• Business
    • Ideas
    • Insurance
    • Investment
    • Real Estate
  • Fashion
    • Gear
    • Men
    • Women
  • Finance
    • Forex
  • Food
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Hygiene
    • Tips
  • Home Improvement
    • Gardening
    • Interior
    • Kitchen
    • Painting
    • Plumbing
    • Remodeling
  • Marketing
    • Online Marketing
  • Social
    • Childcare
    • Education
    • Parenting
  • Technology
  • Travel
Menu
  • Business
    • Ideas
    • Insurance
    • Investment
    • Real Estate
  • Fashion
    • Gear
    • Men
    • Women
  • Finance
    • Forex
  • Food
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Hygiene
    • Tips
  • Home Improvement
    • Gardening
    • Interior
    • Kitchen
    • Painting
    • Plumbing
    • Remodeling
  • Marketing
    • Online Marketing
  • Social
    • Childcare
    • Education
    • Parenting
  • Technology
  • Travel
Consumer Services

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Boxes vs. Bins for Your Move

Sydney Kemmer
Last updated: January 5, 2024 7:06 pm
Sydney Kemmer
1 year ago
Share
best storage service
best storage service
SHARE

Boxes can often be sourced for free or cheap from local businesses. Options like book boxes have built-in handles for easy lifting.

Contents
Cardboard Boxes: The Budget-Friendly OptionKey Packing ConsiderationsPro Tips for Packing SuccessCompare Top Moving Supplies RetailersThe Final Verdict: Mix & Match is Best!

Moving to a new home is an exciting new chapter. But packing everything up can be stressful and overwhelming. 

One of the first big decisions you’ll make is whether to use cardboard boxes or plastic bins for packing and moving your stuff.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the age-old packing dilemma – classic boxes vs. trendy bins. 

We’ll explore the pros and cons of each option through research and personal experience insights as well as the best storage service.

Cardboard Boxes: The Budget-Friendly Option

Cardboard boxes are the tried and true packing supplies used for generations of household moves. Here’s what makes them a top choice:

Pros of Cardboard Boxes

  • Affordable: Boxes can often be sourced for free or cheap from local businesses. Options like book boxes have built-in handles for easy lifting.
  • Customizable sizes: Choose from file boxes, lamp boxes, mirror boxes, etc. to fit each item.
  • Eco-friendly: Cardboard is recyclable, reducing your environmental impact.
  • Easy labeling: Labels or colored markers identify contents.

Cons of Cardboard Boxes

  • Vulnerable to weather: Cardboard disintegrates in rain or snow. Not ideal for outdoor moving in extreme weather.
  • Durability issues: Boxes wear down over time, doubly so if reused. Not great for protecting fragile items.
  • Time-consuming: Must be assembled and taped up before packing.

Plastic Bins: The Durable Option

Plastic bins have surged in popularity thanks to their ruggedness and waterproofing. Here’s the appeal of bins:

Pros of Plastic Bins

  • Reusable long-term: Invest once in durable bins for years of re-use.
  • Weather resistant: Sturdy plastic protects contents from rain, snow, dust, dirt, etc.
  • Stackable space-saver: Square bins are easy to stack and transport.
  • Secure lids: Tight-sealing lids keep contents secure inside.

Cons of Plastic Bins

  • Hefty upfront cost: Buying new bins in various sizes adds up quickly.
  • Heavy when loaded: Heavier than cardboard when filled, making lifting difficult.
  • Limited sizes: Mostly come in standard sizes, unlike customizable cardboard.
  • Harder labeling: Labels stick better on cardboard than plastic.
best storage service

Key Packing Considerations

When deciding between cardboard or plastic, keep these key factors in mind:

  • Items being packed: Fragile antiques, art, crystals, etc. fare better in sturdy bins. Books and linens are fine in cardboard.
  • Distance of move: Short local moves have lower risks than cross-country moves with multi-handling of boxes.
  • Time of year: Rainy or snowy winter moves make plastic bins preferable to keep contents dry.
  • Budget: Buying all new bins costs more upfront compared to free or cheap boxes.
  • Environmental impact: Recyclable cardboard is more eco-friendly. But plastic bins can be reused.
  • Space considerations: Square bins maximize loading space in trucks better than irregular boxes.

Pro Tips for Packing Success

Follow these pro tips regardless of whether you choose boxes or bins:

  • Start packing 1-2 months in advance to prevent last-minute stresses.
  • Purge belongings beforehand to avoid packing what you don’t need.
  • Organize contents by room so you know exactly where unpacked items go.
  • Label every item clearly with room location and fragility warnings as needed.
  • Protect delicate items with plenty of cushioning materials.
  • Load heavy items like books on the bottom, and lighter items on top.

Compare Top Moving Supplies Retailers

Shopping around for the best deals on moving boxes and bins can save big. Here are the top national retailers to check out:

U-Haul

  • Offers cardboard wardrobe boxes, dish packs, mirror boxes, and more
  • Also sells plastic bins in a variety of sizes
  • Low prices with frequent sales and coupons

Home Depot

  • Large selection of cardboard boxes and packing paper
  • Husky brand storage bins in popular sizes
  • Free 1-hour pick-up of purchases in-store

Lowes

  • Wide range of cardboard boxes for all needs
  • Ziploc Big Bag plastic bins keep contents clean and dry
  • Often runs promotions on storage and moving supplies

The Final Verdict: Mix & Match is Best!

At the end of the day, choosing between cardboard boxes and plastic bins is not an either/or question. 

The best approach is to mix and match depending on your specific packing needs and budget. 

Sturdy bins for fragile items, mirrored wardrobe boxes for clothes, and free or cheap cardboard boxes for everything else.

Focus on packing strategically with the right supplies. This will keep your move damaged and stress-free. Now go forth and seamlessly pack up your life!

Sydney Kemmer
Sydney Kemmer
TAGGED:best storage service
Share This Article
Facebook Email Print
Previous Article Web-Design-Mastery-Elevating-Businesses-To-Online-Excellence-on-passionarticles Web Design Mastery: Elevating Businesses To Online Excellence
Next Article google my business management in Canada Unleashing Customer Engagement: The Power of Google My Business Messaging

Trending Posts

Winter-Care-Hacks-for-Your-Baby-on-PassionArticles
Some Winter Care Hacks for Your Baby’s Soft Skin
Childcare
Construction-Trailer-Rentals---Streamlining-Your-Portable-Project-Office-on-passionarticles
Construction Trailer Rentals – Streamlining Your Portable Project Office
Uncategorized
Infusing-Festive-Aromas-into-Your-Home-On-PassionArticles
Scentful Celebrations: Infusing Festive Aromas into Your Home
Home Improvement
Top 7 Reptile Pets You Can Chill With & How To Take Care Of Them
Top 7 Reptile Pets You Can Chill With & How To Take Care Of Them
Online Marketing

Categories

Attorney Autism Automobile Azure Synapse Analytics Beauty Beauty Products Business Childcare Consumer Services Dating Digital marketing agency Education Fashion Featured Finance Fitness Food Forex Freight Broker License Gardening Gear Hair Salon Health Home Improvement Hygiene Ideas Insurance Interior Investment Kitchen Lawyer Marketing Medical Imaging Men Mining Industry Notary Public Online Marketing Painting Parenting Pet Plumbing Power BI-partners Real Estate Remodeling sleep products Social Software Technology Tips Travel Uncategorized Women

Don't Miss

used pack
Don’t Get Burned: Key Stress Points to Check Before Buying Used Backpacks
Gear
purchase skis online
Gear Up Right: How to Choose Cross-Country Ski Gear
Gear
dry top kayaking
When Should You Choose a Front-Entry vs Over-the-Head Kayaking Dry Top?
Fashion Gear
mens mountaineering boots
Technical Mountaineering Boots vs. Entry-Level Models: What to Look For
Fashion Gear Men

Passion Articles offers insightful content on news, business strategies, digital marketing trends, technological advancements, and AI services, empowering readers with valuable knowledge to stay informed and ahead in these industries.

Latest Posts

Don’t Get Burned: Key Stress Points to Check Before Buying Used Backpacks
5 days ago
What’s The Process Behind Effective Industrial Shaft Repairing In Mining Industry?
2 weeks ago
How To Plan The Perfect California Beach Bonfire Night
1 month ago

Popular Posts

Don’t Get Burned: Key Stress Points to Check Before Buying Used Backpacks
5 days ago
Few of the Directives of Shower Filter for Fluoride and Chlorine
6 years ago
Probable Consequential Awards for Breach of Contract Lawyer
6 years ago

© All Rights Reserved & Designed by Passionarticles

  • Contact Us
  • Write for us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Menu
  • Contact Us
  • Write for us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?