Moving house requires planning, packing and lots of cardboard moving boxes. No doubt you feel relief when you’ve finally unpacked that last moving box. But what should you do with the large amounts of cardboard that you’ve accumulated? Is it best to take them to your local recycling centre or are there creative ways to reuse them? Here, we share our top 9 ways to get rid of cardboard boxes cluttering your new home. Before you decide what to do with your boxes after the move, it helps to know how to pack boxes for moving so they stay in good condition throughout.
How to Dispose of Cardboard Boxes
What’s the best way to dispose of cardboard boxes? Here are a few ideas. Proper labelling your moving boxes during the move also makes it easier to sort them for recycling or donation once you have unpacked.
Put Them in The Bin
The first thing you need to consider is if the cardboard packing boxes are in good condition. If they are ripped, torn or have damage to them, then it’s best to get rid of cardboard in your home bin. You should have a designated bin for cardboard, and you can simply place them in here. If you have any large, heavy-duty boxes or corrugated cardboard, you may need to tear them into smaller pieces to fit your bin. Cardboard decomposes within 2 months so there’s no need to worry about them having a detrimental effect on the environment. If you want to get the most use out of each box, our guide to organising boxes for moving covers room-by-room strategies that reduce waste.
Give Them to Friends or Family
Ask your friends or family if they need any boxes. They may use them for storing items in the garage or selling on local sites. You can even ask your friend list on Facebook if they have any need for them. If you need extra boxes before the move, our guide on where to get free moving boxes lists the best local sources so you avoid buying new.
Give to Charities
Charities often need cardboard boxes to store the many items they are given on a weekly basis. For instance, storing items in the stock room. If you’ve got some heavy-duty boxes, it’s well worth asking your local charity shops. For a full walkthrough, our advice on packing and organising moving boxes will help you keep things tidy from collection through to recycling.
Sell Them on A Selling Site
Many people sell cardboard boxes on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Preloved. Boxes in great condition can easily be used again so you may find they get snapped up quickly.
How to Recycle Moving Boxes
When it comes to finding an eco-friendly way to get rid of moving boxes, recycle them.
Take Them to Your Local Recycling Centre
If your cardboard boxes are in good condition, then your local recycling centre will happily take them from you. Recycling cardboard is one of the easiest ways to get rid of your moving boxes. If you don’t have a centre nearby, you may find recycling bins at various local points, such as supermarkets.
Contact A Rubbish Removal Company
If you can’t take boxes to recycling points or centres, you can always ask a removal company to take them for you. This works best if you have lots of cardboard as it may not be time-efficient for them to collect only a couple of boxes. However, if you have various types of cardboard boxes, you can find a removal company via Facebook or Google to come and take them from you.
Clever Ways to Reuse Cardboard Boxes
There are many clever and creative ways to reuse cardboard boxes. Here are a few ideas for inspiration.
Upcycle Them Into Pretty Storage Boxes
Strong cardboard boxes are great for storing toys, gadgets, shoes and other belongings. You can paint the cardboard in the colours of your choice, add wrapping paper around them to make them look attractive or use the material for a shabby chic look.
Use Them for DIY Projects With The Kids
Cardboard is great for use in DIY projects, especially if you have children. You could make a fort, create a robot or a scary monster, the possibilities are endless. Cardboard is also useful for crafting décor, such as garland, letter shapes or marquee letters.
Make Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers make effective organisation tools. If you’re looking to get your clothes and accessories in order, cut your cardboard down into strips and place them into sections in each drawer. It’s super easy to do and it’ll make your life a lot easier as you’ll be able to find things quicker.
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