One thing moving can leave you with is a lot of boxes, and while we always recommend reusable options when possible (like our Eco Boxes!), cardboard boxes are still a big part of many moves.
So, what do you do with those piles of boxes once you’re done unpacking? Actually, a lot of things! Here are some ideas.
What Can You Do With Empty Moving Boxes?
Give Them to Someone Who’s Moving
Are your boxes still in good shape? If yes, then there’s probably someone around who can use them. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers if anyone is moving soon.
And if no one you know needs them, post them on Facebook Marketplace, a local Buy Nothing group, or a community page. Just make sure they’re clean, dry, and still sturdy enough to be used again.
Save a Few for Later
The thing with boxes is that you never know when you may need one or two for shipping something, storing something, or even another move, so keep a few that are still in good shape.
And so they don’t take up too much space, flatten them and store them somewhere dry until you need them again.
Get Creative With Them
There are also some pretty creative things you can do with cardboard before sending it to the recycling bin.
Use It in the Garden
If you have a garden, you can actually put some of that cardboard to use. Plain cardboard can go in your compost, or you can lay it under mulch to help control weeds. Remove the tape, labels, staples, and anything else that shouldn’t be there first.
Keep Some for Gifts and Shipping
Smaller boxes are always good to have around. You can use them when you need to ship something, organize a few things around the house, or for gifts, especially during the holidays.
Let the Kids Have Them
If you have kids, give them a couple of the bigger boxes before you get rid of them. Add some crayons, markers, or paint and let them do their thing. A box can become a fort, a house, a car… kids will figure it out.
Have a Cat?
Then you may not even get a chance to decide what to do with the boxes. Cats seem to find them pretty quickly. Keep one as a little hiding or play spot, or use some of the cardboard to make a DIY scratching pad.
Recycle What’s Left
Even if you put most of your boxes to good use, you probably still have a few left, and recycling is a great option for those. Break them down flat, remove the tape and any packing material, and keep them dry until recycling day.
Here in Washington, recycling rules can vary depending on where you live. If you’re not sure what to do with your cardboard, you can use the 1-800-RECYCLE database. Just enter your ZIP code to find recycling options in your area.
What About Bubble Wrap?
Now, the boxes are gone, but you may still have a pile of bubble wrap sitting around. If it’s clean and still in good shape, keep some for shipping packages, wrapping fragile items, or even for your next move. You can also offer it along with your boxes to someone who is moving.
If you have more than you can use, don’t put it in your regular recycling bin. Here in Washington, bubble wrap is considered plastic film and needs to be recycled separately. Some grocery stores and other retailers have drop-off bins for plastic film and may accept clean, dry bubble wrap, so check what your nearest location accepts before taking it.
One Last Thing
Moving boxes may feel like an inconvenience once the move is over, but they can actually be pretty useful. So before getting rid of them, see what you can do with them!
And if you have another move coming up and would rather skip the cardboard boxes altogether, ask us about our reusable Eco Boxes. Eco Movers can also help with packing, moving, or both. Get a free quote and let us know what we can help you with.
