Plastic Totes / Bins: Types, Sizes & Where to Buy in Los Angeles

Planning a move or reorganizing storage in Los Angeles and wondering if plastic totes or reusable moving boxes are worth it? With so many options — from cardboard boxes to heavy-duty plastic bins — it can be hard to know what to buy, how many, and where to find dependable supplies locally.

Choosing the right plastic moving boxes and storage totes matters more than most people realize. The wrong size or style can waste truck space, slow down loading, and leave your belongings less protected than you think. The right set of reusable packing boxes can actually speed up your move, reduce damage, and give you long-term storage value.

This guide to Plastic Totes / Bins: Types, Sizes & Where to Buy in Los Angeles walks you through everything: the main types of plastic totes, which sizes to choose for different rooms, how plastic moving crates compare to cardboard, when reusable moving supplies make sense, and how to estimate quantities for apartments, houses, offices, and warehouses.

You will also learn how plastic moving boxes from big-box stores like plastic moving boxes Home Depot offers compare with local supply options, and how a supplier like United Prime Supply can support both one-time residential moves and ongoing business needs in the Los Angeles area.

Key takeaways

Why choose plastic moving boxes and totes?

Plastic moving boxes and storage totes have become a go-to option for many Los Angeles residents, offices, and warehouses. They offer a combination of strength, reusability, and weather resistance that basic cardboard cannot match.

Whether you buy plastic moving crates for long-term use or mix a few reusable moving boxes into a mostly-cardboard move, they can solve specific problems that come up during packing and transport.

Key advantages of plastic moving boxes

• Durability: Rigid walls and stronger corners mean less crushing under weight in trucks and storage units.
• Reusability: Reusable moving boxes can be used for multiple moves, long-term storage, or business inventory.
• Moisture resistance: Plastic totes offer better protection from spills, light rain, and damp garages than standard cardboard.
• Stackability: Many packing plastic boxes are designed to nest when empty and stack securely when full.
• Security: Attached lids and lockable designs can help keep contents closed and more tamper-resistant.

When plastic moving boxes make the most sense

• Moving during a potentially rainy period or when items may be staged outdoors briefly.
• Storing files, clothing, or inventory in a garage, warehouse, or storage unit long-term.
• Running a moving company or delivery service that needs rugged, reusable moving supplies.
• Office relocations where documents, IT equipment, and small electronics need added protection.
• Apartment moves in Los Angeles where elevators and long hallways demand stronger, stackable containers.

Main types of plastic totes and reusable moving boxes

When people search for plastic moving boxes or reusable packing boxes, they are often lumping together several different products. Understanding the main types helps you choose the right style for your move or storage project.

1. Attached-lid plastic moving crates

These are the classic reusable moving boxes you see with professional movers and office relocation crews. They typically have two interlocking lids that close over the top.

• Designed for stacking when full and nesting when empty.
• Great for files, office supplies, clothing, and small household items.
• Often used when businesses buy plastic moving crates for ongoing use.

2. Standard storage totes with removable lids

These are common in homes and warehouses for seasonal storage and inventory. They can also be used as packing plastic boxes if they are strong enough.

• Best for storage and moves where bins will be reused afterward.
• Choose models with rigid walls and reinforced corners for moving.
• Work well for holiday decor, sports gear, and bulk household items.

3. Heavy-duty industrial totes

Used in warehouses, distribution centers, and businesses that handle parts or inventory.

• Thicker plastic and stronger handles for repeated heavy use.
• Ideal for tools, hardware, and dense office or warehouse contents.
• Good option when you want reusable moving supplies that double as long-term work totes.

4. Specialty totes (file boxes, under-bed bins, etc.)

Some plastic moving boxes are designed for specific uses, such as hanging file folders or low-profile under-bed storage.

• File totes are ideal for office documents and legal records.
• Low-profile bins can slide into tight spaces during transport or storage.
• Use these for very specific needs; they are usually not your main moving crate.

Type	Best use cases	When to choose
Attached-lid crates	Apartment moves, office moves, repeat use	You want strong, stackable reusable moving boxes.
Standard storage totes	Seasonal storage, light to medium household items	You want long-term storage after the move.
Heavy-duty industrial totes	Tools, parts, dense inventory, warehouse use	You need high weight capacity and durability.
Specialty totes	Files, under-bed storage, niche uses	You have specific items that benefit from a custom fit.

Size guide: choosing the right plastic bins

Just like cardboard moving boxes, plastic totes and reusable packing boxes come in a range of sizes. Choosing the right sizes matters for both safety and efficiency.

Common plastic tote sizes and best uses

Approx. volume	Typical dimensions (L x W x H)	Recommended contents
12–16 gallons (small)	18" x 12" x 10"–12"	Books, tools, canned goods, small kitchen items
18–24 gallons (medium)	24" x 16" x 12"–15"	Clothes, linens, office supplies, toys
27–32 gallons (large)	28" x 18" x 15"–18"	Bulky but light items: pillows, bedding, decor
40+ gallons (extra large)	30"+ x 20"+ x 18"+	Very light items only, or long-term storage, not heavy moves

Simple size rules for plastic moving boxes

• Use small and medium bins for heavy items. Books, pantry items, and tools quickly make large totes too heavy to lift safely.
• Reserve large totes for light, bulky contents. Bedding, stuffed animals, and lightweight decor are ideal.
• Stick to consistent footprints. If possible, choose one or two sizes that stack evenly in a moving truck or storage unit.
• Check weight ratings. Look at manufacturer weight limits and avoid filling past a comfortable lift for one person.

Plastic moving boxes vs cardboard boxes

Many Los Angeles movers use a mix of plastic and cardboard. Each has advantages. The key is matching the container type to the job.

Feature	Plastic moving boxes / totes	Cardboard moving boxes
Durability	High; rigid walls and corners resist crushing.	Good if quality, but can crush or tear with moisture.
Reusability	Can be used many times; great as reusable packing boxes.	Limited reuse; eventually weakens or gets damaged.
Custom sizing	Fewer size options than cardboard.	Very wide range of sizes and specialty box types.
Cost per use	Higher upfront; lower cost when reused repeatedly.	Lower upfront; more purchases over time.
Moisture resistance	Very good; suitable for damp garages and light rain.	Poor; weakens significantly when wet.

Many shoppers compare plastic moving boxes from a local supplier versus plastic moving boxes Home Depot stocks. Big-box stores are convenient, but they often focus on general storage bins rather than moving-grade crates. A moving supply specialist is more likely to understand weight limits, truck loading, and how plastic containers interact with other reusable moving supplies like blankets and stretch film.

How many plastic totes or bins do you need?

Estimating how many reusable moving boxes or plastic totes you need is similar to planning cardboard boxes. You can think in terms of property size and room type.

Quick estimate by home size

• Studio / small 1-bedroom: 15–25 plastic moving boxes (mix of small and medium).
• Standard 1-bedroom: 25–35 boxes plus a few larger totes for bedding.
• 2-bedroom apartment or small house: 35–55 boxes and totes.
• 3-bedroom home: 55–80 containers, plus specialty protection for furniture.

If you are combining plastic totes with cardboard, you might dedicate plastic moving boxes to:

• Kitchen and pantry (heavier goods that benefit from stronger containers).
• Office and paperwork (for better moisture resistance and stacking).
• Electronics, small appliances, and fragile collections.
• Garage or storage items that will remain in bins long-term.

Office and business quantity planning

• Small office (5–10 people): 40–80 attached-lid crates for files, equipment, and supplies.
• Medium office (10–30 people): 80–200 crates, depending on paper volume and storage.
• Warehouse or stockroom: Start with a pilot batch of 20–50 reusable packing boxes and scale up based on usage.

When to buy plastic totes and crates in bulk

Plastic totes and reusable moving boxes can be purchased individually, in small multipacks, or in bulk for bigger operations. Buying in bulk often makes sense when:

• You run a moving company and want rugged, reusable moving supplies that last.
• You manage an office or corporate facility that relocates departments regularly.
• You operate a warehouse or e-commerce business that needs bins for picking and packing.
• You have multiple properties or rentals in Los Angeles and move frequently.

When you buy plastic moving crates in bulk, plan your mix of sizes carefully. A consistent footprint that stacks well may be more important than having many different shapes.

Common mistakes when using plastic moving boxes

Even strong, reusable moving boxes can fail if they are used incorrectly. Avoid these common issues when packing plastic boxes for a Los Angeles move or storage project.

• Overloading large totes.
  Filling a large bin with books or canned foods can make it too heavy to carry safely and can stress the handles.
• Ignoring internal padding.
  Plastic walls do not replace bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft materials for fragile items.
• Stacking beyond safe height.
  Even stackable crates can become unstable if stacked too high in a truck or storage unit.
• Mixing too many bin footprints.
  Using many different shapes reduces how efficiently you can load a truck or shelf.
• Not labeling clearly.
  Reusable packing boxes still need labels for room and contents, especially when reused in the future.

Using plastic bins with other moving supplies

Plastic totes are only part of a complete moving system. To fully protect your items, you still need tapes, wraps, and cushioning. United Prime Supply focuses on the materials that work alongside both cardboard and plastic moving boxes.

Key supplies to pair with plastic moving boxes

• Packing tape: For labeling, securing lids, and attaching inventory tags.
• Stretch film: To bundle bins together on dollies or pallets and to keep stacks stable during transport.
• Moving blankets: To protect furniture and appliances that do not fit into reusable packing boxes.
• Packing paper and bubble wrap: To cushion contents inside plastic crates, especially fragile items.

Where to buy plastic totes and reusable moving boxes in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, you have several options when you are ready to buy plastic moving boxes or storage totes:

• Big-box retailers: Often offer a mix of storage totes and sometimes moving crates. When comparing with plastic moving boxes Home Depot carries, look closely at weight ratings and lid strength.
• Moving supply specialists: Focus on products that hold up to professional use, and understand how reusable moving supplies fit into your overall packing plan.
• Warehouse and industrial suppliers: Good for high-volume or heavy-duty industrial totes and crates.

Using a dedicated moving supply company helps you match the right bins with moving blankets, stretch film, and packing tapes, so everything works together. United Prime Supply can support residential customers preparing for a first move and businesses that need ongoing shipments of cartons, wraps, and tape to keep operations running smoothly.

Practical buying checklist

Use this checklist before you invest in plastic moving boxes, reusable packing boxes, or storage totes for your Los Angeles move or business.

Pre-purchase checklist

• List which rooms or departments will use plastic totes (kitchen, office, inventory, etc.).
• Decide if you need attached-lid crates or open storage totes with separate lids.
• Estimate how many small, medium, and large containers you need.
• Check whether you will also use cardboard boxes for certain items.
• Confirm storage space where bins will live after the move.

Supply coordination checklist

• Plan for enough packing tape for labels and any cardboard boxes.
• Add stretch film if you will stack bins on dollies, pallets, or shelves.
• Include moving blankets for furniture and appliances that cannot go in bins.
• Purchase packing paper or bubble wrap for fragile items, even inside plastic crates.
• Keep a set of markers and labels dedicated to your reusable moving supplies.

Frequently asked questions

Are plastic moving boxes better than cardboard?
Plastic moving boxes are more durable, stackable, and reusable than cardboard. They are especially useful for heavy items, office files, and long-term storage. Cardboard is still helpful for specialty box sizes and one-time moves, so many people use both.

How many reusable moving boxes do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment?
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Los Angeles need about 25–35 plastic moving boxes if you are using mostly totes. If you are mixing plastic bins with cardboard, dedicate 10–15 plastic crates for the kitchen, office items, and fragile or heavy belongings.

Can I store plastic totes in a garage or storage unit long-term?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of plastic totes is better moisture resistance for long-term storage in garages and storage units. Still, avoid overloading them, keep them off direct concrete floors if possible, and label them clearly for future access.

Do I still need bubble wrap and packing paper if I use plastic bins?
Yes. Plastic totes protect against crushing and moisture but do not cushion delicate items on their own. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or soft textiles inside plastic moving boxes to keep items from shifting and to reduce impact during transport.

When should I buy plastic moving crates in bulk?
Bulk purchasing makes sense for moving companies, offices that relocate departments frequently, warehouses, and anyone who will reuse bins often. If you only move occasionally and have limited storage space afterward, a smaller set of reusable packing boxes plus cardboard may be a better balance.

Are the plastic moving boxes from big-box stores good enough for moving?
Some are, but not all. When you compare storage totes or plastic moving boxes Home Depot or similar retailers offer, look closely at lid strength, handle design, and weight ratings. Moving-grade crates from a moving supply specialist are designed for repeated loading, stacking, and transport.

Do plastic moving boxes need to be taped shut?
Many attached-lid crates snap closed and do not technically require tape, but a strip of packing tape can help keep lids secure and provide a place for labeling or barcodes. Standard storage totes with removable lids may benefit from tape during transport to prevent lids from popping off.

Can I mix plastic totes and cardboard boxes in the same move?
Yes, and it is common. Use plastic totes for heavy or moisture-sensitive items and cardboard for lighter household goods and specialty sizes. When loading the truck, stack plastic moving boxes on the bottom where more strength is needed, and lighter cardboard cartons on top.