Bins or Boxes?

When putting your items into self-storage, you want to be sure that they’re protected from damage. You’re holding onto these belongings because they have some value, either sentimental or financial, to you, and the last thing you want is for something to be crushed or broken when you take it out of storage. At EZ Storage® in Philadelphia, we can provide you with a secure unit that will protect your items, but when it comes to packing your things, the most important question you may face will be, “Do I use bins or boxes?”

Plastic Storage Bins

dreamstime_xxl_18450997 (2) Plastics companies have been making bins and totes for years, and there are various sizes to choose from when getting your items ready for storage. Strong plastic bins are a great option for your unit, as they are durable and often waterproof. The lids lock into place, and you can usually stack two or three on top of each other without having to worry about them toppling over onto the floor. You do, however, want to be sure that you don’t overload a tote, as they do have a maximum weight that they can support. Putting a heavy-laden bin on top of another can crack the bottom bin, causing your stuff to spill out everywhere.

Labeling is also easy with plastic bins, as you can write on the lid, as well as on the sides. You can also remove labeling from the equation by using clear plastic bins that let you easily see what’s inside each tote. This can give you the ability to stack and organize your belongings by type or by room.

Moving your bins is also easy, as they usually have built-in or foldable handles that make carrying them a breeze. Unlike bulky cardboard boxes, you can get a good grip and not worry about dropping the tote as you take it in or out of your storage unit.

Cardboard Boxes

dreamstime_xxl_18490422 (2) Cardboard boxes are an old standby when it comes to self-storage, and you can find them in a variety of sizes. They’re a bit more affordable than plastic bins, and when you’re not using them, you can fold them up and store them out of the way. You can’t break down a bin and put it away, and you have to find somewhere to store them, even when they’re not filled with your belongings.

There are a variety of cardboard boxes to choose from when getting your things ready for storage, and you can find options with reinforced bottom flaps or built-in carrying handles. These handles are often perforated, and usually have to be punched out when you buy the box. You’ll want to be sure that this area of the cardboard has also been reinforced so that the box doesn’t rip when you’re carrying it. You can avoid this problem by not overloading the box with heavy items, and as with bins, each box has a maximum weight capacity.

Stacking boxes is fairly easy, but again, you’ll want to be sure a heavy box isn’t on top of a light one. You’ll also want to be sure that a large box isn’t on top of a smaller one, as this can cause it to tip over and fall off the stack. Building a good foundation with large or wide boxes on the first row will allow you to stack smaller and lighter boxes on top of them. Labeling is also easy, as you can quickly take a marker and write on the cardboard. Certain options, such as banker’s boxes, even have lines on the top or sides for writing the box’s contents.

If you’re thinking about putting your items into storage, it’s important to know what you’ll pack everything in – bins or boxes. You can of course use both, and you’ll likely find that certain items pack better in a bin, while others fit better in a box. When you’re ready to rent an affordable unit, come to an EZ Storage® location in Philadelphia, and the staff will help you find the best option. We have four metro-area facilities, and each one has both standard and climate-controlled units available on a month-to-month basis.