Why Are Moving Boxes So Expensive?

Moving boxes are a crucial part of every move, but there’s one problem: they tend to be rather expensive. But why are moving boxes so expensive? Typically, it comes down to the quality of materials, demand, and high production costs. 

However, there are various ways to keep your costs low. You can use a moving box calculator to help you avoid overbuying boxes. Just enter how many rooms you need to pack, and you’ll get a reasonable estimate of the number of bins, dollies, and labels you’ll need. Planning ahead and renting your moving supplies instead of buying them can also save you time, effort, and money during your move.

At Stack Moves, we have years of experience helping people move with as little stress as possible. To help save money, reduce waste, and streamline your moving experience, we offer high-quality, affordable moving bins for rent. If you’re planning your next move, contact us so that you don’t end up spending a small fortune on boxes you might never use again.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the cost of moving boxes, why they’re so expensive, and how you can save money with alternatives.

How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?

Many people facing an upcoming move wonder, “How much do moving boxes cost?” The price of moving boxes varies depending on the size and type you choose.

Small cardboard boxes, for example, are usually between $1 and $3. Medium-sized boxes are $2.94 on average, while larger boxes can cost as much as $6. Extra large boxes go for around $8.

As for specialty boxes, options like wardrobe boxes that have a metal bar on which you can hang your clothes can go for up to $20 each.

Corrugated boxes, which boast enhanced durability, can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 for standard boxes and from around $8 to $20 for specialty boxes.

Plastic boxes can be even more costly. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 to $30 per box.

The Hidden Costs of Moving Boxes

The total price can quickly become overwhelming, given the number of boxes you’ll need. However, if you stick with traditional cardboard boxes, you might have to deal with other costs.

Potential Damage to Belongings

While they can be relatively sturdy, cardboard is inherently a weak material. As a result, using cardboard boxes can easily lead to damaged and broken belongings. Many people choose cardboard boxes because they’re cheaper than more durable options like plastic bins, but the cost of replacing damaged items quickly outweighs any potential savings.

Additional Packing Materials

It’s not just the boxes you’ll need to buy, either. To ensure that your glass-wear and other fragile items are safe during the move, you’ll have to purchase bubble wrap, polystyrene balls, paper, and all manner of other packaging materials. You might spend an additional $100–200 on these materials for even a small move.

Time and Effort

Don’t forget the additional cost of your labor. Packaging boxes take a lot of time, especially if you have many fragile items that need extra care.

What Makes Moving Boxes So Pricey?

Moving boxes haven’t always been quite so expensive. In recent years, a variety of economic factors, including supply chain issues and production costs, have impacted packaging materials of all kinds.

Material Quality

There are vast differences in materials available for these boxes. Cardboard boxes come in two main options: single-walled and double-walled. Single-walled boxes have just one wall of cardboard material, while double-walled ones have two. Splurging on the latter can mean better protection for your belongings.

Raw Material Issues

Cardboard packaging is made from wood pulp, which comes from trees. Deforestation issues, as well as environmental regulations, have put a strain on the supply chain, spiking overall costs.

Increased Demand

As online shopping has become more commonplace, the demand for cardboard has only increased. Further contributing to this demand is the rising popularity of sustainable packaging trends, such as using recycled cardboard boxes. However, as paper mills and other manufacturers struggle to keep up with this increased demand, the price has nowhere to go but up.

Production Cost

Production costs of cardboard packaging are also higher than they’ve ever been because of the reliance on automation and other technological advancements. For manufacturers to be able to profit, they have to pass down the additional costs of technological implementations to consumers.

Supply Chain and Logistics

It’s not just the manufacturing process that is expensive. Companies have to store the boxes and ship them to you when you purchase them as well. That all adds to the overall cost of the packaging.

Environmental Factors

These days, companies are focused more on sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing. Such processes, including recycling and green production, are often more time-consuming and expensive. To make up for these additional costs, manufacturers will often increase prices.

Price Comparison: Buying Cardboard Boxes vs. Alternatives

An alternative to buying new cardboard boxes can be choosing second-hand options or even plastic. But are these really better options when it comes to price and environmental impact?

New vs. Used Boxes

New boxes are sturdy and less likely to lose their shape. They also don’t have water damage or lingering smells, which pose a risk to your belongings. The drawback is, of course, price. New cardboard boxes can cost anywhere between $1 and $8, depending on size.

Used boxes tend to be cheaper, often half the cost of new ones. There are drawbacks, however. They can be weaker than new boxes and could even sag if they’ve been exposed to water. You also run the risk of encountering mold.

If you’re looking for where to find cheap boxes, there are many options, including online retailers and recycling centers.

Plastic Moving Bins

Buying plastic bins can cost between $10 and $30, but renting them is a possibility that can save you a lot of money. Even if you choose to purchase them, these are sturdy bins that will last you for years. It’s an investment that can more than pay for itself.

Plastic moving bins are resilient. They generally don’t get damaged if they get wet, and they won’t collapse on you when you pick them up.

Renting Moving Boxes

Perhaps the best option of all is to rent moving boxes. Not only is this better for the environment since you won’t be feeding into the deforestation industry, but it’s also better for your wallet. When you rent plastic options, the prices tend to be significantly lower than you can imagine.

Purchasing 15 of the cheapest plastic bins at $10 each will cost $150. But renting them costs just $129—and this includes a dolly and 15 labels.

The convenience, too, is unmatched. You don’t have to worry about where to store the bins when you’re done with them or take them to any recycling sites.

How to Save Money on Moving Boxes

If you’re still struggling to lower your costs and keep your move affordable, here are some tips on how you can save money on moving boxes.

Buying in Bulk

Buying boxes in bulk can earn you good deals. Many online retailers offer that option, but you can also find them at UPS.

Rent Moving Boxes

When you rent moving boxes, you can get the best prices without having to stress over taking items over to recycling centers. All you do is turn them in, and you’re done.

Seasonal Sales and Discounts

Most people choose to move in the warmer months, so you may have better luck getting cheaper boxes if you try to get them in the fall or winter. Because there will be less demand, prices could dip significantly. Watch out for the holidays, however, since that’s when people are doing a lot of gift shipping, and prices could rise.

DIY Alternatives

You can also go for creative packaging options. For fragile items, why not wrap them up in a comforter and slip them into a crate? You can use bags for clothing and even suitcases and backpacks. Laundry baskets and hampers are also helpful. If you’re moving a dresser, stuffing your clothes and other smaller items into its drawers can easily save you a box or two.

Check Online Marketplaces

You can find good deals on online marketplaces, especially ones that cater to your area. You may even be able to pick the boxes up, saving you shipping costs.

How to Choose the Best Moving Boxes for Your Needs

When deciding on the right boxes for your move, you’ll want to keep a few key things in mind.

Size and Weight Capacity

Not all boxes are suitable for all items. As great as it would be to pack a lot of books into one extra-large box, those boxes may not be made to carry such items, potentially leaving you with a pile of books falling on your feet. Here’s a quick rundown of what each size can carry:

• Small Boxes: Books, canned goods, DVDs
• Medium Boxes: Decorative items, kitchenware, toys
• Large Boxes: Large kitchen appliances, lamp bases, linens
• Extra-Large Boxes: Large household appliances, bedding, tools

Knowing the best size boxes for each type of item can save you time, money, and heartache. 

Specialty Boxes

Some items require their own special boxes. There are television boxes, for example, that can keep your electronics safe during the move because they’re sturdier and have the right shape for the task. Dish packs are made of corrugated cardboard to protect your dishes and other delicate items, while wardrobe boxes have rails to hang your clothes, making transportation much easier without the risk of damaging fine fabrics.

You can find specialty boxes online and in stores that offer packaging supplies.

Interested in Renting Moving Boxes?

Buying cardboard boxes or plastic bins can be very costly. The high demand of recent years has skyrocketed the prices of these boxes, but you don’t need to spend a fortune when there’s another option available. Renting boxes can help you save money and make your whole move more efficient.

At Stack Moves, we are dedicated to helping people enjoy smooth, cost-effective moves with affordable and durable plastic bins. Contact us to learn more about renting moving boxes today.