The worst thing about moving is the uncertainty. Will I have a place to live? Will the bottom of this Amazon box split as it's being carried down the stairs? Do I have enough boxes to contain my surprising amount of stuff? Where did all of this stuff come from?
Choosing Chicago Green Box eliminates at least some of those worries. This is our second experience moving with these totes and we are totes pleased with them (ok, had to do that). The boxes are large but not unwieldy (a standard cookie sheet will fit flat in the bottom with room to spare on the sides). They stack up neatly in your apartment and the consistent size makes packing the truck easier and faster too. Also, there's much less waste to take care of, and, assuming you use clean packing paper for dishes, you don't need to wash them afterwards.
On the company: Always responsive and nice, the online ordering and payment is a breeze, I go with their estimated amount of boxes and add 5 or so, also I tack on a few days just so I'm not rushing to pack or unpack. It's worth the extra money. The delivery guy is always quick and friendly, also careful not to damage your floors and walls. Boxes are always clean and ready to go, a lot better than boxes you might repurpose for moving.
On packing, which is a little different than what you're used to: First, Post-It makes full size labels that you can slap on the box and easily mark the top (so the person carrying can see the label) and the sides of it (so you can see what's inside when it's stacked just in case you need to pull something out). These labels won't leave a mark or adhesive on the box. Second, there are holes on the handles of both sides of the tote that, when both flaps are closed and a zip tie is threaded through, you can seal up the box nice and tight. This is easier and more secure than using tape across the top. To unpack, carefully cut the zip tie being sure to not damage the box. Easy peezy. Third, bubble wrap and packing paper are your friend. It's always easier to pack things like fragile items and drinking glasses in smaller boxes which makes these larger totes a challenge. Small fragile things you can stow in a small box within the large tote, glasses can be wrapped in paper then stacked and bundled in more paper using tape to close, and plates can be stacked with paper plates in between each then wrapped in paper and taped secure. You want to contain the stuff so it doesn't float around when you lay it in the box. Also, it's very easy to pack a ton of stuff in one of these boxes but you don't want to throw anyone's back out. Be sure to test the weight before you seal up the box, you can pack extra light stuff on top to fill in the gap. (But, side note, if you use the Professionals as we've done, you will see 2 of the heavy totes you can barely lift safely perched atop one of their shoulders. They are remarkable. I recommend the Professionals to everyone I hear is planning a move.)
One suggestion: I think it would be nice to offer your standard tote and then an option for a larger box that's twice/three times as tall as the standard. Everyone always has odd things like framed artwork or tennis rackets or lamps that don't fit in the box. And if the footprint stayed the same, you'd still be able to stack them just as well. Just a thought.
Great experiences all around with Green Box and the Professionals. I'd give 'em 6 stars if I could. read more