How many cardboard boxes do you actually need to move house?
The honest answer most removals firms quote in the UK:
- 1-bed flat: 25–35 boxes
- 2-bed house: 40–60 boxes
- 3-bed house: 60–90 boxes
- 4-bed+ house: 90–130 boxes
Round up rather than down — running out the day before completion is the single most common mistake. Anything you don't use we'll happily talk to you about returning if unopened (see our returns policy).
Single-wall vs double-wall: what's the difference?
The wall refers to the number of corrugated layers between the inner and outer liner of the cardboard.
- Single-wall (SWB) — one fluted layer. Good for lightweight items: bedding, soft furnishings, lampshades, empty plastic containers. Typical edge crush rating: ECT-32.
- Double-wall (DWB) — two fluted layers. Designed for heavy and high-value items: books, plates, kitchen contents, electronics, stacked storage. Typical rating: ECT-44 or higher.
For a house move we recommend going entirely double-wall. The price difference per box is minor (often pence), and the structural difference when stacking 3–4 high in a removal van is significant. Every cardboard box we ship at My Moving Box is double-wall as standard.
Which sizes should I order?
| Size | Best for | Approx. capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (18×13×13") | Books, records, tools, tinned food, kitchen contents, toys, smaller appliances | 15–20 kg |
| Large (18×18×20") | Bedding, clothing, lampshades, soft items | 10–15 kg (volume not weight) |
| Tall (18×18×30") | Bulky lightweight items, duvets, pillows, garden tools | 10–15 kg |
| Wardrobe (48" tall, hanging rail) | Hanging clothes, suits, dresses | 20–25 garments |
The golden rule: heavy stuff in small boxes, light stuff in big boxes. A "large" box full of books is the fastest way to break a box, your back, or both.
How much should I pay?
Pricing for double-wall cardboard moving boxes in the UK in 2026 typically falls between £2–£7 per box depending on size and quantity. Prices below that are usually single-wall (lighter cardboard) sold under a "moving box" name — check the wall type before buying.
If you're moving a whole house, look for bundle packs (10×, 20×, 50×) which discount 15–25% off single-box pricing.
Delivery — what to expect
Most UK suppliers ship via DPD or Parcelforce on a 1–2 working day service. At My Moving Box we ship same-day from our Northampton warehouse for orders placed before 1pm, and offer free UK mainland delivery on orders over £50.
Eco-friendly options
Cardboard boxes are 100% recyclable. Where possible, choose suppliers using:
- FSC-certified or recycled-content kraft
- Plain (un-printed) brown card — uses less ink and is easier to recycle
- Paper-based tape (kraft / brown gummed) instead of plastic
Trade discounts for removals firms & offices
If you're a removals company, office manager or facilities buyer placing repeat orders, we offer tiered trade pricing (10–30% off) plus free shipping. Apply for a trade account →
Browse our cardboard moving boxes
Need a hand sizing your order? Call us on 01604 721734 or use our contact form — we'll quote you back the same working day.