Saving on Moving: Is It Even Possible?

Many customers think using moving bins for rent will hit their wallets harder than just picking up some cardboard boxes. We're here to flip that script with a real example and detailed price breakdowns. Moving can be a hassle, and deciding between different moving supplies adds another layer of stress. Whether you're a pro at this or it's your first big move, understanding the nuts and bolts of cardboard boxes and plastic moving bins can make a huge difference.

We're diving deep into what makes cardboard boxes and plastic bins tick – from buying or renting them, packing them up, to even where you can get your hands on them in Calgary. By the end, we'll tackle the big question: Is renting those sturdy plastic bins cheaper than buying cardboard boxes? Stick around as we make sense of the costs and benefits, keeping it straightforward, so even if you couldn't care less about how your stuff gets from Point A to Point B, you'll see why it matters.

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Blog Structure

- Boxes for Moving: What is it and How to Use It?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Cardboard Boxes for Moving
- How to pack a box for a move?
- Where do you get cardboard boxes for moving in Calgary?  

- Bins for Moving: What is it and How to Use It?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Bins for Moving
- How to pack plastic bins for moving?
- Where do you rent plastic bins for moving in Calgary?
- Is it worth to rent bins for a move?

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Boxes for Moving: What Is It and How to Use It?

A moving box is a box used for transporting household items during relocation. It's designed to hold various items securely to move them from one location to another, often featuring durable construction to withstand the rigours of transport. Moving boxes come in multiple sizes and strengths to accommodate different types of belongings, from small, fragile items to more significant, bulkier goods. The primary goal of a moving box is to protect and organize items during the move, ensuring they arrive safely at their new destination.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Cardboard Boxes for Moving


Cardboard boxes are standard for moving because they're cheap and available everywhere. They're great because you can pack lots of different stuff for any move, big or small. But using cardboard boxes sometimes isn't perfect. There are some downsides to consider. Let's dive into the pros and cons to see the difference.

Pro's of Cardboard Boxes


• Cost-Effective: Cardboard boxes are generally less expensive than plastic bins, making them a budget-friendly option for moving and storage. Yet this option still creates a good layer of protection for your belongings - it is better than nothing.
• Space Efficiency: Boxes can be stacked wall-to-wall, utilizing space more effectively and reducing the number of moving trucks needed.
• Durability: Cardboard can absorb impacts and movement, protecting the contents during transport.
• Environmental Friendliness: Being recyclable and often made from recycled materials, cardboard boxes offer a greener moving solution.Variety of Sizes: Moving boxes come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making it easier to find the right fit for different items.
• Customizable: They can be easily cut, bent, or modified to fit odd-shaped items. Additionally, cardboard boxes are easy to label for organization.

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Con's of Cardboard Boxes

• Less Durable: Cardboard boxes can be prone to wear and tear, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, which can compromise the protection of the items inside.
• Not Waterproof: Unlike plastic bins, cardboard boxes do not offer protection against moisture or liquid spills, which can damage the contents.
• Pest Attraction: Boxes can attract bugs or mice, which is a concern if you want to store your content for a long time.
• Limited Reusability: While cardboard boxes can be reused a few times, plastic bins tend to degrade in strength and integrity faster than they are.
• Requires Tape for Assembly: Cardboard boxes need to be assembled and secured with tape, which adds an extra step in the packing process.
• Storage Space: Empty cardboard boxes can take up a significant amount of space until they are broken down or disposed of, unlike plastic bins, which can be nested or stacked neatly.
• Packing Time: Unlike plastic bins, cardboard boxes require more preparation time. They must be assembled and properly taped to ensure the content won't fall from the bottom of a box.
• Loading Time: Even if you have professional movers for your move, many different-sized cardboard boxes can increase loading time. Often, boxes cannot be stacked as uniformly as plastic bins, requiring more time for movers to carefully arrange them in the moving truck to maximize space and ensure stability.

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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pack a Box for a Move?

1. Gather Supplies: Gather necessary packing materials, including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers.
2. Assemble the Box: Fold the bottom flaps and securely tape along the seam where the flaps meet, forming an 'H' shape with the tape for maximum strength. Ensure the box is formed correctly and the corners are aligned for added stability, regardless of shape.
3. Layer the Bottom: Add a cushioning layer at the bottom of a box. It will help to minimize vibrations during transportation.
4. Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to safeguard delicate items, ensuring they are well protected against impacts. You might find this video tutorial helpful. Check the How To section on YouTube for more packing tutorials.
5. Fill the Box: Start with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Utilize packing paper or towels to fill voids, preventing the contents from shifting. Check the article we specifically created for you: How to Pack Fragile Items For a Move.
6. How to Secure a Box? After packing, fold the top flaps and tape all seams securely, repeating the 'H' shape taping method used on the bottom for consistency and security.
7. Label Your Box: Write the contents and designated room on the box, marking "FRAGILE" as needed to indicate items that require careful handling.
8. Unbuild the Box: When there's no more need for a box, you will need to either break it down and throw it away in the recycling bin or save it in case some of your friends need it.

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Packing Tip: Organize boxes by room or category for efficient unpacking.

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Where do you get cardboard boxes for moving in Calgary?

For those packing on their own and seeking cardboard boxes, there are several options available in Calgary:

• Buying New Boxes: Household stores such as Canadian Tire, The Home Depot, and U-Haul offer a variety of new cardboard boxes suitable for moving. Each store provides an array of sizes and types to accommodate different packing needs, from small, heavy items to larger, bulky goods.
• Utilizing Moving Services: Some moving companies, like Cactus Moving, offer moving services and supply a wide selection of affordable cardboard boxes and other packing supplies for moving. This option can be handy for those seeking a one-stop solution for their moving and packing needs.
• Exploring Local Listings: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji often have listings for used boxes. While this can be a cost-effective solution, it's essential to consider the condition and cleanliness of the boxes, especially for long-term storage or for packing sensitive items.

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Bins for Moving: What Is It and How to Use It?

A storage bin for moving is a container used to transport and store household items securely during relocation. It's crafted to safeguard a range of items, from delicate to bulky, ensuring their protection throughout the move. These bins often feature robust construction and are made of durable materials like plastic, providing better water resistance and impact than cardboard boxes. The primary objective of a storage bin is to offer a reliable solution for organizing and protecting possessions.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Bins for Moving

Plastic bins are becoming more popular for moving because they're tough and keep water out. They come with lids that snap shut, so your stuff stays safe and dry, making them a solid choice if you move things you care about. But there's a catch. Plastic storage bins can cost more than cardboard boxes, which are not the best for the planet. Let's break down the good and the bad to see if they're the right choice for your move.

Pro's of Plastic Bins

• Durability: Plastic bins are tough and can withstand rough handling better than paper boxes. They're less likely to tear or collapse, protecting the contents inside.
• Water Resistance: Unlike cardboard, plastic is impervious to water, making plastic bins ideal for moving or storing items in damp or adverse weather.
• Reusability: Plastic bins can be used repeatedly for various purposes, offering long-term storage solutions and reducing the need to purchase new packing materials for future moves.
• Available for Rent: In some cases, when you don't want to deal with storing bins, or you don't have the space, you may use a moving tote rental.
• Security: Because they can be locked or sealed tightly, bins offer a more secure option for transporting valuable or sensitive items.
• Transparency: Some plastic bins are transparent, allowing you to see their contents without opening them, which can simplify the unpacking process.
• Packing Time: Unlike cardboard boxes that take some time to assemble, plastic containers for moving don't require assembly at all. Open the lid, put your content inside, and cover the bin with a click-in lid.
• Loading Time: In the hands of professional movers, plastic boxes/bins significantly decrease loading time. Since they can be easily stacked on each other without the fear of slipping, movers often use two-wheeled dollies to transport multiple containers at once quickly. It also helps significantly speed up the loading stage and, as a result, saves money.
• Stackable: Many plastic bins are designed to stack securely on top of one another, saving space in moving trucks and storage areas.

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Con's of Plastic Bins

• Cost: When purchasing plastic bins, you will find that they are pretty expensive compared to cardboard boxes.
• Environmental Impact: Plastic is not biodegradable, and while bins can be reused, their production and eventual disposal contribute to environmental concerns.
• Limited Sizes and Shapes: There may be fewer size and shape options for moving bins, making it challenging to find the perfect fit for specific items.

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Where do you get plastic bins for moving in Calgary?

For those packing on their own and seeking cardboard boxes, there are several options available in Calgary:

• Purchasing New Bins: For those looking to buy new storage bins, retailers like Canadian Tire, The Home Depot, Costco, and U-Haul offer various options. These stores (rare for Costco) provide a wide selection of reusable plastic bins suitable for moving and storage needs, ensuring quality and durability.
• Seeking Moving Services: Companies like Cactus Moving facilitate moving and offer rental plastic storage containers.
• Reusable Bin Rentals: Some Calgary moving companies specialize in renting reusable plastic bins for moving and storage purposes. This eco-friendly choice supports short-term and long-term storage and offers a sturdy and secure alternative to cardboard boxes.
• Checking Local Listings: Platforms like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and sometimes Reddit can be valuable resources for finding used bins and boxes. However, be careful when opting for previously used boxes, as there is a high risk of breaking or tearing after multiple uses. This option might offer cost savings but requires careful selection to ensure the boxes are in good condition.

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How to Pack a Bin for Moving?

1. Prepare the Bin: Ensure the bin is clean and dry. If it has a lid, place it aside until you can secure it.
2. Layer the Bottom: Add a layer of bubble wrap or packing paper to the bottom of the bin to cushion it.
3. Pack Heaviest Items First: Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the moving bin to create a stable base.
4. Wrap Fragile Items: Individually wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper before placing them in the bin.
5. How to Secure Plastic Bins for Moving? Once the bin is full, add a final layer of padding on top and secure the lid by snapping it closed, ensuring it fits tightly and securely.
6. Label the Bin: Use labels to identify the bin's contents and the destination room in your new home.

Check this GIF for your reference when packing plastic bins on your own.

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Is it worth to rent bins or buy boxes instead?

Let's experiment by comparing the packing processes of a cardboard box and a plastic bin and assess whether renting bins is more cost-effective and convenient than buying cardboard boxes.

We'll use a small U-Haul box and our standard 45L plastic bin for this test. Let's start from simplifying above described guides to the most important steps, just to make it super simple.

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Packing in a Cardboard Box:

• Assembly: Constructing a cardboard box is the first step. Securing the bottom with tape is crucial to prevent collapse. Make two rounds with tape to make sure it's tight. This process took roughly 1 minute.
• Packing: Next, each fragile item is carefully wrapped and placed into the box, ensuring no space remains. Using packing paper or peanuts prevents shifting. The process of sealing and labelling took us 7 minutes in total.
• Unpacking: Unpacking involves cutting the tape and unwrapping items. It's generally quicker than packing, taking about 2 minutes.
• Disassembly and Disposal: To unbuild the box, you must cut the tape and fold it back. It shouldn't take more than 30 seconds. You have just a few options if you no longer use these boxes. If there's a place with a dry environment to store unfolded boxes for their subsequent use, then that option is the best. I mean, you paid for them. It's always sad when you don't make your money worth it. The other option is to donate them to your friends planning to move, or you can visit one of many donation centres in Calgary. The last option is to recycle. Browse paper recycling centres in Calgary.

Packing in a Plastic Bin:

• Packing: With no assembly needed, we begin by packing the bin, mirroring the process used for cardboard boxes. Once a bin is full, we simply close and secure the lid with a click or use zip ties for added security. Remember to label the bin.
• Unpacking: This is similar to the cardboard box, but after, bins can be nested within each other to save space. If rented, the bins will be collected, saving you disposal concerns.

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Cost Analysis

Based on the step-by-step guide described earlier, we are getting the following numbers:



Packing Regular Boxes

Cost for 30 boxes from U-Haul in Calgary: $42 ($1.4 each)

Cost of shipping & packing tape (6 rolls): $11.95

Packing service with two packers from Cactus Moving at $99/hour:


• Total packing time for boxes: 10.5 min x 30 boxes = 315 minutes (5.25 hours in total, or 2.625 hours with 2 packers)

• Packing service cost: 2.625 hours x $99/hour = $259.875

Total cost for boxes, tape and packing: $259.875 (packing) + $42 (boxes) + $11.95 (tape) = $313.825

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Packing Moving Bins

Cost to rent 30 bins from Cactus Moving: $105/week (with $1/bin starting from 2nd week)

Packing service with two packers from Cactus Moving at $99/hour:


• Total packing time for bins: 270 minutes (4.5 hours total, or 2.25 hours with 2 packers)

• Packing service cost for bins: 2.25 hours x $99/hour = $222.75


Total cost for bin rental and packing: $222.75 (packing) + $105 (bins) = $327.75

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Let's Summarize What We've Learned

In weighing the pros and cons between renting plastic bins and purchasing cardboard boxes for your move, it becomes clear that the decision stretches far beyond the initial price comparison. Despite a seemingly marginal cost difference—with plastic bins being just $14 more expensive—the depth of benefits provided by bins significantly tips the scales in their favour.

The assurance of durability and the protection against water damage offered by plastic bins cannot be overlooked. This not only secures your possessions against common moving day mishaps but also offers a layer of peace of mind that is much needed during what can be a turbulent time. The value of this assurance is immeasurable and something cardboard simply cannot match.

Moreover, the efficiency gains with plastic bins are undeniable. The absence of a need for assembly and disassembly, coupled with their robust stackability, presents a stark contrast in time savings compared to their cardboard counterparts. When the clock is ticking, and every minute counts, especially if you're paying for professional packers by the hour, these savings translate directly into dollars. Additionally, the convenience of not having to source, assemble, and later dispose of cardboard boxes can alleviate a significant portion of moving-related stress.From an environmental perspective, the reusability of plastic bins aligns with a sustainable approach to moving, underscoring the importance of reducing waste and promoting recycling. Though plastic has its environmental drawbacks, the long-term use and recyclability of these bins offer a greener alternative to the often single-use nature of cardboard boxes.

Drawing to a close, the argument in favour of renting plastic bins over buying cardboard boxes for your move is compelling. The benefits—ranging from better protection for your items and substantial time savings to environmental considerations—far surpass the minimal extra cost. In the context of a residential move, choosing plastic bins is not merely a logistical decision but a strategic investment towards a smoother, more secure, and efficient moving experience. This analysis reveals that when it comes to ensuring the well-being of your belongings and easing the burden of moving, the choice is clear: renting plastic bins is unequivocally worth the modest additional investment.

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