Cardboard boxes vs Plastic moving boxes

Have you ever wondered which type of moving box to use when you are moving from one house to another? Sometimes you can find it challenging to decide on whether to use cardboard or a plastic moving box. However, if you can differentiate the two, you will never have the problem of choosing the right one for your moving plan. All you need is to compare cardboard boxes vs. plastic moving boxes for the right option.

Types Of Cardboard Moving Boxes

Book Boxes

This is also called a book press or bookcase. You can use this box to pack books and heavy items like cassettes and CDs. Its size is in such a way that it won't be so heavy whenever you fill it with books. It is one of the best moving boxes to move school libraries and private libraries to other locations. The box has three tiers, all of which rest on each other.

Wardrobe Boxes

These boxes are used to pack clothes for moving. They include a stick or rod attached at a particular height for hanging clothes. It acts as a temporary wardrobe for the person moving houses. Instead of spending time folding the clothes, you simply hang them in the box and seal them with tape to prepare for moving. The clothes remain in the box throughout the moving period.

Wardrobe boxes are available as either stand-up boxes or lay-down boxes. Although they are not cheap, they are convenient in preventing all dresses and suits from getting creased.

Flat Boxes

These boxes are specifically for packing flat items such as DVDs, VCD devices or laptops, and other items of similar sizes.

Other common types of cardboard moving boxes include mirror cartons for large mirrors and glass framed pictures, bike boxes for packing bicycle parts, and dish packs for kitchenware.

Advantages Of Cardboard Moving Boxes

Protection of Items

It is essential to select packaging boxes that offer the most excellent assurance of the safety of the items. This helps not only the clients but also the owner. Cardboard boxes support the owner's items' worth starting from the point of creation and throughout the moving process.

Cardboard boxes are products of top calibre and long-lasting materials, enabling them to resist any type of tension. When using cardboard materials to modify the boxes, select their thickness carefully.

Exceptional Flexibility

Cardboard has many provisions, making them more pleasant than other packaging boxes. These boxes are incredibly versatile, and you can slice them to any size or shape, tape, stick or staple them in any way the owner likes. This allows movers to create special packaging boxes that can perfectly wrap the moved items.

Package Different Products

Cardboard boxes are amazing packaging boxes. They can accommodate various goods like shoes, books, garments, and minor embellishments. Since it is possible to slice them to any shape or size, there is no restriction to what you can bundle inside them. Because of this, many organisations are in favour of cardboard boxes since these boxes make their packaging more effective.

Packaging Safety

These boxes are a solid match when looking for moving boxes that can guarantee your items' extreme security. They give safety assurance to the products and keep the bundled items from banging around.

Packaging Availability

Other than the remarkable components of cardboard boxes, they are instantly accessible. You can find the boxes in various shapes and plans like a twofold divider, a solitary divider, etc. Users can get the option of their choice.

Cost-Effective

Cost is a central point that prevents most organisations from using the right packaging boxes to pack their items. Some even get terrified of the printing cost they have to incur. The cost of these boxes is lower compared to plastic packaging.

Easy Loading into the Vehicle

Cardboard boxes are accessible in various sizes, plans, and shapes. You can as well stack them fast into a truck or offload and arrange them easily. You can even pile them up with no problem.

Disadvantages Of Cardboard Moving Boxes

Not Durable

The cardboard is to some extent weak and tears or folds easily. This is why most manufacturers make double-walled cardboard boxes to increase their durability.

Low Weather Resistance

The cardboard is not weatherproof. Liquids like water saturate and weaken the box quickly. Water also seeps through the cardboard box and can damage its contents.

Poor Aesthetics

Aesthetically, cardboard is not very appealing to the eye. Signs on cardboard, for instance, may appear less legitimate than those on alternative materials like plastic.

Types Of Plastic Moving Boxes

Small Boxes

Small plastic containers that can fit into larger boxes are perfect for keeping valuables like glass figurines, jewellery, and candles in a bundle. You can tightly pack and insulate the plastic moving boxes using clothes, tissue paper, or bubble wrap to protect any fragile goods from breaking. After loading, you can stack the small plastic moving boxes inside the larger boxes for a smooth and efficient move. Pick a container made of thick, sturdy plastic with a secure lid.

Plastic Crates

Also called milk crates or grocery crates, these crates are cube-shaped, have no lids, and have holes to allow the items to "breathe." These moving crates are very efficient for keeping non-fragile goods like clothes and books. If you pack them correctly, it is possible to stack plastic moving crates on top of each other.

Since the plastic moving crates comprise thick and durable plastic, you can also use them in grocery stores to transport food and other similar goods.

These crates are available in local grocery stores, which give them away for free or on sale. It is also possible to order them on the internet or buy from the home department stores if the owner intends to keep them after moving.

Large Reusable Boxes

Large plastic moving boxes come in various forms. Some are plastic storage bins, for example, the large totes, which can function as a plastic moving box when you want to move. They are also convenient if you plan to use them later as storage bins. If not, you can place them somewhere in your new home or get rid of them.

For hire, plastic moving boxes are the most appropriate option for moving belongings safely. Since they are reusable, they are environmentally friendly as well.

Pros Of Using Plastic Moving Boxes

Environmentally Friendly

Since they are reusable, these boxes create less waste compared to cardboard moving boxes. You can reuse plastic repeatedly without disposing of it, unlike cardboard boxes which will quickly encounter damage after a single move. As a result, plastic moving boxes have a low negative impact on the environment. Instead, it saves on natural resources.

Your plastic box will generate no waste during the move. Moreover, you will not have to dispose of any tapes after moving.

Cost-Effective

Although the cost of purchasing a plastic moving box is a bit high, the general cost of moving turns out to be less. You can stack more items in your plastic boxes without damaging them, and this will reduce the cost of packing and the time taken to move your property. You also won't need to buy tapes or reinforcements to secure your possessions.

Easy to Carry and Stack

Unlike cardboard boxes, you can stack plastic boxes one on top of the other since they can withstand heavyweights. You will also find it easy carrying them since they remain in place without sliding around inside the truck. Therefore, space will not be a problem if you use plastic moving boxes.

Cons Of Using Plastic Moving Boxes

May Get Cumbersome

Generally, plastic moving boxes are heavier than cardboard moving boxes. While the difference in weight might not be a big deal, you will come to realise it once you put all your property in the box. Moreover, moving is also a physically strenuous exercise.

More Expensive to Acquire

Unless you own or are aware of someone who owns one or two of these boxes, you will often have to spend some money to rent or buy them. This is why some prefer cardboard boxes over plastic boxes, as they are expectedly cheaper than plastic ones.

Not Effective for Glass Items

Plastic moving boxes are much preferred when protecting commodities from harsh elements. On the other hand, cardboard is the best way to move or store glass and fragile items. Plastic is more rigid than cardboard and can easily break your glasses while moving.

Disposing of Them is Not Easy After Moving

You can collapse a cardboard box immediately after moving and leave it at the curb for recycling on trash day. On the other hand, returning plastic moving boxes need a little more logistics when you complete the unpacking process.

Take Up Much Space

Plastic moving boxes are thicker than cardboard, which will take up more space in the moving vehicle. This might not be an issue if a truck is moving the valuables. However, if you pack all the goods in a station wagon, keeping these goods slimmed-down means squeezing more of them into the car.

When comparing a plastic bin against a cardboard box, you cannot determine which one is better. Both of them have their advantages. However, it is better to buy both of them to use them alternatively or depending on the circumstances.

Packing And Moving Tips

When making a plan to move, you must prepare accordingly. Following every step systematically saves a lot of time and eliminates stress. Here is what to keep in mind:

• Pack every item separately
• Use cardboard boxes or plastic crates
• Put the heavy items inside smaller boxes at the bottom
• Don't overfill the container
• Fill up the gaps in the boxes. Gaps pose a risk of the boxes sinking and damaging items.
• Put a mark on the boxes
• After filling up the boxes, tape them immediately
• Never glue the boxes diagonally

Professional Moving Services

Seek professional help if you want to move smoothly. Professionals can move your property both locally and over a long distance. Try and work with a reputable moving company – one that you can trust. That way, it is inevitable that your property will get to the destination in good condition. Moreover, these movers will help you know when to use cardboard moving boxes and plastic moving boxes.