What to do with Boxes after Moving

Moving to a new house is an upgrade of life, new places to visit, new things to enjoy and it is good to have a fresh start. But after a tiring procedure of shifting and unpacking your baggage. You are forced to deal with a huge number of cardboard boxes.

You are not the only person to consider what to do with boxes after moving. Most times, people keep the boxes for the future but a bunch of boxes in a corner is not that attractive.

Luckily, we have a few ideas. After reading this write-up, you’ll know how to use them. Even if you want to discard them responsibly, recycle them in a creative way or help someone if they need them. 

Here are a few best ideas for what to do with moving boxes once you’re settled in.

1. Recycle the Boxes

One of the simplest and eco-friendly things to do with used cardboard boxes is to recycle them. If your boxes are not in a good condition like they’re torn, crushed, or damaged, recycling will keep them out of the garbage lot and give them a new life.

Before recycling there’s a few points you should know about:

• Break down each box.

• Remove any tape or stickers.

• Flatten them so they take up less space.

You can consider curbside recycling programs, but if you don’t have those nearby, you should give it a try to some local recycling centers. This is the easiest option if your boxes are no longer useful for you.

2. Store Boxes for Future Use

For some reason, if you often move or relocate, or expect another relocation in the near future, then keeping your boxes is a smart move. High-quality moving boxes can be reused multiple times if stored properly.

To store them well:

• Flatten the boxes to save space.

• Keep them in a dry, cool area such as a closet, loft, or storage room.

• Bundle them together with a rope or tape.

You’ll thank yourself later when the next move comes around.

3. Use Boxes for Storage in Your Home

Cardboard boxes don’t have to be thrown out early. They can actually double as temporary or long-term storage, especially right after moving. You can use them for seasonal decorations, old clothes, books, or toys, boxes can help you stay organized while you settle in.

If you want to make it look more decorous, you can wrap the boxes in decorative paper, label them neatly. Use them as closet organizers, drawer dividers, or pantry storage.

This is an easy and budget-friendly way to manage clutter at home.

4. Keep Boxes for DIY and Home Projects

If you enjoy DIY projects or have kids who do, cardboard boxes are a treasure for you. They can be reused into countless creative or practical items.

A few DIY ideas:

• Drawer dividers

• Crafting templates

• Cat houses or pet play areas

• Wall art backing

• Kid’s playhouses, castles, or forts

• Holiday decoration organizers

Cardboard is surprisingly sturdy and flexible, making it perfect for low-cost crafting or home improvement tasks.

5. Use Boxes in the Garden

Cardboard can be quite useful outdoors, especially if you are into gardening. Here’s what to do with cardboard boxes after moving in your garden:

• Composting: Shredded cardboard adds carbon to compost piles.

• Mulching: A layer of cardboard under mulch helps soil retain moisture.

• Raised garden beds: Use boxes as a base layer to kill grass before planting.

These are a few nature-friendly ways to give your boxes a new life.

6. Save Boxes for Play and Entertainment

Cardboard boxes are a treasure for kids. They often prefer them over the toys that came inside! Large boxes can be used in a lot of things such as spaceships, cars, dollhouses, tunnels, or anything their imagination dreams up.

Adults can use them too for fun or practical tasks like temporary pet shelters, costume making, party decorations, game night props.

If you don’t have kids, you might know someone who would love a few creative play materials.

7. Sell Your Moving Boxes

People are always looking for affordable moving supplies, so if your boxes are still in great condition, selling them is a smart way to earn a little back from your moving costs.

Where to sell:

• Some companies usually offer a partial refund. You should give it a try and ask your moving company if they buy it.

• List them on online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp.

• Sell through platforms like BoxCycle, which connects people buying and selling used cardboard boxes.

Selling boxes helps someone else to save money and keeps your home looks neat.

8. Donate the Boxes

If you don’t want to sell them, donating your used cardboard boxes is another thoughtful and eco-friendly option. Many people prefer free boxes during a move, and organizations often need them for storage or distribution.

You can donate it to your neighbours, relatives, local charities, local businesses that ship items, or you can post on online groups like Freecycle or the free stuff section on Facebook Marketplace. All you have to do is post that they’re available, and people will likely pick them up quickly.

9. Leave Boxes on the Curb (if Allowed)

If your community permits it, you can leave flattened boxes neatly stacked on the curb with a sign that says “Free Boxes”. Movers, delivery drivers, and neighbors often grab them quickly. Make sure it is legal to leave the cardboard boxes on the curbside before taking any step.

10. Drop Boxes at a Local Recycling Center

In any case, your curbside recycling program will fail or you may have excessively too many boxes to handle then you can give them directly to a recycling facility. 

Numerous centers have drop-off arrangements of cardboard and even at some centers, big loads of cardboard are paid a little. They will accept the burden and ensure that it would be discarded and not thrown into the trash.

Final Thoughts

Before reading this post, if you had no idea what to do with the boxes after moving, we hope now you can choose a lot of useful, creative and ecological variants. 

And in case you still do not know what to do with old boxes after moving, then the simple answer is to find a second purpose to use them, but in a way that suits your purpose.

You can either reuse them, recycle, donate, sell or repurpose them, either way, your old moving boxes can be used even after the move has ended. There should not be any clutter at the end of the move.

Like your next move to be a lot less heavy? Book in a mobile storage and avoid the hassles.