Moving to a new home is exciting, but you may wonder what to do with the leftover moving boxes once you’ve unpacked your belongings. While throwing them away may seem easy, it is not the most eco-friendly option. Fortunately, several ways exist to recycle or upcycle these boxes so they don’t end up in landfills.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few ideas to get you going.
5 Ways to Reuse Your Moving Boxes
1. Give Them Away.
If you know someone who’s about to move or needs extra storage space, don’t throw away your used moving boxes. Instead, consider giving them away. Your friends or family members will appreciate the gesture. Moreover, some charities accept used moving boxes and other supplies donations, so you can also donate them. Search for organizations in your area that can use them before disposing of them.
2. Reuse Boxes for Storage.
Don’t remove your cardboard boxes just because you’re done moving. These boxes can store seasonal items, holiday decorations, out-of-season clothes, and more.
- You can even turn them into forts or playhouses for your kids. Here are some ideas for reusing your cardboard boxes:
- Garage Storage: Use cardboard boxes to store seasonal items in your garage. Make sure to label them clearly so you know what’s inside.
- Attic Storage: Store holiday decorations or other infrequently used items in cardboard boxes in your attic. Don’t forget to label them!
- General Storage: Use the space under your bed to store out-of-season clothes or other items you rarely use. Put them in cardboard boxes and slide them under your bed. You can even decorate the boxes to match your room’s decor.
3. Sell Them.
You could consider selling your used moving boxes online as an entrepreneur. You may be surprised by how many people are willing to pay for gently used moving boxes. Alternatively, you can also sell them to a local waste paper scrap shop, which will always be willing to buy such boxes, regardless of their condition.
4. Consider upcycling them.
Got some extra time on your hands and feeling crafty? Why not upcycle your moving boxes into something new? With a little imagination, those boring brown boxes can be transformed into works of art, furniture, or anything else you can dream up. Need some inspiration? Check out these creative ideas.
Boxes Into Storage Containers
One of the best things about upcycling your moving boxes is that you can turn them into storage containers for all your belongings.
Boxes Into Furniture
Do you have a lot of big boxes left from your move? Put them to good use by turning them into furniture! Cardboard chairs and tables are surprisingly sturdy and make great temporary furniture for kids’ rooms or college apartments.
Boxes Into Wall Art
If you’re looking for a more creative way to upcycle your boxes, why not turn them into wall art? You can use old newspapers or magazines to create unique patterns or designs on the cardboard or even paint them directly onto the boxes.
5. You can use them to start a compost pile.
If you’re into gardening, you can use cardboard boxes to start a compost pile. Cardboard is made from paper, which means it will break down over time and add nutrients to your soil. Just be sure to shred the cardboard first so it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
Conclusion
Instead of wasting your used moving boxes, why not recycle them? You can give them away to a friend, sell them online, or get creative and upcycle them into something new. There are plenty of ways to ensure these boxes have a second life. So, what are you waiting for? Get creative or get busy!
