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Packing up your life is a big job. One of the first decisions you’ll make is what to pack everything in. This often leads to a common debate: is it better to move with boxes or totes? While it might seem like a small detail, your choice can impact your moving efficiency, packing safety, and overall stress levels.
Cardboard moving boxes are the classic go-to, while sturdy plastic totes have become a popular alternative. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice often depends on your specific situation. Are you moving across town or across the country? Do you need long-term storage? What’s your budget?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving boxes or totes. We’ll compare their durability, cost, and environmental impact to help you make an informed decision for a smoother, more organized move.
Before you can decide, let’s get to know the two main contenders. They each serve a purpose, but they aren’t always interchangeable.
What Are Cardboard Boxes?
Cardboard boxes are the traditional choice for moving. They are typically made from corrugated fiberboard, which is specifically designed to be lightweight yet strong enough to protect household goods in transit. These boxes come in various sizes, are easy to stack when uniform, and are generally budget-friendly. They are a reliable option, especially for heavy, non-fragile items.
What Are Plastic Totes?
Plastic totes, or bins, are durable containers often used for storing seasonal items like holiday decorations or winter clothing. They feature built-in handles and attached lids that don’t require tape. Their sturdy build makes them a popular choice for people looking for a reusable packing solution.
For a simple move across town, the difference between using boxes or totes might not feel significant. However, for long-distance moves where your belongings will be stacked and transported for many miles or days, using the right packing materials is crucial for keeping your items secure.
Advantages of Using Plastic Totes for Moving
Plastic totes are known for their strength and reusability. Let’s look at where they really shine.
Durability and Protection
Plastic bins can handle tough conditions. They are waterproof, which is a huge advantage if your items might be exposed to rain or damp environments. You can reuse them for years without worrying about them getting waterlogged or weak.
Totes also offer great resistance to physical impacts. Their strong plastic construction means they are less likely to break or cave in if they get bumped around. This makes them a solid choice for protecting valuables, especially in harsh environments where moisture and pests are a concern.
Secure Stacking
One of the biggest benefits of plastic totes is how securely they can stack. Many are designed with interlocking lids and bases, creating a stable column that saves space in a moving truck or storage unit. This makes them reliable for long-term use.
Your specific moving logistics should guide your choice. Think about the following factors.
Transportation and Stacking Safety
This is where professional movers often have a strong opinion. Many discourage the use of plastic totes. Why? Totes are flexible. When stacked high in a moving truck, the weight from above can cause the plastic to bend, crack, or even shatter. This puts the contents at risk.
Cardboard boxes of similar sizes, on the other hand, are made to be stacked edge-to-edge. They are engineered to hold their shape and distribute weight evenly, creating a stable “wall” of boxes in the truck. This results in a much safer move.
If you decide to use plastic totes, pack them carefully. Use packing paper or Bubble Wrap® to fill empty space and prevent items from shifting. Tape the lids shut and avoid stacking them more than two or three high.
Storage After the Move
What happens after you unpack? Cardboard boxes are easy to break down and store flat, taking up minimal space. Since you own them, you can take as long as you need to unpack.
Plastic totes are bulky and take up a lot of room, even when empty. For long-term storage, they can also trap moisture, which might lead to mold or mildew. Cardboard allows for better airflow, and when sealed with tape, it can protect items from bugs.
When you ask the pros, the answer is almost always the same: use cardboard boxes. So, will movers move plastic bins? Yes, they will, but often with a warning.
Insights from Reddit discussions and industry forums show a clear preference for corrugated cardboard boxes. The main reason is that plastic totes are not designed for the pressures of a professional move. They are considered “improper packing” by many moving companies.
If an item packed in a tote gets damaged, a claim might be denied. The flexibility of plastic makes it a liability on a packed truck where items are stacked floor to ceiling to maximize space and prevent shifting.
So, is it better to move with boxes or totes? For most situations, especially if you’re hiring professional movers, cardboard boxes are the superior choice. They are cheaper, safer for transport in a packed truck, and preferred by the professionals you’re hiring to protect your belongings.
Plastic totes are great for moving items in your personal vehicle or for long-term, accessible storage in your garage. They excel at protecting contents from water and pests. But for the actual move, their tendency to crack under pressure makes them a risk.
Ultimately, you need to evaluate your personal needs. Consider your budget, the distance of your move, and whether you’re hiring a moving company. A hybrid approach could also work, using plastic totes for valuable or weather-sensitive items you transport yourself, and cardboard boxes for everything else.
For most moves, especially those involving professional movers, cardboard boxes are better. They are designed to be stacked securely in a moving truck and are less likely to break under pressure compared to flexible plastic totes.
Plastic bins are durable, waterproof, and reusable. They protect items from moisture and pests and are great for long-term storage or moving items in your own vehicle.
A mix of box sizes is ideal. Use small boxes for heavy items like books to keep them manageable. Use larger boxes for light, bulky items like pillows and linens.
If you are hiring movers, use cardboard boxes. If you are moving yourself over a short distance and need durable, reusable containers, plastic totes can be a good option.
Plastic moving boxes are more durable and weather-resistant but are also more expensive and can crack under the pressure of being stacked in a moving truck. Cardboard boxes are more affordable, recyclable, and preferred by professional movers for their stacking stability.
