I'm just getting boxes from gumtree/freecycle/facebook for free to use for my move. Then I'll pass them on the same way after I'm done with them, if they're still in good condition.

Guest101

I've never heard of having to use their boxes, but a company might have a maximum dimension size, so worth checking.


In practice they're unlikely to enforce it, but the employer has a duty of care to employee and oversized boxes can of course cause injury.


(though I've just got a couple mates, a rented van and a crate of beer when I've moved - don't get the need to pay £100's)

pinkteapot

deaston wrote: »

They take back the boxes?! I've not used a removal firm before, but assumed I was buying the boxes from them, not just renting them. Cheeky so-and-sos!

They won't rush you to unpack at all. In my experience, you have to chase them to collect the boxes anyway so could probably keep them. But what are you going to do with that many empty boxes? After our last move, even flattened, the boxes took up loads of space in the garage so we were very happy when they came to take them!

Paully232000

deaston wrote: »

They take back the boxes?! I've not used a removal firm before, but assumed I was buying the boxes from them, not just renting them. Cheeky so-and-sos!

Yes, we used boxes from a removals company and they wanted a certain price per box if we wanted to keep them, or they would come and collect them a few weeks after we moved in, when we phoned them to ask them to. It wasn't a lot per box, a few pounds, if that, If i remember rightly, depending on the size.

That's what they said at the start, but when they came back for the boxes and we wanted to keep a few they didn't end up charging for them. The removals guys said that the only ones that they would probably charge for if we wanted to keep them were the clothes hanger boxes as they were more expensive and they had less of them.

Thrugelmir

Removal firm packing cases are very strong and depending on the weight of the contents hold a lot. Also easier to stack.

Rain_Shadow

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Removal firm packing cases are very strong and depending on the weight of the contents hold a lot. Also easier to stack.

I've always used them.


Good quality items designed for the job.


Never been charged separately for them or had to return them.

D00gie72

If possible try to allow time in between exchange and completion for you to pack. Depending on your removal company they may be happy to give you some boxes in advance of exchange. You'll likley need to pay a deposit (which you will lose if your exchange falls through) but I guess that's a risk you may have to take. Using the removal companies boxes (and then returned them after) is likley to be cheaper than anything you can buy yourself.

Good Luck