Better to Buy New Boxes or Use Old Ones?

Cardboard boxes are a staple in any move. You can use boxes to pack your clothes, your smaller appliances, and plenty of your other items. But, packing boxes don't come cheap. To save money, many people choose to reuse old boxes. However, not all boxes are created equal.

Some boxes aren't strong enough to survive in-transit conditions. While other boxes may not be worth the expense. There are pros and cons of both new boxes and old boxes. Below, our full-service Portland movers try to answer the question - is it better to buy new boxes or use old ones?

New Boxes are Easier to Label

With new boxes, you won't have to deal with old tape or labels previously marked in sharpie because every surface will be completely clear. If you choose to reuse old boxes, you'll likely have to print out labels onto separate sheets of paper and tape them over the old labels and residue. You won't have to waste that much time with new boxes, just write directly on the blank space.

Old Boxes are Cheaper and Environmentally-Friendly

Arguably, the top perk of reusing old boxes is that they cost nothing. Scavenge through your workspace or local liquor store and grocery and you'll likely find plenty of old boxes that can still be used to pack your household belongings. The best part is that they're free! Also, if you value protecting the environment, reusing boxes is the more environmentally friendly choice.

New Boxes are Easier to Stack

When you purchased new boxes, you have full control on how many boxes you get delivered and the sizes they will come in. New boxes in uniform sizes are easier to stack and more secure. Same-sized boxes are easily stacked on top of each other; so small boxes are put on top of other small boxes and large boxes go with large boxes. When reusing boxes, you are likely to end up with a collection of boxes that come in multiple different sizes. When stack together, there is less balance and more risk of movement or even slippage while in-transit.

Old Boxes Can Be Just as Sturdy

If you know what to look for, you can scavenge old boxes that are just as sturdy and durable as their newer counterparts. Boxes that were used to transport heavy produce, liquor bottles, or office appliances over large distances are top candidates. These boxes can easily be reused as moving boxes. Preferably, use boxes made with double wall corrugated board, especially for heavier items. Check an exposed edge of the box and make sure there are two layers - two walls separated by two layers of corrugated facing.

New Boxes Come in Specialized Versions

Another advantage of new boxes is that you can buy specialized boxes to pack and protect both common household items and more unique pieces. A wardrobe box allows you to easily pack the clothes in your hanging closet without having to take them off their hangars and fold them. Dish pack boxes and glass packs boxes come with compartment inserts that better protect dishware and glassware respectively during a move. Mattress boxes and flat screen TV moving boxes are other examples of specialized boxes specifically designed to safely transport items that may need extra protection.

If you decide to use new boxes, make sure you either take advantage of the packing services offered by our Portland movers or order packing supplies directly from our Oregon moving company. At All My Sons Moving & Storage of Portland, we only ever provide the best moving and packing supplies. You can rest easy knowing your possessions are safe and secure.

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