Buying new moving cartons
Purpose-made moving cartons are available through packaging retailers, office-supply stores, hardware retailers and some storage businesses. Before travelling, check the supplier's current product listing, dimensions and availability. Stock and prices change, so this guide does not name a cheapest option or promise that a particular store has cartons today.
Look for cartons that close securely and suit what you are packing. Uniform sizes are easier to stack, but a small mix is more useful than buying only large boxes. Wardrobe cartons and specialist inserts can help with hanging clothes or glassware, but careful packing in standard cartons may be enough for many homes.
Finding reusable boxes locally
Local community groups, neighbours and businesses sometimes offer cartons after deliveries or recent moves. Ask before taking boxes and collect only those that can be safely reused. Availability is never guaranteed, so start early and keep a backup plan for essential packing.
Avoid cartons with water damage, mould, strong odours, grease, tears, crushed corners or signs of pests. Check that the base is secure and the cardboard has not softened. Boxes used for food, chemicals or unknown substances are poor choices for clothing, bedding and kitchenware.
Match the box to the contents
Heavy items belong in smaller cartons. A large box filled with books may split or become unsafe to lift. Wrap fragile pieces separately, fill gaps to reduce movement and avoid overfilling. Close the top flat rather than interlocking the flaps, then tape across the seam and supporting edges.
| Box type | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Small, strong carton | Books, pantry items, tools and other dense objects |
| Medium carton | Kitchenware, toys, folded clothes and mixed household items |
| Large carton | Bedding, cushions, lampshades and light bulky items |
| Original packaging | Electronics or appliances when inserts and the box remain sound |
Tape, padding and labels matter too
After unpacking, flatten sound cartons and offer them for reuse or store them somewhere dry. Remove excessive tape where practical before using the recycling service available in your local council area. Check your council's current guidance if you are unsure how cardboard should be prepared.
- Use packing tape suitable for cardboard rather than relying on folded flaps.
- Use clean paper, towels or suitable packing material to cushion fragile items.
- Label the destination room and contents on the top and one side.
- Mark fragile cartons clearly, while still packing them to withstand normal handling.
- Keep a simple count so missing cartons are easier to notice.
Planning a move in Perth? Explore our packing assistance or start with your pickup and destination.