Buying moving boxes cheaply
Moving boxes are useful during a move: depending on the size of your home, you may need quite a lot of boxes. It’s definitely worth getting them as cheaply as possible. Comparis shows you where to get moving boxes – either cheaply or for free.
31.01.2023
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1. How many boxes will I need for my move?
As a general rule of thumb: you should expect one moving box per square metre. Depending on the person, lifestyle and apartment, the number of moving boxes needed varies.
2. Where can I buy moving boxes?
Moving boxes can be purchased from online stores, retail outlets or directly from moving companies.
The prices and dimensions of the moving boxes vary depending on the provider. Comparis has compared some providers. This table provides an initial overview, but is not exhaustive.
| Provider | Dimensions in cm | Price per box | Shipping costs | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bauhaus.ch | L: 64.5 W: 34.5 H: 38 |
CHF 3.85 | CHF 18.95 (free in-store collection possible) |
|
| Brack.ch | L: 55 W: 35 H: 35 |
CHF 3.70 | Small order surcharge of CHF 9 (free shipping for orders of CHF 50 or more) |
|
| Brieger Verpackungen | L: 53 W: 35.5 H: 33 |
CHF 12.51 Discount for 20 boxes or more |
CHF 15 (free shipping for orders of CHF 250 or more) |
|
| Galaxus.ch | L: 61 W: 41 H: 46 |
CHF 4.21 | Small order surcharge CHF 9 (free shipping for orders of CHF 50 or more) |
|
| Hornbach | L: 65 W: 37 H: 35 |
CHF 3.50 (CHF 3.20 for 10+ boxes) | CHF 17.95 (free in-store collection possible) |
|
| Ikea | L: 50 W: 31 H: 40 |
CHF 2.50 | from CHF 49.95 (Click and Collect possible from CHF 9.95) |
|
| Jumbo.ch | L: 55.8 W: 31.3 H: 41 |
CHF 4.75 | Shipping costs CHF 18.95 (free in-store collection possible) |
|
| Landi.ch | L: 58 W: 38 H: 41 |
CHF 3.40 | Shipping costs CHF 7.95 (free in-store collection possible) |
|
| Do it + Garden Migros | L: 45 W: 35 H: 41 |
CHF 3.50 | CHF 7.95 (shipping free from CHF 75, free in-store collection possible) |
|
| Model Packshop | L: 59.4 W: 39.4 H: 35 |
From CHF 7.44 Discount for 20 boxes or more |
CHF 10 (free shipping from CHF 350) |
|
| Officeb2b.ch | L: 64.5 B: 34.8 H: 37.6 |
CHF 4.48 Discount for 20 boxes or more |
CHF 8.40 (free shipping from CHF 129.24) |
|
| Office World | L: 50 W: 33 H: 36 |
CHF 6.49 | Small order surcharge of CHF 9.90 (free shipping for orders of CHF 80 or more, free in-store collection possible) |
|
| Rajapack.ch | L: 65 W: 35 H: 37 |
CHF 8.60 Discount for 60 boxes or more |
CHF 14.90 (free shipping from CHF 250) |
|
| Schäfer Shop | L: 50 W: 35 H: 44 |
CHF 7.09 Discount for 20 boxes or more |
CHF 9.60 (free shipping from CHF 100) |
|
| Storopack-shop.ch | L: 65 W: 35 H: 37 |
CHF5.95 Discount for 20 boxes or more |
Minimum order quantity CHF 150 No shipping costs |
|
| Umzugs-shop.ch | L: 57.5 W: 35.5 H: 32.5 |
CHF 4.70 | CHF 18 |
|
Information correct as at 31.1.2023, provided without guarantee.
3. Where can I get moving boxes for free?
What if you can’t or don’t want to spend money on moving boxes? Here’s how to find free moving boxes:
Ask friends and relatives: many of them will have boxes lying around in their basement or attic.
Check with retailers: ask at the customer service desk of larger retailers if they have any banana boxes.
Contact packaging companies: boxes with printing errors usually can’t be sold, but they are still perfectly fine for moving. The best thing to do is give these companies a call or enquire by email.
Search online marketplaces: you can often find used boxes or crates for free on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Tutti. Your chances are especially high after official moving dates.
Moving boxes: how do I transport them?
Are you collecting a large number of moving boxes? Cardboard boxes can usually be transported on the back seat of a car.
4. Can I rent moving boxes?
You can rent cardboard boxes from moving companies. In addition, special rental companies rent plastic moving boxes in exchange for a deposit.
Plastic boxes are more practical than cardboard boxes, especially in wet weather. Their high level of stability makes them ideal for fragile objects. However, they are also heavier and usually more expensive than cardboard boxes.
Renting 30 boxes for two weeks costs between 60 and 300 francs depending on the provider and the size of box. In addition, there are differences in minimum quantities and the minimum rental period. By contrast, you can buy 30 cardboard boxes from as little as 75 francs.
5. Moving with a moving company: do I pay for the moving boxes?
Some moving companies offer boxes for free with a transport job. Others offer moving boxes to buy or rent. Tip: request several quotes to get a better idea of the value for money.
6. What alternatives are there to moving boxes?
As an alternative to cardboard boxes, major distributors and furniture stores sell plastic bags and plastic boxes. This makes sense if you need storage boxes in your new home. Another alternative is banana boxes. They are easy to carry and their lids make them easy to stack.
This article was first published on 25.01.2021
