What to Do with Leftover Moving Boxes
You’ve unpacked. You’ve settled in. Now what do you do with the mountain of cardboard boxes in the corner? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Whether you're looking to stay practical, go green, or have a little fun, we’ve got you covered with some simple, creative ideas to put those leftover moving boxes to good use.
Practical
Ship, Wrap, and Reuse: Don’t toss those boxes just yet! Flatten and stash them for the next time you need to ship a package or wrap a gift. They’re perfect for wrapping those oddly shaped gifts.
Floor Protection for Messy Projects: Got painting, repairs, or messy crafts coming up? Lay cardboard flat to protect your floors from splashes, dust, or scratches. It’s a quick and easy way to create a disposable workspace, no cleanup required!
Pro Tip: Halloween (and all the pumpkin-carving chaos that comes with it) is just around the corner. Save one of those leftover moving boxes and use it as a floor mat; it's the perfect way to catch pumpkin guts and keep your floors mess-free.
Eco-Friendly
Compost: Cardboard is an excellent “brown” material for composting. Tear or shred it into small pieces and mix it into your compost pile. Just remember to remove any tape and avoid glossy or heavily printed surfaces.
Garden Mulch & Weed Barrier: Lay flattened boxes under mulch in your garden to naturally suppress weeds. It blocks sunlight, breaks down over time, and keeps your garden looking tidy.
DIY Seed Starter Pots: Cut, soak, and fold pieces of cardboard into little cups to start your seeds. It’s biodegradable and gives your seedlings a solid start before transplanting them into the garden.
Creative & Fun
Cardboard Castles & Kids’ Crafts: Turn cardboard into magic! Build forts, dollhouses, race cars, or castles. It’s a free pass to endless creativity (and a great way to keep little ones entertained). Here are some of the coolest crafts we found online to help inspire your next project!
2. Pet Playhouses: Cats, small dogs, and even rabbits love a good cardboard tunnel or hideaway. Stack and cut openings to create a multi-room “apartment” your furry friend will love.
3. DIY Costumes & Props: Feeling crafty? Turn those boxes into robot suits, knight armor, or spooky Halloween props. All you need is a box cutter, some tape, and imagination. Here are some fun ideas we found online!
4. Cardboard Snow Sled: That time of year is almost upon us! If you flatten your boxes and add wax/tape to the bottom, you can use it as a makeshift sled this winter.
Moving comes with a lot of boxes, but with a little creativity and a green mindset, those leftover cardboard boxes can become something useful or fun!