Buying banana boxes – the Comparis guide
Banana boxes are a good choice when moving home. They're such a handy size and shape that they're even manufactured specially now, but with a bit of luck you can still get them for (almost) free. Comparis shows you where.
30.06.2021
iStock / Katjabakurova
How many banana boxes will I need for my move?
A general rule of thumb is to allow one box for every square metre of living space. That said, the number of boxes you will need for your move depends heavily on the nature and volume of your belongings. Do you have lots of stacked-high bookcases, many fragile items needing plenty of padding, or a full attic? If so, you should factor in more boxes.
Where can I buy banana boxes?
Many providers of moving boxes also have boxes with the same dimensions as banana boxes. Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of providers as at June 2021:
| Provider | Dimensions in cm | Quantity | Price per box | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coop Bau + Hobby | L: 54 W: 39 H: 24 |
4 for CHF 12.95, buy in store or for delivery (CHF 6.95) | CHF 3.24 | 2-year guarantee, requires tape for assembly |
| Jumbo | L: 54.4 W: 40.8 H: 23.9 |
5 for CHF 24.95, buy in store or for delivery (CHF 19.90) | CHF 5 | Practical labelling on the side to indicate which room |
| Nägeli Umzüge | L: 54 W: 39 H: 23.5 |
Sold individually, collect in Oerlikon, or delivery (CHF 35.00) | CHF 4.50 | One-piece banana box with flap lid |
| Banana Box | L: 51 W: 36 H: 21 |
9 for CHF 39.90, free delivery | CHF 4.45 | Supplied with tape and an additional, larger box |
| Gunterswiler | n/a | Sold individually, collect in Frauenfeld or delivery for a small fee | CHF 1 | Gunterswiler is a fruit and vegetable wholesaler |
| brocki.ch | L: n/a W: n/a H: 23 |
Sold individually, collect from any branch | CHF 3 | The small “BrockiBox” has the same dimensions as an original banana box; also available in a 6 cm deeper version |
| Küng + Steiner AG | n/a | Sold individually, collect in Niederwangen b. Bern or delivery (CHF 25) | CHF 1 | Küng + Steiner is a fruit and vegetable wholesaler |
Where can I get boxes for free?
Retailers: for a long time retailers gave banana boxes away for free. This option is less common now, as the boxes have become commercialized. It is still worth asking retailers directly, however. Migros now uses reusable crates to transport most of its bananas, but some branches may still have banana boxes that they will give to customers at their discretion. Ask customer services at the branch. Coop also recommends asking at your local branch.
Fruit/vegetable wholesalers: fruit and vegetable wholesalers (see also table above) sometimes offer banana boxes for sale for a small fee.
Friends and relatives: ask friends and relatives. Banana boxes usually lie around unused in cellars and attics. It's also worth checking the various noticeboards at work, in major supermarkets, or at your local authority.
Internet marketplaces: cheap banana boxes can frequently also be found on Internet marketplaces such as Ricardo, tutti.ch and Facebook Marketplace. The supply is greatest just after official moving dates, which differ between cantons but are usually end of March and end of September. Some moving companies even offer boxes free of charge as part of their service.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of banana boxes compared with moving boxes?
The clue is in the name: banana boxes were originally used to transport bananas. In their classic form, the cardboard box has a removeable lid, and an opening top and bottom for better ventilation. The bottom is usually covered with paper. There are various advantages here:
Storage: banana boxes have made a name for themselves as low-cost moving containers. That is why they are now made specially for moving, so in terms of purpose there is no longer any difference between them and other moving boxes. The banana box dimensions remain, however. Banana boxes are less deep than many moving boxes, so they fit better onto shelves, and are therefore also good for storing items long term. The removable lid also makes them more stable than boxes with flap lids. That makes banana boxes good for stacking.
Weight: the fact that banana boxes are less deep is another plus point, especially when moving: they can't be packed as heavily as other moving boxes. This means that nobody will be risking back trouble on moving day.