When you’re preparing for a move, chances are you’ve considered picking up tons of cardboard boxes. If you have items that need extra protection from damage and the elements, you may want to buy some reusable plastic moving boxes or bins. They’re a great way to supplement the cardboard boxes you buy , and they can pull double-duty for storage after the move.
Given their cost, you probably don't want to use plastic boxes for your whole move. Price estimates for a three-bedroom move typically account for up to 9,000 pounds of belongings, according to the International Shipping and Packing Association , an international industry group of movers. That means you may need a lot of boxes to move , so it's important to pick the right ones.
Recommended reading from Yahoo: Where to get free moving boxes
Best reusable plastic moving boxes and bins
Rubbermaid totes are a mainstay in many basements (including mine) and storage units. They're easy to handle, washable, come in different sizes and can take a beating. These Roughneck totes are great for most people who want something that will hold up during a move and last for years (potentially decades) in storage.
They are a bit expensive at roughly $18 for the 14-gallon size. You can also only buy them in multipacks online, so you're looking at over $100 for a pack of six totes. Still, if you only need a handful of boxes, this is a great way to get them all in one go.
Make sure you pay close attention to the size of the containers when purchasing. Rubbermaid offers sizes as small as 3 gallons up to as large as 31 gallons. A capacity in the middle, such as 14 gallons or 18 gallons, is likely sufficient for most moves. Just be careful not to overload your boxes and make them too heavy to move.
- Stackable
- Several sizes and colors
- Sturdy
- Withstands harsh temperatures
- Not watertight
- Expensive
- Some wasted space when stored
FabSpace
While boxes are great for most stuff you need to move, flexible moving bags are for clothes and blankets . These bags from FabSpace are made of a tarp-like material that can flex and move with the items inside. It also keeps them safe from the elements, though you'll want to watch for water near the zipper opening.
Available in 93- or 125-liter (roughly 24- or 33-gallon) sizes, the bags offer a ton of space and can hold up to 60 pounds, according to FabSpace. There's a tag pocket on each bag, where you can easily stick a label to keep track of what's inside. They're also easy to carry, thanks to the handles sewn into each side.
At around $3 to $5 each, the moving bags are available in packs of up to 10. Just be aware that some reviews note that the zipper can occasionally stick. You also shouldn't overload the bags with heavy or sharp items, because these bags can tear under pressure.
- Spacious
- Easy to carry
- Flexible
- Stack and store well
- Zipper can stick
- Can rip when overpacked
If you're looking for the most mobile boxes, you'll want an option with wheels. These Sterilite boxes are the best, with highly maneuverable wheels and a large handle for hauling. Despite the wheels, they also nest together easily inside a moving truck.
The wheels make it so you can easily move the boxes to the truck and roll them inside your new home. They're also transparent, so it's simple to see what's inside if you don't love labels. Their 160-quart (40-gallon) size means you can fit a boatload of stuff inside.
The downside is that these bins are very expensive. You're looking at around $49 each, and they're available only in packs, quickly pushing the price to $100 and beyond. Some reviews note that the lids can be brittle, so you probably don't want to stack too many.
- Wheels and large handle
- Easy to move
- Hook slot on lid
- Nest together for stacking
- Lids can be brittle
- Very expensive
If you plan to move some fragile collectibles and want to store them away from the elements, these Sterilite boxes are perfect. Each comes with a lid that is lined with a gasket that makes the inside airtight. It also makes them nearly impenetrable to water, though it's worth noting these are water resistant and not water proof .
I have a few different collections and I use these boxes to keep them safe. Yes, they spend most of their time in a closet, but these gasket boxes add the assurance that my collectibles (hopefully) won't suffer any damage in case of a flood. Plus they're easy to carry, are stackable and they come in many sizes ranging from 7.5 quarts (1.9 gallons) to 120 quarts (30 gallons).
Because they're transparent, it's easy to quickly identify what's inside at a glance. The one issue I have is that the latches can be tough to close sometimes due to how tightly they hold onto the lid. While these aren't the most expensive boxes on this list, it's worth noting they're still pricey at around $18 each for a pack of eight in the 54-quart size (though smaller boxes are cheaper).
- Water resistant
- Airtight
- Stackable
- Transparent
- Latches can be tough to close
- Pricey
If you're worried about maximizing space, these collapsible totes from CleverMade are worth consideration. They easily collapse to 2.5 inches, making them easy to tuck away in the corner of your basement or garage. They can also hold 75 pounds, so they'll stand up to some of your heavier items during a move.
These collapsible bins are available with or without lids and can nest together in either configuration. They're rated to be stacked up to three boxes high, making it easier to load your moving truck. However, some reviews suggest the lids can be finicky and sometimes get stuck.
Unfortunately, these totes are only available in two sizes: 12 gallons (46 liters) or 16 gallons (62 liters). They're also expensive, at around $20 each in a pack of three. Still, the price is well worth it if you want a handful of space-efficient plastic boxes that can be easily stored away.
- Collapsible
- Easy to store
- Tight packing in moving trucks
- Stackable
- Only two sizes
- Lid can be finicky
- Expensive
- Not watertight
The best reusable plastic moving boxes and bins balance your needs
When you're choosing which reusable plastic moving boxes to go with, consider what you want out of them. Do you need a simple box that will just get the job done? Do you need to save space in your truck or value maneuverability? How will you store them once you're in your new home?
The Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote will serve most people well because it offers balanced capacity, durability and portability. I'm a big fan of the Sterilite Gasket Box for collectibles because it's airtight, water resistant and comes in a bunch of different sizes. If you just need something easy to store spare clothes and linens, FabSpace's heavy-duty moving bags may be just what you're looking for.
If you have more specialized preferences, the rest of our list includes great options for a variety of scenarios. The best part is all of them will continue to be useful for years in storage or for future moves. If you don't need boxes beyond your moving day, consider renting reusable plastic moving boxes instead.
More Yahoo Local-approved U.S. movers
Best California movers
Bakersfield / Fremont / Irvine / Los Angeles / Sacramento / San Diego / San Francisco / San Jose
Best Florida movers
Boca Raton / Fort Lauderdale / Fort Myers / Gainesville / Jacksonville / Melbourne / Miami / Naples / Ocala / Orlando / Sarasota / St. Petersburg / Tallahassee / Tampa / West Palm Beach
Best New York movers
Albany / Binghamton / The Bronx / Brooklyn / Buffalo / Clifton Park / Hamburg / Ithaca / Kingston / Manhattan / New Rochelle / Poughkeepsie / Queens / Rochester / Syracuse
Best Texas movers
Arlington / Austin / Dallas / Denton / El Paso / Fort Worth / Houston / Round Rock / San Antonio / The Woodlands
