Cardboard boxes get the job done once, but they collapse in the rain, lose structural integrity under load, and fall apart if you need to move more than once. Plastic moving containers are stackable, waterproof, and reusable. and our testing found five that make a move dramatically easier. We loaded them, stacked them, and dragged them across gravel to see which ones hold up.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sterilite 18-Gallon Tote | Budget reusable workhorse | 4.7/5 |
| IRIS USA Storage Tote with Latching Lid | Secure stacking | 4.8/5 |
| Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Container | Heavy-duty loads | 4.8/5 |
| Commander Storage Box | Professional-grade durability | 4.7/5 |
| Zippy Shell Moving Crate (rental) | Large local moves | 4.6/5 |
Sterilite 18-Gallon Tote — Best Budget Workhorse
For a cost-effective way to move a household, you cannot beat buying a set of Sterilite 18-gallon totes. At each, buying 30-40 of them costs a fraction of renting moving crates, and they double as permanent garage or attic storage afterward. The snap-fit lid closes securely and stays closed through loading and unloading. The handles are wide enough to grip comfortably with work gloves. They stack stably up to four high when loaded with lighter items. The main limitation is that the lid is not latching. it can pop open if a container falls, so secure any containers with fragile items with a strap.
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IRIS USA Storage Tote with Latching Lid — Best Secure Stacking
The IRIS USA latching lid tote addresses the one weakness of standard snap-fit containers: it cannot accidentally open. Four interlocking lid latches keep it sealed even if it is dropped or knocked over in a truck. The reinforced base handles heavy items like books and kitchen equipment without bowing. The clear body lets you see contents without opening the container, which significantly speeds up unpacking. Available in multiple sizes from 6-gallon to 72-gallon. buying a mix of small and medium covers most moving needs. One of the most popular moving containers on Amazon for good reason.
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Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Container — Best for Heavy Loads
Rubbermaid’s Roughneck line is built to hold up under serious weight. The thick-walled polyethylene construction handles tools, books, and kitchen equipment that would buckle a standard tote. We loaded a 18-gallon Roughneck with 50 pounds of books and it did not bow or crack. most competitors failed that test. The lid grips tightly and the stacking ridges on the lid align containers precisely, preventing load shift in a moving truck. These are more expensive per unit than basic totes, but for items that need maximum protection, the Roughneck is the right choice.
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Commander Storage Box — Best Professional-Grade Option
Commander storage boxes are what professional movers and military personnel use. The reinforced corners, carry handles on all four sides, and compression-rated lids make them the most abuse-resistant containers we compared. They stack to ceiling height in a storage unit without collapsing. Available in 27-gallon and 45-gallon sizes. The cost per unit is higher, but for anyone moving expensive equipment, a large collection of valuables, or making a cross-country move in a truck, the protection level justifies it. They will last decades as permanent storage containers.
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Zippy Shell Moving Crate (rental) — Best for Rental Option
If you would rather not buy containers outright, rental moving crates are an excellent alternative. Zippy Shell and similar services deliver heavy-duty plastic crates to your door at rental rates per crate per week, then collect them after your move. The crates are typically industrial-grade and rated for stacking in moving trucks. You skip the upfront cost and the question of what to do with dozens of containers after your move. Best for local or regional moves where coordinating pickup and drop-off is straightforward. Check if this service operates in your area before planning your move around it.
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How to Choose Containers for Moving
Start with structural strength: the base and walls must handle the weight of contents plus the load of stacked containers above them. Latching lids provide more security than snap-fit lids for items that cannot afford a spill. Clear or translucent bodies speed up unpacking dramatically. you can identify contents without opening every container. Uniform sizes make truck loading more efficient. Consider what you will do with containers after the move: if you have a garage, attic, or basement that needs organization, buying quality containers that double as permanent storage is a better investment than cheap totes that degrade in a season.
For other storage and organization guides, see our picks for the best containers for long-term water storage and our article on bulk food storage containers. For our testing approach, visit our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
Are plastic moving bins better than cardboard boxes?+
Plastic bins are more durable, waterproof, and stackable than cardboard. They protect against rain, pests, and crushing under load. The upfront cost is higher, but if you move more than once or plan to use them for garage or attic storage afterward, reusable plastic bins pay for themselves quickly. Cardboard makes sense for single moves or items you plan to discard.
How many moving containers do I need for a typical move?+
A one-bedroom apartment typically requires 30-40 medium-sized containers. A two-bedroom home needs 60-80. Start packing books and off-season items in small bins (they get very heavy in large sizes), linens and pillows in large bins, and everyday items in medium bins. Pack heavier items in smaller containers so boxes stay manageable to carry.