Moving Boxes vs. Plastic Bins

When planning a move, you might consider using plastic bins instead of moving boxes.

Plastic bins, often called totes, are durable and reusable. This makes them a popular alternative to cardboard boxes. However, they’re also pricier and not always easy to stack or source. While moving boxes are cheaper to buy in bulk, and you might even be able to find them for free, they may not offer the same protection as totes. That’s especially true for fragile or heavy items.

So, how do you choose? It usually comes down to cost, convenience, and how long you’ll need to store your items. Many people end up with a hybrid approach that mixes cardboard boxes and plastic bins.

In this guide, we’ll cover the difference between bins and boxes, compare average costs, and help you choose what makes sense for your move.

What Are the Main Differences Between Moving Boxes and Plastic Bins?

Moving boxes refer to corrugated cardboard boxes designed for packing your household items and transporting them to a new location. They come in a range of sizes and strengths and are often labeled for moving or shipping. They’re meant to be used once or twice — after this, they may lose some structure and not offer the level of protection for items you want.

 

“Plastic bins might be a good option if you’re short on time or there’s a chance you’re moving in bad weather. Totes also add protection for your belongings, which may be a critical consideration when moving breakables or expensive items.”

 

Plastic bins are heavy-duty reusable containers made from rigid plastic. These are actually different from the everyday storage containers you might use in a closet or under the bed. Moving-grade plastic bins are designed to be stackable, crush-resistant, and easier to handle during a move.

But on that note, will movers move plastic bins like the type that you keep under your bed or in the garage with seasonal decor? The answer is that, while they prefer boxes and bins designed for easier stacking, most professional moving help will handle the non-moving type of plastic bins that are packed and sealed well.

Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between moving boxes and plastic bins:

Feature	Cardboard Boxes	Plastic Bins
Typical Material	Made of cardboard	Made of plastic or rubber
Shapes	Straight lines and square corners	May have curved corners or irregular shapes
Weight Limit	Hold up to 65 pounds safely, depending on construction	Can hold more without tearing or collapsing
Durability	Breaks down in humidity or under heavy weight; good for a few uses	Water-resistant and reusable long-term
Packing & Handling	Easy to flatten, label, and tape shut	Often have built-in handles; lids latch shut, so no tape needed

Moving Boxes vs. Plastic Bins Cost Comparison

When deciding between totes or boxes for moving, your budget may be the biggest factor. Here are some factors to think about as you’re making a decision:

How much do moving boxes cost?

Moving boxes cost between $1 and $10 each, depending on size, weight capacity, and where you buy them. A small box at Walmart or Home Depot runs $1 to $3, for example, and extra-large heavy-duty boxes cost $5 to $10, depending on where you buy them. You may be able to reduce moving box costs by buying them in bulk. Find out what size moving box you might need in our moving box size guide.

How much do plastic bins cost?

Plastic moving bins cost a bit more. A 27-gallon plastic bin at Lowe’s costs around $10, though you can find sales. You can also order these bins from shipping, moving, and logistics companies online. Midsize to large totes may cost around $15 to $25 on average.

Can you resell or reuse plastic bins?

You might consider factors such as resale value when pricing plastic bins. These items are often desirable for long-term storage of personal items and other projects. Or you could recoup some of your moving expenses by offering plastic moving bins for sale on local marketplaces.

Note that you can also rent totes for moving instead of buying them outright. This can help you access the reliability and convenience of plastic bins while saving money.

Is it worth it to buy moving boxes or plastic bins?

While you may be able to use boxes and bins you have on hand or source cardboard boxes for free, it’s definitely worth it to buy some new boxes or totes. Use purchased boxes for heavy, fragile, or expensive items to better protect them, and use totes for things you plan to keep in storage or may need to access frequently, such as curtains and tablecloths.

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How Does Ordering Plastic Moving Bins Work?

If you’ve never used plastic bins for a move before, you might be wondering how to actually get them. Whether you’re buying or renting, it’s a pretty simple process — but there are a few things to know before you order. Here’s how it usually works.

If you’re buying, you’ll purchase bins in-store or online. They’re delivered to your home the same way you receive other online purchases.

When renting, you’ll order bins online or over the phone. Then you go to the store to pick them up, or someone drops them off at your home. Generally, you pay for plastic bin rentals by the week. You may also come across moving companies that provide plastic bins as an add-on to your scheduled move for an extra cost.

Check out a few of the bigger plastic moving bin companies near you:

• U-Haul Ready-To-Go Box®. Get U-Haul’s version of plastic bins at participating locations.
• Rent a crate. This is a moving concierge service with nationwide-ready supplies to rent.
• Bin-It. This is a delivery and pick-up bin service in some Midwestern and East Coast cities.
• Clutter. This is a delivery, moving, and storage bin service.

You can keep the rented bins for a period of time, which is usually a week. But pay careful attention to where you have to return them! Many locations require you to return the bins to the same place you rented them.

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When to Use Moving Boxes vs. Plastic Bins

Choosing between moving with plastic bins and cardboard boxes usually comes down to your move type, timeline, priorities, and budget. If you’re DIYing your move and want to cut costs, cardboard boxes are your best bet. They’re easy to find and, sometimes, for free. You can label them easily and recycle or pass them along when you’re done.

 

“Moving-grade plastic bins are designed to be stackable, crush-resistant, and easier to handle during a move.”

 

Plastic bins might be a good option if you’re short on time or there’s a chance you’re moving in bad weather. Totes also add protection for your belongings, which may be a critical consideration when moving breakables or expensive items. Since the right bins can stack easily and may speed up loading and unloading, they could be a smart investment alongside labor-only moving services.

You could also consider a hybrid approach. Use cardboard boxes for lightweight, one-time-use packing. This could include pantry items, clothing, and linens. Use plastic bins for things you want to store long-term — like holiday lights and decor — or valuable or heavy items like dishes.

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Pro Tips on Finding Boxes for Your Move

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get sturdy boxes or totes for your move. In fact, with a little planning and creativity, you can find great options for free.

Here are a few ways to find cardboard or plastic boxes for packing:

• Check local retail stores. Ask grocery, liquor, or warehouse stores if they have clean boxes to give away.
• Browse online marketplaces. Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist may include listings for free or low-cost boxes or bins.
• Ask your moving company. Some moving services offer boxes or bins as part of the package, or rent them out.
• Buy in bulk. Big-box retailers and home improvement stores often offer discounts for bundles.
• Reuse what you already have. Save shipping boxes in advance of your move, although be sure to double-check that they are sturdy, clean, and intact.
• Time it right. Start collecting early so you can be picky about quality and condition. If you want to buy plastic bins for storage and moving, consider seasonal sales. Home improvement and department stores often run sales on bins after the holidays or before school starts.