Moving house or office doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when it comes to packing materials. One of the easiest ways to cut down your moving costs is by sourcing free moving boxes. With a bit of planning and persistence, you can collect sturdy boxes from various places around South Africa. Here’s a helpful guide on where to find them.
1. Friends, Family & Neighbours
Start by asking people you know. Friends or family who have moved recently often have leftover boxes they’d be happy to hand over, especially if they’re tired of storing them.
2. Your Workplace
Offices receive deliveries regularly from stationery to electronics, and many big boxes get thrown out once the contents are unpacked. Ask your reception/office manager if you can collect any spare boxes.
3. Supermarkets & Grocery Stores
Local supermarkets receive shipments every day. The boxes used for unpacking produce and products are often strong and stackableideal for moving. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when deliveries are unpacked, and ask the staff if you can take leftover boxes. (Loadem)
4. Liquor Stores and Bottle Shops
Liquor boxes are particularly useful; they’re sturdy, compact, and have handles or dividers, making them perfect for heavy or fragile items like glassware and kitchenware. You’ll often find surplus boxes after deliveries. (Loadem)
5. Online Marketplaces & Community Groups
Digital platforms can be a goldmine for free packing supplies:
Facebook Marketplace: Search for “free moving boxes” Locals often give away boxes after moving.
Facebook Groups / Buy Nothing groups: Join neighbourhood groups and post a request, many people will donate boxes if they’ve just moved.
6. Recycling Centres
Many recycling facilities sort cardboard before sending it off, and sometimes they’re happy to let you collect boxes before they’re compacted for recycling. It’s best to call ahead to check availability.
7. Schools, Universities & Libraries
Educational institutions receive frequent deliveries of books, supplies, and equipment, meaning lots of boxes. Try contacting the administration office or maintenance department to see if there are spares you can collect.
8. Local Shops & Small Businesses
Local retailers, from hardware stores to pharmacies, often have boxes from daily deliveries. Sometimes they’ll set them aside for customers who ask. Liquor stores, bakeries, and small grocery shops can be especially generous with sturdy boxes. (Loadem)
9. Special Tips from Locals
Residents in various South African cities (including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria) often report success sourcing boxes by:
- Asking at the back loading bays of supermarkets and retail stores.
- Visiting the liquor store loading areas, where many unused boxes are left.
- Checking with managers at shops like Spar, Checkers, or Makro, they often have boxes ready for reuse.
Tips to Maximise Your Free Box Haul
Start Early: Begin sourcing boxes weeks before your move to ensure you collect enough. (Loadem)
Bring Tools: Carry a box cutter or tape so you can flatten or reinforce boxes as needed.
Inspect Before Use: Check boxes are clean, dry, and free from pests.
Return or Donate: Once you’ve finished moving, pass the boxes on or donate them to someone else, keep the cycle going! (Loadem)
Finding free moving boxes in South Africa can be simple if you know where to look. With a little outreach and creativity, you’ll save money and reduce waste, a win-win for your move!