Introduction
You have decided that renting reusable moving boxes is the smarter way to move. You are done with flimsy cardboard, done with late-night tape runs, and ready to save money while keeping waste out of Chicago landfills. But you have never actually done it before, and you want to know exactly how the whole thing works before you place an order.
That is what this guide is for. We are going to walk you through every step of what happens when you rent green moving boxes in Chicago from The Chicago Green Box. From choosing how many boxes you need to what happens after your last box is unpacked, this is your complete first-time rental guide. No surprises, no confusion, just a clear picture of the easiest way to move in Chicago.
Step 1: Choose Your Package and Estimate How Many Boxes You Need
The first step in the green box rental process is figuring out how many boxes you actually need. Order too few and you are scrambling mid-move. Order too many and you are paying for boxes that sit empty.
Here is a simple rule of thumb: plan for about one box per 50 square feet of living space. For most Chicago apartments and homes, that breaks down like this:
Studio apartment: approximately 20 boxes
1-bedroom: 30 to 40 boxes
2-bedroom: 40 to 60 boxes
3-bedroom: 60 to 80 boxes
These numbers are a starting point. If you have a lot of books, kitchen gear, or closets packed to the brim, round up. If you are a minimalist, the lower end of the range should work.
The minimum order is 20 boxes for $120, which includes a four-week rental period with free delivery and pickup within a 10-mile radius. That is a price point that beats buying cardboard boxes outright, especially once you factor in the cost of packing tape, box cutters, and the time you spend building and breaking down boxes. You can learn more about why green moving boxes save you money and reduce waste on the website.
Step 2: Place Your Order
Ordering is simple and takes just a few minutes. Head to the order page and select the number of boxes you need.
Here is what you should have ready before you order:
Your current address (for delivery)
Your new address (for pickup after the move)
Your preferred delivery date and time window
Payment method: Visa, Mastercard, or Discover are all accepted. American Express is not accepted at this time.
If you need more than just standard moving boxes, you can also add wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, a dolly rental to make moving day easier, and labels or a labeling system to keep everything organized. A two-week dolly rental is included with your order, which is a nice bonus that most people do not realize until they see it on the site.
Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation with your delivery details. If anything changes, just remember that cancellations require at least three business days notice.
Step 3: Delivery Day — What Arrives at Your Door
This is the part that surprises most first-time renters in the best way possible. On delivery day, the team brings your boxes directly to your home or apartment.
Here is what to expect:
Delivery window: Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Free delivery within a 10-mile radius of the Chicago Green Box location at 3918 N Western Ave (additional charges apply beyond 10 miles)
Boxes arrive pre-assembled. No folding, no taping, no fighting with cardboard flaps. They are ready to pack the moment you open your door.
Boxes are stacked and organized so they do not take up your entire hallway
Every box is sanitized between rentals, so you are getting clean, ready-to-use equipment every time
Each box measures 27 inches by 17 inches by 12 inches and holds up to 100 pounds. They are made from 100 percent recyclable plastic through the Recopack system, and each box is built to last up to 400 uses before it is recycled. That durability is what makes the whole rental model work and what makes it so much better for the environment than single-use cardboard.
According to the EPA, non-recycled cardboard contributes to 28 percent of landfill materials. Every time you rent green moving boxes in Chicago instead of buying cardboard, you are keeping that waste out of the landfill. For a detailed look at how the entire process works, the website has a full breakdown.
Step 4: Packing with Green Boxes — Tips for First-Time Renters
Packing with reusable plastic boxes is a little different from packing with cardboard, and honestly, it is a lot easier. Here are the tips that will make your first time feel like your tenth.
No Tape Needed
The lids on green boxes snap securely into place. You do not need packing tape to seal them shut. This alone saves you time, money, and frustration. Just load the box, close the lid, and move on.
Use the Built-In Handles
Every box has comfortable carrying handles on each side. Use them. They are designed to give you a solid grip, and they make carrying boxes up and down stairs significantly easier than bear-hugging a cardboard box with no handholds.
Pack Heavy Items on the Bottom
This rule applies to all packing, but it matters more with stackable boxes. Put heavy items like books, dishes, and small appliances in the bottom boxes. Lighter items like linens, clothes, and pillows go on top. The uniform shape of the green boxes means they stack perfectly, but only if the weight distribution is right.
Label with Painter’s Tape or Provided Labels
Since you are renting the boxes and returning them after your move, do not use permanent markers or stickers directly on the box surface. Instead, use painter’s tape and a marker, or use the labeling system available through The Chicago Green Box. Write the destination room on each box so you and your movers know exactly where everything goes.
Water and Dust Resistant
Unlike cardboard, these boxes will not fall apart if they get damp. If you are moving during a Chicago rainstorm or storing boxes in a garage, your belongings stay protected. No soggy bottoms, no collapsed boxes, no ruined possessions.
Step 5: Moving Day — How Green Boxes Perform in the Truck
On moving day, the green boxes really shine. Their uniform shape means they stack neatly and efficiently inside a moving truck, with no wasted space and no boxes sliding around.
The sturdy construction means you can stack them higher without worrying about crushing. And those handles make loading and unloading the truck significantly faster. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, efficient packing and loading are two of the biggest factors in reducing moving time, and uniform box sizes are a key part of that.
If you are hiring professional movers, they will appreciate the green boxes too. Movers love working with standardized containers because it takes the guesswork out of loading. And if you need a full-service crew, The Chicago Green Box’s sister company, The Professionals Moving Specialists, handles moves across the Chicago area and works seamlessly with the green box system.
Step 6: After the Move — Schedule Your Pickup
Once you are unpacked and settled in your new place, scheduling your box pickup is the easiest part of the entire process.
Here is how it works:
Unpack your boxes at your own pace. You have a full four-week rental window.
Stack the empty boxes in one location near your front door or building entrance. They nest inside each other, so a stack of 40 boxes takes up surprisingly little space.
Schedule your pickup through the contact page or by calling (773) 782-6253.
The team picks up from your new location. You do not need to return the boxes yourself or drive them anywhere.
That is it. No cardboard to break down. No recycling bin overflowing. No trip to the dumpster. Your entire move is done, and you produced zero packing waste.
The boxes go back to the warehouse where they are hand-inspected, de-labeled, and sanitized before heading out to the next customer. It is a closed-loop system that saves you money and keeps Chicago cleaner.
Most Common Questions from First-Time Renters
If you still have a few questions before you place your first order, you are not alone. Here are the things first-time renters ask most often. You can also find more answers on the FAQ page.
How far in advance should I order? A few days to a week is usually enough. During peak moving season in Chicago (May through September), booking a week or more ahead is a good idea to guarantee your preferred delivery date.
What if I need more boxes after delivery? Just call or reach out through the website. Additional boxes can be arranged.
Can I keep the boxes longer than four weeks? Extensions are available. Just contact the team before your rental period ends to avoid any issues.
Do the boxes smell or look used? No. Every box is sanitized between rentals. They arrive clean, odor-free, and ready to pack.
What if it rains on delivery or moving day? The boxes are water and dust resistant. Rain will not damage them or your belongings inside, which is one of the major advantages over cardboard.
Ready to Rent Green Moving Boxes in Chicago?
You now know exactly what to expect from start to finish. Choosing your package, placing your order, receiving your delivery, packing, moving, and scheduling your pickup. There are no hidden steps and no surprises. Just a simple, affordable, and sustainable way to handle your next Chicago move.
The Chicago Green Box has been helping Chicagoans move smarter since 2012, with an A+ BBB rating and 179 Yelp reviews backing up the experience. When the City of Chicago encourages residents to reduce waste and recycle responsibly, renting reusable moving boxes is one of the most practical ways to do exactly that.
Save money. Skip the cardboard. Help the planet. Order your green moving boxes today and see why thousands of Chicagoans have made the switch.