What to Do With All Those Boxes Post Move

Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone — a fresh start, new surroundings, and endless possibilities. But once you’ve unpacked, another challenge awaits: what to do with all those boxes post move?

Stacks of cardboard can quickly take over your hallway or garage. While it might be tempting to throw them out, there are many more practical, eco-friendly, and even creative ways to reuse or recycle them. Whether you want to declutter responsibly or put your boxes to good use, here are 8 helpful ideas to get you started.

1. Give Your Boxes a Second Home

What to Do With All Those Boxes Post Move: Tips and Ideas

Before you consider recycling, think about others who might need those boxes.

• Offer them to friends or neighbours who are planning a move.

• List them online on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, or Gumtree.

• Donate to local charities or community centres that accept packing materials.

You’ll be helping someone save money while keeping waste out of landfills — a win-win situation.

2. Reuse Boxes for Storage

Moving boxes are perfect for storage once you’re settled. You can:

• Store seasonal decorations like Christmas ornaments or Halloween props.

• Organise your garage or loft by keeping tools, spare cables, and garden items neatly labelled.

• Use under-bed boxes for clothes or linens you don’t use year-round.

For an aesthetic touch, wrap the boxes in contact paper or paint them to match your home décor.

3. Sell Them for Extra Cash

If your boxes are still in good shape, why not make some money from them?

Many people are willing to pay for lightly used boxes to cut costs on their own moves. Try selling on:

• eBay or Facebook Marketplace

• Craigslist or Nextdoor

• Local recycling centres or paper scrap dealers

It’s a simple way to earn a little back after your move while keeping materials in circulation.

4. Get Crafty and Upcycle Them

Feeling creative? Cardboard boxes are an excellent base for DIY projects. You can:

• Create custom storage bins using fabric or wrapping paper.

• Build children’s playhouses or forts. Kids will love helping you turn old boxes into castles or rocket ships.

• Make decorative wall art or home organisers.

• Craft drawer dividers or stationery holders for your office.

Not only does upcycling reduce waste, but it can also turn a simple box into something beautiful and functional.

5. Use Them for Composting or Gardening

Cardboard is compostable, making it ideal for eco-friendly gardening.

You can:

• Add shredded cardboard to your compost bin to balance moisture and carbon content.

• Use it as a weed barrier — lay flattened boxes over soil before adding mulch to prevent weed growth.

• Line garden beds to improve soil retention and suppress unwanted plants.

This method keeps your garden healthy while recycling naturally.

6. Create Pet Toys or Beds

If you have pets, boxes can become instant entertainment or cosy resting spots.

• Cats love hiding, climbing, and sleeping in boxes — just cut entry holes for fun tunnels.

• Small dogs and rabbits can enjoy soft, lined cardboard as makeshift beds.

• Turn boxes into feeding puzzles or play mazes for enrichment and exercise.

Your furry friends will thank you for the new playground — and you’ll keep waste to a minimum.

7. Keep a Few for Future Moves or Shipments

Even if you’ve finished moving, a few boxes can always come in handy later.

Keep a small selection of sturdy boxes for:

• Future moves or room renovations

• Sending parcels or gifts

• Temporary storage during home improvements

Flatten and store them under a bed or behind furniture to save space until needed.

8. Recycle Responsibly

If your boxes are damaged, wet, or beyond reuse, recycling is still a responsible choice.

Here’s how to recycle properly:

• Remove all tape, labels, and stickers.

• Flatten the boxes to save space.

• Check local recycling guidelines — many councils offer cardboard collection services or drop-off bins.

This ensures your boxes are repurposed into new materials instead of ending up in landfill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can moving boxes be recycled?

Yes. Most cardboard moving boxes are 100% recyclable as long as they’re clean and dry. Remove tape, labels, and any non-paper materials before placing them in your recycling bin or local collection point.

2. How long do cardboard boxes last after a move?

High-quality moving boxes can last for several uses if stored in a dry place. With minimal wear, they can often be reused three to five times before needing replacement.

3. Are there creative ways to reuse moving boxes?

Absolutely. You can transform them into playhouses, drawer organisers, decorative storage, or even DIY furniture. They’re perfect for upcycling projects at home.

4. Can cardboard boxes be composted?

Yes, cardboard boxes can be composted if they are free of tape and ink. Shred them into small pieces and mix them with other compost materials for best results.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover moving boxes?

Flatten the boxes to save space and store them in a dry area such as a loft, garage, or under the bed. Avoid damp environments, as moisture can weaken the cardboard.

Final Thoughts.

So, what should you do with all those boxes post move?

From donating and reusing to selling or upcycling, there are countless ways to give your moving boxes a second life. By taking a little extra care, you can declutter your home, help others, and make an environmentally friendly impact.

Remember — every box reused or recycled is one less added to the landfill. Whether you turn yours into storage, compost, or creative crafts, small actions can make a big difference.