Repurpose your Moving Boxes

by Rosemary Allison 11/08/2020

Image by Shutterstock

Most times, after moving your property into your new home, you have stacks of empty cardboard boxes to put away. After taking out the contents, you might be wondering what to do with that pile of cardboard. Thankfully, cardboard moving boxes are easy to reuse and can serve other purposes.

Break Down All Your Boxes

The first thing to do with your moving boxes in preparation for recycling is to break them down; it makes it easier to recycle. Empty all contents in the boxes, cut tape along the connections rather than tearing it off, collapse the boxes, and ensure they are entirely flat. Cut out any part that might have damage from liquids or spills as it is almost impossible for recycling companies to recycle saturated cardboards. Store the deconstructed boxes in a dry place until you can bring them to a waste management facility or until you can arrange for pickup.

Check with the Waste Management Company 

Before bringing out all your boxes and stacking them right next to your bin, ensure the waste management truck will collect them during regular pickup times. Most cardboard boxes take up a lot of space even when collapsed, so services pick them up on different days or require you to deliver them. Put a call into your waste management company or instructions or ask for a drop off point you can take the boxes to yourself.

Put the Cardboard to Use Yourself

You can repurpose your boxes without sending them to the recycling plants. Consider the following:

  • For Compost: If you make compost, throw your cardboard boxes into the pile. They will break down into mulching for gardening. You can compost boxes damaged by food or water but avoid incorporating boxes soiled by chemicals. 

  • For Protecting Your Floors: If you intend to paint your new home, your cardboard will come in handy for protecting your floor from paint spills. Cut open your boxes to make them bigger and tape them together to protect a wood floor or carpet. 

Lastly, rather than recycle or repurpose your boxes, be a good neighbor, and consider gifting them to someone that is moving. Check with your real estate agent to see if another client could use your boxes.

About the Author
Author

Rosemary Allison

Rosemary Allison Simply the Best! Rosemary Allison is #1 in Real Estate Sales Power When it comes to Ventura County Real Estate, why settle for LESS when you can hire the BEST? Advertising is what keeps a realtor on the forefront of his or her market. Moreover, having a budget for advertising, shows they are producing and are true career real estate professionals. If you are selling your home, you need an agent who believes in marketing and exposure. As one of the country’s most successful Realtors, Rosemary has set the standard for excellence throughout her career and is