Do Moving Companies Provide Boxes and Supplies?

The key to the success of any move is organization and thorough planning, which is why pre-move planning is the most essential step in the moving process. During this stage, you must address any and all questions related to your move. One important question you might ask yourselves is whether your moving companies provide boxes and other supplies. Knowing what’s included in your moving company’s services can prevent unwanted costs and last-minute stress.

Most moving companies will provide moving boxes, depending on the type of service you choose. Their packages range from full packing services, where everything is handled for you, to unpacking services that help you settle in faster.

Moving companies aren’t the only convenient way to get moving boxes. Renting plastic bins is a hassle-free alternative that’s just as practical and even more economical. At Stack Moves, we deliver eco-friendly, sturdy boxes right to your door and pick them up after your move. Reach out to learn more about how we can simplify your next move.

In this blog post, we’ll answer the question of whether movers provide moving boxes, what’s typically included in their services, and how you can make the best choice for your needs.

Do Moving Companies Provide Boxes?

Yes, they often do. Most moving companies provide moving boxes, especially when you opt for a packing service. However, the specifics can vary. Some companies may charge you separately for the boxes, while others will include the cost in their packages. Movers who don’t supply boxes directly often recommend trusted suppliers from whom you can get these materials since they do not provide these boxes themselves.

Types of Boxes Provided by Movers

You can get just about any type of box from moving companies that offer professional packing services, which is why they’re so convenient. Most moving companies will offer these types of boxes:

Standard Cardboard Boxes

When planning a move, cardboard boxes are often the first option that comes to mind. Who can blame you? They’re widely available, come in a host of sizes, and can often be acquired for free. However, they’re less durable than other options and are prone to collapsing under heavy weight or when exposed to moisture.

Plastic Bins

Unlike cardboard boxes, plastic bins are sturdier and waterproof, offering better protection for your belongings. They’re also a more sustainable option since they can be reused multiple times, thus reducing waste. While buying these can be costly, renting them is a smarter and more affordable option.

Specialty Boxes

These boxes are designed to give the highest level of protection to specific items. Examples of specialty boxes include wardrobe boxes, dish pack boxes, and electronics boxes. They are more expensive, costing as much as $40 per box, with limited reusability. You can get the same level of protection from plastic bins, saving you the stress of buying different boxes for different items.

Moving Company Service: What’s Included?

It’s important to know what services and materials are provided by your moving company since the whole point of using them is to streamline and ease the stress of relocating.

Packing Supplies:

A majority of moving companies provide packing materials to meet your basic moving needs. Some of these include:

• Boxes
• Tape
• Packing paper
• Specialty supplies (e.g., wardrobe boxes, dish packs)

Full Packing Service

This is the most comprehensive service offered by any moving company. Full-service movers offer packing as part of their services, taking the stress off you. They are the ideal choice for anyone looking for a hands-off experience. Full-service moving companies handle every aspect of the move, from wrapping fragile items to boxing up entire rooms. They’ll come with all the necessary packing materials and use their expert packing knowledge to ensure all your belongings arrive at their new home in pristine condition.

Partial Packing Service

This package is recommended for people who want to remain involved in the packing process while receiving professional assistance. You get to choose what the movers pack, which can help you save money, as you will only be charged for the items or rooms packed.

If they end up packing more or less than expected, this will affect your original estimate. In cases like this, it’s best to contact your moving company before or immediately after the move so that these changes can be accounted for.

Fragile-Only Packing

A few moving companies offer specialized services for packing delicate or valuable items, such as glass, china, antiques, and artwork. Choosing to let professional moving companies handle these items instead of packing them yourself guarantees that they are properly packed. It also boosts their chances of arriving at their final destination intact. 

Unpacking Services

Some moving companies do more than help you pack; they also help you unpack at your new location. Unpacking services typically include unboxing, organizing items in their designated areas, and even reassembling furniture. This time-saving option helps you settle in faster.

What to Consider When Getting Boxes from Moving Companies

As far as durability and suitability go, their boxes are generally good quality and can pack a variety of items, from clothing to books. Moving companies often charge extra for moving boxes unless provided as a part of your moving estimate.

Using company-provided boxes can be very convenient since you save time spent on having to source for the boxes yourself. However, DIY packing with rented bins offers greater flexibility.

Also, consider how the size of your move often dictates how many boxes you’ll need, which makes getting boxes from moving companies more convenient for large moves. For example, if you’re packing a 6-bedroom house, you’d need dozens of boxes, and getting them all from one place can save you time and effort.

Likewise, the complexity of your move—such as packing oddly shaped items—makes it more practical to use company moving bins. These companies often provide specialty boxes as well, which are usually harder to find than regular boxes.

How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?

Cardboard boxes typically cost $1-$8, depending on the size and type (standard or heavy-duty), while specialty boxes can cost as much as $40 per box. Plastic bins average $10-$30 per box, and you’d need at least 15 to pack a modest studio apartment. Remember to budget for additional packing materials such as tape and bubble wrap. 

The cost of moving boxes can easily exceed a few hundred dollars. The most economical option is to rent moving boxes. Many rental services provide complimentary packing supplies as part of their packages to help you stay organized throughout your move.

Alternatives to Moving Company Boxes

Exploring different ways to gather moving bins can help you save money and even reduce waste through options like renting bins or using free boxes.

1. Renting Reusable Moving Boxes

One of the most convenient ways to source packing supplies is to rent moving boxes. Many rental services, such as Stack Moves, offer reusable bins that eliminate the hassle of finding and disposing of traditional cardboard boxes. These bins are sturdy, don’t need to be assembled, have lids for added protection, and reduce waste.

2. Purchasing Boxes from Retailers

You can also buy moving boxes from retailers such as Home Depot and Lowes. These stores offer moving boxes in varying sizes and often provide discounts on bulk purchases. They’re also a great place to shop for brand-new boxes and specialty boxes, such as television boxes. However, buying moving boxes is usually more expensive than renting and isn’t eco-friendly.

3. Finding Free Boxes

Another economical way to acquire moving boxes is to find free ones. These are often found in local grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores. You can also get free boxes from close friends and family members and online communities such as Craiglist and Facebook Marketplace.

The biggest advantages to sourcing for free boxes are that they come at no cost and are sustainable. But a majority of the time, their availability is limited, quality is inconsistent, and they are time-consuming to look for. Renting boxes saves you time and effort by providing you with readily available and high-quality packing materials.

How Many Boxes Will I Need to Move?

Diving into your move without knowing how many boxes you need is risky business. It could either lead to last-minute scrambling and wasted money on extra supplies. To avoid these headaches, it’s best to estimate the number of boxes you’d need for your move ahead of time. A practical way to do this is to base your estimate on the size of your home. A simple tool, like a moving box calculator, can help you accurately estimate how many boxes you’d need for your move.

Want Moving Boxes for Rent?

Proper packing is the cornerstone of any stress-free move. While moving companies often provide boxes along with other services that can simplify the entire moving process, renting your moving bins instead comes with more benefits.

An even more budget-friendly alternative is to rent moving bins from companies like Stack Moves. These bins make packing easier and more efficient, eliminating the need to source boxes yourself. Additionally, they are designed to be stackable and durable, ensuring maximum protection for your items.

Contact us today to get started on your next move.