prepping move -- best boxes to pack with?

kazwookie

Get off FB / freecycle / local shops for free

Also check ebay for local sales of them

I bought a large long roll of bubble wrap and 5 rolls of brown tape off ebay, which helped no end.

Do not over pack the boxes, I know!!

Do write with a marker pen on each box, name of person and room it is going into, sticky label can roll off, I also wrote ie kitchen, sauce pans and chopping board etc, it makes it easier to unpack the other end.

I also bought 10 off large plastic hinged lids storage boxes, and packed the more delicate stuff into them.

I moved 24th March straight into lockdown, and a major night mare, make sure if you are in one of these local lockdown areas, you have a back up plan of lockups / friends garages etc.

Good luck

MovingForwards

Banana boxes are great for books.
I just grabbed whatever sturdy boxes were at work / supermarkets.
Cost me nothing.

Acorn22

I visted various supermarkets over course of a month and got about 20 plus banana boxes and wine boxes. Banana boxes are great as they are very sturdy boxes and have proper lids and have cut out handles so easy to lift. Only downside is they have some cut out small holes in so not totally sealable so if you wont be unpacking them straight away (as in my case as in rented), as long as you dont mind spiders they arr fine!! (Wish i had realised that before using them!!).

[Deleted User]

If you do buy/take second hand boxes make sure they are double walled, the single walled boxes have a habit of collapsing when you don't want them to.  Definitely label them.  Keep one box back for essentials, coffee/loo roll/cleaning stuff/cloths etc that you will need immediately.

sujsuj

As many suggested here best option is Super Markets or Local store. B&M every day around 4:30 PM takes around with restocking trolly. I approched guy and he was very happy for me take all boxes from trolly. Once back in storage area they will chuck all Cardboards in bins. Same in Morrisons, their Fruit Boxes are really strong to take heavy items though its open, 

Nebulous2

We haven't actually moved house yet, but have helped several other people in recent years. Easiest option was purchasing flat boxes to make up from Argos. They were strong and easily built. From memory medium ones were best, large were too big. That was a rushed move with no time to source elsewhere. 

We also got flat boxes offered on Gumtree free. Guy had taken them home from his work to move and had overdone it. We were lucky to get them, he said he had a lot of demand. Finally a friend works for a food factory and they are happy to give away boxes. They pay for waste collection and people taking them reduces their bill. 

I'd agree with the tape dispenser / cutter. Its a bit of an acquired skill, but once you know how to work one, it is a valuable tool. 

Flugelhorn

I have just moved and will advertise the boxes on a local FB - they are always in demand. agree re not need too many large boxes though!

JeffMason

Thanks so much everyone - all very helpful advice!
Any suggestions on what size a good medium sized box is? What should I be looking for? 

GHolmesAdmin

I used a great many of these when I moved  recently, I'm still getting rid of them via the recycling bin.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07NJRJKF7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

kayen

I always use banana boxes- free from supermarkets and very sturdy, have handles and great for stacking. Big enough to put a reasonable amount in but not too large to fill so its unmanagable to lift.  At some supermarkets the fruit trays have bubble wrap in between layers - also free!   Good luck with the move!