Why quality moving boxes matter more than you think

Most people don’t think much about moving boxes until one splits open under the weight of books, or a pile collapses in the van. It’s often then they realise that not all boxes are made for moving house.

Boxes designed for removals are built to hold weight, stack securely, and protect your belongings. They also come in sizes that are easy to carry—and fit efficiently into a removal van, which can reduce the number of trips needed.

When moving, boxes need to do more than hold things. They need to:

• Carry heavy loads like kitchenware or books without tearing or collapsing.
• Keep fragile items like glassware or electronics protected from damage.
• Stack easily in the van to make the best use of space.
• Be strong enough to survive lifting, loading, and the journey.

Choosing the wrong boxes can lead to smashed plates, broken appliances, or damaged TVs. That’s why professional removal companies use purpose-made moving boxes—because they work when it matters most.

Where to get moving boxes in the UK

Free boxes from supermarkets and shops

Getting free boxes can feel like a clever way to cut costs, and many people try it.
Supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda sometimes give away boxes from deliveries.
Local off-licences or independent shops may let you take their spare cardboard too.

You can also check local Facebook groups, Freecycle, or ask friends who’ve recently moved.

While free boxes work for some—especially for clothes, bedding, or toys—they can cause problems when it comes to heavier or more delicate items.

Some of the most common issues people experience with free boxes include:

• Weakness: Boxes from supermarkets have often been reused or flattened, which reduces their strength. They may buckle under heavy items like plates or books.
• Random sizes: You end up with a mix of sizes, which makes stacking in the van harder. This can waste van space and lead to extra trips.
• Cleanliness: Boxes used for fruit, vegetables, or cleaning products may carry spills, dampness, or odours.
• Time-consuming: Collecting enough good-quality free boxes takes time, and you could still run out close to moving day.

Free boxes might be fine for lightweight items, but many people regret relying on them for a full move.

Cheap moving boxes from DIY stores and online kits

Shops like B&Q, Argos, and Wilko sell moving box packs, and Amazon offers moving kits including tape and bubble wrap.

These may seem like a convenient solution, but buyers often find the quality is mixed.

Issues often mentioned in reviews include:

• Thin cardboard: Single-walled boxes can collapse when filled with heavy items.
• Generic sizing: Standard sizes don’t always fit well into moving vans, and may be too large for heavy contents.
• Inconsistent quality: Some arrive damaged, others tear easily, and occasionally, the boxes are smaller than expected.

These cheap boxes may suit a light move, but they can struggle with heavier loads—often forcing people to double up or buy stronger boxes later.

Purpose-made moving boxes from Total Moving Solutions

This is why so many people end up turning to purpose-made moving boxes designed specifically for house moves—built to withstand the demands of packing, loading, and transportation without giving way when it matters most.

Total Moving Solutions supplies a range of strong, durable cardboard boxes trusted by professional removal companies across the UK.
Each box is designed to carry household items safely, stack securely in a moving van, and make lifting and packing easier—whether you’re moving across town or relocating further afield.

Moving boxes for heavy household items like books and kitchenware

Heavy belongings like hardback books, canned food, pots, and small kitchen appliances need a box that can handle the weight without breaking.
Overloading large boxes often leads to split bottoms, but smaller, stronger cartons help keep things manageable.

The Moving Boxes – Short (Pack of 20) is ideal for packing dense, heavy items.
Each box measures 45cm x 45cm x 25cm, making it easy to carry even when filled, while providing the strength to prevent tearing or collapsing.

These short moving boxes are often referred to as “book boxes” by professional movers because they allow you to pack weighty contents without straining your back or risking damage during transit.

Large boxes for bedding, clothes, and everyday household goods

For lighter but bulkier items like duvets, pillows, towels, and clothing, larger boxes are more efficient.
They allow you to pack more into each carton without making them too heavy to lift comfortably.

The Moving Boxes – Large (Pack of 10) measures 45cm x 45cm x 50cm, offering ample capacity while still being practical to handle.
These boxes stack well in removal vans, helping you optimise space and minimise the number of trips needed.

They are often used for clothes, soft furnishings, or kitchen utensils, and are a versatile option during any home move.

Protective box for flat-screen televisions and fragile large items

Flat-screen TVs are one of the most delicate and expensive household items to move.
Without proper protection, screens can easily crack, while knocks and pressure during loading can cause internal damage.

The Flat Screen TV Moving Box is designed to prevent this.
It’s made from durable, double-walled cardboard and fits most modern flat-screen televisions.
It can also be used for mirrors, framed artwork, or large glass panels.

Pair this box with bubble wrap or transit blankets for added padding and extra peace of mind when moving high-value items.

Tall boxes for long or awkward household items

Certain belongings, like floor lamps, curtain rails, or sports equipment, simply don’t fit into standard-sized boxes.
Trying to force them into small cartons often leaves parts sticking out, risking damage.

The Moving Boxes – Tall (Pack of 5) is designed for these longer, awkward items.
Each box measures 45cm x 45cm x 75cm, providing the extra height needed while maintaining the same strength and stackability as other moving cartons.

These tall boxes are often used for standing lamps, large kitchen utensils, or taller decorative items.

Bike carton for safe bicycle transportation

Bicycles are awkward and vulnerable during a move.
Frames can scratch easily, gears can bend, and wheels are prone to knocks if left loose in a van.

The Bike Moving Box offers a secure packing solution.
Measuring 147cm x 22cm x 96cm, it suits a wide range of bike styles, though minor disassembly, such as removing the front wheel, is often recommended for the best fit.

This box is also sometimes repurposed for larger flat items, like extra-wide mirrors or large framed prints, making it a versatile option for tricky-to-pack belongings.

Wardrobe boxes to keep clothes crease-free

Packing up clothes can feel like an endless task, especially when you need to fold, pack, and then iron everything again at your new home.

The Wardrobe Moving Box lets you skip the folding altogether.
Supplied with a sturdy hanging rail, it allows you to move clothes directly on their hangers—from wardrobe to box and back again at your new home.

It’s ideal for suits, dresses, or delicate fabrics, keeping garments free from creases and ready to wear after your move.
These boxes are also useful for storing off-season clothes after your move, offering lasting value beyond moving day.

Each of these boxes is designed to solve a specific packing challenge, helping to prevent damage, reduce physical strain, and save time when loading and unloading.

Explore our full range of cardboard moving boxes and find the right mix for your move – ensuring your belongings stay safe every step of the way.

How many moving boxes will you need?

The amount of moving boxes you’ll need depends on the size of your home, the number of belongings you have, and how you prefer to pack.
Some people live minimally, while others have cupboards filled with items accumulated over the years – especially in lofts, garages, or spare rooms.
That said, these estimates serve as a useful starting point:

• One-bedroom flat: 15–25 boxes.
• Two-bedroom house: 30–40 boxes.
• Three-bedroom house: 45–60 boxes.
• Four-bedroom house: 60 or more boxes.

If you’ve been in your home for many years, or have children, you may need more than these estimates—as belongings tend to multiply over time.
Large collections of books, kitchenware, or clothing can quickly increase your box count, while those moving from a furnished rental might need fewer.

It’s always better to have too many boxes than not enough.
Running out the day before your move often leads to panic-buying weaker boxes from supermarkets or hardware shops, which can increase the risk of damage to your belongings.

Ordering a few extra cartons upfront ensures you’re covered – and any leftover boxes can often be flattened and kept for future storage or another move.
Alternatively, they can easily be recycled, as all cardboard moving boxes from TMS are fully recyclable.

What types of boxes are best for moving house?

Different types of items require different boxes to ensure they travel safely:

• Heavy kitchenware and books – Best packed in smaller, sturdy boxes like the
  Moving Boxes – Short (Pack of 25).

• Clothes, bedding, and toys – Suit larger boxes that are easy to carry, such as the
  Moving Boxes – Large (Pack of 15).

• TVs and screens – Require protective boxes like the
  Flat Screen TV Moving Box.

Get the right boxes, make moving easier

Packing is easier and safer with proper moving boxes.
Free boxes can work for light items, but they can fail when you need them most.
Cheap boxes are convenient, but the quality is not always reliable.

Purpose-made moving boxes from Total Moving Solutions are designed for house moves, reducing the risk of damage and making moving day smoother.

Explore the full range of cardboard moving boxes from TMS and order what you need for a safer, easier move.

Let Total Moving Solutions handle your move

Moving house is one of the biggest changes you’ll make, and no matter how organised you are, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why having the right removals team by your side makes all the difference.

At Total Moving Solutions (TMS), we understand that every move is unique. Whether you’re relocating across the street, to a different part of the UK, or starting a new life overseas, we’re here to take the stress out of moving – so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Why choose Total Moving Solutions?

• Experience you can trust: With over 20 years in the removals industry, we’ve helped thousands of families, individuals, and businesses relocate smoothly and safely.
• Fully managed removals: We offer comprehensive moving services designed to cover everything—from packing and loading to transportation, storage, and unpacking. Whether you need a local house move or international removals, our experienced team will handle every detail, so you don’t have to worry.
• Tailored to your needs: Every move is different, and we get that. That’s why we tailor our services to match your requirements:
  • Packing service: Full or partial packing using quality materials.
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly: We’ll handle your large items.
  • Storage solutions: Secure storage for short or long-term needs.
  • Part-load removals: Cost-effective option for smaller moves or flexible schedules.
  • Specialist removals: Pianos, antiques, artwork—handled with extra care.
• Reliable and fully insured: We know how important your belongings are. That’s why every move is fully insured and carried out by trained professionals. Our team treats your items as if they were their own.
• Competitive pricing: Moving doesn’t need to break the bank. We provide transparent, competitive quotes with no hidden fees—just quality service you can rely on.