Here are some of the major advantages that come with using plastic bins for moving and storage. When matched up against cardboard, plastic definitely wins in the durability department. Plastic is both thicker and harder. Plastic is also waterproof, and the best plastic bins will create a watertight seal when closed.
“Plastic totes keep out water, smoke, critters of any kind – it’s an issue that a lot of people deal with – and it’s a lot harder for those thing to get into a box with a lid,” said Shaner. But if you’re moving during dry days or in a temperate climate, then cardboard boxes are the best option.
Many moving companies will deliver plastic containers to your old home and then retrieve them from your new one, saving you the hassle of breaking down and recycling cardboard boxes. Household plastic storage boxes may not be strong enough for a move, but you may use them sparingly if you want to.
What can I use instead of boxes for moving?
11 Box Alternatives You Can Use on Moving Day
Suitcases with Wheels.
Backpacks.
Handbags.
Briefcases.
Dresser Drawers.
Tote Bags.
Pots and Pans.
Trash Bags.
Are plastic moving boxes worth it? – Related Questions
What is the cheapest way to pack for a move?
To reduce your moving expenses, you will want to avoid that cost – here are some cheap packing ideas to help you do so:
Wrap fragile items and easily-scratched items in soft towels or clothes – instead of bubble wrap;
Put glasses and other small breakables in clean socks – instead of wrapping them in packing paper;
Does USPS give free boxes for moving?
No cost to you whatsoever. As long as you’re after USPS Priority Mail packaging, you can either pick up free boxes by walking into your local Post Office, or you can order them online on the USPS website. When you order these boxes and envelopes online, USPS will even deliver them directly to your doorstep!
How do you pack up a house without boxes?
Tote bags
Large tote bags can really do an outstanding job in keeping and protecting your things if you’ve made a conscious choice to pack for a move without boxes. They can hold almost anything but you need to make sure the items you do place inside have been protected with packing paper and/or bubble wrap.
Here are some ideas on what to use instead of moving boxes when packing for a move:
1) Suitcases.
2) Briefcases.
3) Backpacks.
4) Tote Bags.
5) Garbage Bags.
6) Vacuum Bags.
7) Ziploc Bags.
8) Baskets and Hampers.
What can I use if I don’t have cardboard?
Glue two sheets of paper together.
Spread your glue on one side of a sheet of paper, then align a second sheet of paper and stick them together. The corners and edges should align as closely as possible. This will form the foundation for your cardboard.
How do you pack dishes for moving without boxes?
Stack your four plates together, turn the stack upside down on another sheet of packing paper, and rewrap the entire bundle, sealing it with tape. Place the bundle in a small box, standing dishes up vertically on a thick layer of packing paper. (Dishes are more likely to break when packed flat.)
How do you pack shoes for moving boxes?
Use boot trees or rolled magazines for high boots. Protect nicer or designer shoes like heels from scuffs by wrapping each shoe with paper or stretch wrap before putting them in a box. Tip: The best way to pack shoes is with plain packing paper, not newspaper.
How do I get cheap packing materials?
The cheapest packing material is any material that doesn’t cost you anything, like free boxes, tissue paper, or strips of cardboard gathered from local retailers. If you’re purchasing supplies, packing peanuts are an affordable option.
Stuff interiors of cups and glasses with crumpled packing paper.
Wrap each piece individually with double sheets of packing paper or bubble wrap.
Pack the glasses upright in rows, placing like items together to save space.
How do you pack plates and bowls for moving?
How do you pack bowls for moving?
How do you pack glasses for moving with socks?
Pack Your Glasses and Stemware in Clean Socks
Fortunately, clean socks make perfect impromptu covers for packing glassware. Just slip each of your glasses into a sock and pack them snuggly into packing boxes. The socks will act as a buffer to keep them from clinking together during the move.
How do you pack dishes for moving with clothes?
Should you stack glasses up or down?
Storing glassware face down runs the risk of trapping moisture and, in turn, growing mold and bacteria. Storing it face up, exposes a large surface for airborne dust and bacteria to land on.
What is the best way to pack crystal stemware for moving?
The simplest solution for safely packing stemware is to wrap each glass with some sort of padding or cushion. Using bubble wrap is helpful because it can accommodate all types of glasses from long-stemmed champagne flutes to short stemless wine glasses.
What type of box is needed to pack crystal?
Supplies to consider purchasing for packing china and crystal include: quality corrugated boxes for glassware, cellular dividers, foam pouch inserts, cushioning material, packing tape, newspaper or packing paper, a sharpie marker and items for padding, such as blankets or pillows.
What is the best packing material for fragile items?
Bubble wrap is excellent for wrapping fragile items, such as dishes, mirrors, and pictures. However, you must combine it with other packing materials, such as packing peanuts or packing paper, which will fill in the gaps and remaining spaces in your boxes.