Everything You Need to Know About Moving Bins

Which bins are right for your next move? Storage bins are stronger than most cardboard boxes and easy to seal and can resist the rainy or snowy weather. But not all of these convenient containers are the same. If you're not sure which types of bins to buy, take a look at the questions to ask right now.

Do You Really Need Bins?

Unlike cardboard boxes, you won't likely find free bins available from your local grocer or a neighbor who just bought a few new appliances. Instead, you'll need to invest in this type of container (or rent bins). While a plastic storage bin can outlast a flimsy cardboard box and is reusable, this option will add to your overall moving budget. Before you buy bins, ask yourself:

• Do you have smaller-sized heavy items to move? Hardback books, ceramic knickknacks, and other smaller but heavy items may break through the bottom of a cardboard box.
• Do you have concerns about move-day rain? Moisture will soak through a cardboard box and reduce its durability. If the move-day forecast calls for rain or another form of moisture, you will likely need plastic bins.
• Do you want to reuse the containers over and over again? While you can reuse cardboard boxes, these containers have a limited lifespan. Plastic bins are easy to use multiple times.

If you answered yes to each of these questions (or most of them), use bins for your next move. But this doesn't mean you should invest in just any option. Now that you know what type of container you want, learn more about your choices.

What Types of Bins Can You Buy?

There isn't one type of storage or moving bin. You need to select the right container for your moving needs. If this is your first move or you've never explored the possibilities bins have to offer, the top choices include:

• Clear bins. Do you need to see what's inside each container? Clear bins can help you to easily organize and access everything for your move.
• Modular bins. These bins are easy to stack. If you need extra space during your move or you plan to store your belongings after moving, consider modular bins.
• Wheeled tote bins. The wheels on the bottom of these plastic bins make the containers easy to transport.
• Under bed storage bins. Will you keep some of your to-move items in bins? As the name implies, these shallow containers are easy to store under a bed. You may also want to consider these bins if you need to save space during the move.

 Along with the general types of bins, you also have size choices. Even though larger bins may seem like the best value for your money, make sure you can fill them fully. Gaps on the sides or at the top can increase the mid-move damage risk.

Should You Select Colorful Bins?

Bins come in a variety of color choices. While clear plastic bins have translucent sides, these containers may have rainbow-hued lids. If you're not sure whether to choose different colors of bins, a specific hue, or completely clear containers with matching clear lids, consider:

• Do you want to choose a different color for each room? This strategy can help you to organize everything for the movers. Create a corresponding color-coded list to help the moving contractor match the bins to rooms of your home.
• Do you want to choose a different color for each household member? Like the color-by-room strategy, this method can also help you to organize your move.
• Do you prefer to match lids? This option gives you the best of both worlds - clear, easy-to-see sides with a color-coded element.

Even though color coding your bins can help to organize your move, you still need to label everything. Write the contents of the bin, the room, or the household member's name (or all of the above) on the label with a permanent marker. Do you need help with your move? Contact Helping Hands Movers for more information.