If you're planning a move in the Quad Cities, finding enough moving boxes can quickly become another item on an already long to-do list. Should you buy new cardboard boxes, look for free used boxes, save boxes from deliveries, or rent reusable plastic moving totes?
There isn't one answer that's right for every move. The best option depends on how much you need to pack, how much time you have before moving day, what you're packing, and what you want to do with all those containers after you've unpacked.
For movers in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding Quad Cities communities, here's how the main options compare.
Quick Answer
You have three basic choices for moving boxes in the Quad Cities:
- Buy cardboard moving boxes if you want traditional boxes in a variety of sizes and want to keep them as long as necessary.
- Find free used boxes if keeping your container costs down is the priority and you have time to collect suitable boxes.
- Rent reusable plastic moving totes if you want containers delivered ready to pack and picked up after your move.
QC Tote Rental provides 27-gallon reusable plastic moving totes throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding communities. Totes are delivered before your move and picked up when the rental is complete, so there's no cardboard box assembly and no pile of empty cardboard boxes to break down afterward. [qctoterentals.com]
Buy Cardboard Moving Boxes
Buying cardboard is the most familiar option.
Moving boxes are available in different sizes, making it possible to choose smaller boxes for dense or heavy belongings and larger boxes for lightweight items.
Buying can make sense when:
- You want several different box sizes.
- You need specialty boxes for particular belongings.
- You're unsure how long unpacking will take.
- You want to keep some boxes for storage afterward.
The tradeoff is the work surrounding the boxes themselves.
Traditional cardboard boxes generally need to be assembled and closed with packing tape. After the move, you'll also need to decide whether to save, recycle, give away, or dispose of them.
When estimating how many boxes you'll need, don't count bedrooms alone. Kitchens, closets, bookshelves, bathrooms, garages, basements, and storage areas can add significantly to the amount you need to pack.
Find Free Moving Boxes
Free boxes can be appealing, especially if you're trying to avoid buying containers that you'll use only once.
You may already have boxes from deliveries, family, friends, or neighbors. Some moving companies also operate box-reuse programs. For example, U-Haul describes its Take a Box, Leave a Box areas and Box Exchange as ways people may find previously used moving boxes. [uhaul.com]
This approach can work particularly well when:
- You have plenty of time before the move.
- You're moving a relatively small amount.
- You already have suitable boxes available.
- You don't mind using a mixture of box sizes.
The challenge is consistency.
Used boxes may vary considerably in size and condition. Before relying on one, check the bottom, corners, and seams. U-Haul likewise advises checking used boxes for sturdiness, intact condition, and water damage. [uhaul.com]
Also consider how the boxes will stack in your vehicle or moving truck. A collection of very different box sizes can take more planning than containers with consistent dimensions.
If you use free boxes, quality matters more than quantity. Don't use a damaged box simply because it was free.
Rent Reusable Plastic Moving Totes
For people who don't want to buy or collect cardboard, renting reusable plastic moving totes is another option.
With QC Tote Rental, reusable totes are delivered before the move. You pack and move with them, then the empty totes are collected when the rental is complete. QC Tote Rental uses the same 27-gallon tote across its packages. [qctoterentals.com]
This option can be particularly useful if:
- You don't want to spend time assembling cardboard boxes.
- Consistent container sizes would make packing easier to organize.
- You want the containers delivered.
- You don't want to deal with piles of cardboard after unpacking.
- You're comfortable working within a defined rental period.
QC Tote Rental's totes measure 28 inches long by 20 inches wide by 15 inches high, with a stated capacity of up to 75 pounds. [qctoterentals.com]
That doesn't mean you should try to make every tote weigh 75 pounds. Distributing heavier belongings among multiple containers can make them easier to handle.
Cardboard vs. Free Boxes vs. Rental Totes
Here's a simple way to think about the decision.
Buy cardboard if...
You want a traditional moving setup, need different box sizes, or want complete flexibility over how long you keep the containers.
Find free boxes if...
You have time to collect them and are comfortable inspecting, sorting, and working with boxes of different sizes and conditions.
Rent moving totes if...
You value having uniform reusable containers delivered before the move and collected after you're finished.
Your move doesn't have to use only one container type.
You may decide to use reusable totes for many household belongings while using specialty cardboard packaging for unusually shaped or fragile items.
What About Grocery Store or Retail Boxes?
Used retail boxes can sometimes be useful, but inspect each one carefully before deciding what to pack in it.
Look for:
- A solid bottom.
- Dry cardboard.
- Intact corners.
- No major tears or crushing.
- A size you can comfortably carry once packed.
Think about what the box originally held as well. You probably don't want questionable residue or odors transferred to clothing, linens, books, or other household belongings.
If you decide to collect used boxes, start early enough that you aren't scrambling for containers the night before the move.
How Many Moving Boxes Will You Need?
This is where many moves become difficult to estimate.
Two similarly sized homes can require very different amounts of packing space.
A sparsely furnished two-bedroom apartment may require fewer containers than a smaller home with full bookshelves, kitchen cabinets, closets, hobby supplies, and seasonal storage.
Before deciding how many boxes or totes you need, inventory:
- Bedrooms.
- Closets.
- Kitchen cabinets.
- Pantry.
- Bathrooms.
- Bookshelves.
- Home office.
- Garage.
- Basement.
- Seasonal storage.
- Children's belongings.
- Hobby supplies.
If you're considering reusable totes, How Many Moving Totes Do I Need? can help you think through your move room by room.
Choosing the Right Moving Box Option
Before making your decision, ask yourself five questions.
1. How much do I have to pack?
Don't base the estimate on bedrooms alone. Check closets, cabinets, shelves, garages, and storage areas.
2. How much time do I have before the move?
Collecting free boxes can take time. Buying boxes may be faster, while reusable tote rental eliminates box assembly.
3. Do I need specialty sizes?
Some belongings may be better suited to specialty packaging rather than a standard moving tote.
4. How long will I need the containers?
If unpacking could stretch over a long period, owning cardboard gives you control over how long you keep the containers. With a rental, make sure the rental period fits your packing and unpacking schedule.
5. What do I want to deal with after the move?
Think past moving day.
Do you want boxes for storage? Are you comfortable breaking down cardboard? Would you rather have empty rental totes picked up?
The best option is the one that works for the entire move, not just packing day.
Moving in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, or Rock Island?
If you're searching for moving boxes in the Quad Cities, QC Tote Rental provides an alternative to buying or collecting cardboard.
QC Tote Rental delivers reusable moving totes in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Geneseo, LeClaire, and throughout its surrounding service area. The process is simple: the totes are delivered, you pack and move, and the empty totes are picked up when the rental is complete. [qctoterentals.com]
Compare the available tote packages, check your service area, and choose the number of totes that fits your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get moving boxes in the Quad Cities?
You can buy cardboard moving boxes, collect suitable used boxes, or rent reusable moving totes. QC Tote Rental delivers reusable plastic moving totes throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding service area. [qctoterentals.com]
Are free moving boxes a good idea?
They can be. Inspect used boxes for moisture, damage, weak seams, and crushed corners before packing household belongings in them. U-Haul specifically advises checking that reused boxes are sturdy, intact, and free of water damage. [uhaul.com]
Do plastic moving totes need packing tape?
QC Tote Rental states that its reusable totes don't require cardboard-box assembly or tape to close the container. You may still need appropriate protective packing materials for fragile belongings. [qctoterentals.com]
Can I use both moving totes and cardboard boxes?
Yes. A move doesn't need to use only one container type. Reusable totes can handle many common household belongings while specialty boxes or other packaging can be used where appropriate.
Does QC Tote Rental deliver moving totes?
Yes. QC Tote Rental states that clean reusable totes are delivered to the customer's door and picked up when the rental is complete.