Moving places can be a stressful experience. The process can often take far longer than expected and pitfalls mean costs can quickly spiral out of control.
There are many areas where high costs cannot be avoided without seriously impacting the smoothness of transitioning from one place to another.
Spend your money where it matters.
However saving money on the moving boxes themselves can be a good way to cut costs without serious compromise.
Depending on what items you’re moving, you can reliably find some great deals on quality boxes that can help you cut costs and put your money in more important places.
Where to Save Money
The best money saving is to separate the heavy and lightweight items being moved.
Using this method the lightweight items can be placed in boxes with a lower weight tolerance, which are often cheaper.
This way you won’t have to fear of boxes breaking or collapsing under heavy loads.
- Keep low value items packed together in basic quality boxes.
- Don’t buy any moving box without an ECT rating.
- Going without additional features such as handles and quick access folding tops can save money
The fewer heavier items can be stored together in a stronger double walled or thick walled boxes, limiting the number of these stronger boxes you will need to buy.
Saving money by just using basic boxes is a great idea too. The taped construction boxes are often the cheapest.
The main disadvantage with these is that since the top must be taped for maximum security and stacking strength, it is often a pain if you require an item inside this box temporarily as re-taping will be required once cut open.
If you are willing to making compromises on ease of handling and quick access then there are bargains to be had.
Won’t Cheap Moving Boxes Fall Apart Easily?
When looking to cut costs there is always a risk you’ll end up buying poorly manufacturer products. However cost of an item doesn’t always indicate that the build quality is poor.
You can expect the product have a basic build construction without the non essential features that higher priced items have.
There are very good quality boxes that can be obtained for low costs if buying from right manufacturers.
Why Are Moving Boxes So Expensive?
Aren’t all moving boxes just folding pieces of cardboard?
All moving boxes worth buying have to be edge crush tested to receive ratings for maximum stacking weight and loading capacity.
The additional costs of ensuring all boxes receive this rating are passed onto the consumer by manufacturers, adding to the costs of the product at the point of purchase.
The ECT value equates to the amount of pressure that the box can withstand before it fails and is crushed under the weight.
If moving or packing anything of significant value, either monetary or sentimental, then purchasing boxes without the an ECT rating is simply not worth the risk.
You’ll have forgotten all about how much you saved and rue the fact that you didn’t spend more on a quality product if your items end up being damaged.
10 of The Best Cheap Moving Boxes
Packing Box | Dimensions | Handles | Max Weight | Construction | Wall Type | Strength Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16" x 12" x 10" | No | 60lbs | Taped | Single wall | ECT-32 | |
18 x 14 x 10" | No | 60lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 | |
16" x 12" x 8" | No | 60lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 | |
13" x 10" x 6" | No | 65lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 | |
16" x 16" x 10" | No | 60lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 | |
18” x 18” x 16” | No | 65lbs | Taped | Single wall | ECT 32 | |
14" x 12" x 8" | No | 60lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 | |
18" x 18" x 16" | Yes | 60lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 | |
10" x 10" x 10" | No | 100lbs | Taped | Double Wall | ECT 48 | |
![]() | 12" x 12" x 16" | No | 60lbs | Taped | Single Wall | ECT 32 |
1) PackageZoom Medium Moving Boxes
Pros:
+ Wide shape fits wider items
+ 60lbs maximum load weight
Cons:
– Single walled type only
2) PackageZoom Medium Strong Moving Boxes
Pros:
+ Thick boards for medium duty use
+ Product usually available on sale
Cons:
– No tape included
3) PackageZoom Heavy Duty Moving Boxes Medium
Pros:
+ Good value for money
Cons:
– Low breaking weight of 40lbs
4) Aviditi 13106 Corrugated Cardboard Box Kraft
Pros:
+ High 65lbs breaking weight
+ Available in bulk 500 pack for cost savings
Cons:
– Quality not as good as some competitors
5) uboxes Brand Box Small Moving Boxes
Pros:
+ Good value for money
+ Deep shape allows for packing wide items
Cons:
– Smaller dimensions limit the size of items that can be packaged
6) The Boxery Genuine Medium Moving Boxes
Pros:
+ 65lbs gross weight capacity
+ Useful sidewall markings
Cons:
– Only available in one size
7) PackageZoom Medium Moving Boxes Pack For Home Moves
Pros:
+ High quality manufacturing
Cons:
– Single walled box
8) uBoxes 10 Premium Medium Moving Boxes
Pros:
+ Ergonomic design with handles
+ Useful sidewall markings
Cons:
– Premium features come at extra cost
9) Boxes Fast Double Wall Corrugated Heavy-Duty Cardboard Boxes
Pros:
+ 100lbs weight capacity
Cons:
– No handles for assistance carrying at fully loaded weight
10) The Packaging Wholesalers Moving Boxes
Pros:
+ Good value for money
+ Deep shape allows for packing longer items
Cons:
– No additional features
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