When it comes to moving, there are some ways to save money on expenses including reusing old boxes but should you reuse boxes or buy new? At first glance, it might seem like the environmentally friendly option to reuse boxes is also the most economical option, but that’s not always the case.
Is It Good Idea To Reuse Moving Boxes?
Give old moving boxes new life when you drag them out of storage or your friend’s garage for your next move. Saves money, clears storage space, and keeps boxes out of the landfill. Sounds like a good citizen award-winning choice, doesn’t it? Maybe.
Use Caution If You’re Reusing Moving Boxes
It’s great to re-use boxes rather than throwing away or recycling but you’re at risk for bugs and pests to move with you. This is especially true of go to a source like Craigslist or Freecycle. Bedbugs, scorpions, and spiders love dark places and what better place to hide than a stack of moving boxes in the corner of a garage or attic. You’re risking moving all of these pests to your new home.
If you’re using boxes from the grocery or big box stores, you’re at risk for food, cleaners, and other liquids to have been spilled in the box. Not only can this compromise the integrity of the box, but it’s also unsanitary and can damage your clothing, towels, or other items.
The challenge with using used boxes is that there is really no way to treat a cardboard moving box to know it’s clean so you’re better off buying or renting new boxes for your next move.
The Plastic Option
While plastic storage boxes may not, at least at first, seem like the most eco-friendly choice, they might be.
Use plastic storage boxes made of recycled plastic.
Compare prices to buy new cardboard vs. plastic boxes.
Reuse plastic boxes over and over.
Plastic keeps pests out and your belongings safe.
Reasons To Buy New Moving Boxes
It’s a great idea to think about the environmental impact of your purchases but when it comes to moving, efficiency and safety may be the deciding factors of whether to reuse boxes or buy new.
Peace of Mind. You don’t have to worry about what was last in the boxes when you buy new. You know you’re not bringing unwanted pests or scents from old boxes into your new home.
Simple logistics. Buy boxes, bring them home, filled with stuff. There’s no coordinating when someone is going to be home to pick up boxes or wondering if the boxes are the right sizes for your household goods.
Moving Team Six sells box kits to simplify the moving process. We will deliver them right to your door so there is no need to wait in line for someone to sell you an overpriced box. Contact us or call Moving Team Six at 602-923-0040.