What to Do With All Those Empty Boxes After You Move

Dealing with a heap of empty boxes after a move can feel overwhelming, but with a little creativity and planning, you can manage the clutter effectively. Here are some suggestions on what to do with all those empty boxes:

1. Recycle

• Curbside Recycling: Many municipalities offer curbside recycling for cardboard boxes. Break down the boxes and place them in your recycling bin for pickup.
• Recycling Centers: Locate a nearby recycling center to drop off the boxes.

2. Sell or Give Away

• Online Marketplaces: List the boxes on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor to sell or give them away.
• Moving Companies: Contact local moving companies; some purchase used boxes for reuse.

3. Storage

• Organization: Use the boxes to organize your basement, attic, or garage.
• Future Moves: If you anticipate moving again in the near future, consider saving the boxes for that purpose.

4. Creative Reuse

• DIY Projects: Use the boxes for DIY projects such as creating a cardboard playhouse or art for children.
• Gardening: Use cardboard as a weed barrier in your garden.

5. Donation

• Schools and Art Centers: Donate the boxes to schools or art centers for craft projects.
• Community Centers: Reach out to community centers and libraries to see if they can use the boxes for storage or events.

6. Reuse for Shipping

• Parcel Shipping: If you frequently ship parcels, save the boxes for future use.
• Gift Wrapping: Use the boxes as gift boxes for large items.

7. Composting

• Garden Compost: Cardboard can be used as a brown material in your compost pile. It helps balance the green materials and aids in composting.

8. Crafting

• Craft Projects: Use the cardboard for craft projects such as creating organizers, picture frames, or decorative items.
• For Kids: Encourage kids to use the boxes to build forts, create art projects, or even make a cardboard car.

9. Insulation

• Temporary Insulation: In a pinch, you can use cardboard boxes as temporary insulation for broken windows or gaps in doors.

10. Emergency Use

• Emergency Situations: Keep a few boxes on hand for emergency situations, such as a sudden need to package and store items.

Final Thoughts

Before you decide what to do with empty moving boxes, assess the condition of each box. If a box is damaged or worn out, it might be best to recycle it. Conversely, if a box is still in good condition, consider reusing it in one of the ways mentioned above. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you’ll also be finding creative and practical uses for materials that might otherwise simply be thrown away.