Moving Company Boxes
Buying or sourcing moving company boxes is one of the first practical steps in any house move. The type, size, and quantity of boxes you use directly affect how safely your belongings travel and how efficiently the van gets loaded. This guide covers the five standard box sizes used across the UK removals industry, where to source them for free or at the lowest cost, and how to calculate exactly how many you need based on your property size.
A 3-bed UK home needs 40 to 60 moving company boxes across five standard sizes. Free boxes are available from supermarkets and Facebook Marketplace. Giant Van supplies full box kits from £45 delivered, or packs everything for you from £149.
Standard Box Sizes Used by UK Removals Firms
UK removals companies work with five standard box sizes.
The book box (400mm x 300mm x 300mm) is the smallest and strongest, designed for heavy items like hardbacks, vinyl records, and tools.
The standard box (450mm x 450mm x 500mm) handles most household items: crockery wrapped in paper, pans, shoes, and toys.
The large box (600mm x 450mm x 450mm) suits bedding, cushions, and lampshades.
The wardrobe box (500mm x 600mm x 1200mm) has a metal hanging rail for transferring clothes directly from wardrobe to box without folding.
The picture and mirror box is a flat, telescopic design that adjusts to fit artwork up to about 1000mm x 750mm.
Giant Van supplies all five sizes as part of their packing materials service.
A complete kit for a 3-bed property, with 40 mixed boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and tissue paper, costs around £45 delivered.
How Many Boxes a UK Home Actually Needs
Free and Low-Cost Sources for Boxes in the UK
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Get a Free Quote →Why Giant Van for Your Move
Giant Van is a UK removals company operating across 50 cities.
The difference from other providers is straightforward: one fixed price, employed drivers, and goods-in-transit cover included on every booking.
There are no added surcharges on moving day and no fine print about stairs or parking.
The company is affiliated with the British Association of Removers, which requires financial protection and independent dispute resolution for all customers.
Giant Van carries a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating from over 500 verified reviews.
Man-and-van bookings start from £35 regionally and £49 in London.
Full house removals start from £149.
How to Prepare for Your Move
Preparation is the biggest factor in a smooth moving day.
Start packing non-essential rooms two weeks before the move.
Use proper double-walled boxes for books, kitchen items, and fragile goods.
Label every box with the destination room, not just the contents.
Disconnect the washing machine and dishwasher the night before.
What Is Included With Giant Van
A Giant Van booking includes the driver, the van, fuel, and goods-in-transit insurance as standard.
Full removals include transit blankets, straps, furniture dollies, and tool kits for dismantling and reassembling beds and wardrobes.
Packing services are available as an add-on and quoted separately.
Storage — either short-term during the move or long-term for items that will not fit the new property — is available through Giant Van's storage partners.
Vehicle transport (cars, motorcycles) can be added to a house move quote.
Piano and specialist-item moves require a separate survey but are handled by the same team.
Questions about your move?
Getting your moving company boxes right from the start prevents damage, speeds up loading, and reduces stress on moving day.
Order or collect boxes at least two weeks before the move so you can pack gradually rather than in a frantic rush the night before.
Start with rooms you use least: the spare bedroom, the loft, and the garage.
Leave kitchens and bathrooms until the final 48 hours.
Giant Van supplies complete packing kits from £45 and offers a full packing service from £149 where the crew handles everything.
For a quote, call +44 7414 655129.
What Our Customers Say
Smooth move from start to finish
VerifiedBooked online in under a minute and the crew turned up right on time. Everything was wrapped carefully and nothing was damaged. Genuinely the easiest move I've had.
Fixed price — no nasty surprises
VerifiedThe quote I got online was exactly what I paid. No hidden fees, no extra charges on the day. The two-man crew were professional, fast, and really friendly.
Same-day booking saved our move
VerifiedOur original movers cancelled last minute. Giant Van had a crew available the same day. They handled a full 2-bed flat and had us settled in by evening.
Moving Company Boxes — FAQs
Can I reuse moving company boxes for a second move?
What is the strongest type of moving company box?
Reviewed by Mubashir Gulab, COO & Co-founder at Giant Van
Giant Van Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.
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