Photo: Eren Li

Is it better to store in cardboard or plastic boxes?

Cardboard boxes are typically more readily available, cost-effective and best in temporary storage situations. If you plan on moving and unpacking in a short period of time, cardboard boxes should suffice. If you plan on keeping items in storage for a long period of time, plastic bins are definitely the way to go.

securitypublicstorage.com - When to Use Cardboard Boxes for Self Storage vs Plastic Bins

How do you burglar proof a shed?

Secure Your Shed: Five Tips to Prevent Theft Step One: Lock Your Shed Securely. When not in use, your shed should remain locked. ... Step Two:...

Last updated Nov 6, 2022

Is marine plywood worth the money?

Whether building a small wooden boat or a large yacht, using marine grade plywood can be an excellent investment. First, it's pliable which makes...

Last updated Sep 28, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

As a self-storage company, we sell and use a lot of cardboard boxes. It comes with the territory, but we know cardboard isn’t always the answer. We often recommend our long-term storage customers use plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes in a variety of circumstances. Cardboard boxes have their place and uses, but when it comes to preserving your items in long-term storage, plastic bins with tightly sealed lids offer the best protection.

When to Use Plastic Bins for Self Storage

Many people use cardboard boxes to store a wide variety of items; however, that may not always be the most protective choice in certain situations. While cardboard boxes may be more affordable, they also often need to be replaced, unlike plastic bins, which have a long lifespan. When your items require maximum durability, strength and resistance to the elements, plastic bins always hold up better than cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are more susceptible to damage from heat, humidity and moisture, for example. They also attract rodents and bugs, which invites damage not only to the boxes, but to the contents within. This means, if you are storing your items in a garage shed, or somewhere not climate-controlled and well-protected from critters, the risk of damage is much higher when using a cardboard box.

Reasons to Avoid Using Cardboard Boxes:

Cardboard boxes age quickly and are more susceptible to weather conditions like heat and humidity

Pests are attracted to cardboard boxes and their contents

Moist areas can be dangerous for cardboard boxes

Stacking cardboard boxes comprises the bottom box walls and increases the chance of the stack falling

Cardboard boxes exposed to moisture can start growing mold or mildew

We recommend plastic bins for long-term storage for many reasons. When comparing plastic bins and cardboard boxes, plastic wins for durability. It’s thicker, harder and waterproof. The best plastic bins create a water-tight seal when closed. Plastic also lasts longer, which has its drawbacks in other applications, but in terms of storage, you’ll be able to reuse plastic bins over and over again without them getting worn down, waterlogged or tearing. Plastic bins also have a more desirable aesthetic appeal over cardboard boxes, which doesn’t necessarily matter in a long-term self-storage unit, but may matter when storing items in your home.

When to Use Cardboard Boxes for Storage

Does plastic insulate heat well?

Plastics are excellent insulators, meaning they can efficiently trap heat — a quality that can be an advantage in something like a coffee cup...

Last updated Dec 21, 2019

How do you keep gravel in place?

Tamp and Pack. One easy, DIY way to help prevent the spread of gravel is to tamp and pack it a bit. This simply means using a hoe or other tool to...

Last updated Apr 13, 2022

Promotion

We do love cardboard boxes, don’t get us wrong. They have many different uses and come in so many different sizes. Cardboard boxes are easy to find — all of our self-storage facilities sell cardboard boxes as do moving truck rental companies with the rest of their moving supplies. Cardboard boxes are typically more space efficient than plastic bins. Additionally, they are collapsible, which means you can fold them up and store them in a convenient space in your house when you’re not using them. Cost plays a major factor for many people choosing to use cardboard boxes. They are considerably less expensive than plastic bins, so if you need 20 large receptacles, cardboard will be the more affordable option. We recommend cardboard boxes for temporary storage or for those storing on a large-scale when affordability is most important. Moving is one of the primary uses for cardboard boxes. If you plan on moving your home or business from point A to point B, you’ll likely require many boxes to pack and move your belongings. If you plan on packing and unpacking over a short period of time, cardboard boxes will help you save money versus plastic bins.

Plastic Bins vs Cardboard Boxes for Self Storage

Plastic bins and cardboard boxes each have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice will most often depend on the situation and your specific needs. Plastic bins are best in circumstances that require durability and resistance to the elements. Cardboard boxes are typically more readily available, cost-effective and best in temporary storage situations. If you plan on moving and unpacking in a short period of time, cardboard boxes should suffice. If you plan on keeping items in storage for a long period of time, plastic bins are definitely the way to go. The knowledgeable and friendly teams at our self-storage facilities across the west coast and in the Washington DC metro area can assist you in choosing the right packing container for your self-storage needs. Find a location near you to check current self-storage availability.

securitypublicstorage.com - When to Use Cardboard Boxes for Self Storage vs Plastic Bins

Can a shed go on stones?

Laying your shed on paving slabs Measure out an outline of where your building should go using string with 20cm extra, then start shovelling dirt...

Last updated Nov 28, 2019

Do rats hide in sheds?

Rats are renowned for living under sheds, its warm, secure and often undisturbed. To that end, they often end up exploring what's above them, and...

Last updated Feb 26, 2019

Promotion

What is a flush door?

A flush door comprises a single piece with a wood veneer, MDF or laminate outer layer, attached with an adhesive. Compared with stile and rail, or...

Last updated Oct 2, 2019

Promotion

Can you live in a tent in Georgia?

Even if you own the land, you cannot legally live in a tent. In the eyes of the law, living full-time in such conditions is equal to sleeping in a...

Last updated Apr 19, 2021