Moving your home can be a difficult and stressful undertaking. This is particularly the case if you lived in the same place for a long time. In that case, it will be very difficult to get used to both the move and the new place. It is a fact that you will have to place all your valuable items in boxes to prepare them for the relocation. Purchasing cardboard boxes or even just collecting them from your neighborhood grocery store may seem like the obvious choice. However, renting plastic moving boxes may be a better choice. Most moving companies will be able to offer some cardboard boxes for sale or rent out plastic ones. However, which should you use – plastic vs cardboard moving boxes is what might worry you. Verified Movers are here to show you the main differences between them.
How to make the decision on plastic vs cardboard moving boxes?
Finding the balance between cardboard and plastic boxes can influence relocation greatly. Before you make the decision, make sure to take certain aspects into account.
- Price
- Quality and durability
- Usage
- Recycling
- Disinfection
Consider the price when dealing with the plastic vs cardboard moving boxes issue
Prices play an important role when it comes to gathering moving boxes. Cardboard boxes definitely win here. The food stores and supermarkets offer free, high-quality cardboard cartons. All you will have to do is take a walk to a nearby grocery store and politely ask to borrow some boxes.
Cost is the main barrier keeping most people from buying the proper packing boxes to pack their goods. Some people become frightened of the expenses they must go through. If you need to save money when moving, rest assured that cardboard boxes are less expensive than plastic ones. Usually, plastic is always more expensive than cardboard. Therefore, if your budget is tight, opting for cardboard boxes might be the best option.
Choosing quality over quantity
When it comes to quality, plastic triumphs once more. It is fact that plastic boxes are more durable and can be used many times. Plastic would provide better protection during your move because it is intrinsically more durable than even the best cardboard. Cardboard boxes, in contrast to plastic crates, are not likely to withstand damp weather. Instead of worrying about the bottom of a cardboard box falling out, you can place heavier moving items in a plastic box. Another advantage of having plastic boxes is that plastic boxes can be cleaned, while cardboard ones will be weakened and damaged by liquid.
If you are interested in going for quality instead of quantity, choosing plastic boxes for your move might be the best decision. In case you need more than moving boxes, make sure to think about hiring storage units. Storage units vs moving containers will be another dilemma here, so explore the benefits of both options before making a final call.
When dealing with the dilemma of plastic vs cardboard moving boxes, think about how you can use them after the move
Once you have finished your relocation, think about what you will do with all these different types of packing materials that might be of use. Cardboard boxes usually do not look pleasing and can rarely be used again for other purposes. From an aesthetic perspective, some people love the way plastic cans look. Moreover, they help you remember what you packed and keep track of your belongings. On the other hand, although you may reuse plastic boxes for storage and other purposes around the house, the chances are low that you will have enough space for many of them. On the other hand, boxes made of cardboard are simple to disassemble, recycle, or store. You may be able to store many more boxes in case you opt for cardboard instead of plastic.
Think about whether your moving boxes are recyclable
When it comes to protecting the Earth, it is a fact that plastic boxes are difficult to recycle. They can, however, be used again. The majority of cardboard boxes are created from recycled materials. Therefore, they are recyclable after use and decompose naturally. If you worry about keeping the planet safe, you should definitely opt for plastic boxes when moving.
On the other hand, plastic boxes produce less waste because we can reuse them. Plastic can sometimes be recycled without needing to be disposed of. Unlike cardboard boxes, which will quickly sustain damage after just one move, plastic ones could be used more often. According to this theory, plastic moving boxes, therefore, have little of an adverse effect on the environment. If you want to have an eco-friendly relocation, opting for the right kind of boxes is essential.
It is crucial to think about disinfection, especially during the pandemic outbreak
If you are worried about keeping yourself and your belongings safe from disease during the COVID outbreak, make sure to think about which kinds of boxes can be disinfected. When it comes to cleaning, it is a fact that plastic boxes are much easier to wipe and clean. Cardboard boxes, on the other hand, usually become damaged when they get in touch with liquid. However, if you still want to opt for using cardboard boxes, there are some ways to keep them clean, too. Namely, first, you could mix 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda in a spray container. Afterwards, you can add warm water to remove light stains from your cardboard boxes. However, when it comes to health, plastic is definitely recommended. Cleaning and sanitizing cardboard is not fully possible. Since cardboard has a limited ability to withstand moisture, that could allow bacteria to flourish.
With the pros and cons of both options in mind, choose the one that suits you the most
Whichever method you decide on the issue of plastic vs cardboard moving boxes, be careful to pack your belongings safely and securely. Make sure to never stack heavy objects on top of lighter ones, especially when transferring a distance. Also, consider the advantages and disadvantages of both kinds of moving boxes. Once you have made your decision, the whole process will become much easier.