Cardboard Vs. Plastic: What Should I Move & Store My Belongings In? 

cardboard and plastic boxes at Mini Mall Storage

Whether you’re moving, downsizing or putting items in storage, transporting your belongings is never entirely stress-free. However, there are ways to ensure your items get to and from their destinations more safely.  

Picking the right packing materials can make a big difference and save you major headaches in the long run. If you’re wondering whether to go with classic cardboard or sleek plastic bins, we’ve broken it down for you below and shared our best moving tips. We also have more than 200 storage facilities across North America, so when you’re ready to rent, so are we!

Spoiler alert: Here’s why we swear cardboard is the way to go.  

mini mall storage cardboard moving boxes

Cardboard: The Old-School Hero 

Low-cost 

Cardboard boxes are like a dependable friend who’s always there when you need to move. They’re easy to find and very affordable, if not free — ask around at your local grocery, liquor or hardware stores.  

But don’t let cardboard’s affordability and simplicity fool you. When paired with smart packing techniques (like bubble wrap or packing paper), cardboard boxes do just the trick, keeping your belongings safe and sound.  

Eco-friendly 

What truly sets cardboard apart from plastic is its eco-friendly charm. Boxes can be reused, recycled and even composted once they’ve served their purpose — making them a sustainable and guilt-free choice for short-term moves and self-storage. 

Breathable 

They might not be waterproof, but airflow is crucial for keeping your belongings in the same state while they’re being stored.  

Unlike plastic, cardboard isn’t airtight. Allowing light airflow prevents moisture buildup and reduces the risk of mold or mildew — nobody wants that.  

Lightweight & Stackable 

Cardboard boxes are light enough to lug around without pulling a muscle and stack beautifully in storage units. This allows you to maximize your space in both moving trucks and storage units, making it easy to organize your belongings efficiently without wasting precious square footage. 

And then when you’re done with your cardboard boxes, they’re easy to dismantle and flatten. If you don’t want to find new boxes every time you move or need to store new items, their flexible design allows you to store them in limited space.  

plastic totes and bins for storage

Plastic: The Modern Runner-Up 

Now plastic bins have their place, there’s no doubt about it. They’re water-resistant, pest-proof, and sturdy, making them great for very specific storage needs. Perhaps you want to store fragile items that need protecting, or dirty gardening tools that you want to keep contained. 

But the drawbacks of using plastic bins are hard to ignore. They’re pricier, bulkier, and not as easy to find as cardboard. Let’s not forget the environmental impact: plastic bins are reusable, but they’re not biodegradable, making cardboard the greener option by a long shot

Plastic bins are also less forgiving when it comes to stacking — a slight mismatch in size, and your Tetris game is toast. A lid breaks? Your bin is worthless. Most plastic bins also have angled sides, which means you’re leaving gaps in your storage unit, or in your moving truck, which creates instability.  

And don’t even get us started on plastic bags. They rip easily, don’t stack well and never hold their shape.  

The Verdict? Cardboard Wins 

For most moving scenarios, cardboard boxes come out on top. They’re cost-effective, versatile, and kinder to the planet. Need to move a mountain of books? Several cardboard boxes have got your back. Packing up kitchenware? Wrap it and box it up with ease. Using self-storage? Label your boxes clearly and stack them neatly to maximize your storage unit. 

The truth is cardboard boxes are the tried-and-true champions of moving and self-storage. Their breathability and space-saving qualities are just icing on the cake. Plus, when your move is done, cardboard’s easy to recycle and makes cleanup a breeze. 

We’ll Help You Pack Like a Pro 

At Mini Mall Storage Properties, we’re here to make your move smoother than ever. From storage units to moving tips, we’ve got you covered. Need supplies? We’ve got those too. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with all your moving and self-storage needs. We’ve got self storage from North Vancouver, BC to New Orleans, LA so no matter where you’re at, we’re ready to meet your needs!

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