One of the first steps to planning a move is to find the right packing supplies. More and more, Chicagoans who are relocating to a new home are choosing to rent plastic moving bins instead of using cardboard boxes.
In addition to setting you up for an eco-friendly and even a zero-waste move, reusable moving boxes boast plenty of benefits over traditional materials like cardboard and tape. Here are five reasons to ditch cardboard and rent plastic moving bins for your upcoming move.
Reusable Moving Boxes are Environmentally-Friendly
It’s no secret that the moving industry generates a lot of waste. In fact, 2025 statistics show that this industry alone contributes 900 million cardboard boxes and 30 million rolls of tape to our landfills. There’s an easy way to reduce these numbers: rent plastic moving bins for your next move.
Pretty obviously, reusable moving boxes aren’t thrown away after each move—they’re pressed into service for countless relocations. This prevents all those cardboard boxes and rolls of tape from getting thrown out, and in addition, the packing paper that you can order with your moving bins is 100% recyclable.
Moving Bin Rental Saves You Money
When you rent plastic moving bins, you’re not only saving the planet. You’re also saving yourself time and money! Check out these wallet-friendly reasons to ditch cardboard and opt for reusable moving boxes:
- They’re often cheaper than cardboard and tape. Buying cardboard boxes and rolls of tape can really eat into your moving budget. Because you can rent packages specially designed for your home size (and add on a few a la carte supplies if needed), you can often save money when you rent plastic moving bins as opposed to buying traditional packing supplies.
- Sturdy, water-resistant plastic boxes mean less risk of damage. Cardboard is a soft material, especially when it gets wet. Cardboard boxes might split open if overpacked, or even disintegrate if exposed to water…and that means the contents can get damaged. Reusable moving totes will close tightly, and the sturdy plastic lids and walls protect your belongings from damage and water. You likely won’t have to repair or replace damaged or water-logged items when you rent plastic moving bins.
- You’ll save room while you pack and unpack. Moving crates stack on top of each other when packed and nest inside each other when empty. They give you a lot more room when you pack at your old home and unpack at your new place compared to using cardboard boxes, which take up a ton of space and have to be broken down when emptied.
- No need to trapse around town looking for packing supplies. Your local sustainable moving supply company can deliver your order to your old home. When you’re done unpacking, they’ll pick up the bins from your new home. You’ll save a ton of time driving around looking for supplies. As an added bonus, using less gas to drive around means an even more eco-friendly move!
In other words, there are hidden costs of using cardboard boxes for your move. However, with reusable moving boxes, you can more easily manage your expenses.
Plastic Totes Resist Water and Weather
Chicagoland runs the gamut when it comes to weather. Regardless of the time of year you’re moving, you’ll need supplies that can hold up to the elements. Unfortunately, cardboard can fail when it gets wet from rain or snow, and our humid summer days can decrease cardboard boxes’ structural integrity.
Plastic moving boxes are perfect for Chicago moves because they keep the water and humidity out. They’re ideal for moving in all seasons here in the Midwest since you won’t have to worry about water or weather affecting your boxed items.
Rental Totes are Stronger…and Cleaner!
You already know that soft cardboard can become even softer when exposed to water or humidity. You also know that reusable moving bins are made of strong plastic that protects your packed belongings. Additionally, your rental bin supply company will clean and sanitize the totes between uses.
Even if you’ve found free cardboard moving boxes from local grocery stores or your neighborhood’s “Buy Nothing” Facebook page, used cardboard is usually pretty gross. You don’t want to pack your prized possessions into dirty boxes, but there’s really no way to effectively clean them.
However, when you rent plastic moving bins, you can rest assured that you’re getting clean and sanitized moving materials. This also comes in handy if you accidentally spill that glass of wine you’re enjoying while you pack up your home!
Convenience Benefits of Plastic Moving Bin Rental
Reusable moving boxes add convenience to your entire moving experience. Here’s a look at what you’ll enjoy when you rent plastic moving bins:
- Delivery and pickup service
- Stackable bins to save space
- Wheeled steel dollies to easily move the bins around
- No need to break down, flatten, and dispose of cardboard boxes
Remember: these benefits are all in addition to the fact that reusable moving boxes help you have a zero-waste move. When it comes down to it, there’s virtually no reason to stick with old-school cardboard when you can rent plastic moving bins.
Kick Off Your Zero-Waste Move Today: Rent Plastic Moving Bins from Box Beaters!
Are you ready to say goodbye to cardboard? We can’t wait to help you plan an eco-friendly—and wallet-friendly—move. Our sturdy, weather-resistant, and sanitized reusable moving boxes will change the way you think about packing and moving supplies.
We’re happy to answer any questions and provide some packing tips before you place your order. Drop us a line today!