Moving House 101: Cardboard vs Plastic Storage Boxes

Who knew there would be such intense rivalry between storage boxes? Lo and behold, the never-ending plastic vs cardboard debate. People moving home know all too well that picking either of the two isn’t an easy choice. 

Naturally, if you’re shifting to a new house for the first time, it’ll be difficult to find a definitive answer. In this guide, we weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Why say YES to a plastic storage box

Easy transportation 

Plastic storage boxes with lids are easy to transport on account of their material and build alone. They tend to remain in place when placed inside a moving truck compared to cardboard versions. 

Unmatched protection 

Let’s get real, cardboard (read: thick paper) doesn’t hold a candle to plastic. There’s a staggering difference between the durability of both materials. 

Had the comparison been limited to sturdiness alone, plastic storage would always take the cake. To ensure that your contents are safe from damaged environmental factors, spare the trouble and go with a plastic storage trunk.

Pro tip: Shop at Storage Box Direct for premium quality plastic storage boxes that effortlessly protect your cherished belongings before, during and after transit. 

Easy stacking

Stacking plastic crates on top of each other is as easy as it sounds. Since these bins are made to withstand bulky items, and have firm, non-collapsible bottoms, they’re less likely to topple over and fall, even during transit. 

Literal transparency 

Unpacking storage boxes is overwhelming, to say the least. So, work smart, not hard. 

Rather than labeling opaque cardboard bins, why not rely on clear plastic storage boxes that let you see what’s inside? 

Cons 

Not space savvy

Plastic boxes are not foldable. While flat plastic storage boxes do save space, they won’t shrink to an inch or two tall. Cardboard boxes, on the other hand, can collapse once they’re empty and tucked away, even in a cramped space. 

Not eco friendly

Unless you use all your large storage boxes for life, they’re terrible for the environment. Without being reused or recycled, plastic bins will only exert more burden on the environment.

Expensive 

If you’re tight on budget, a plastic storage trunk might not be the right choice. Cardboard is much cheaper due to its temporary usage status.

Why say YES to a cardboard storage box

Cheap. Cheap. Cheap. 

Cardboard boxes are unarguably very affordable compared to their plastic rival. 

Bear in mind, however, size and quality will make a difference. Special cardboard boxes with a corrugated design are much more expensive than the basic kind in accord with their superior quality.

Collapsible 

Once emptied, cardboard boxes are super easy to deflate, collapse and store. When reserved with care, they can be re-erected for repeat usage. 

If you’re moving into a smaller house, cardboard storage is potentially more desirable. As you can tuck away flattened boxes into the attic, without having to throw them away.

Easy availability 

By default, cardboard storage boxes are available in abundance. They’re easy to come across and accessible both online and in-store. Just head over to Google, type ‘storage box’ and most results on the first page will redirect you to a store that sells the cardboard version.

Cons

Lack of durability

Unless you’re opting for premium corrugated cardboard boxes, this type of storage container offers little to no durability. The standard variety is incredibly prone to wearability, comes apart upon too much pressure, and doesn’t shield its contents from damage. 

Not weather resistant

One of the reasons you might not want to buy cardboard storage boxes is that they aren’t waterproof. 

Storage baskets for clothes in this category exposed to rain would eventually distort. Not to mention, before they fully give in to harsh weather conditions, the items inside will have already become drenched.

Unimpressive aesthetic

Even decorative cardboard storage boxes are no sight for sore eyes. They’re overbearingly brown and plunge the aesthetics of a space. 

Certainly not a look homeowners want for their new house.