How to Pack Plastic Bins Efficiently for Moving

Plastic bins have emerged as a more durable and eco-friendlier alternative to cardboard boxes for packing and storing belongings while moving. Plastic totes have gained popularity due to their versatility, reusability, and weather resistance. They are stackable, easier to pick up and carry, and offer superior protection to the stored items. In addition, plastic bins come preassembled with a lid and do not require packing tape to secure them.

However, plastic bins are not perfect or free from issues. When moving, homeowners should use the best type of bins and pack them properly to ensure the stored items reach the new location undamaged.

Here is a simple guide to secure the plastic bins correctly for moving:

Choose the correct plastic bins

Plastic totes can be purchased or rented. When choosing them, ensure they are durable and made from high-density polyethylene. These plastic bins are lightweight but impact-resistant and can easily withstand the weight of other bins when stacked on another. Also, ensure that the boxes are the same size and that the lids close securely to prevent them from popping off or cracking.

Avoid overloading them

When packing, understand the limits of the plastic bins, as overloaded or overflowing bins can collapse and create a mess in the moving truck. Also, stuffing too much in a box can crack or break the handles or can create a gap that will let dirt and moisture in. Do not fill the bins with more weight than they are designed to take.

Ensure all the items are dry

Plastic bins are waterproof when sealed correctly. When packing the plastic bins, ensure all the items are completely dry. Packing moist or damp items provides a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth. A good rule of thumb is to never put items in plastic bins that cannot be wrapped in plastic bags.

Pack, seal, and label them correctly

Use packing paper or a towel at the bottom of the bin to create cushioning. Wrap items in packing paper before putting them inside the boxes. Fill the plastic bins to the top and use packing paper or other soft items to fill the gaps inside the moving box to prevent them from shifting in transit.

After packing all the belongings, place the lids carefully to create a watertight seal. Test every plastic tote to ensure the lids are closed correctly. Label them appropriately, mentioning the contents or the room where the tote belongs. Avoid using a permanent marker directly on the bins; instead, attach a piece of paper using clear packing tape at the top of each box.

When it is best to use plastic bins for moving

Here are some specific circumstances where plastic totes make a better choice than cardboard boxes:

• Moving during winter to ensure protection from moisture
• There is a rain forecast
• Moving a short distance
• The homeowner wants an eco-friendly move
• The homeowner already has plastic bins in the home
• Transporting valuable possessions that require maximum protection

Various companies will drop the plastic bins at a residence and pick them up from the new place after the move. Contact a local service provider to purchase or rent plastic bins for an upcoming move.

At Goat On A Tote, we offer moving tote rental, including delivery and pickup of empty totes, for residential and commercial customers in the Phoenix Valley area. Our environmentally-friendly totes are made of strong, quality material. We deliver the totes to a business or home ready to use, then remove them once they’re unpacked from the new location. Although we do not pack the contents of the totes, we save the homeowner from being forced to purchase totes for a single use.