The cardboard math
- 30-40 boxes at $2-$4 each: $80-$120
- Tape, markers, and box cutter: $15-$25
- Trips to buy and haul them: 1-2 hours
- Assembling every box: 2-3 hours
- Breaking down and disposing afterward: 2+ hours
Estimated total
$100-$145
Plus roughly 5-7 hours of shopping, assembly, and cleanup.
Austin-specific risks include a surprise thunderstorm soaking cardboard in a truck bed and summer heat making a garage full of boxes unpleasant. Plastic boxes are far less sensitive to either.
The reusable math
- Our Home package: 40 boxes, 2 dollies, and 14 days for $189
- Delivery and pickup within the Austin service area
- Tape, assembly, and disposal: $0 and 0 hours
Estimated total
$189
Boxes arrive ready to pack and leave with us after you unpack.
When cardboard wins
- You're moving in stages over several weeks.
- You need to keep boxes for storage or shipping.
- Budget is the absolute priority and your time is flexible.
When reusable wins
- You value your time more than roughly $50-$90 in receipt savings.
- You're moving in Austin summer heat or storm season.
- You're in an apartment, dorm, or high-rise where cardboard piles get in the way.
- You do not want to make a recycling or disposal run after unpacking.
Bottom line
Cardboard is cheaper on the receipt; reusable is cheaper on your weekend. For many Austin moves, the difference buys back half a day. Compare our reusable moving box packages and choose the approach that fits your move.
Request reusable boxes ↗