Moving brings a long list of decisions, and one of the most common worries is choosing the right packing container. Picking the right option helps protect your belongings and makes the whole process smoother, while choosing poorly can cause damage and stress. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both totes and boxes will help you make a smarter choice based on your items, budget, and moving conditions.
This guide breaks down everything in simple, practical terms so you can decide what works best for your next move.
What Should You Use for Your Move?
Several factors come into play when deciding between totes and boxes. One major element is the environment you’re moving in. Cardboard boxes can absorb moisture and lose strength, especially during rainy or humid moves. Plastic totes, however, are water-resistant and maintain their shape, giving your items better protection.
Another factor is the type of items you’re packing. Heavy belongings like books or tools do better in small, sturdy containers to avoid making them too heavy to lift safely. Fragile items often benefit from the rigid walls of plastic totes, which help prevent crushing or bending.
It’s also important to know roughly how many containers you’ll need. BluBox-It and similar moving services often provide estimates or calculators to help you choose the right quantity so you don’t end up wasting money or running short.
Types of Moving Boxes
Moving boxes generally fall under three main categories: cardboard boxes, plastic containers, and specialty boxes. Cardboard boxes remain the traditional choice because they’re affordable, easy to stack, and come in many sizes. These are ideal for non-fragile and lightweight items.
However, cardboard can wear down quickly, especially when exposed to moisture or when stacked too high. Overloaded boxes can collapse, damaging the items inside. This is especially true for thinner corrugated cardboard.
Plastic containers offer more protection. Their sturdy structure and impact resistance make them more reliable for valuable or delicate items. Plus, they stack securely without collapsing.
Specialty boxes — such as dish packs, wardrobe boxes, and art/mirror boxes — are designed with extra reinforcement for fragile or unusually shaped items. These tend to cost more, but the added protection is worth it for certain belongings.
Types of Moving Totes
Totes come in two main types: standard plastic storage totes and heavy-duty moving totes.
Standard plastic totes protect items from moisture, dust, and basic impacts. They are reusable and typically have secure lids and strong frames. Their medium size makes them convenient for everyday household items.
Heavy-duty moving totes are larger, stronger, and built to handle weight and rough handling. They’re perfect for long-distance moves or long-term storage. Their reinforced design protects items even during extensive transportation.
Many moving bin rental companies offer durable, ready-to-use totes that are delivered to your home and picked up after your move.
Pros and Cons of Using Totes vs. Boxes
When deciding between totes and boxes, it helps to consider factors like handling, transportation, and storage efficiency.
Advantages of Using Boxes
- Budget-Friendly: Boxes are inexpensive and sometimes free from local stores.
- Lightweight: Easy to lift, carry, and stack.
- Versatile Sizes: You can find a box size for almost anything.
- Eco-Friendly: They can be recycled after use when disposed of properly.
Disadvantages of Using Boxes
- Less Durable: Boxes can tear or collapse, especially if reused.
- Require Reinforcement: Tape and padding are often necessary to keep them sturdy.
- Not Moisture-Resistant: Humidity and wet conditions can ruin them.
- Attract Pests: Because cardboard is organic, insects may be drawn to it.
Advantages of Using Totes
- Very Durable: Built to withstand repeated moves.
- Water & Pest Resistant: Great for unpredictable weather and long-term storage.
- Reusable: An eco-friendly choice in the long run.
- Better Protection: Rigid walls prevent crushing or sagging.
- Ergonomic Handling: Built-in handles make lifting easier.
These rental bins are designed to be sturdy, uniform in size, and easy to stack, making your packing process more organized.
Disadvantages of Using Totes
- Higher Upfront Cost: Buying plastic totes can get expensive. Renting is more budget-friendly.
- Heavier: Totes weigh more than cardboard boxes.
- Rigid Shape: They don’t flatten and take up more space.
- Easy to Overfill: Their strength can tempt you to pack too much weight inside.
Even with these drawbacks, totes remain a favorite for their durability, structure, and protective features.
Should You Use Totes or Boxes? A Situational Guide
Choosing between totes and boxes depends on your circumstances.
Best Situations for Using Boxes
- Short moves or temporary storage
- Light household items
- Tight budgets
- Moves where recycling afterward is desirable
Boxes are great when you don’t need extreme durability and want a simple, economical choice.
Best Situations for Using Totes
- Long-term storage
- Moves in humid, wet, or unpredictable weather
- Frequent movers
- Packing delicate, valuable, or moisture-sensitive items
Plastic totes offer superior durability and environmental protection, making them perfect for safeguarding fragile belongings.
Our Recommendation: Totes vs. Boxes
For most movers, totes provide the most dependable experience. They’re strong, reusable, weather-resistant, and secure — especially when rented from services that deliver reusable bins to your door.
Boxes still play an important role and work well for light, inexpensive, or disposable items. Many movers prefer using both, relying on totes for valuables and boxes for everyday items.
If you want improved organization, you can even place small totes inside larger rented bins, helping protect fragile belongings while keeping everything structured.
Have More Questions?
When deciding between totes and boxes, think about your items, the weather, the distance, and your long-term needs. Totes offer unmatched durability and protection, while boxes keep costs low and are easy to recycle.
If you want a smooth, organized, and stress-free move, consider using a mix of both — and for durable, ready-to-use totes, rental bin services like BluBox-It offer a convenient solution that includes delivery, pickup, and everything you need to get started.