The manner of modern removals throws up an argument you may never have expected to have. The question of whether to use plastic or cardboard boxes could dictate how easy your removal is, and how quickly and efficiently you are able to set yourself up in your new home. While both options have their pros and cons, the argument, as usual, comes down to a question of circumstance. There is no one single ‘best’ option, but rather, options which may be better suited for each individual’s needs. As such, below are listed the arguments for and against each option and will hopefully allow you to make a more informed decision. Plastic     Plastic storage boxes come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and even colours. They are mass produced and as such, there is a remarkable consistency to their build quality; having a reliable and reputable manufacturer of plastic storage boxes means that you can rely on the company to produce all of the boxes you require, and that they will be made to the same high standard. Mass production and consistency of shape also allow the box to be built in such a fashion as to allow for easy stacking, when both full and empty. When empty, the boxes should slide inside one another, severely reducing the space needed to store when not in use, however, plastic boxes still require more space to store when empty than their cardboard counterparts. When full, the boxes can stack on top of one another for easy stacking and transportation. Plastic boxes will also be stronger than cardboard, due to the materials used. As well as this, the appearance of the boxes is widely considered better, should you wish to use them around the house after your move is completed. They are also waterproof, to a degree, meaning that water will struggle to get in and damage any valuable items, or damp or moist items will not affect those stored around them, should you wish to transport damp or moist items. While there are many positives for plastic boxes, there are typically much more expensive that cardboard boxes. While they may be more useful in the long run, depending on the amount of possessions you need to move, the financial outlay may be too much. As well as the financial cost, the cost to the environment is also much higher, as it is far more difficult to recycle plastic. Cardboard     Many of the qualities of cardboard can be inferred from the qualities and the negative aspects of plastic boxes. While plastic can be damaging to the environment, cardboard remains much easier to recycle. Storage after the move is also much easier, as the boxes can be easily compacted and returned to a flat form. The flip side of this is that they require assembly (the first time as well as subsequent instances). While this will likely be a case of simply stapling the pieces together, it can add an additional burden to your increasing workload. Similarly, the ease with which they are put together reflects the ease with which cardboard boxes could come apart. If large heavy objects could be stored inside, you will have to consider whether the cardboard is strong enough not to perish.      There are many positives and negatives to each approach. It might be that a combination suits you best: the more valuable items transported in plastic boxes while cardboard is suitable for the rest. If you are conducting a self-move, then you will have to ask yourself these questions. Those who have decided to hire a removals firm might do well to seek their advice before settling on one specific method.