Reusable moving boxes: plastic and eco-friendly options

Reusable moving boxes are containers built to be used for move after move — usually rigid plastic with lids. They're one of the simplest eco-friendly moving box choices, because the most sustainable box is the one that gets used again. Here's how reusable and plastic moving boxes work and how to rent them in DFW.

What counts as a reusable moving box

Any container used repeatedly: rented plastic totes, sturdy bins you own, even good cardboard passed from move to move. Rental plastic moving boxes are designed for it — they're cleaned and sent back out.

Why plastic moving boxes

Ready to use — no assembly or tape.
Uniform size for clean stacking.
Rigid walls and snap-on lids.
Picked up empty afterward, so there's nothing left over.

Eco-friendly moving box options

Rent reusable plastic boxes that go back into rotation.
Reuse cardboard from friends and pass it on after.
Pack with towels, linens and clothes instead of buying single-use wrap.
Choose recycled packing paper if you need paper.
Recycle any cardboard you do use.

Downsides to know

Reusable rental boxes come in one size and have a pickup date. You'll still want specialty wrapping for mirrors and art. If you need containers long-term, buying makes more sense than renting.

How rented reusable boxes work

Choose a package and dates, get empty boxes delivered, pack and move on your schedule, then stack the empties for pickup. STORVA totes are sanitized between rentals.

Tips for packing reusable boxes

Use removable labels or painter's tape — not permanent marker.
Keep each box to a liftable weight.
Snap lids fully before stacking.
Return boxes empty and free of debris.

Questions to ask before renting

Ask what size the boxes are, whether they are cleaned between rentals, how long the rental lasts and what an extension costs, whether dollies are included, and whether drop-off and pickup can be at different addresses. STORVA totes are 27 gallons, sanitized between rentals, and can be dropped off and picked up at different addresses inside our DFW service area. Extension rates are listed on the pricing page.

What to pack in reusable boxes

Reusable boxes suit most household items: clothes, linens, kitchenware, books (partly filled), toys, bathroom items and pantry goods. Very large or flat items — mirrors, framed art, lamps and large electronics — usually need their own wrapping and travel outside the boxes.

Avoid packing anything that could leak or stain, like open liquids or paint, without sealing it in a bag first. Keep valuables, medications and important documents with you rather than in any box.

When the move is done, empty each box completely, wipe out crumbs or dust, remove your labels, and stack the boxes by the door for pickup.

Reusable boxes for short projects

Reusable boxes aren't only for moving. They're handy for clearing rooms before painting or flooring, or for sorting items during a big clean-out. Because rentals have a pickup date, plan the project so you can empty the boxes in time.

How STORVA tote rental works

STORVA rents reusable 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across Dallas–Fort Worth. We drop the empty totes off at your door, you pack, move and unpack your own belongings, and we pick the empty totes back up on the date you chose. We don't move, pack or haul anything for you — we supply the equipment.

Packages start at $79. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each. Next-day drop-off is available across DFW; for weekends and the end of the month, book 2–3 days ahead.

Dorm / Studio: 10 totes, 1 week included, $79.
1 Bedroom: 20 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $109.
2–3 Bedrooms: 40 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $189.
4+ Bedrooms: 60 totes + 2 dollies, 2 weeks included, $239.

Rent totes · Use the tote calculator

Frequently asked questions

Are reusable moving boxes eco-friendly?

Reusing containers avoids single-use cardboard. Rented plastic boxes go back into rotation after each move.