Comments on: Cardboard vs. Rubbermaid in a cross country move

By: Monica

Monica — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:15:08 +0000

Kathy,

When we package things to ship, I use the Scotch brand packing tape that I get from Sam’s Club. It’s thicker and holds really well. The brown tape those movers use is the WORST!
Here’s a link to our photo gallery https://picasaweb.google.com/monica.brady/BoxesVsRubbermaid?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCM30-uHu7KumtAE&feat=directlink

As you can see, we didn’t use anything on our tubs… The lids kinda *snap* on… so we weren’t concerned about it. When loaded onto the truck, they stack and cube everything out, so lids probably weren’t going to just pop off.. BUT.. Here are a couple of ideas when it comes to taping.. It might take a little more time, but the tape won’t interfere with stacking the boxes since the lids are indented to allow for secure stacking:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJb7yfwewbI/TxhBJ33z9tI/AAAAAAABr20/xwXO2J7ziNk/s800/rubbermaidTaped.jpg
Please excuse my freehand photoshopping :)

Hope this helps!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:09:17 +0000

Thanks for the suggestions. However, I am concerned that the
packing tape will not hold on the rubbermaid containers. Any suggestions as to a particular type of tape that might hold?

I agree about the bungee cords – I want something flat. I have a lot of Rubbermaid tubs so regular luggage straps would be too expensive. I saw some straps around the rolls of carpeting in Home Depot but I asked and they don’t have them to sell.

Again thanks

By: Monica

Monica — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:54:15 +0000

Kathy,

You can do a couple of things.. We didn’t use anything as they seemed to hold just fine… But if you’re concerned about the lids popping off in transit, You can run some packing tape around the container. Some will say you can use bungee cords, but I don’t recommend it. You’ll want to use something that’s flat so it doesn’t make the bottom less stackable. If you’re not using many containers, there’s the luggage straps that you can buy too..
Good luck!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:38:28 +0000

Do you have any suggestions for how to hold the lids on the
rubbermaid totes? Do you know where I can get “straps” to put
around them so the tops don’t pop off or get knocked off?

Thank you

By: Monica

Monica — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:04:06 +0000

Suzanne,
The professional packers DID stuff the boxes with tons of packing material. I have over 15 large garbage bags full of packing paper, and I’m not even 1/2 way unpacked. The only broken items were in the cardboard boxes that the movers packed. I didn’t have anything broken that I packed in the Rubbermaid totes. Our movers actually liked the totes because of the handles, and they stacked really well on their handtrucks. They didn’t bulge like the boxes did…

Thanks for your comment!

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:54:04 +0000

I prefer cardboard boxes, at least for a local move. One, because you can more easily store cardboard boxes once you are unpacked. Two, the moving guys who hauled those totes up to my third floor walk-up said that the lids dig into their backs. They didn’t like ‘em. If you pack with plenty of packing material around items and make sure the box is as stuffed as possible while still being able to tape it shut it should cut down on broken items.

By: Laura Smith

Laura Smith — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:23:06 +0000

I use rubbermaid for everthing I store and also a big user in the kitchen!They are very durable and great to look at! Laura Smiths last blog post..Brand New Home Made Simple $30 Coupon Booklet

By: Andrea - Mommas Review

Andrea - Mommas Review — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:34:49 +0000

I am planning on moving next month. Now I know that I will use Rubermaid totes for all of the important things. It's worth the extra costs if it means you don't break, smoosh, or tear the things in your life you value. Andrea - Mommas Reviews last blog post..Why I like Max & Rubyâ€¦

By: Jim Deitzel

Jim Deitzel — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:12:43 +0000

I also wish you could have packed everything in a Rubbermaid tote. Glad to hear the move went fairly well.

By: classymommy

classymommy — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:33:18 +0000

I love all those rubbermaid totes. Never even thought of then for moving, but we use them at home for Storage and Organization. I honestly can’t get enough – especially with the kids constantly outgrowing clothes! i love them to recycle the clothes seasonally too.