Moving Boxes vs. Reusable Moving Bins
Which packing option is best for your move?
Before you dive into the chaos of packing for a move, there's one big question. Should you go with cardboard moving boxes or rent bins? Below, we explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make the right choice for your move.
Advantages of Reusable Moving Bins
1. Durability and Strength
Reusable moving bins are like the superheroes of packing materials. Bins made from tough materials like high-density polyethylene can withstand the roughest moves. While cardboard boxes may collapse if under-packed, reusable bins hold their shape.
2. Environmental Friendliness
Want to feel good about your move? Reusable bins are the eco-friendly move choice you've been looking for. Single-use cardboard boxes contribute to deforestation and generate significant waste. Since they are sturdy, you also don't need as much paper to fill gaps in these boxes compared to regular moving boxes.
3. Convenience and Ease of Use
Reusable moving bins' standardized size and stackable design simplify packing and organizing. There's no need to build or tape them like traditional moving boxes. Some bins even come with labels and zip ties to further streamline packing and delivery.
Additionally, reusable bin rental services offer delivery and pickup options. When you're unpacked, the company will come back and take the bins off of your hands.
Advantages of Moving Boxes
1. Indefinite Storage & Long Distance
You can't predict the ultimate cost of bin rental if you don't know when your items will leave storage. Going out of town? Your destination may be outside of your moving company's pick-up radius. In these instances, cardboard boxes are the way to go.
2. Availability at the Last Minute
Reusable moving bins may require advance booking and availability checks. Cardboard boxes are widely available for purchase. You can pop into most home improvement stores and moving supply retailers to purchase flat-pack boxes.
3. Space-Saving Storage Solution
When not in use, cardboard boxes offer a space-saving packing solution. You can store boxes flat, minimizing their footprint until you're ready to build and pack them. Bins stack inside of each other but occupy more space when not in use.
Bins or Boxes for Different Types of Moves
Office Moves
When it's time to relocate your workplace, efficiency is key. Reusable bins offer streamlined packing and reduce downtime—sounds like a win for any office move. If employees pack their own workstations, you don't have to worry about poorly taped or packed boxes falling apart.
Unique Moves
Sometimes, a move isn't your average shuffle from one place to another. Whether you're dealing with delicate antiques, high-tech gadgets, or sensitive documents, choosing the right packing solution is crucial. While moving boxes offer flexibility, reusable bins provide extra protection and peace of mind for specialty items.
Cost Comparison: Save Money, Save Time
When deciding between moving boxes and reusable bins, consider the overall costs. With reusable bins, customers don't purchase; they rent. Box rental fees generally include delivery, pickup, and cleaning services.
Cardboard moving boxes may be cheaper on their own, but they require more spending on packing tape and packing paper. You may also pay shipping fees, or spend more time getting cardboard boxes home from the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plastic moving crates function similarly to cardboard boxes but offer several advantages. Once filled with belongings, the bins stack securely for transport. After the move, the rental company collects the bins for cleaning and reuse.
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Yes, reusable moving bins protect fragile items. Bins provide the most protection on the moving truck. When you rent plastic moving boxes, you can also rent reusable dividers to help cushion delicate belongings.
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Reusable moving bins help reduce waste and promote sustainability by eliminating the need for single-use cardboard boxes. By renting instead of purchasing single-use boxes, you minimize the consumption of natural resources and reduce landfill waste. After years of use, bins get recycled into...new bins!
Special Note: Architectural Digest featured Cool Hand Movers and BoxUp on their list of eco-friendly movers to watch thanks to our moving bin rental service. USA Today has also featured our sustainable packing supplies.