Question 1

What is ReTote?

Accepted Answer

ReTote is a reusable plastic moving tote rental service. We deliver durable 27-gallon totes to homes and businesses across Southwestern Pennsylvania, then pick them up when you're done — a convenient alternative to buying and disposing of cardboard boxes.

Question 2

What size are the totes?

Accepted Answer

Each ReTote is a 27-gallon reusable plastic storage tote measuring 29" L × 17" W × 15" H (outside), with about 27 gallons (4.3 cubic feet) of interior space and a 60 lb carrying capacity. They're made from durable recycled-content plastic.

Question 3

How does renting moving totes work?

Accepted Answer

Choose a package and your delivery and pickup dates on the reservation page, we deliver clean totes to your door, you pack and use them for your rental period, and we pick them up when you're finished. See our step-by-step guide to how ReTote works.

Question 4

How long can I keep the totes?

Accepted Answer

Every package includes a standard 7-day rental period starting on your delivery date. You can add extra days or weeks during booking if you need more time.

Question 5

Where does ReTote deliver?

Accepted Answer

We deliver and pick up across Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, and Fayette counties in Southwest Pennsylvania. Enter your ZIP code at checkout to confirm we service your address. See our service area for details.

Question 6

Are the totes cleaned between customers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every tote is inspected, cleaned, and sanitized before it goes back out to the next customer. You don't need to clean them before return — just remove your belongings.

Question 7

Can I use the totes for temporary storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Beyond moving, ReTote totes work well for temporary storage during renovations, decluttering, staging a home, or short-term organization. See our temporary storage page for appropriate uses.

Question 8

What happens if a tote is damaged?

Accepted Answer

A repair or cleaning fee may apply for damaged totes. These fees are clearly listed in our rental terms so there are no surprises, and we assess any charges after your rental is returned.

Question 9

What happens if a tote is lost?

Accepted Answer

A replacement fee applies for lost or unreturned totes. The exact amount is listed in our rental terms, and you'll know the cost up front before you reserve.

Question 10

Do I need to be home for delivery?

Accepted Answer

We deliver during your chosen time window. If access requires someone to be present — for example, gated communities or apartment buildings — just note the details in your delivery instructions and we'll coordinate with you.

Question 11

How do returns work?

Accepted Answer

Your pickup is automatically scheduled 7 days after your delivery date, in the same time window. Simply empty and stack the totes where they're easy to reach, and we collect them and handle all the cleaning.

Question 12

Can I extend my rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add additional rental days or weeks at checkout, or contact us mid-rental to extend. Extra time is billed at a simple per-day or per-week rate listed during booking.

Question 13

How many totes do I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your home size and how much you're moving. Our tote calculator gives a quick estimate based on the number of rooms, so you can pick the right package without over- or under-ordering.

Question 14

Are reusable moving boxes better than cardboard?

Accepted Answer

For most moves, yes. Reusable totes don't require assembly or tape, they stack securely, they protect contents better than cardboard, and there's nothing to break down or throw away afterward. See our plastic moving boxes page for the full comparison.

Question 15

Can businesses rent ReTote totes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ReTote works well for office relocations, renovations, and ongoing business use. Contact us about volume and billing for business rentals.

Question 16

How do I reserve totes?

Accepted Answer

Go to the reservation page, choose a package, enter your delivery address and dates, add any extras, and complete checkout. It takes just a few minutes.

ReTote FAQ

Moving tote rental questions, answered

Frequently asked questions

Skip the cardboard.