When it comes to protecting your packed belongings and ensuring that they remain in good condition over time, choosing the right container for long-term storage is essential. For a long time now, many households and businesses have chosen to replace cardboard with plastic bins as a go-to solution. Plastic is well-known for its durability and ability to resist damaging moisture.
However, cardboard is returning to favor thanks to many reasons including prices, sustainability and availability. Still, the question remains. Is cardboard an acceptable alternative to plastic bins for long-term storage? Let’s consider the pros and cons of cardboard as an effective alternative to plastic.
Durability and Protection
Durability is one of the most critical factors to consider when it comes to selecting a container for long-term storage. Plastic bins won favor because they are renowned for their ability to withstand significant wear and tear. Their rigid structure easily protects stored items from physical damage, moisture and even pests.
To the other side of the aisle, we have cardboard containers, cardboard containers do not stand up as well as plastic. Even reinforced cardboard is generally considered to be less resilient.
While cardboard may hold up under moderate conditions, it remains particularly susceptible to moisture and humidity. Also, rodents and insects can make a meal of cardboard which will also put your contents at risk. Over time, cardboard will also weaken and sag. These containers could even disintegrate if not properly stored or if placed in locations where environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are not properly checked.
Cardboard is best suited for dry, climate-controlled spaces. If you expect to place cardboard storage containers in basements or garages then you should also expect that your stored items, over time, might succumb to those less-than-ideal settings.
Cardboard also requires tape to seal, so this affects its reusability. Plastic storage bins vary, but you can generally expect a tight, sealing lid that can be snapped on and off with ease over many years.
What About the Environmental Impact of Short and Long-Term Storage?
This is where the questionability of plastic containers comes into play. The environmental impact of short and long-term storage materials is a growing concern for many.
Cardboard is made out of renewable materials such as recycled paper. As a result, it’s biodegradable. It can be recycled and even composted. Of course, this makes it the eco-friendly choice when it comes to answering the question about cardboard as an acceptable alternative to plastic bins for long-term storage.
On the losing side of this equation, we are all now more keenly aware than ever of plastic’s inability to break down. In principle, almost all plastic can be recycled. However, in practice, there are a number of barriers that can undermine the process.
Also, as many have noted by way of difficult-to-watch videos, plastic overwhelms our landfills and oceans. It simply won’t break down or decompose in our lifetime or the lifetime of our children or their children. The creation of plastic also involves fossil fuels and this results in a larger carbon footprint.
This being said, plastic bins can be reused for years or even decades to come. This kind of durability means that there are fewer replacements needed. This durability and reusability mitigates some of plastic’s environmental impact over time. So, is cardboard an acceptable alternative to plastic bins for long-term storage? When it comes to caring for the environment, cardboard is the more agreeable choice.
How About Cost and Accessibility?
Cost is always a factor when it comes to influencing purchases. Cardboard boxes are generally less expensive with better availability. You can acquire boxes from almost anywhere including grocery stores and retail outlets. If your budget is tight, cardboard is an easy solution.
In contrast, plastic bins are more costly and not as available. Prices will vary depending on size, material thickness and brand but, overall, you can expect to pay more. However, as mentioned, plastic bins last longer. If properly kept, they can be passed down to your children as they mature, marry and move about. Also, for those who move frequently or need to reorganize storage often, the durability of these containers can easily justify the overall expense.
Here, we find a bit of a draw. Initially, cardboard is more affordable and available. However, in the long run, plastic easily wins the day or, well, years.
In Summary
Is cardboard an acceptable alternative to plastic bins for long-term storage? The answer is yes and no. It depends on your specific needs and storage environment. It’s very clear that cardboard boxes offer affordability as well as accessibility and, in the right conditions, sustainability. Cardboard is suitable for those dry, controlled storage settings.
On the other hand, plastic is pricier but far more durable. This is especially true when it comes to storing items for longer periods of time and in environments that are not well-controlled or climate friendly. Plastic containers are generally moisture resistant and offer protection from roaming pests.
When choosing between the two, you should consider the nature or value of the items being stored, the expected timeframe for storage and those environmental conditions. Ultimately, a combination of both products may be the best approach when it comes to your storage needs.
If your next big residential or business move is on the horizon, please feel free to reach out to SAM Store and Move today for any storage questions. You can also get your free, no-obligation quote by filling out the form on this page.