Moving totes vs. cardboard boxes

• No tape and no flattening. Lids snap shut and the totes go back to the rental company.
• Same size, easy stacking. Matching totes stack predictably on a dolly and in a vehicle.
• Tougher than cardboard. Plastic is not affected by a damp porch or a rainy loading day.
• Less waste. You are not buying boxes you will only use once.

• Very long-distance or van-line moves. Some carriers recommend boxes over plastic containers because of how they stack and how they handle liability for contents. For example, U-Pack advises using boxes for its service. If a moving company is packing or loading for you, ask what they accept.
• Fragile items. Cardboard dividers and wrapping are easy to find, and either type of container needs proper padding for glassware.
• A very small move. If you only have a few items, a few free boxes may be enough.

Whichever you choose, heavy items cause most of the trouble. Plastic totes can be loaded with more weight than is comfortable to carry, and overloaded totes stacked at the bottom of a pile can crack or deform. Pack books and other heavy items in smaller loads, put the heaviest totes at the bottom of stacks, and use a dolly.

For a local move in your own vehicle or truck, with friends or movers handling loading, rented totes are a convenient, low-waste choice. For a long-distance move with a carrier, check with the carrier first. If you are not sure, call us and describe your move.