Once you’re done with the hustle and bustle of moving to another home, you’re left with piles of packing materials, especially boxes and crates. So, what to do with all those materials? Instead of recycling them, there are numerous creative and practical ways to repurpose moving boxes. Let’s discuss what to do with boxes after moving and see how they can be used in numerous ways.
Repurpose Moving Boxes as Storage Solutions
If you’re looking for stuff to do with cardboard boxes, one of the easiest ways to repurpose them is to use them for storage. Cardboard boxes can be easily transformed into practical storage solutions for your home. You can label them and use them to organize seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, or children’s toys. If you think plain cardboard would look esthetically unpleasant, you can do a bit of crafting and cover it with fabric or decorative paper to match the decor.
Make a Better Organized Space
You can easily keep any workspace tidy by reusing cardboard crates for organizing. If you’ve invested in a good moving kit, these packing boxes can be cut and shaped into desk organizers, drawer dividers, or filing systems. Freely cover them with paper to make them last longer, and to elevate their simple look.
Reuse as Packing Material
If you think you will be packing and moving again in the foreseeable future or have friends and family who are planning to move, save the packaging to use it again as packing material. They can be reused to protect fragile items or to fill empty spaces in crates. Additionally, you can cut them into smaller pieces to use as packing dividers or padding.
Donation and Gifting
Helping someone in need goes hand in hand with decluttering, especially when you have some stuff in your possession you want to get rid of but is in a nice enough condition. You won’t have to look up “where to donate moving boxes near me” – repurpose them by filling them with items you no longer need and donating them to charity. Many organizations are in constant need of donations, and boxes can be used to transport these items. You can donate moving boxes packed with items to places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or some other local charity.
Finding a place to donate or get used cardboard crates is easier than you might think. In areas like Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Bethesda, many community centers, recycling centers, and local charities accept donations of gently used packaging. Similarly, if you’re in Arlington, Alexandria, or Reston, it could be a good idea to check with local schools or libraries whether they could reuse these crates.
Shipping and Mailing
Save all reusable cardboard crates after the move if you have any stuff to ship and send through mail. Empty boxes for moving can cut down on the costs of shipping but you also need to make sure they are in good condition so there’s no harm to shipped items. Remove any old labels or addresses to avoid confusion, and reinforce the packaging with packing tape if needed. This is a great way to recycle and save on postage expenses.
Eco-friendly Disposal
If you’re not sure what to do with moving boxes but don’t want to repurpose them, there are also some eco-friendly disposal options available. Cardboard is highly recyclable, so take the packaging to a local recycling center or arrange for curbside pickup. Some communities also offer cardboard recycling programs specifically for these types of crates.
Gardening Projects
Once you’re done with unpacking, don’t throw away the box, especially if you have a garden you want to tend to. Cardboard packaging can be useful for gardening, and it can be used as biodegradable planters, mulch, or weed barriers. Simply cut them into pieces, fill them with soil, and plant the seeds. As the cardboard decomposes, it will enrich the soil. You can also lay flattened cardboard over garden beds to prevent weeds from growing through.
Creative Solutions for Moving Boxes
You don’t always have to look up “donate moving boxes near me” online – there are some creative things to do with boxes that can potentially be fun for the whole family. Here are some creative ideas to make the most out of those empty boxes:
- Cardboard crates can provide endless entertainment for children. They can be transformed into forts, playhouses, or castles with a little imagination and some craft supplies.
- If you have pets, especially cats, they will likely find empty cardboard crates irresistible. So use this opportunity to turn those boxes into cozy pet hideaways or beds (remember – if it fits, it sits!).
- With a bit of creativity, boxes can be turned into unique pieces of home decor. You can create wall art by cutting out shapes and patterns or make a cardboard frame for mirrors and pictures.
- For those who enjoy DIY projects, cardboard crates can be a great material for various crafts. You can create custom storage boxes, decorative baskets, or even jewelry organizers with a coat of paint, some fabric, and rhinestones.
- These empty cartons are also perfect for school projects, and they can be used to build models, dioramas, or display boards. This is a budget-friendly way to provide materials for educational projects.
- In the end, you can also reuse crates as material for seasonal decoration. As cardboard is easy to cut and shape, you can use it to create Halloween props, Christmas ornaments, or Easter baskets.
Wrap Up the Moving Process With Zip Moving & Storage
Planning a move and need top-notch moving supplies? Look no further than Zip Moving & Storage’s all-inclusive moving kits. Our professionally curated moving kits contain everything you need for a smooth move, including boxes and packing materials tailored to fit all your needs.
Each kit is approved by professional movers, ensuring quality and convenience. Store, reuse, or donate the materials after unpacking. Simplify your move today with our customized moving kits!
