Let's be fair to cardboard: a low price per box can also mean a lower cash subtotal for the move. The useful comparison includes the same inventory and necessary supplies on both sides, then considers service and time separately. Here's an illustrative budget, not a verified retailer quote.

The cardboard tally (an illustrative 40-box basket)

• 40 boxes at an assumed $3 each: $120
• Illustrative tape budget: $15–$20
• Boxes-and-tape subtotal: $135–$140 before tax

The box and tape prices are assumptions, not current checked product prices. Cushioning such as paper and bubble wrap, mattress and furniture protection, tools and writing supplies may be needed with either choice; they are excluded from both comparison subtotals. If you budget $30–$50 for the same protective supplies, add that amount to both sides. Actual needs may differ with the inventory and containers.

Possible additional costs and tasks, kept outside that subtotal:

• Container condition. Inspect boxes for damage and suitability before use. Replacement or repacking costs depend on what happens during your move; this example does not assume a failure rate.
• Extra containers. If you underestimate your belongings, either approach can need more containers. Price that contingency separately; this illustration does not assume a second trip or add a fixed $40.
• The disposal tax. After the move: breaking down 40 boxes, hauling them to recycling, or watching them colonize your garage for six months.

The modeled cardboard subtotal remains $135–$140 before tax and the exclusions above. Any travel, replacement purchases or extra supplies must be based on your actual plan. Assembly and disposal time are considered separately below.

The reusable crate tally

Our starting recommendation for a 2-bedroom home is 40 crates, adjusted to your belongings. The package has a $225 first-week rental price. Matching 40 boxes with 40 crates is not proof of equal capacity; compare dimensions and the same inventory. The package includes:

• 40 commercial-grade crates with attached lids (no tape needed to close them)
• 4 dollies
• Delivery to your door and scheduled pickup
• Moving labels

No tape is needed to close the crates, and there is no box assembly, breakdown or crate recycling run. Cushioning and protection for your belongings still belong in your budget. The empties are collected at your scheduled pickup.

Rental subtotal: $225 before applicable tax, distance charges and optional supplies. Each additional week is $60, arranged before the scheduled pickup. A $2/mile distance charge applies beyond the first 15 miles of each delivery or pickup trip. Use your final quote for the applicable tax and total; this comparison does not assume a universal tax rate.

The honest comparison

• Pre-tax container subtotals: Cardboard (40 boxes): $135–$140 for boxes and tape. Geaux Crates (40 crates): $225 for a one-week rental.
• Tape and assembly: Cardboard: yes. Geaux Crates: none needed to close the attached lids.
• Handling and damage risk: Check the condition and suitability of either container, and follow the manufacturer's load and stacking instructions. No comparative failure rate is established here.
• More containers if you undercount: Possible with either option.
• Disposal: With cardboard, you handle the empties. Geaux Crates picks up the rental crates.
• Weather precautions: Keep both containers and contents dry. Do not treat a moving crate as a waterproof enclosure.

Under these assumptions, the crate rental subtotal is $85–$90 higher than the box-and-tape subtotal. Add any shared supplies to both sides and then add the actual tax, transport, distance charges and extra rental time that apply to each. The rental includes dollies, labels, delivery and scheduled pickup. There is no general 20-box break-even point: the result depends on quantities, capacity, reuse, purchase prices and the service you value.

The part nobody prices: your time

Crates avoid folding boxes and taping their bottoms shut. Uniform containers and included dollies can also make handling simpler, but the time saved depends on the move. Treat your hourly value and any actual mover charges separately from the supply subtotal; this example assumes no guaranteed labor saving.

The sustainability footnote

Suitable cardboard boxes may be reused, and rental crates are returned for reuse. Actual environmental impacts depend on factors beyond this price comparison. We have not established a comparative environmental saving, a fixed number of uses, or an end-of-life outcome.

Do the math on your move: see packages and pricing. And if you're still team cardboard for a small move — no hard feelings. We'll be here when the tape gun jams.

Questions? Call or text (888) 615-2699.

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