Boxes are easier to carry, and they stack efficiently on a dolly and in the truck. The more items you pack in boxes, the less “chowder” you'll have at the end—the bric-a-brac of loose and awkwardly shaped things that have to be moved one at a time and slow truck packing to a snail's pace.

Whether boxes or bags are "easier" for moving in 2026 depends entirely on what you are transporting and your logistical setup. Boxes are the gold standard for fragile items, books, and electronics because they are stackable, providing a uniform structure that maximizes space in a moving truck and protects contents from being crushed. High-quality double-walled cardboard boxes can withstand significant weight and are easily labeled for organized unpacking. On the other hand, heavy-duty moving bags (often made of woven polypropylene) have become increasingly popular for "soft" goods like clothing, bedding, and plush toys. They are much lighter than boxes, feature sturdy handles for easy carrying, and can be stuffed into irregular spaces where a rigid box wouldn't fit. For a seamless 2026 move, a hybrid approach is best: use uniform-sized boxes for the bulk of your belongings to ensure a stable "stack" in the vehicle, and reserve large zippered bags for the linens and non-breakables that you’ll want to carry by hand or toss into the final gaps of the load.