10 Ways to Reuse and Recycle Your Moving Boxes | Brixbid

Cardboard moving boxes make your life infinitely easier when you’re relocating. But, the life of such a box seems very short. What do you do with a moving box once you unpacked? 

The last thing you want to do is throw them out in the trash. Not only is it wasteful, it’s also bad for the environment.

Instead, recycle your old moving boxes to give them a new life. 

Use these 10 ideas to creatively dispose of your cardboard boxes after a move. Reuse, recycle and repurpose boxes to make your move less wasteful and environmentally friendly.  

1. Local Recycling Programs

If you’re certain that you can’t have any use for your cardboard moving boxes once you unpacked, make sure you put them in the recycling bin.

Take the boxes apart to make the disposal easier for both you and the sanitation worker. 

Afterward, simply dispose of the cardboard in the right recycling bin. 

Can You Recycle Cardboard Moving Boxes?

Absolutely. 

It’s a great way to help the environment. Making new cardboard boxes out of recycled materials takes 25% less energy. It’s good for the air because the production creates less sulfur dioxide. Plus, it can even make you feel less guilty about using too many boxes.

Just make sure that the boxes are dry and free of non-recyclable tape.

Can You Recycle Moving Tape?

An important thing to consider when you’re throwing your cardboard boxes in the recycling bin is whether they have tape stuck to them. Certain packing tapes are recyclable, while others aren’t.

Paper tape with a water-based adhesive is recyclable. On the other hand, plastic tape doesn’t belong in your recycling bin.

Please read the packaging of your tape to find out how it’s best to dispose of it.

2. Sell Your Used Moving Boxes

Moving is expensive, there’s no doubt about it. So, this tip can be quite useful if you’re thinking of ways to recoup some of your costs.

There’s no reason why you can’t make a bit of money back on your used cardboard boxes. The buyer gets usable boxes for a little cheaper, and you get a little bit of pocket money.

3. Post on a Message Board

If you don’t want the hassle of selling your old cardboard boxes, but you also don’t want to keep them or throw them away, try posting about them online. 

Post in a forum or a message board, letting the group know about the boxes you have. Ask people if they want to pick them up. You may be surprised by how fast they go.

4. Ask Your Neighbors

If online message boards aren’t your thing, ask your neighbors if they want any boxes. It may be a good icebreaker to start to get to know each other.

5. Contact a Charity or Community Organization

Charities are always looking for cardboard boxes. Whether you need to transport supplies to people in need or to store donations, cardboard boxes can be incredibly helpful to these organizations.

6. Use Your Boxes for Storage

Technically, the life of a moving box doesn’t need to end after the move. You can keep them to store things in the garage or spare bedroom. Just make sure to keep them away from any water.

7. Save Boxes for DIY Projects

Cardboard boxes are incredibly versatile. There are endless ways to use them. As soon as you decide on a DIY or arts and crafts project, you’ll see just how useful they are.

Here are five popular ways to recycle cardboard moving boxes at home:

• Protect your floors when you paint: If your new home is due for a repaint, the cardboard boxes you used for moving can protect your floors from accidental drops of color.
• Create drawer dividers: You can turn sturdy cardboard into drawer dividers to keep your socks and shirts tidy.
• Make chic storage boxes: Wrap your cardboard boxes in some fabric to create trendy and cheap DIY storage spaces.
• Give your cat a playhouse: If you have a cat, chances are they’ll adore your used cardboard boxes. So, making your new place a home for your furry friend may be easier and cheaper than you think.
• Build a fort: Speaking of fun ways to reuse and recycle your boxes, cardboard can give forts a great foundation. Adults and children alike can enjoy a well-built blanket fort.

8. Compost It

There’s more than one way to recycle moving boxes. You don’t necessarily need to put them in the recycling bin.

If you have a way to compost, cardboard makes a great addition to your uneaten food. It’s one of the lesser-known compostable materials that you use every day.

Just make sure the cardboard is uncoated (not shiny) and isn’t heavily dyed. Regular, undyed cardboard is best for composting. 

9. Ship Online Orders

If you have an online store or you want to make some returns from your shopping, moving boxes make great shipping boxes. 

10. Save Old Boxes for Your Next Move

Of course, you can always keep your boxes for your next move. If you rent your apartment and you know you’ll want to move within the next year or two, reusing your old boxes is a great way to save money.

Before you move again, Brixbid can help you find the perfect apartment for you. 

Use our platform to browse listings, submit an offer, negotiate your rent, and sign the lease easily. Our goal is to give you a fair price and a streamlined renting experience.

Brixbid is the best place to rent your next home.