Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right — Find the Right Size and Type of Moving Box for Your Move

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In a way, moving boxes can be considered the unsung heroes of a successful move. Quietly, they play a vital role in ensuring your belongings reach their new destination intact. But do the types of boxes you move with really matter? Yes, they can. 

(Looking for where to get free moving boxes? Here’s our guide to where to get moving boxes.)

Especially if you’re moving long-distance or have delicate items in your inventory, your choice of moving boxes can make or break  — pun intended — your move, making a significant difference in the safety of your possessions. If you have the time and budget to order the right boxes, you can increase the likelihood that your items arrive in one piece, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long term.

So, let’s explore the world of moving boxes with a guide that will not only help you choose the right types of moving boxes for your move but also help you pack them right.


Moving Box Sizes

a stack of moving boxes under a window that are all of different sizes

Appropriately sized boxes prevent over-packing, ensuring that each box remains manageable in weight. This not only allows for ease of handling but also helps maintain the structural integrity of the box itself — which means you don’t have to worry about collapsed or busted boxes. 

 

“You can find cheap or free boxes on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp, and even at local retailers like grocery or liquor stores.”

 

Overloading a box can lead to it breaking or items getting damaged during the move. On the other hand, using boxes that are too large for the items being packed can result in inadequate support, increasing shifting during transit. 

So before you start packing, take a look at this rundown of the most common moving box sixes to make sure you’re selecting the right size for your items.

Book Boxes

  • Dimensions: 12” x 12” x 12” or up to 1.5 cubic feet
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Book boxes are light, durable, and compact, which makes them suitable for carrying small but dense items. You can use these boxes to transport your books, photo albums, puzzles, board games, DVD collections, and small picture frames. 

There are also best practices for packing your books during a move, which can be helpful no matter the type of box you use.

Three-Cubic Boxes

  • Dimensions: 18 ⅛” x 18″ x16″ 
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Three-cubic boxes are sturdy enough to contain common household items of various weights and sizes. You can use these boxes to transport kitchenware, home decor, linens, towels, pillows, medium appliances, children’s toys, and craft or office supplies. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

 

Large Cartons

  • Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 24″ (or 4.5 cubic feet)
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Large cartons are made for tall, bulky, or oblong items that require a considerable amount of space. Think: clothing, desk lamps, heavy blankets, curtains, stereo speakers, and small to medium electronics.

Extra-Large Cartons

  • Dimensions: 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (or 6 cubic feet)
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Extra-large cartons have both the depth and roominess to hold your most cumbersome items. You can use these boxes to transport large home decor, TV monitors, floor lamps, curtain rods, winter coats, bed comforters, and other hefty objects.


Moving Box Types

a woman stacks a box on top of a pile. all of them are of different sizes and uses and are labeled for different rooms

Now that we’ve explored all the moving box sizes to be aware of, let’s talk about the types of moving boxes. 

Here’s a guide to the most common moving boxes and how best to pack them to maximize space and ensure your valuables remain intact during transport. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for how to pack and move your items, but these tips can definitely streamline the process for you.

Wardrobe Boxes

What They’re For: Clothes on hangers (coats, blouses, skirts, dresses, pants, suits)

How to Pack Them: 

  • It’s basically like packing a portable closet: Hang each piece of clothing on the box’s horizontal metal bar, spacing the items close together to prevent wrinkling during transit
  • Place accessories like belts or shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box to optimize space
  • Alternatives: The main benefit of using a wardrobe box is that it’ll keep your clothes organized, clean, and virtually wrinkle-free, while never taking them off their hangers. But there are certainly other ways to pack clothes! Consider vacuum-sealed bags, especially for bulkier coats or winter garments that would otherwise take up a lot of space, or use pieces of clothing (like sweatshirts) as a cushion to pack other delicate items. You can also use plastic storage boxes, as demonstrated in this video

Dishware Boxes

a man packs mugs in a dish ware box

What They’re For: Plates, bowls glasses, utensils, coffee mugs, other cookware

How to Pack Them: 

  • Bundle each item securely in newspaper or bubble wrap to create a protective cushion 
  • Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box, then stack each piece of kitchenware as tightly as possible so there’s no excess room for the items to shift around while in transit
  • Check out this kitchen packing video playlist for more tips
  • Alternative: Since most kitchenware is fragile, you need a firm, durable box to keep them safe. But if you’re on a budget for this move (or you don’t want the hassle of ordering a specialty box), check out the U-Haul Box Exchange. This online resource will connect you with local residents who are giving away their boxes and moving supplies — or selling them at a discounted rate. You may just find some free dishware boxes, or some sturdy alternatives    

Frame and Mirror Boxes

Church Hill Classics

What They’re For: Photographs, artwork, plaques, mirrors, other framed objects

How to Pack Them: 

  • Bundle each item securely in a blanket, towel, or bubble wrap to reinforce the glass
  • Place the heaviest pictures at the bottom of the box, then stack the others horizontally on top of each other 
  • Make sure there’s no excess room for the items to shift around in transit
  • Got an odd-shaped mirror? Here’s a video on how to pack it 
  • Alternative: Because glass is famously breakable, it’s crucial to protect your framed mirrors and other wall decor as much as possible. But if you don’t have a tall enough box, you can transport them individually. Reinforce each side of the frame with a foam sheet or another cushion material, then double-wrap it in a heavy blanket and tightly secure the corners with moving tape.

Flat-panel TV Boxes

a couple prepares to pack a flatscreen tv into a box

What They’re For: Television and large computer screens (between 32–70 inches) 

How to Pack Them: 

  • Place all electronic cables, remotes, routers, modems, surge protectors, and other external devices in a plastic bag ( and take a picture before you disassemble your setup!) 
  • Detach the monitor’s stand or wall mount, then bundle the screen in a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam sleeve 
  • Need a visual aid? This video shows how the pros pack TVs
  • Alternative: Similar to packing frames and mirrors, you can also transport a television or computer monitor without a box if you use the right protective materials. Bundle the screen with bubble wrap, then reinforce the corners with foam cushioning. Double-wrap the screen in a heavy blanket and tightly secure it with moving tape. This isn’t as effective as a box, but it works in a pinch

Electronics Boxes

uhaul.com

What They’re For: Computers, game consoles, microwaves, stereo systems, other electric appliances or devices

How to Pack Them: 

  • Remove the batteries or cartridges from all electronics to prevent leakage and corrosion
  • Place cables and other external attachments in a plastic bag, and tape the bag with blue painter’s tape to the back of the appliance
  • Bundle each device in a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam sleeve 
  • Place the heaviest items at the bottom, then stack the others as tightly as possible so there’s no excess room for shifting around during transit. 
  • Alternative: Because of their delicate (and often pricey) nature, computers and electronics require sturdy boxes. But, if you don’t want to invest in specialty electronics boxes, normal three-cubic boxes or large cartons with proper cushioning do the job as well. You can find cheap or free boxes on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp, and even at local retailers like grocery or liquor stores.

Plastic Storage Bins

a stack of plastic storage containers in varying sizes

What They’re For: Cleaning products, office supplies, bathroom items, towels, linens, curtains, tools, miscellaneous accessories

How to Pack Them: 

  • Since plastic storage bins are extremely durable, and the objects you’ll pack in them are generally not breakable, there’s no need to wrap each item 
  • Fold towels and linens, place them at the bottom, then arrange the other items compactly inside the storage bin, making sure there’s no excess room. 
  • Reinforce the bin with moving tape
  • Alternatives: If you don’t have plastic storage bins on hand, there are plenty of other organizational containers you can use to transport miscellaneous items. Options include metal or wood crates, industrial wire baskets, collapsible canvas utility totes, or suitcases/backpacks/gym bags. You can even place certain items in empty furniture drawers, then cover each drawer with shrink wrap, so the objects won’t fall out. 

Whether you’re relocating out of state or transporting valuable items that can easily break, there’s no need to stress about which boxes to choose or how to correctly pack them — just follow the tips above, and you’ll be set to hit the open road!

7 Technologies That Changed How People Move

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There was a time when literally the only way to connect to a moving company was to call their landline, leave a message on their answering machine, and wait for a call back. And if your couch didn’t end up fitting in your new house, you just had to deal with it and check it off your inventory list with a literal pencil. This wasn’t even that long ago.

Fortunately, times have changed, and technology has improved the way we find a new home and move into it. Here are seven ways technology has forever changed the moving industry.

1. Tour your new home without having to actually be there

This used to be fantasy, but now it’s almost an expected feature. And it’s getting crazier.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has totally changed the home buying process. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zillow saw a 191% increase in sellers creating 3D home tours. With the help of technologies like 360 and 3D professional photography, people routinely see a home in its entirety before ever setting foot on the property. 

360 photography

matterport
Matterport setup for home sellers

Virtual tour software platforms like Matterport allow photographers to photograph, tag, and measure properties they want to show off online. A link is generated and uploaded to the listing on the real estate company website, which can be sent to any interested party. This is awesome if you’re a buyer; you can take the time to do a virtual walk-through of the home you are thinking of buying without ever stepping foot inside.

Drone photography and videography

Drone photography and videos have impacted real estate almost as much as any other business. Not only are you able to clearly see a home and yard from any screen in the world, but you can also check out the neighbors’ lawns, roads and even alleys in the surrounding area. This gives a virtual buyer much more context into the neighborhood and surrounding areas when deciding whether or not to make an offer.

AR and VR technology 

Augmented reality (AR) and VR use similar technology in very different ways. Where VR uses headsets to give the impression you are somewhere else, AR adds to what you can already see! It can work with the camera and apps on your phone to overlay information literally on top of what you see in front of you (like in Star Trek, though maybe not quite as cool yet).

AR Real Estate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB3O0WSCP0k

For homebuyers, this means realtors can often facilitate highly realistic virtual walkthroughs of spaces for cross-country buyers. Homes can also be staged using AR to reduce actual staging costs and logistics. In addition, design apps sometimes use VR and AR technology to help you virtually “move in” and decorate your space so you have a plan before your actual move.

2. Scope out everything about a neighborhood from the comfort of home

In our current data-driven and highly social world, there are many ways to research the safety, functionality, and friendliness of an area so you know which neighborhoods are most ideal for your move.

Neighborhood accessibility 

With basic apps like Google Maps, you can get real-time data on the roads, restaurants, and shops in your new neighborhood. You can use it to map traffic flow on routes you will need to travel most like to the school for drop off or work. Learn the best routes and the best time of day to travel them to reduce traffic-related headaches — hopefully.

 

“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zillow saw a 191% increase in sellers creating 3D home tours.”

 

Crime statistics

Learn about the safety of your new neighborhood with apps and websites like Citizen and City Protect. City Protect offers police reports, public record requests, and more. Some features of both apps are free. Family Watchdog is a free app that provides publicly available information about sex offenders in your area. (Be warned that there is a fee for detailed reports through the app.)

Neighborhood vibe apps

Believe it or not, there is more to a neighborhood than traffic routes and crime stats! Neighborhood Scout is a subscription-based app that focuses on real estate in a particular area and provides a profile using 600 characteristics. 

AreaVibes is an app that has crime stats, but that also provides a big picture of your future neighborhood based on seven main factors: crime rate, amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, and user ratings. It then compares that against a national average to give you a composite picture of your potential new neighborhood. It even offers a custom search function that sets it apart from similar apps, which allows users to access the information most relevant to them.

3. The rise of public reviews for professional movers 

Consumer reviews have become increasingly more social in recent years with the ubiquity of Facebook, Yelp and others.

hireahelper mover reviews
Public reviews on HireAHelper.com

Local moving companies have been impacted by this change tremendously. Almost more than any other type of old-school business model, movers used to exist on the strength of personal recommendations; but now that info is available at scale, and with the client in the driver’s seat. One hour of research is enough to skim reviews of 10 or more service providers that could do your move, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Sites like Yelp, Facebook, and HireAHelper shed light on the movers that make moving day actually manageable.

Note: Anyone can leave a review on Yelp or social media, but it’s worth noting that HireAHelper verifies all reviews, meaning that all public reviews are guaranteed to have actually, you know… really happened!

4. Accurate (and free!) moving quotes online, without needing a walk-through

Newer moving companies like HireAHelper and Simple Moving Labor have streamlined the quote process that your grandparents used to use.

Your inner introvert will be happy to hear you can get free moving quotes entirely online these days. Virtual quoting allows you to enter the basic information of your move online and instantly get moving quotes for free (plus, you even get to read the reviews for each mover). 

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

We especially don’t miss the part where you cross your fingers for a quote that doesn’t break the bank after the company is already at your house… who has time to start over at that point?

If you have any doubts or concerns about your quote, HireAHelper can quickly ballpark your moving needs over the phone with just a couple of questions (not a whole freaking tour). On top of that, many movers offer live video chats over Facetime or ZOOM to ensure they have a clear picture of your needs so there are no expensive surprises at the end of your move. (This practice has become far more common since COVID.)

5. Design your new place from your phone

vr app
Homestyler

Many buyers spend hours planning where their furniture will go in their new home, as well as what new décor they’ll need to buy to fit into a different (and often bigger) space.

Smartphones have made this step substantially easier, especially for those moving cross-state or cross-country. There are apps like Planner 5D and Homestyler that allow you to scan a room with your smartphone to save its dimensions and openings. Add in windows with the swipe of your finger, and you have a virtual mockup for your new life.

Not only does this allow movers to skip the tape measure pressure during their inspection, but it also can save precious time and back strain that used to come with arranging and rearranging. Even better, you can access room designs while you’re out and about furniture shopping!

6. Virtual checklists (and “checklist services”)

Virtual moving checklists like Porch’s Home Assistant allow you to ditch your moving to-do list and track all of your pending items in one shareable dashboard, from ordering home insurance to filing your change of address form.

porch home assistant
Porch.com’s “Home Assistant” works like a personalized moving checklist service

Not only does this mean no more paper to-do lists that will inevitably get lost, but it also means there are fewer chances for crucial steps to slip through the cracks. (Nobody likes arriving at their new place just to realize that they forgot to get their internet set up.)

7. GPS trackers on moving trucks

GPS technology has been around for a long time, which is why it’s become easier than ever for movers and moving companies to buy inexpensive trackers to avoid losing track of valuables, entire boxes, and even the moving trucks themselves.

For individuals and families booking their own moving truck, a GPS can help ensure a thief can’t run off with your expensive rental and disappear. You can also use more localized Bluetooth technology like Tile to tag boxes that have valuables in them in case they get misplaced within range.

Not to mention, companies now provide more realistic updates for moving companies that are providing long-distance moving services. Can you believe people used to stand around and wait for weeks for their stuff to arrive? Yikes.

How Much Does a U-Haul Really Cost? We Found Out.

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Updated for 2023

 

We’ve all seen it: that $19.95 per day deal that’s advertised on the side of seemingly every U-Haul truck and van across the country. And that price looks mighty nice.

But just like renting a truck is only one small part of your move, that $19.95 U-Haul rate is likely to end up being just a fraction of your final bill. We know, because we went out to rent a U-Haul with one question in mind: how much does a U-Haul really cost? 

Here’s absolutely everything we learned.


The Big U-Haul Cost Breakdown

How much does a U-Haul truck rental cost?

After trying to rent a truck on their website, we found out the $19.95 price point refers to local moves only, not a “one-way” move, where you drop off at a different location – aka a long-distance move. (More on those prices later.)

The famous $19.95 price point is also exclusive to any one of their three smallest options:

  • 8’ U-Haul pickup truck
  • 9’ U-Haul cargo van
  • 10’ U-Haul Rental truck (what we rented)
How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

“To get your actual U-Haul cost, you need to add up all of their other fees that come with renting a U-Haul.”

And most importantly, the $19.95 only accounts for U-Haul’s “rental truck fee”. (And while this price is consistent for local moves, mileage rate and taxes can vary based on location.)

Here are the U-Haul fees that make up one (1) U-Haul bill

  • Rental truck fee ($19.95/day — subject to availability)
  • Mileage fee: rate varies by regional location/distance driven (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
  • Damage protection fees (aka insurance)
  • Fuel costs (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
  • Environmental fees (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
  • Equipment rentals
  • Miscellaneous fees (e.g., Cleaning, toll, damage, parking, convenience, drop-off fees)
  • Taxes
  • https://blog.hireahelper.com/wp-admin/edit.php

How much did it cost for us to rent a U-Haul for a day?

Our final cost was $52.40 for the most bare-bones rental imaginable.

Below we break down how U-Haul gets their prices, what else we could have bought instead, as well as what we had to do to get our quotes.

How much do the bigger U-Haul trucks cost?

 

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

It’s not possible to pinpoint the exact cost of a specific truck size because mileage and tax rates vary, but local U-Haul truck costs are consistent everywhere. There are sites that ballpark individual truck size costs, but if you want an estimate based on user-reported, real-time prices for U-Haul moves, click on the graph below.

 

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
Moving101 Real-Time Pricing Page

 

Can you rent a U-Haul for more than a day?

Yes, you can (usually) extend your rental at the same daily rate if you need it longer than 24 hours (for a local move). All we had to do was call before the truck was due back and ask the store for an extension.

There’s also no limit to the number of days we could extend our rental. The only exception would be if our truck was reserved for the days we wanted. That’s why it’s best to extend your rental when you make your original reservation. Otherwise, you have to return your truck and get a new rental truck that isn’t reserved for the additional days you want.

If you wanted to extend your rental to multiple days and there were no rental trucks available, U-Haul would likely sell you on one of their moving containers as an alternative, if those are available in your area.

“Paying for a U-Haul in cash? We were told cash customers need to put down a $100 deposit or the estimated rental charges, whichever is more. (Yes, seriously.) This would eventually be reimbursed – minus our total cost – upon return of the vehicle.”

For long-distance moves, depending on the distance, U-Haul assigns a minimum number of days with your truck. This might just be a single day for a shorter distance like 150 miles or less. We asked and yes, you can add days to your long-distance rental — but only with advance coordination with your local U-Haul store, and only as long as your truck is still available.

Beware: U-Haul tacks on an ADDITIONAL $40 fee to every day you keep your truck after five days.

Here are the daily U-Haul rates for adding days to a U-Haul long-distance truck rental:

  • U-Haul trucks – $40 per day
  • U-Haul trailers – $20 per day
  • U-Haul towing devices – $20 per day

By the way, there are no discounts for returning the moving truck earlier than the minimum assigned number of days, but you still can return it earlier. Virtually the only advantages would be that it would reduce the likelihood of anything happening to the truck while in your care, and to get it off your to-do list.


Trailers and Hitches 101: How exactly does renting a U-Haul cargo trailer work?

How much does a U-Haul cost?
Middletownstorage.com

We didn’t rent a cargo trailer with our truck, but we got all the info straight from U-Haul.

There are three types of trailers U-Haul offers:

  • Cargo
  • Utility
  • Car carrier (Available only at some locations)

For smaller loads or something super fragile (or heck, even quarantined), U-Haul offers trailers that hitch to cars and trucks, pending location availability. U-Haul likes to say they’re perfect for moving a dorm room.

Like their trucks, U-Haul advertises these as being as cheap as $14.95 (not including tax), and just like the trucks, that quote is only for the smallest versions of them AND only if you’re moving locally. There’s no limit to the number of days you can keep them, as long as availability permits. You generally get five days to use a U-Haul trailer for long-distance moves. Your quote will be based on your start and end locations.

 

Here’s $25 Off Movers

$25 Off Coupon

 

All trailers are subject to regular U-Haul fees (minus gas and mileage) and – most importantly – come with an installation fee if you don’t have the proper hitch.

How much does it cost to get a U-Haul hitch installed on my vehicle?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
Tacomaworld.com

All types of U-Haul trailers require a proper hitch and lighting to hook to your vehicle.

You can use your own hitch if it’s compatible – a Class 2 or Class 3 with a 2-inch hitch ball (a Class 1 is kinda like a bike rack hitch, in case you’re curious). If you don’t have a proper hitch, you must have one installed. You can either get that done on your own, or make an appointment to have U-Haul install a hitch for a fee roughly around $100 or greater.

But note that U-Haul won’t install third-party hitches. Of course, trailer hitches and installation is an additional fee to your U-Haul rental bill.

For the heck of it, we asked U-Haul how much it would cost to get one of our cars modded for towing a trailer, and for pieces and installation. We were quoted $509.07 online to mod my incredible 2014 Kia Soul.

  • Hitch: $149.95
  • Hitch lifetime warranty: $5
  • Ball mount $24.95
  • Hitch ball $12.95
  • Pine & clip: $2.95
  • Wiring: $89.95
  • 2-year wiring service plan: $10
  • Installation fee: $180
  • Taxes: $33.32
  • Total after taxes: $509.07

The U-Haul rep I spoke with about hitches told me that the cost of installation depends on the complexity of the installation. Installation tends to be cheaper on older cars because the electrical wiring is simpler than with more expensive, newer cars.

(Fun fact: we were actually quoted a better price over the phone – $458.80 – so you may want to give U-Haul a call, as well as run an online quote for the hitch.)

Either way, this isn’t exactly a steal, given that doesn’t even include the rental. But at least you’ll be good to go for the future. You will be buying all the pieces you need, but expect to get up-charged versus if you found the pieces elsewhere.

Let it be known that technically, you can actually rent a trailer for your U-Haul truck rental (which already has a hitch and lighting hook up on it) if for whatever reason you needed a little additional space.

What’s the difference between the three different U-Haul trailers?

There are actually three different kinds of trailers you can typically rent. (Note: there might be more at an official U-Haul dealership.)

U-Haul Cargo Trailers

uhaul trailer
subaruoutback.org

U-Haul cargo trailers officially come in three different sizes and come with a built-in, lockable latch, so they’re secure.

uhaul cargo trailer
UHaul.com

None of them generally come built with the U-Haul “EZ Ramp,” so prepare for that.

How much does a U-Haul Cargo Trailer cost?

For local moves, U-Haul trailer rentals generally cost as little as $14.95 before fees, and as much as $29.95 for the biggest size, after fees.

Without any hitch installation and for single-day use, the smallest cargo trailer (4’x8′) with no ramp was quoted to us at exactly $14.95, before taxes or miscellaneous fees. For their biggest cargo trailer (6’x12′), it was $29.95 under the same stipulations.

For a long-distance move, that quote goes out the window. Our quote from Florida to Texas for the smallest trailer (4′x8′), minus the taxes and miscellaneous fees and for up to seven days, was $114.00 plus tax. And the largest cargo trailer (6′x12′) was $257.00 plus tax! This is exactly how your U-Haul price can skyrocket fast.

Don’t forget the hitch installation charges if you need it, which adds another couple hundred, at minimum, depending on the year/make/model of your car.

U-Haul Utility Trailers

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

Utility trailers are needed when you have to transport something tall or oddly shaped. So when you move your arcade cabinet (okay, probably a refrigerator), you can strap it to this and haul it behind your vehicle.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

Bring your own ramp, though, because only the 5′ x 9′ and 6′ x 12′ utility trailers come with U-Haul’s fold-out “EZ ramps”. (Careful, they rent a 6′ x 12′ trailer without a ramp, too.)

How much does a U-Haul Utility Trailer cost?

tow haul
You may see this sticker inside your U-Haul

For local moves, prices generally begin at $14.95 and go up to $34.95 for the biggest size. The daily local rates don’t vary.

We were only able to get a quote for a long-distance move for a 5′ x 9′ Utility Trailer because it turns out the 4′ x7′, 5′ x 8′, and 6′ x12′ Utility Trailers are only available for local and roundtrip moves. Our quote was $153 plus the rental fee and taxes for five (5) days from Clearwater, FL to Arlington, TX. (Keep in mind this doesn’t include optional damage coverage or if you need to have a hitch installed.)

You can expect both larger and smaller utility trailers to scale roughly the same in cost as U-Haul Cargo Trailers.

U-Haul Vehicle Trailer

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
corvetteforum.com

Finally, if you need to tow a vehicle and aren’t looking to ship your car, check U-Haul’s car towing site, and maybe also call ahead to see if the U-Haul near you has any car and motorcycle trailers available.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

This type of move can definitely save you some cash compared to normal car shipping, but keep in mind that do-it-yourself car transport is not for moving rookies and requires a lot of time and some skill.

How much does a U-Haul Vehicle Trailer cost?

For our local move, U-Haul trailer rental rates for a tow dolly for a front-wheel drive vehicle started at $44.95/day and an auto transport trailer started at $54.95/day.

To get an idea for a hypothetical long-distance move, we came prepared with two faraway ZIP Codes. Before fees, our quote from Florida to Texas was quoted as $80 for a tow dolly and $222 for an auto transport trailer for 5 days. We thought this was pretty cheap, as long as you’re up for driving it yourself.

“…(W)e had to reproduce the same or another form of payment in person, regardless of what we used online to reserve it. Makes sense, but it might be a stumbling block for some people.”

Keep in mind that hitch installation, taxes and other fees are not included in this quote, which as you can see, can add hundreds more to this cost.

Oh, by the way, the rep told us U-Haul won’t let you rent any trailer of any kind if your vehicle doesn’t have a hardtop, SUV and Jeep included. They also strongly recommend you not exceed 55mph with any of this stuff attached to your vehicle.

How much do U-Haul U-Box containers cost?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

We also didn’t actually rent a storage container but were told they are available for long-distance moves. Here was our quote, though:

My U-Box Container Quote for Clearwater, FL to Arlington, TX

U-Box Container that fits about 1.5 rooms (+1-month use): $99.95
2-dozen furniture pads: FREE
Gentle ride shipping (guaranteed delivery 13 days after pickup): $1,242
One-way transit fuel cost: FREE
Truck delivery: $115
Subtotal (before taxes): $1,456.95

However, according to Moving101’s real-time, user-reported prices, the average price for a U-Box move is $2,755.

For a complete breakdown on all U-Box moving container costs before you make your U-Haul U-Box reservation, check out the Moving101 U-Box page.


How U-Haul Mileage and Gas Fees Work

How much does U-Haul charge for mileage?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

 

In general, the price per mile is region-specific. Mileage rates are also higher for local moves.

For a rental truck:

  • Our quote was $1.09/mile for Los Angeles on a Wednesday. On a Saturday, the quote we got was $1.39/mile.
  • In the Midwest, it’s more common to find price points of $0.79 (for a truck) or $0.69 (for a van or pick-up) per mile on a weekday. On a Saturday, we found these rates were $1.49/mile and $0.99/mile, respectively.
  • Meanwhile, the mileage rate for either U-Haul rental pick-up trucks or U-Haul vans are typically $0.69–$0.79/mile on a weekday and $0.79–$0.99/mile on a Saturday.

We drove the U-Haul all of eight miles from and back to the U-Haul store to take pictures. For this, we were charged $0.99/mile, for a total of $7.92.

Imagine, now, how much your mileage fee will stack if you drive your rental 20, 50, maybe even 100 or more miles to and from the rental location? That’s why some call it “consumer-unfriendly“. Let’s hope there are U-Haul coupons out there somewhere.

“If returned with less than 1/4 tank, I agree to pay a $30.00 service fee.”

-U-Haul customer agreement receipt

What are the mileage rates for a long-distance/one-way U-Haul rental?

If you’re moving long-distance, a certain number of miles is accounted for and rolled into your final rate. There are technically no mileage limits, but if you drive more than this number, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile, which seems to be consistent for long-distance rentals regardless of location.

Remember, a one-way/long-distance to U-Haul simply means dropping it off at a different location than the one you rented it from. Technically, this could mean as near as a town over. Keep this in mind when typing in “U-Haul near me” into Google… just return it to where you got it.

Also, mileage is cheaper for long-distance moves, but other fees are way, way more expensive, so make sure you stick to local (in-town) rates, if possible.

Do U-Hauls have unlimited miles?

With U-Haul, there’s no limit to the number of miles you are allowed to drive.

But remember, for local, in-town rentals, miles are never included in the rate – you’re charged per mile. For long-distance moves, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile for anything beyond the expected mileage that U-Haul declares is necessary for your move.  

If you do need to put on some extra miles, you’re better off looking at Penske or Budget. This area is where the $19.95 price promise really falls apart, unless you’re moving something across the street from your U-Haul store.

How do U-Haul gas fees work?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

Simply put, you will pay for any gas you use. You gotta bring it back with at least as much gas as it started with.

The U-Haul clerk marked down the exact mileage and gave us their daily rate for gasoline. We had the choice of filling up what we used ourselves out in the wild, or paying U-Haul $6.25 a gallon (!) to do it for us after we returned it as a “convenience fee.”

And heed this warning straight from our receipt: “If returned with less than 1/4 tank, I agree to pay a $30.00 service fee.”

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
U-Haul mileage gauge

We spoke with a U-Haul rep who told us there’s no universal rule at U-Haul for this convenience fee, so this may be location-specific. (Oh, and in case you were wondering, U-Haul usually won’t reimburse you if you return the truck with more gas than you had to start with, so easy does it at the gas pump.)

Protip: Here’s how to save money on your rental truck’s gas.

How much mileage (MPG) does a U-Haul truck get?

A 10′ U-Haul truck should get in the neighborhood of about 7–10 mpg, although this can vary depending on what size truck you rent. The 15′ trucks and bigger are equipped with a fuel economy meter on the dashboard that shows you whether or not you’re getting the “Best MPG” in real-time. Our 10-footer had one too.

Protip: Normally, U-Haul is supposed to give you a truck with a full tank, but the tank can have less than this, and you’re only required to replace the gas you use. (We were given a truck with 5/16 of a tank of gas.) Make sure your truck’s tank is full when you take it off the lot. And by full, we mean full! (The fuel tank capacity for the 10′ truck is 33 gallons according to the equipment contract.)

When you pick up your truck, your U-Haul rep might think “full” means the needle on the gas gauge is more or less at full. But when you drop it off, that same rep will likely insist it isn’t full if there isn’t gas splashing out from under the gas cap.


U-Haul Insurance and Movers 101

What are my U-Haul insurance options?

U-Haul has two (2) main kinds of insurance. They’re called SafeMove and SafeMove Plus. Just like everything else, the added cost varies depending on whether you’re move is local or long-distance.

Keep in mind that absolutely no U-Haul insurance covers damages due to …improper packing, normal shifting of cargo in transit or theft of cargo“. When in doubt, U-Haul will probably win out.

Here are the differences between their two insurances.

SafeMove

SafeMove is basically coverage for if someone hits your truck. It gives you:

  • Damage waiver: Covers most accident damage to the rental equipment (doesn’t include collision with an overhead object)
  • Cargo protection: For loss or damage to the stuff in the vehicle (cargo)
  • Medical/life protection: Life coverage for the people in the cab of a U-Haul rental truck

You’ll have to look to your own insurance if you hit someone else, or get Safemove Plus, which covers you against damage done to another vehicle. And your stuff inside is only covered if you get hit, there’s a fire, a windstorm, or if your truck literally overturns.

“There are no formal military, senior, or student discounts at U-Haul. However, it’s up to the discretion of the U-Haul store you’re renting at if they offer it for asking.”

SafeMove Plus

SafeMove Plus is basically the coverage for if you were to cause an accident:

  • Coverage for accidental damage of any kind
  • Limited coverage for the stuff in the vehicle (cargo coverage)
  • Life coverage for the people in the vehicle
  • Supplemental liability coverage

It covers overhead damage, like the kind you see on YouTube where people slam their trucks into low clearances, as well as tire protection. (You know, the two most likely things to go wrong if anything were to go wrong.) And as a “safeguard” to your personal insurance, if you were to cause an accident or mess up their equipment somehow, this covers up the first million dollars (literally) of losses.

For our tiny little “move,” we were scared by U-Haul customer service into picking up U-Haul’s regular SafeMove coverage for $14. SafeMove Plus would have cost us $28.

Do I have to buy insurance with my U-Haul?

No, you don’t have to buy insurance of any kind to rent a U-Haul.

Here’s the thing though. While you’re statistically in the clear, U-Haul’s policies are perfectly crafted to screw you if absolutely anything were to go wrong.

  • Your personal auto insurance policy most likely does not cover damages to rental trucks
  • Your credit card likely does not cover any damages to rental trucks
  • You are responsible for damages even if it’s not your fault, including things like vandalism
  • Some stores told us you have to pay U-Haul the exact moment you return the vehicle for any and all damages, while others told us it goes through insurance — so, uh, probably ask

Keep in mind that U-Haul only offers SafeMove for their rental trucks. Pickup trucks and vans have their own type of insurance they call Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

 

The difference between a move that takes you all day, breaks your back and your friendships, and keeps your stuff out of the hands of amateurs could be as little as $200 … Movers may be the most value you can get from any single add-on.”

 

U-Haul also offers SafeTrip for $5 extra per day, which means if you need roadside assistance they’ll send someone out to help. Kind of sad that you have to pay extra for this, but the option is there.

Bonus Insurance: SafeTow

SafeTow is U-Haul’s coverage for trailers, tow dollies, and auto transports. It’s available at different coverage levels from $8 per day up to $16 per day. Here’s what it covers: 

  • Damage to the rental trailer or towing device
  • Damage to your cargo or vehicle while being transported with a U-Haul rental trailer, auto transport or tow dolly
  • Medical and life protection for you in case of an accident (passengers are covered only if they’re riding in the passenger area)

Damages and cleaning fees

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

Also, if you leave some kind of a noticeable mess, they will charge you up to $25. Maybe don’t eat while you drive … or transport hay.

U-Haul Equipment

We didn’t rent any equipment or buy any boxes or supplies, but we definitely had the option!

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
U-Haul stores give you a wide range of boxes and equipment to choose from online, and in person.

Sure, it’s possible to move without renting (or buying) any special equipment. But even if you hire a crew of movers to come in with all their hand trucks and dollies to load (and unload) your truck, you’ll at minimum still need your own blankets to protect your belongings.

Here’s how much the stuff cost for us.

Average* U-Haul equipment purchase prices:

  • Padlock: $4.95 to $16.96 (Best value is a 4-pack for $10) unless you want to get really fancy with a $49.95 braided steel cable lock
  • Stretch wrap: $9.49
  • Boxes: $1.09 to $16.95 per box (Wide varieties available)
  • Tie Down Rope: $3.95
  • Straps: $9.95 to $15.95 
  • Roll of packing tape: $3.95
  • Furniture dolly: $19.95
  • Hand dolly: $75.75 online (but a different model was on sale in the store for $49.95)
  • Furniture pads: $7.95 each

Keep in mind that you can rent some equipment versus buying it. U-Haul has furniture pads for $5 per half dozen, as well as furniture dollies ($7 for local and $12 for one-way/long-distance moves) and appliance dollies ($10 for local and $15 for one-way/long-distance moves).

*These prices came from U-Haul’s website and may vary by location. You may want to check your local store first before buying online in case their prices are cheaper.

 

How much does moving labor cost?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

When you go to a U-Haul shop, it’s likely they’ll try and sell you on movers. Even the inside of their trucks have advertisements for moving labor all over them.

How much are U-Haul movers? Movers prices will vary dramatically, depending on the number of hours booked, how many movers you book, whether they are doing a load, unload, or both, and how soon you need them. U-Haul’s rate is for two helpers, and there’s a two-hour minimum per location (your starting point and end point). But if both locations are near each other, you may be able to combine the loading and unloading at both locations into one two-hour block.

Movers through U-Haul cost as little as $200 to as much as $5,000, which is why you need to get your own moving quote to compare against theirs.

moving equipment
Moving equipment can sometimes add up to cost almost as much as local movers!

The way U-Haul’s movers work is that they have a network of local move helpers that sign up to receive job requests via their marketplace. But unlike HireAHelper’s $1,000 guarantee if anything goes wrong or gets broken during a mover, with U-Haul you’re mostly taking your chances. They’ll connect you with movers, but it’s beetween you and them after that.

We found this part of their terms a little unsettling:

“Furthermore, the Moving Help request and its acceptance and if applicable, any resulting provision of Services, are solely between You and the Moving Helper. Therefore, when and where there are any claims, demands, liabilities, damages or losses incurred as a result of the same, You, your heirs, successors and assigns, do hereby waive and release Us (Our officers, directors, agents, parent, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and employees) from any such claims, demands, liabilities, damages or losses.

You acknowledge and agree that both You and the Moving Helper each have the right to pursue a claim against one another in a Court of competent jurisdiction or in another similar forum of dispute resolution.”

This, compared to cheap movers through HireAHelper, which provides some insurance for free (and $1,000 service guarantee if anything goes wrong), plus additional insurance starting at $12.

And in case you were wondering, for us to add movers to our made-up, on-the-spot move, U-Haul quoted us $312.

Are movers actually worth it?

The difference between a move that takes you all day, breaks your back and your friendships, and keeps your stuff out of the hands of amateurs could be as little as $200, depending on how much stuff you have. Movers may be the most value you can get from any single add-on.


Other Factors That Affect Your U-Haul Cost

What actually happens at the U-Haul store after you reserve online or over the phone

U-Haul reservation text
Here is the reservation text you get after you reserve a vehicle

We went online and used a credit card to book a 10′ rental truck, and we thought the booking was all paid up. But it wasn’t — our card was just used to make the reservation.

While our vehicle was reserved online (thank goodness), we had to reproduce the same or another form of payment in person (cash was acceptable as well), regardless of what we used online to reserve it. Makes sense, but might be a stumbling block for some people.

After that, U-Haul put a hold on our bank account upfront for all the estimated costs (rental fee, environmental fee, tax, and mileage). They asked us how many miles they thought we’d drive for our local move and added that to the total cost for the hold. If you end up driving less, they’ll charge you less in the end. If you end up driving more, they’ll charge more. Plus they’ll add any applicable miscellaneous fees.

When we returned with the vehicle, they checked out the truck before charging us to verify gas level and mileage (and probably to check for damages). We were given a paper receipt with the total costs. Because we used a debit card already on file, no further action was needed.

Paying for a U-Haul in cash?

We were told cash customers need to put down a $100 deposit or the estimated rental charges, whichever is more. (Yes, seriously.) This would eventually be reimbursed – minus our total cost – upon return of the vehicle.

Here’s how the cash payment breakdown works, straight from their website:

“If you’re paying with cash, the following is due when you pick up your equipment:*

  • Local/in-town truck: $100 or estimated rental charges (whichever is greater)
  • One-way truck: $100 plus rental rate 

*Cargo vans and pickup trucks must be reserved with a credit card. Deposits cannot be made in cash.

The total estimated charges for your rental are due when you pick up your equipment regardless of your method of payment. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card or cash. 

Cash is accepted for pickup and van rentals. However, a valid credit or debit card with a major credit card logo will also need to be presented in the name of the renter.”

Haggling and U-Haul coupons

There are no formal military, senior, or student discounts at U-Haul. However, it’s up to the discretion of the U-Haul store you’re renting at if they offer it for asking. The rep let it leak that anywhere between 10-15% discount is what they’re allowed to apply to an order if they decide.

How old do you have to be to rent a U-Haul? 

Wanting to test the age limits, we sent one of our 20-year-old team members to officially do the honors of picking up the vehicle. No matter, as U-Haul says you need only be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and just 16 years old to rent a trailer attachment.


The Cheapest We Were Able to Get Our U-Haul

Our final cost for our U-Haul was $52.40.

  • Rental Fee: $19.95
  • Mileage Charge: $7.92
  • SafeMove Insurance: $14.00
  • Environmental Fee: $1
  • 1.6 Gallons of Gas from U-Haul: $7.51
  • Tax on Rental: $2.02

Total: $52.40

We got a 10′ truck, U-Haul’s smallest with no ramp, and drove it a “colossal” eight miles. We bought the cheapest insurance, absolutely zero equipment and zero labor, and got hit with no other fees (since we didn’t actually put anything in the truck).

Our bill was still almost three times the advertised price.

Of course, $52.40 isn’t a bad deal, depending on what you need it for. The problem is that if you needed only a quick lift to pick something up, $50+ can render a lot of good deals useless.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
The $19.95 truck has raised wheel wells inside the vehicle, which takes up some serious space in your rental truck.

On the other hand, if you were seriously moving, odds are great you’d drive many more miles, and your mileage would probably be way higher, given you probably aren’t hauling air. And if it’s during the busy moving season, the rental rate will likely be greater than $19.95.

An extremely conservative estimate for a very small, local move is probably closer to around $125 for the rental. You’ll realistically need one of the larger trucks for a real move.

And that is strictly local. For long-distance moves, even a small load will be much closer to $1,000 or more. And that is assuming you don’t need a hitch installed.


The Bottom Line

Nobody pays $19.95 plus tax. How much you finally shell out will depend on your circumstances, your preferences and your requirements. Keep the above in mind as you plan out your move. You’ll probably save at least enough for some extra coffee on the drive to your new home!

Budget Halloween: The 10 Best DIY Costumes on TikTok

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Category: DIY Projects, Seasonal & Holidays

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There are two types of people in this world: Those that buy pre-packaged Halloween costumes, and those that DIY.

But the DIY route isn’t just for rich and talented designers… especially if you take advantage of free, simple materials like cardboard boxes leftover from a recent move, or Amazon order. (Need free boxes? Check these places.)

But wait… you don’t believe DIY costumes can look that great? Just ask TikTok.

Below are 10 examples of super creative costumes put together by TikTok users using mostly cardboard. Now watch, get inspired, then get crafting before that Halloween party gets here.


1. Steve from Minecraft

@b3v3r463this is why I haven’t posted???? #costume#minecraft♬ original sound – Cerebro ???? Grande????????

If you know a kid between the age of 3-30, you’ve probably heard about Minecraft. Cardboard boxes are perfect for recreating the block-like characters and accessories featured in the game.

 

2. Haunted House

@inbetweenbranchesBB UR A HAUNTED HOUSE! #Halloween #halloweencostume #cardboard #costumes #reels #creativestylist #creativedirector♬ Baby You’re a Haunted House – Gerard Way

Did someone say house party? Raise the roof at your next Halloween gathering by showing up in this inventive cardboard creation.

 

3. Transformer

@w855173wWhen your son wants to be bumblebee we make it a challenger! #bumblebee #transformers #transformercostume #cardboardcostume♬ Knight Rider – TV Themes

If you want to guarantee your kid will win the costume contest at school, we recommend this cardboard box Transformer costume that changes from Bumblebee to a Dodge Challenger. (Instructions not included.)

 

4. T-Rex

@mamabearxx08#foryoupage #fypシ #cardboard #art #dinosaur #handmadecostume #halloweenlook♬ Fancy Like – Walker Hayes

This cardboard dino costume stands out from the crowd with a long, swinging tail. But with arms like these, parents might need to help out by carrying the candy pail. 

 

5. Butterfly

@heymonaheyyyAre you DIYing your costume this year? Cardboard is really versatile! #halloweenlook #fyp♬ TWINNEM – Coi Leray

For a simple but beautiful Halloween costume, these butterfly wings made from cardboard are a great DIY idea. Bonus: you can throw them over just about any outfit.

 

6. Springtrap

@bigjoedadyMy 14 year old son made his own costume. springtrap took 3 months cardboard, foam and felt #fyp #HappyHalloween #40something #fivenightsatfreddys♬ Viva La Swing aka #SandoTwist by @Abiud_Sando – Mingaling 2.0

For those with some major creative muscles to flex, this Springtrap character costume from the popular video game Five Nights at Freddy’s is both cute and creepy (okay, mostly creepy).

 

7. Terrance (or Phillip)

@knotpossible#southpark #terranceandphillip #cardboard #upcycle #recycle #reuse #repurpose #diy #cardboardcostume #cosplay #art #canadian #comedy @comedycentral♬ South Park Theme – Voidoid

Fans of the pottymouth characters of South Park will get a kick out of this DIY Terrance of the “Terrance and Phillip” duo. 

 

8. Cake Slice

@craftychicaHow to make a cake slice Halloween costume! #LearnOnTikTok #TikTokPartner #cakeslice #halloween #costume #cardboardbox #boxtume #halloweencostume♬ BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL – TJ Carter

Going for a look that’s more sweet than spooky? Just add sprinkles! You’ll be the belle of the dessert table with this cake slice Halloween costume made from cardboard boxes. 

 

9. Outhouse

@michelleypetersonKiddo revealing his costume to family and his #GirlFriend #halloween2020 #costume #OutHouse #CountyKid #pnw #GottaPoop #CowboyBoots #CardboardBox♬ original sound – Chicken_Mama

This costume takes “potty humor” to a whole new level. Enough said.

 

10. Taco Truck

@oliviagevPet costume idea under $15 #foryou #foryoupage #halloween #petcostume #walmart #costumeidea #bulldog #englishbulldog #taco #tacotruck #dog #cute #woof♬ El Jarabe Tapatio – Mariachi Vargas Tecalitlán

Don’t leave your fur babies out of the fun this year. Cardboard boxes can be used to craft adorable pet costumes too. Taco ‘bout a Halloween hit. 

What Are Plastic Moving Bins and Are They Better than Cardboard Boxes?

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Category: Local Moving, Moving Boxes & Supplies

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If you’re friends with me, you likely know three things because I’ve repeatedly shouted them into the side of your face:

I’m a Virgo, I firmly believe Survivor is the best show on television, and I think plastic moving boxes are one of the most genius solutions I’ve stumbled across

The very first time I used plastic bins to move, it spoiled me on cardboard boxes for life and turned me into a big-time proselytizer (that means I’m a fan). 

gorillabins
Gorilla Bins

What are plastic moving bins and why should I care?

Great question. To get super basic, plastic bins (in a moving context) are durable plastic boxes that are designed to be rented for the duration of your move. Then, usually, you return them to wherever you rented them from.

Plastic moving bins are typically:

  • Stackable (!)
  • Sturdy, dry and secure
  • Have handles
  • Standardized in sizes
  • Eco-friendly

The specific company I rented from was called Gorilla Bins, which is now far outside my grasp in L.A., given that it’s local to New York City, which I left in 2019. But there are plenty of plastic moving box companies scattered across the country, just waiting to transform your move. 

“It will vary a lot by company and location, but usually, plastic bins come in just shy of $100 for around 10-20 of them, plus weekly charges.”

My offerings at Gorilla Bins were both stackable and nestable, equipped with ergonomic handles, came with enough stick-on labels for each bin, and closed with hinged lids securable with zip ties. (So no need to clear a massive section of floor while you collect cardboard or wrestle with that temperamental tape gun that you completely forget how to operate in between moves.)

How does ordering plastic moving bins work?

You generally order however many you need online, or over the phone, just like most things.

Then, depending on who you go with, you either go to their store to pick them up, or someone will come drop them off at your place. And generally, you pay for plastic bins by the week. You may also come across moving companies that provide plastic bins as an add-on to your scheduled move for extra money.

Every company works with its own version. Check out a few of the bigger plastic moving bin companies near you:

Who should use plastic moving boxes?

There is one major caveat: most moving bin companies are almost always for local moves only. This may not be the case if the company has two stores exactly in proximity of both your origin and arrival destinations, but even U-Haul requires you to return their plastic bins to the exact store you rented them from.

What if there are no moving bin companies in my area?

Speaking of options available in your area, there’s a good chance you don’t live close enough to NYC to take advantage of Gorilla Bins specifically. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. 

Of course, first try Googling “plastic moving boxes” and your town or city to see if there are reputable companies working nearby. You can also check HireAHelper.com to book a similar moving service that suits your needs for a comparable price to a plastic bin service. I like this option because it’s more flexible and adaptable; maybe you only need a couple of people and not a whole team, for example, especially if you already have your own vehicle and don’t need to pay for a truck.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

But are moving bins better than cardboard boxes? They are definitely far more environmentally friendly than cardboard boxes (even recycled free boxes). And unless the one part of moving that you absolutely love is scrambling to amass a collection of cardboard boxes that could get squashed or soaked during your move, the value of plastic moving bins security and portability should be obvious. 

Moving bins also make labor-only moves (or any moving service without packing) much more efficient, which may save you serious money if you’re paying movers by the hour.

How much are plastic moving bins?

Uhaul box
Uhaul.com

I got my bins as part of my whole moving package. I paid $462 including tax, tip, and tolls for movers, a truck, plus bins. And that was moving from busy Manhattan to busy Queens, so you can probably do even better than I did. 

What about a la carte bin prices? It will vary a lot by company and location, but usually, plastic bins come in just shy of $100 for around 10-20 of them, plus weekly charges.

For me in New York, they came in sizes ranging from “Studio” (20 bins for $87), up to the “Family Package” (60 bins for $207), and each has a mix of medium and large boxes to suit all your needs. Often, these companies offer things like dollies and other pieces of equipment in their packages, too. For me, I was moving out of a studio, but I went with the “One Bedroom” package because I’d been living in the same place for seven full years, accumulating items like a greedy little magpie. 

You can budget for them however you want, of course, but I highly recommend my particular method: pairing the boxes themselves – no labor included – with a moving company for your own version of a Hybrid Move. That combo offered me control in the areas I wanted while lifting the burden of responsibility off of me and onto others.

How long can you keep your plastic moving boxes?

It depends on the company, but it’s usually for a window of time, probably weekly.

“…(E)ven U-Haul requires you to return their plastic bins to the exact store you rented them from.”

During checkout, I was asked to choose a two-week window during which I’d have possession of the bins—with an option to add a third week in, if need be. I selected one with my move date centered right in the middle, so I could use the week following delivery to pack up my old place, and the week prior to pick-up to unpack at my new place.

It initially felt kind of fast, to me, but I ultimately really appreciated the pick-up deadline, because it meant that I actually unpacked instead of living out of boxes for days or weeks (or let’s be honest, months) like I have in the past.

How do plastic storage bins stack up against other options? (pun very much intended)

Are plastic bins better than cardboard boxes? Heck yes. Are they more expensive? Sure, and way more than free boxes. Are they safer? A lot more. But if you can pair them to your move, try them out. I am a plastic bin convert.

But…I know this whole post has been me gushing about how great my experience with Gorilla Bins was, and all of that still stands. However, one thing I need you to know is that whether you realize it or not, if you have a budget for plastic moving bins, it’s highly likely you can afford actual movers—either in addition or instead.

Check out what other moving options you have, and compare prices at a glance.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

For me, my plastic bin move was my first adult move, by which I mean my first time hiring movers… and I was genuinely shocked at how affordable it was compared to what I thought it’d be. My assumption up to that point was that big-girl moves were a four-figure proposition, and I’d be better off shredding my relationships to smithereens by trying to do them myself.

But folks, that is very much not the case. 

No matter how micro your moving budget, do yourself (and your relationships) a favor and just run the numbers through a mover marketplace before you start, just to see what’s out there. After that, whether you opt for a plastic moving bins company like Gorilla Bins, a boxes-plus-labor arrangement like MakeSpace, a full-service move, or ignore my advice altogether, I fully support you. Just know your options.

The Most Damaged Items During a Long Distance Move & How to Pack Them

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Category: How To Pack, Long Distance Moving Advice

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Moving valuables far away can be worrisome for everyone involved. For us movers, is there anything more important than keeping our customers’ belongings safe during a long distance move? Damaged goods can be costly… both to our bottom lines and our reputations.

Movers can probably guess what kinds of items are most prone to suffering damage in transit. Nevertheless, we crunched the data to find out which items are most at-risk during transit, relative to other common items. Here are crucial tips on packing these items in a way that will minimize damage, maximize profits, and keep our reputations sky high.

How to Pack Flatscreen TVs

flatscreen tv

For anyone out there who thinks wrapping a flat-screen TV in a furniture pad and loading it on the truck is a good idea, I’ve got one word: “Areyoukiddingme?!” Not only are flat screens the most often damaged item on long-distance moves, but they are also, unofficially, every customer’s most valued possession. This one has to be done right.

Luckily, it isn’t hard. You just need the right supplies.

  • Always start by securely wrapping every inch of that flat screen with a furniture pad
  • Get a TV box. Prep your TV box by lining the bottom with crumpled packing paper
  • Cover the screen side of your padded TV with an extra piece of cardboard, to add an extra bit of protection against external impact
  • TV in box, add more crumpled packing paper to further protect each surface and edge
  • Tape your carton securely, Label the outside with plenty of words of warning: “TV”, “FRAGILE”, and “KEEP UPRIGHT”

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How to Pack Glassware, Dishes, Vases, China, Ceramics

glassware china

These items win the prize for most time-consuming to pack. The trick with this stuff is to find that balance between adequate padding and keeping everything inside the carton tight, for two reasons. One, you don’t want breakables moving and shifting and vibrating in that carton while in transit. Two, a tight, dense carton is less prone to being crushed or damaged, vertically or laterally, from external impact.

  • A sturdy carton is always best
  • Use plenty of packing paper, crumpled and covering each interior surface of your carton
  • Pack glasses upright, and plates vertical/on end
  • Pack dishes on the bottom of your dish pack, bowls in the middle, glasses on top
    •  In other words, heaviest items on bottom, lightest on top, just like loading a truck
  • A packed dish pack should be dense and tight, with lots of crumpled packing paper on top
  • Partitions are useful for crystal and stemware, mainly to guard against top-down pressure. Still, it’s critical to keep everything tight and immobile in there

Note: Decorative glass and ceramic items, particularly odd-shaped pieces, are better off packed separately from the plates and bowls and glasses in the kitchen. Using a dish pack for such items is not always necessary. Using ample amounts of packing paper is. Keep things tight, and label that box on every side in big red lettering: “FRAGILE, GLASS, TOP LOAD”!

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How to Pack Picture Frames and Artwork

moving art

Picture Frames and Artwork

Picture frames come in all sizes, and therefore can – and should – go in whatever size carton is appropriate and sensible. The one common denominator? Pack them (and load them on the truck) vertically.

  • Large picture frames and pieces of wall art can be wrapped in furniture pads, though brown Kraft paper will usually suffice
  • Cover large surfaces with extra cardboard (same as TVs)
  • Smaller picture frames can go in dish packs – not with dishes, but with other picture frames
  • Fill extra space in your box with non-threatening items (e.g., clothing, bedding)
  • Smaller frames can go in 4.5 cartons, 3.1 cartons, or even book boxes. Just keep them vertical and protected and label those cartons well

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How to Pack Mattresses and Box Springs

Moving mattress

Though they are among the simplest items in the world to pack, mattresses and box springs nevertheless often get damaged on long-distance moves. The reason? They don’t actually get packed… at all. Haul a mattress or box spring onto the truck and cover it with some pads, and you’ll end up with soiled and torn fabric. Do this instead:

  • Put mattresses and box springs into proper mattress cartons, which can be a bit pricey, but not nearly as costly as a replacement mattress
  • Slip mattresses and box springs into mattress bags before packing them in cartons to help keep them clean
    • Avoid taping mattress bags completely shut, especially for long drives. Doing so can trap moisture inside, causing mold, mildew, or just plain stink
  • For the same reasons, DO NOT wrap mattresses and box springs in shrink wrap (yes, I’ve seen it done). Besides the moisture factor, shrink wrapping is also wasteful and ineffective. Go with the mattress bag/box combo

Had trouble with other hard-to-pack items? Let us know! We’ll go over more strategic tips to give your skills and your business a boost.

The Best Way to Unpack After Moving

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Unpacking should be the best part of the entire moving process. No, really!

You’ve already coordinated all of the logistics of renting a truck and hiring Helpers, you’ve packed everything up, moved, and unloaded your rental truck. Now all that’s left to do is go through all of your boxes and get everything in its place so you can enjoy your new home!

So why do some people still dread unpacking? Well, imagine sitting amongst a mountain of boxes with no clue what’s inside any of them or where everything is going to go. Okay … yeah, that does sound pretty dreadful. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By planning your unpack, you can save time, money and headaches.

How to Make Unpacking Easier Before Moving Day Happens

We all know the quote, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” The most important step to a smooth unpacking experience is proper planning before your move. 

Of course, you’ll have some planning to do if you’re booking movers and renting a truck … but you still need to spend some time packing. And no, we’re not talking about randomly throwing items into boxes and calling it a day.

Here are some things you should do before moving day to make unpacking easier.

Take Photos Before You Start Packing

Before you touch anything, we want you to take out your phone and have a little home photo shoot. 

Here are things you especially need photos of:

  • Bookshelves
  • The back of your TV
  • Kitchen drawers
  • Desk area
  • Tool shed

We urge you to snap pics of the areas in your home that you love! We know all too well how long it can take to get a shelfie looking just the way you want it. By snapping some reference pics now, you’ll be able to replicate that new look in your home in no time.

Create a Number and Color-Coded System For Your Boxes

After the photo shoot, gather all of your packing supplies (boxes, paper, tape, scissors, markers … the works!) and start packing boxes like a pro.

Try to only pack up items from one to two rooms inside every box. This will make your life much easier when it’s time to unpack later.

Got a bunch of stuff on shelves? Create a numbered system to remember where everything goes. That way it’s easier to get them unpacked and into their new permanent spots.

And we can’t forget our favorite tip of all … our color-coded box systemWith this technique, you get to use our most beloved crafting tool—washi tape! Get the full instructions from this post, but the short version is that you need to separate your boxes by the room, marked with bright washi tape so your movers know exactly where to deliver them. Genius and oh so colorful!

Make it Much Easier to Unpack Essentials

There are 7 items you’ll want to have on hand for moving day, but we also think you should create a box of moving day essentials. Because imagine the night of moving day when you’re tearing open boxes trying to find pajamas, your toothbrush, and your medication for the night. Sounds like a disaster to us.

This is what should go in your “Moving Day Box” so you don’t have to tear through your moving truck:

  • A change of clothes
  • Utensils
  • Toiletries
  • Prescriptions
  • Phone charger

Be sure to label this box and keep it near you!

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Clean The 5 Most Important Things

We know you have approximately 10,000 things to do to get your rental deposit back. But trust us, now is the time to give your new place a thorough cleaning because it’s empty. You simply put items in place rather than cleaning and unpacking at the same time. Want to know the five most essential things to clean?

  • Kitchen cabinets
  • The Refrigerator (and refrigerator fan)
  • Bathtub and any tub jets
  • Outside (and Inside) the stove
  • Washing machine

Unpacking Tips

You’ve done the prep work (even the cleaning, you rockstar, you!), and now moving day is here! Even if you hired help for your unload (great call), there are still things you can do to make unpacking time a little easier. 

Place Your Boxes in Rooms by Color

It may sound easier to just have your Helpers pile up all of the boxes in one spot of your new place, but unpacking will be a lot easier if you follow your color-coded box system to get each box in the correct room. If you followed our washi tape tips, you should have each door in your new place marked so the Helpers can easily drop the box in the right spot!

Protip: Get your “Moving Day Essentials Box” opened right away so you have everything you need to make it through the next day or two.

Use Washi Tape to Figure out Your Furniture Layout

As long as your movers are there, have them get your furniture in the spot where you want it! We love the idea of using painter’s tape to mark out the layout of furniture right on the floor.

Before you move (or even while your movers are bringing things in and out),  go around your place and put tape on the ground to outline your furniture. That way the movers will know exactly which wall to put your bed on and where that long dresser goes. You can always move things later on, but getting items in the correct space will make your life a lot easier in the coming days.

Unpack the Bathrooms and Bedrooms First

Moving day will be exhausting, so if you’re going to unpack anything immediately, make sure it’s your bed and bedding. Once your movers get the mattress into place, find the sheets, comforter and pillow and make your bed. If you have kids, do theirs too. Having a comfy spot to sleep at the end of the long day will feel amazing!

Unpack your bathroom boxes too. That way you’ll have all of the toiletries and medications on hand for the night and morning. A fresh shower after a long day of moving will be heavenly, trust us!

Save the Kitchen for Tomorrow

The kitchen is the most time intensive room to unpack, due to the amount of tiny and heavy items, so don’t unpack it on moving day. Your brain will be tired by the end of moving day, and you’ll want to be refreshed and recharged before you tackle this space. Save the kitchen until morning when you can make a fresh pot of coffee.

How to Stay Organized After Moving Day

You’re into your new home and you’re surrounded by all of your possessions. First, take a deep breath. You’ve made it this far! Now it’s time for the actual fun part … making your house a home.

Avoid Distractions, Don’t Unpack Games or TV

We might suggest making a playlist of music to entertain you, but we don’t think you should get your TV setup and turned on right away. You may find yourself sitting on the couch instead of unpacking if you have a TV show or movie on. So much temptation…

Another distraction? Little ones. You’ll additionally want to make a plan for your pets when you’re moving and unpacking, so they don’t get in the way. The same goes for kids. Have a plan to keep them occupied or if you can, drop them off at grandma’s house so you have uninterrupted time to unpack. It’s all about keeping the distractions to a minimum so you can devote enough hours to get your house in tip-top shape!

Unpack Only One Room at a Time

Instead of hopping from space to space, we suggest making a list of your rooms in order of importance. Then, don’t move onto another space until the one you’re on is done.

The kitchen, bedrooms and kids’ rooms should be up high on the priority list, while the guest room and garage may not need TLC right away. Also, make sure you have furniture and appliances setup before you get too carried away going through boxes. Did you clean your counters first? You’ll want to have spots to put all of the items as you whip them out of the boxes, so having dressers and cabinets ready to go is a must!

Break Down Boxes as You Go, in Real Time

As you unpack boxes, it may be easy to just throw empty ones in a big corner. But trust us, that pile will quickly get out of control and soon you won’t be able to walk around your house without an empty box tumbling down on you. Take one box and make it the designated paper box. As you unpack boxes, crumple up the paper and shove it into that box. Then, be sure to break down boxes as you unpack. You’ll want to have a utility knife on hand so you can do this quickly.

(And Don’t Unpack Everything)

There may be some boxes that don’t actually need to be unpacked. We’re looking at you, Christmas decorations. Make a large pile of items that may be heading to storage or the garage. Then be sure to get those items to that space in the coming days.

What to Do After You’re Unpacked

You’ve made it! You survived moving day and every box in your place is unpacked. You should be feeling pretty darn good about yourself right about now, but the fun isn’t over just yet. There are still a few things you can do to really get your unloading and packing done.

Make Use of Those Moving Boxes

If you will be moving again soon, then you may want to hang onto some of the boxes that are still in good condition. Organize your boxes and find a spot to neatly tuck them away. Are you thinking, “What the heck do I do with all of that cardboard?!” Don’t fret! Instead, try out some of the cardboard hacks.

If getting creative with cardboard isn’t your speed, you can recycle your moving boxes. Check out this searchable database that’ll let you know the closest place to recycle anything (including moving boxes!). Just be sure to set a deadline for yourself to get those moving boxes out of your new place, so they don’t stay piled in the garage forever.

Use These Organization Protips

We’re all guilty of just shoving random items into a cabinet or closet and calling it a day. But to really feel settled in your new home,  be intentional with what goes where. Check out this post on how to organize house keys:

Whenever we’re on an organization spree, we go room by room with a notepad and write down areas that need our attention. Then we’ll spend 30 minutes each night giving those spots some TLC. Those short increments of time seem much more doable than an entire day spent organizing an entire home.

Let the Decorating Begin! (In a Month)

We always say that you need to live in your home for a while in order to decorate it well. So many people quickly buy furniture and accessories for their place without ever giving each room a test run, and they end up with design regret. Yep, don’t paint the walls until you’ve spent a little time in your new place!

We promise that you’ll make much smarter decor decisions after 2-3 months.

Here’s how to get started when it’s time to begin: 

It may not seem like it, but unpacking can be the best part of the moving experience! We promise that these tips will make your unpacking experience easier and more efficient.

The sooner you unpack, the sooner you can enjoy your new life!

Can Movers Help You With Other Stuff Besides Moving?

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If you thought moving companies do nothing but put all your stuff on a big truck, you’d be right—if you were living sometime in the distant past.

Today’s moving companies are constantly expanding their range of services and offering them all à la carte. That half-job or heavy lifting you need help with? Sure, you can try begging and bribing your friends, or you can call up a few movers in your area. You might be surprised at what they can help you with.

So What Else, Exactly, Can Movers Help With?

More than you can probably imagine. Heck, you don’t even need to be moving to have them give you a hand! More and more, people are turning to moving companies for all kinds of tasks too big to tackle alone. Movers make great day laborers, for things like:

Clearing out your garage or basement

  • Having a couple of sets of hands to move stuff while you figure out whether it goes to the curb or your cousin’s house or back into the garage can save you an entire weekend (if your garage looks anything like mine)
  • This also applies to attics, sheds, or anywhere

Hauling individual furniture from Point A to Point B

  • From your house to the curb; from your bedroom to the basement; to that cousin’s house; to the municipal trash dump; to your local secondhand store or consignment shop

Moving everything out of the room you are repainting or remodeling 

  • And then moving it back when you are done

Hauling stuff to your home from the furniture store

  • Or from your second cousin’s house, or from the garage of the guy selling that big beautiful piano on craigslist

Movers can (and often will) also take care of those jobs tangential to a move:

Even if you’ve managed to tackle your entire move on your own, you may be left with a mountain of unwanted cardboard boxes and unusable packing paper that you just don’t want to deal with. Movers, however, see gold in those mountains. So try giving them a call.

Protip: Most movers tend to charge for a minimum of two hours of labor, due to scheduling their business hours. This is not by any means a hard and fast rule, but make sure you ask before you book your help.

Can I hire movers to JUST help me load and unload my U-Haul?

You betcha!

Renting a truck or a moving container and hiring moving labor for all the heavy lifting is a huge trend—and for good reason. You save a ton of money by renting your own truck, and you save your back by hiring movers.

À la carte movers often:

  • Bring all the equipment
  • Have all the knowledge necessary to do the job right
  • Pack stuff you need packed, wrap stuff you need to be wrapped
  • Load it all up safely and securely

You drive your U-Haul (or Penske or Budget), or have your portable container delivered, and a fresh crew of movers unloads everything at your new home. This is what we call a Hybrid Move. As far as moving goes, it’s the best of both worlds. And it’s what HireAHelper movers do best.

Get an instant quote for local TV mounting services.

Protip: If you are moving locally, your movers may be able to rent you moving blankets for a small fee. But if you are moving out of the area, you might be able to rent them from your rental truck company. You may, however, have to buy them. Just please don’t move without them!

Can my movers do my entire move?

Yes, of course. Your traditional Full Service moving company will handle the whole moving enchilada if that is what you want, including packing up your entire home, right down to your last box of biscuits. This is the easiest way to move. It is also by far the most expensive.

Movers Know Best

Of course, we can’t tell you what’s best for you. But we can say with total confidence that movers know how to best handle your stuff. Whether it’s a single item job or a few pieces of heavy furniture; whether you’re moving one room or one door down or one hundred miles away; whether you need loading help, unloading help, or both, hiring moving labor is the best and most economical way to make sure your belongings are taken care of.

If you’re not sure what to do, that’s cool. Calling a mover and asking a few questions costs nothing. And it could end up saving you a lot.


Illustrations by Rob Wadleigh

The Best Type of Packing Tape to Use When Moving

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Packing tape is an item you probably don’t give much thought to until you really need it, after which it’s the only thing that really seems to matter.

If you’re painting a room, you’ll want to find the perfect painter’s tape to get the job done right. If you’re in the midst of moving your “to buy” list probably includes boxes, moving blankets, packing material, and yes, packing tape!

But what type of packing tape is best to use when moving?

It depends on what you are taping, so first you need to know a couple of things.

After moving lots ourselves, we’ve concluded that not all tape is created equal. Some tapes are not right for moving boxes and will make packing a heck of a lot harder. Not only that, but only having one type of tape won’t work well for each step in your moving process.

So knowing what we know now, let’s chat about how the tapes you’ll find at the store are actually different…

Tape Factors

There are lots of factors that differentiate each type of tape. Here are things to keep in mind when choosing the right tape for your packing needs.

  • Temperature: Some tapes are better than others when it comes to standing up to certain temperatures and humidity levels. You’ll want to take the environment into account when deciding on a tape so it stays sealed even in a humid storage unit or on a chilly moving truck.
  • Grade: The grade is a fancy word for the stickiness and strength of the tape. The higher the grade, the thicker and stronger the tape.
  • Adhesive: There are a few different kinds of adhesives for different stuff you’re sticking together. Most notably, hot melt adhesive and acrylic adhesive.
  • Width and Color: How wide is the tape, and is it wide enough to cover the gap in your boxes? What color is it? Color is something to think about when it comes time to organize and sort all of your boxes during the unpack.

Okay now that we got the technical jargon out of the way, let’s figure out what tape is best for you and your move!

Best Tapes for Moving

#1: Shipping Tape

Shipping tape is going to be your best bet for your move. This tape is often a hot melt adhesive and thus is strong enough to withstand the handling of your moving boxes as you get from point A to B. You’ll also want to grab a handheld tape dispenser so it’s easy to cut and apply to boxes quickly. (Plus, this makes you feel pretty cool knocking out boxes like a pro.)

You can buy this tape and the tape “gun” at any home improvement, office, or moving store—it’s often clear and comes in 2-3 inch widths. Shipping tape also lacks a cloth backing, so it’s easy to undo from your boxes when it’s time to unpack.

Use For: Building and sealing moving boxes.

Price: ~$9-12 on Amazon

#2: Storage Tape

This special tape should be used for boxes that are going into your storage unit with no plan to get them out any time soon. We’re looking at you, boxes of Beanie Babies from 2nd grade. Because it’s a heavier acrylic adhesive, this stuff can last up to 10 years in any type of temperature or humidity. So you can leave those boxes in your storage unit knowing that they’ll stay tightly closed.

Use For: Boxes going into storage for the long-haul.

Price: ~$15-20 on Amazon

#3: Masking Tape

Most of us have used masking tape … it’s that thin beige tape that you may use for random tasks around the house. While this tape comes in handy during the moving process, it shouldn’t ever be used for sealing. It’s really just not that good at it. But it’s still a worthwhile tape to pick up when packing because you can use it to bundle kitchen utensils or even label boxes.

Of course, it’s really great tape to write on, so grab that permanent marker and start labeling, baby!

Use For: Labeling and bundling packing items.

Price: ~$10 for 4-pack on Amazon

#4: Washi Tape

Washi tape is quite possibly our favorite tape on the list because it has so much personality. Plus, it’s way cuter than tapes #1-3. You used to only be able to find this tape at craft stores, but now it’s popping up all over the place because people can’t seem to get enough of the cute patterns and colors. This tape comes in handy if you want to have an organized move and color code all of your boxes.

We especially love this idea to make sure your boxes stay organized by room and end up in the right place on moving day!

Use For: Organizing boxes.

Price: ~$5-15 for wide varieties of patterns and colors on Amazon

Tapes You Shouldn’t Use for Moving

If you stick to our top four tapes for your move, then you should be good to go. But just to make sure you stay on track, we want to mention the tapes that you should avoid for moving.

  • Electrical Tape
  • Plumber’s Tape
  • Medical Tape
  • Cellophane Tape (aka Scotch tape)

Time to Get Taping!

So are you feeling a bit more informed about your taping needs for your upcoming move? Who knew there were so many varieties to choose from? But if choosing the perfect tape for your move makes the process a tiny bit less stressful, then we think it’s worthwhile to spend the time buying the right stuff to get the job done! Go on that tape shopping spree and load up your cart with all of your taping needs.

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