Best Totes for Moving
When planning a move, totes present themselves as an excellent option to use as storage containers. Depending on what you’re trying to pack, the best totes could be heavy-duty, fabric-moving, collapsible, or specialty. With such a wide variety of totes available, there’s something to fit everyone’s needs.
At Stack Moves, we offer a range of moving bins for rent to help make your move as stress-free as possible. Although we do not offer totes, our bins have all the ammenities a tote might offer – they are durable, easy to stack, and convenient to transport, but without the hassle and added cost of having to go and buy them. Contact us to help plan your move!
This blog will explore the best totes for moving. It will include their features and benefits and explain how to choose the right one for your needs.
Can you Use Totes as Moving Boxes?

Yes, you can use totes as moving boxes or storage bins. Totes, especially heavy-duty plastic ones, are excellent for moving because they are durable, reusable, and offer better protection for your belongings compared to traditional cardboard boxes.
However, unlike plastic moving bins, totes are rarely available to rent. You would typically need to buy totes, which can be more expensive than renting or buying cardboard moving boxes.
That is why we recommend that you go for our plastic bins at Stack Moves. They serve the same purpose as totes and come with added benefits, such as dollies for easy transport and labels for better organization.
Types of Totes for Moving
There are different types of moving totes, each suited for different needs. These include heavy-duty plastic totes, fabric moving totes, collapsible totes, and specialty totes.
A. Heavy-Duty Plastic Totes
Heavy-duty totes are made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene and often come with snap-on or lockable lids for extra security. The average size of a standard heavy-duty plastic tote is 28.55″ x 19.61″ x 15.27″. These totes can cost between $15 to $30 per tote. They protect your belongings from moisture and dust and are ideal for heavy items like books and tools. They are also perfect for long-term storage of household items. When buying heavy-duty totes, we recommend Rubbermaid storage totes and Sterilite Latching plastic storage bins.
B. Fabric Moving Totes
Fabric moving totes are lightweight, making them easier to carry and maneuver. They can cost between $10 to $20 per tote. These totes can be folded when not in use and often have multiple compartments for better organization. The average size of these totes is 23.6” x 11.8” x 11.8”. Ideally, fabric totes are perfect for clothing, linens, and lightweight household items. If you want to buy fabric totes, you should go for Ziploc flexible totes or CleverMade collapsible fabric storage bins.
C. Collapsible Totes
As the name implies, this type of tote is collapsible and does not take up storage space when not in use. Due to their lightweight, they are easy to transport when empty, and they are made from durable plastic or fabric. The average size is 17.44″ x 12.05″ x 4.8″. Collapsible totes cost $15-$60 per tote. They are ideal for temporary storage during a move. Therefore, only lightweight items can be stored in them. When buying collapsible totes, we recommend CleverMade collapsible totes and Rubbermaid collapsible totes.
D. Specialty Totes
These are totes for fragile items like electronics and glassware. They come with built-in padding to protect these fragile items and cost $20 to $40 per tote. Specialty totes also have enhanced locking mechanisms to keep content secure, and they are weather-resistant. We recommend going for IRIS Weathertight storage boxes or Plano Storage Trunk when buying specialty totes.
What Moving Containers are Best for Moving?

In our experience, using plastic moving-boxes or totes are the go-to option when moving since they are both made from durable materials. However, renting plastic bins is not only durable, but they are also eco-friendly and offer excellent protection for your belongings. They are ideal for heavy-duty items, long-term storage, and protecting contents from moisture and dust.
On the other hand, we wouldn’t recommend cardboard boxes even tho they are the most common choice for moving as they are inexpensive. You can even get them for free in some retail stores. These cardboard boxes come in various sizes but are not as durable as plastic bins. They are suitable for lightweight items and short-term use.
In addition, specialty bins are designed for specific items such as fragile goods, electronics, and clothing. They often come with custom padding and compartments to provide extra protection during the move.
How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?
You can either purchase cardboard moving boxes or find them for free from places like grocery stores or online marketplaces like Amazon or U-Haul. However, if you prefer to go for plastic containers, they can cost between $1-$8 per moving box.
We recommend that you go for moving bins for rent. This way, you do not need to bother about storage space after usage. Additionally, specialty bins are more expensive as purchasing them ranges between $15 to $40 each.
Moving Boxes vs Totes: What is the Better Choice?

When preparing for a move, deciding between totes or moving boxes can be challenging. Although these options are similar, plastic moving boxes make a better option during a move.
Both plastic moving bins and totes are durable storage containers designed to make the process of moving more efficient and secure. Made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, they are built to withstand the rigors of moving and provide superior protection for your belongings. However, moving boxes make a better option as you they are eco-friendly and rentable. This makes moving boxes a more cost-effective solution. In addition, moving boxes also brings about flexibility and convenience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Moving Boxes
When moving, it is always best to use a moving box as a storage bag to transport your belongings. However, you must ensure you select the right one. Some factors to consider when choosing the best storage bins include material, size, weight limits, etc.
When choosing moving boxes, you have the option of plastic, fabric, or cardboard material. Cardboard boxes are lightweight and are ideal for most household items. On the other hand, plastic moving boxes are durable, water-resistant, and reusable. They provide excellent protection for fragile items and are perfect for long-term storage. Additionally, fabric moving bags are suitable for clothing and linens.
Another factor to consider when moving is size and capacity. For example, small boxes are ideal for heavy items like books and kitchenware, while larger boxes are better for lightweight, bulky items like pillows and blankets.
Furthermore, consider the weight limits of each type of moving box has its weight limits. It is best to ensure that the boxes you choose can handle the weight of the items you plan to pack, as overloading boxes can lead to breakage and difficulty in transport.
You should also consider handles and ease of transport. A storage bin with sturdy handles makes lifting and carrying easier, reducing the risk of injury. Therefore, ensure the handles are reinforced for durability. But for larger and heavier boxes, consider options with pull handles or compatible dollies for easier maneuvering.
In addition, the lid type is a factor to consider. For example, snap-on lids provide a secure closure, keeping your belongings safe from dust and moisture. They are common in plastic storage bins.
Importantly, choosing stackable boxes maximizes storage space and ensures stability during transport.
Benefits of Renting Moving Boxes

When planning a move, renting moving boxes can offer numerous advantages over purchasing traditional cardboard boxes. One of the benefits is that renting moving boxes is more affordable than buying new ones as you only pay for the duration you need them. Once you pay, it covers delivery and pickup of the boxes, eliminating the need to spend extra on transportation or disposal fees. This reduces your overall moving expenses.
Renting moving boxes is also eco-friendly, as these boxes are designed to be reused multiple times. This decreases the demand for single-use cardboard boxes and reduces waste. At Stack Moves, we have eco-friendly moving bins for rent as we are committed to reducing the carbon footprint associated with the moving process.
In addition, rented moving boxes are made from high-quality plastic to provide superior protection for your belongings. Thus, they are less likely to break or collapse compared to cardboard boxes, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of your items during the move.
Furthermore, at Stack Moves, we offer convenient delivery and pickup services, saving you time and effort. The boxes are delivered to your door and collected after your move, making the process seamless and stress-free.
How to Rent Moving Boxes

Are you preparing for a move and thinking of renting moving boxes? The first step should be using a moving box calculator to determine how many boxes you’ll need for your move. This tool helps you estimate the number and sizes of boxes required based on the details of your move, such as the number of rooms.
Next, choose a suitable rental package by considering factors like the size of your move, the types of items you’ll be packing, and the duration of your rental. Whether you need the best totes for moving, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, or clear storage containers, there is a package that will fit your requirements.
Once you’ve selected your rental package, choose a convenient delivery date and time. Stack Moves will deliver the moving boxes, dollies, and labels to your location, ensuring you have everything you need to start packing.
Then, move to your new home when you have packed all your items with the rented moving boxes. After settling into your new home, plan for the boxes to be picked up.
Packing Tips for Moving

In packing for a move, start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing, begin at least a few weeks before your move date. This gives you ample time to sort through your belongings, decide what to keep, and get rid of items you no longer need. Early packing reduces stress and helps you manage your time better.
Once you’ve sorted out your items, gather the needed packing supplies. This includes moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling. Having the right supplies on hand will make the packing process more efficient.
Then, you should create a packing plan for each room. We recommend that you start with the rooms you use the least, such as the attic or basement, and gradually move to more frequently used spaces. In addition, pack similar items together and label each box with its contents and the room in which it belongs. This will make unpacking much easier.
Furthermore, if you have to pack fragile items like glassware, dishes, and electronics, use bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels to ensure they are well cushioned. Then, label the boxes as “Fragile” and make sure they are packed securely to prevent movement during transport.
Importantly, make use of all available space in your moving boxes. You can do this by filling gaps with soft items like towels, clothing, or packing paper to prevent items from shifting. This not only maximizes the use of your packing materials but also provides extra cushioning for your belongings.
Ready to Move?
Moving can be a challenging process, but using the right tools can make all the difference. For a stress-free moving process, you can use totes as they are durable, sturdy, and weather-resistant. In choosing totes for moving, consider the material, size and capacity and handles.
Investing in quality totes is a smart decision that can significantly improve your moving experience. Their durability, stackability, and protective features make them a reliable choice for transporting your belongings safely.
Both totes and moving bins are very similar. The difference is that you can only purchase totes while you can rent moving bins, making moving boxes a better choice.
Ready to make your move hassle-free? Rent your moving boxes from Stack Moves today! Schedule a consultation with us now!









