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Cardboard boxes vs. plastic totes: the real cost of a move in NJ

June 14, 2026·5 min read

Cardboard moving box next to a reusable green plastic tote with cash and a calculator

Add up the boxes, tape, dolly rental, and time — plastic totes almost always come out cheaper. Here's the math for a typical 2-bedroom move in Central New Jersey.

Most people don't realize how quickly cardboard adds up. A 2-bedroom move typically needs 30–40 extra-large moving boxes matched to the size of our 27×17×12" totes. At $8–$10 each at big-box stores, that's $270–$400 before tape, dollies, or gas.

Reusable totes eliminate the tape, the box-shopping trip, and the tear-down afterward. Delivery and pickup are free inside our Central NJ service area, and the totes stack tighter in the truck so you take fewer trips.

Bottom line: for the majority of moves in Somerset, Mercer, and Hunterdon counties, our Mover package (30 totes, $199) is significantly cheaper than the equivalent stack of cardboard by the time you factor in your time.