Moving Crates vs. Boxes
When this article was first published years ago, it showcased ideas that were ahead of their time—proof that CMCI has always been at the forefront of innovation. The strategies and insights shared then remain relevant today, underscoring CMCI’s commitment to anticipating trends and delivering forward-thinking solutions. That same spirit of innovation continues to guide CMCI as we help clients navigate an ever-changing business landscape with practices that set new standards for excellence. We hope you enjoy this “oldie but a goodie”.
To use moving crates or boxes? That is the question—and it’s one we’ve asked ourselves many times over the past two decades at CMCI Inc. As a corporate move consulting firm based in Houston, we’ve overseen countless relocations for hospitals, energy giants, universities and Fortune 500 companies. While cardboard boxes had long been the default choice for packing office belongings, we’ve discovered over the years that plastic moving crates can offer a smarter, safer and more cost-effective solution—especially for large-scale enterprise moves.
The Skepticism That Sparked a Shift
When a crate vendor first approached our team years ago, we were skeptical. She claimed that using crates would save our clients money. But the math didn’t seem to add up. Crates cost more than boxes, so how could they possibly reduce overall expenses?
Her answer: labor.
We were intrigued but unconvinced. So, we asked her to prove it—at her cost. She did. What we witnessed changed the way we approach office moves forever.
Labor Efficiency that Pays Off
Here’s the reality: crates dramatically reduce the amount of labor required during a corporate move. Unlike boxes, which need to be individually lifted, stacked and carried, crates arrive on dollies—ready to roll. Movers no longer have to touch every box or spend time assembling and taping cardboard. Instead, they simply roll the loaded crates out of the old space and into the new one.
The result? Faster moves, fewer labor hours and lower costs. In fact, we’ve seen clients cut labor expenses by up to 30 percent simply by switching to crates. For facility managers overseeing large corporate relocations, that kind of savings can make a major impact on the bottom line.
Speed that Keeps Your Business Running
At CMCI, we understand that downtime is the enemy of productivity. Your team can’t afford to be offline for days while desks are packed and equipment is shuffled from one building to another. That’s why speed matters—and crates deliver.
Because they’re pre-stacked, easy to maneuver, and don’t require tape or assembly, crates accelerate the entire moving process. We’ve seen teams fully relocated and operational in their new space within hours—not days. That kind of turnaround keeps your workforce on task and your business running smoothly.
Safety for Your Team and Your Assets
Let’s talk ergonomics. Cardboard boxes are awkward to carry, prone to collapsing and often overloaded. Crates, on the other hand, are designed for safe handling. They’re stackable, sturdy and easier on the back, if you use the dolley—both for your employees and the movers.
We’ve had clients tell us that switching to crates significantly reduced the physical strain on their teams. From a risk management perspective, fewer injuries mean fewer workers’ comp claims and less disruption to your operations.
Plus, crates offer better protection for your assets. Sensitive electronics, confidential documents and fragile equipment are all better secured in hard-shell crates than in flimsy cardboard. That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.
Sustainability that Supports Your Brand
In today’s corporate landscape, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Crates are reusable, recyclable and far less wasteful than single-use boxes. For facility managers committed to green initiatives, crates align with environmental goals and reduce landfill impact.
CMCI has helped clients incorporate crates into broader sustainability plans, including LEED-certified moves and zero-waste transitions. It’s one more way crates support not just your move, but your mission.
When Boxes Still Make Sense
Of course, there are times when moving boxes are necessary. Certain items may require specialized packing or your team may need to ship materials offsite. In those cases, boxes still have a role to play. But when it comes to internal office relocations—especially large-scale moves—crates are the clear winner. They’re faster, safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
Figure 1: This chart highlights how crates outperform boxes across six key categories relevant to office moves according to industry experience (noted in the Sources section) and CMCI’s firsthand insights.
CMCI’s Proven Approach
At CMCI, we don’t just recommend crates—we integrate them into our proven move management system. Our proprietary 986-point checklist ensures that every detail of your relocation is accounted for, from equipment disconnects to final audits. We’ve successfully executed moves across Texas, Florida, California, New Mexico and Washington, helping facility managers keep their organizations fully operational and profitable during transitions.
Whether you’re restacking a corporate campus, activating a new healthcare wing or relocating an entire enterprise, CMCI brings the strategy, structure and support you need to succeed. And yes—crates are part of that success.
If you’re a facility manager overseeing a major office move, crates aren’t just a smart choice—they’re a strategic one. They save money, protect your team, safeguard your assets and keep your business moving forward.
We’ve seen the difference firsthand. We’re here to help you experience it too. Contact us today to start that conversation.
P.S. – If you found this post interesting, you might also enjoy “The Green Move” on our blog.
Sources:
- “Reusable Plastic Crates vs. Single-Use Cardboard Boxes – Two Packaging Systems in Competition”. New Era, November 2022.
- Butler, Peter. “Cardboard or Plastic: Which Is the Right Moving Box for You?”. CNET Consumer Guide. May 8, 2024.
- “Efficiency of Plastic Moving Crates Compared to Cardboard Boxes”. Pac-King LLC
