College Moving Boxes: What to Use and When to Use Them

The average cardboard box can be used for just about any type of move, so is there really such a thing as a “college moving box”? Because boxes vary by factors like size and material, it’s been observed that some are more suitable for certain moves than others. In this case, we’ve found that plastic boxes are best suited for college moves because they’re sturdy, easy to carry, and can be stacked to save space. They’re also a convenient option for gathering boxes since they can be delivered to your address and picked up after your move.

At Stack Moves, we’ve supported students nationwide in making their college move-in days hassle-free. Our years of experience in the moving industry has allowed us to design moving boxes that aren’t just durable, but also student-friendly and perfect for busy move-in days. Contact us today to book your boxes in time for your move.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of college moving boxes and explain where to get them.

What Are College Moving Boxes?

College moving boxes are containers specifically designed to make moving into a dorm or campus apartment easier and more organized. These boxes can come in different sizes and materials ranging from cardboard to plastic. The main reason for using them is to make transporting your belongings easier while keeping them protected.

Best College Moving Boxes for Dorms

Aside from being able to protect your belongings, boxes that are stackable and easy to carry make the best college moving boxes. In this section, we’ll break down the most common box types students use, along with when you should consider using them for your move.

1. Cardboard Moving Boxes

Cardboard boxes are usually our default choice, and for many student moves, they get the job done just fine. They’re simple to find, lightweight, and stack easily, making them a popular choice for packing clothes and other everyday items. They’re especially helpful if you’re moving from a nearby apartment or heading to campus by car, since they’re easy to load and unload quickly.

But the main drawback of these boxes is that they’re not very durable. Cardboard boxes weaken when exposed to moisture and can give out when overpacked or reused too many times. Before using them, be sure to reinforce them with tape so that they can hold up better.

2. Plastic Moving Boxes

If you want to enjoy a smoother and more organized move, we recommend using plastic moving bins instead of cardboard boxes. These boxes are sturdy and do a great job protecting items from moisture and rough handling during move-in. Because of their uniform size, they fit neatly in elevators, hallways, and dorm rooms, making it easier to navigate tight spaces better.

Sadly, they can be expensive if you’re planning to buy them outright. This is why we advise movers to consider renting them instead. For an affordable price you can enjoy a bundle of boxes, along with complimentary packing supplies to make your move even more efficient and stress-free. And the best part is, most rental companies deliver these boxes to you and pick them up after, eliminating the hassle of figuring out what to do with the boxes after moving.

3. Specialty Boxes

Some items require more care than standard boxes can offer, and this is where specialty moving boxes come in. They are designed to fit and protect delicate items such as hanging clothes, dishes, and artwork, thereby reducing the need for extra packing materials. It’s best to get these boxes only when you have a clear need for them. This means that specialty boxes may not always be necessary for a dorm move, as they can be more expensive and take up extra space.

Where to Get Moving Boxes for College Students

When it comes to getting moving boxes for college, there are two main routes students usually take. The first is to purchase a company-supplied college moving kit, where everything is bundled for you. The second is to gather your own boxes based on your budget and needs.

1) College Moving Kits from Moving Companies

College moving kits are pre-assembled box bundles, often paired with basic packing supplies, put together by moving companies to simplify your packing process. The biggest benefit to using moving kits is convenience, especially if you’re short on time or planning a move from out of state. They’re especially helpful for first-time movers or students moving into campus housing on a tight schedule.

A popular example of a college moving kit is U-Haul’s college boxes, which are designed with students in mind and sold as ready-to-use packages. All you have to do is choose a kit and have it delivered to your specified address, pack at your own pace, and then handle disposal once the move is done. This setup works well for students who want a simple, predictable option without having to overthink quantities or box sizes.

That said, moving kits aren’t always the perfect solution for college moves. Most kits use cardboard boxes, which means durability can be an issue if the boxes get wet. You may also end up with box sizes you don’t really need, or not enough of the ones you do, since the kits are standardized rather than personalized. And because you’re buying them outright, you’re left with boxes to dispose of or store after move-in.

2) DIY College Moving Boxes: Free, Cheap, and Rental Options

Finding your own boxes gives you more control over box sizes, materials, and overall quality, so you can pack exactly what you need without paying for extras you won’t use. It also lets you choose sturdier or more budget-friendly options depending on your priorities, while avoiding the hassle of dealing with leftover boxes after move-in. There are generally three ways to source boxes yourself:

1) Free Moving Boxes for College: Free boxes can be a good option when you’re trying to spend as little as possible on your move. It’s best to use free boxes if you’re moving locally, packing lightweight items, and have time to hunt them down ahead of move-in. You can usually find free moving boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, or through local community groups and online listings. Some people also reuse boxes from previous moves or deliveries. The downside is that free boxes are often already worn or weaker than expected. To deal with this, reinforce the bottom with extra tape, and stick to using them for lighter items

2) Cheap College Moving Boxes: If you’re still working with a tight budget but want something more reliable compared to free boxes, consider buying cheap moving boxes. This option works well when you want consistency in size and don’t want to worry about boxes falling apart. The best places to shop for cheap boxes are home improvement stores, moving supply shops, and online retailers. The main downside is that you’re paying for something you’ll likely only use once, and figuring out what to do with the boxes after a move can be a hassle. To offset that, you can recycle them, pass them along to another student, or save a few for future moves or storage.

3) Reusable Plastic Moving Bins for Rent: Whether you’re on a budget or just want convenience, renting moving bins is the easiest and most stress-free way to gather boxes. These bins are sturdy, uniform in size, and designed specifically for moving, which makes packing and stacking much simpler. Rental companies like Stack Moves provide reusable bins and handle delivery and pickup across the U.S., so you don’t have to worry about sourcing or disposing of boxes. The only real downside is that they need to be returned after your move, but this is usually scheduled in advance and handled for you, making it a small trade-off for how easy the process is.

How to Pack College Moving Boxes for Move-In Day

Even with the right box, the wrong packing method can still result in a stressful and chaotic move. Packing incorrectly can potentially waste space, time, or even damage your belongings. To help you avoid these outcomes, we put together a practical guide to packing efficiently for your college move:

1. Sort Your Items Before Packing

Before you start packing, place all your belongings where you can see them and decide on what’s following you. Keep in mind that dorm rooms are small, and arriving with a ton of items will only make the room smaller. It’s best to show up with only the basic essentials and build from there.

2. Pack Similar Items Together

You can save yourself a lot of time when setting up by packing similar items together. It is for this reason that we usually advise people planning household relocations to pack room by room. For example, when packing your bathroom, all bathroom items should be packed together. This way you can arrive and unpack your entire bathroom setup in one go.

3. Keep Boxes Light

Some of the most common injuries during a move are sprains and dislocations. This is usually a result of poor posture when lifting and carrying heavy boxes. Overpacking your boxes also increases the risk of the box breaking or getting dropped, leading to damaged items. Only fill your boxes about three-quarters full to keep the weight manageable.

4. Protect Fragile Items

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that glassware is one of the most common items to get broken during a move. Generally, fragile items such as glass, dishes, and small electronics are at higher risk of sustaining damage during any type of move, making it important to pack them carefully. Always wrap breakable items with protective materials like bubble wrap to reduce the risk of breaking them. You can also fill in any gaps in your moving boxes with packing paper, packing peanuts, or small clothing to prevent shifting during transit.

5. Clearly Label Boxes

While there are multiple ways to effectively label a box, we’ve found that the best way to label a box for moving is to write its content and destination on multiple sides of the box. Alternatively, you can also color-code your boxes by room or even link them to your inventory moving list, where each box is numbered and its content is tracked.

6. Prepare an Essentials Box

Finally, set aside a dedicated essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first night and the first day in your dorm. This should include items like bedding, toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, basic snacks, and any medications you might need. The goal is to keep these must-haves accessible so you don’t have to dig through multiple boxes right after arriving.

Rent Plastic Boxes for a Stress-Free College Move

The ideal college moving box should be sturdy, stackable, easy to carry, and able to protect your belongings from the rigors of moving. Plastic boxes check all of these boxes, making them the most reliable choice for dorm moves where space is tight and items need extra protection.

What makes them even better is the convenience of renting from companies like Stack Moves. They deliver the boxes directly to your door, pick them up after your move, and often include helpful extras like dollies, labels, and other packing supplies to make move-in day as smooth as possible. Don’t wait a moment longer; schedule your boxes now!

FAQs

These quick answers are here to help you feel prepared and a little less stressed before the big day. Don’t see a question you have in mind? Feel free to reach out and a member of our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you have.

What Size Boxes Are Best for College Dorms?

It’s best to stick with small and medium-sized boxes for college moves. These boxes are not only easier to carry but also prevent overpacking, which could cause strain or damage later on. Remember that the rooms are small, and you wouldn’t want to crowd the space any more with oversized boxes.

Can You Bring Boxes on Move-in Day?

Yes, you can. Most schools expect students to come with their belongings neatly packed in boxes or some other form of moving container. Remember to make sure that everything is packed and labeled so that you can settle in faster once you arrive.

Should Parents Buy or Reuse Boxes?

Reusing boxes for a move is the simplest and most affordable way to gather moving boxes. The only downside to reusing boxes is they tend to wear out faster and can be difficult to find in matching sizes. However, buying boxes can be expensive if you’re on a budget. Hence why we recommend renting plastic moving bins instead.

Are Plastic Bins Better Than Cardboard Boxes?

In most cases, plastic bins are better than cardboard boxes because of their enhanced durability, especially in humid environments. They are also more affordable and sustainable than their cardboard counterparts. However, there are still some instances where using a cardboard box is better than a plastic one. So it’s best to choose a box based on what you’re packing and how you plan to move it.

Do Colleges Provide Moving Boxes?

Most colleges don’t provide boxes for students. While some schools may share some tips on where to get boxes, it’s usually up to students and their guardians to plan ahead and bring what they need.