KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Assess Box Quality: Before reusing, donating, or recycling moving boxes, check for visible damage, moisture, and structural integrity. Boxes that are still sturdy can be reused or repurposed, while damaged boxes should be recycled or discarded.
Repurpose or Donate: If you don’t need the boxes for future moves, consider donating them to local organizations or selling them online. Repurposing ideas include using them for kids’ playtime, composting, or creating garden weed barriers.
Eco-Friendly Disposal: For boxes that cannot be reused, ensure they are recycled properly—avoiding those with grease stains or moisture damage. Composting is another sustainable option for breaking down cardboard.
So, now that your move is over, what should you do with all the wonderful boxes that you have collected? You don’t want to just throw them away, but you certainly don’t want to store them all in your house.
Before you store all the used boxes in your garage and call it a day, you’ll want to assess the material quality and determine if they can be reused. From there, you can get creative with how you repurpose them or simply donate them to a good cause. The choice is yours!
Not sure what you should do with your used boxes after your last move? In this article, we’ll explore our favorite eco-friendly moving tips for used boxes. Here’s everything you need to know:
ASSESS BOX QUALITY: KEEP VS. DONATE VS. RECYCLE
Before you can repurpose or reuse your moving boxes, you’ll want to fully assess the quality and structural integrity. If you decide to use boxes that are damaged in any way, the box could break or tear in transit, and damage your belongings. Instead, you’ll want to examine the boxes and decide to keep, donate, or recycle them based on quality.
BOX QUALITY CHECKLIST
When assessing the box quality, here’s a quick overview of what you should be looking for:
- Visible signs of damage (rips, tears, soft spots, sagging)
- Inspect for mold, dirt, grime, or oil stains
- Check for damage caused by tape
- Smell for any unwanted odor caused by moisture damage
If the boxes don’t show any visible signs of damage, they are probably safe to reuse. However, you may want to test them to ensure the cardboard is still sturdy and durable. A great way to check is to gently press against both sides of the box. If the box still feels stiff and sturdy, it’s likely okay to use.
WHEN TO REUSE MOVING BOXES
If you recently moved temporarily or plan to relocate in the upcoming year or so, you can consider reusing the boxes. If you decide to reuse them, store them in a dry area and on an elevated surface. Cardboard boxes can typically last between two and three years in a dry, moisture-free environment.
WHEN TO DONATE MOVING BOXES
If you aren’t moving within the year or don’t have a use case, consider donating them to a local church, homeowners, or community center near you. You can create a listing on an online marketplace. Usually, companies or individuals will reach out and pick the boxes from your location. You can also search online for local places that take donations near you.
WHEN TO RECYCLE MOVING BOXES
If the boxes are in okay condition and don’t show signs of moisture damage, you can consider recycling them. This is typically a better option for boxes with structural damage that can’t be reused. However, most recycling facilities won’t accept boxes that have grease stains or moisture damage.
SUSTAINABLE MOVING PRACTICES: CREATIVE WAYS TO REPURPOSE BOXES
If you have a ton of cardboard boxes leftover from your last move, here’s how you can get creative with them:
LET YOUR KIDS PLAY WITH THEM
They will have a blast building a cardboard fort, and they can unwind after all the time spent moving.
SELL THEM
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, there are several places where you can sell your lightly used boxes.
- Newspaper & Internet Listings: You can post your boxes for sale in the newspaper classifieds or on websites like craigslist.org or boxcycle.com.
- Many moving companies and box brokers will buy your lightly used boxes for a percentage of the purchase price. Some will even pick them up at your home.
GIVE THEM AWAY
Much like selling them (without the money), you can get rid of your used boxes by giving them away to others who need them. Here are just a few places you can look to unload your boxes.
- Friends and family
- Newspaper/Internet Listings
- Recycling Centers
- Give them to charity
GO GREEN
There are a couple of things you can do with your boxes that could make a difference for the planet, starting in your backyard.
- Composting: An easy way to get into recycling and living greener is by starting your compost pile. Compost is a mixture of decaying matter, which can be used as fertilizer. It is easy to begin composting; all you need is a bin to collect the compost in (trash cans work well for this), and you can start collecting the waste from your yard and kitchen garbage. Instead of throwing them in the trash, you can put newspaper, junk mail, food scraps, and of course, your boxes in your compost pile. Cardboard is a great material for composting. Just get the boxes wet, tear them up, and throw them in the bin. It takes a little while for it all to break down, but soon you will have great fertilizer for your home garden.
- Weed Barriers: Instead of purchasing expensive gardening materials to keep weeds out of your garden, you can easily cut up your boxes and cover them with mulch.
AVOID LIVING AROUND CLUTTER WITH SELF STORAGE
No matter how you plan to use your used boxes, the last thing you want is to live surrounded by cardboard. With our self-storage options, you can store as many boxes as you need and maintain a clutter-free home. Find a location near you today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CARDBOARD BOX DISPOSAL
Looking to repurpose moving boxes or properly dispose of them? Review our frequently asked questions below to find the best use case for your box collection.
Can I recycle all the moving boxes?
Yes, most cardboard moving boxes can be recycled as long as there are no grease stains or visible signs of moisture damage. The boxes need to be empty and flattened before delivering them to a recycling facility near you.
How can I repurpose moving boxes creatively?
If you can’t recycle moving boxes, consider donating them or reusing them. You can create a listing on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for free boxes for other individuals moving. You can also reuse boxes to store your belongings in a storage unit, garage, or closet.
Where can I donate my used moving boxes?
You can donate moving boxes to schools, shelters, or community centers. Some companies, such as UHaul, also have a moving box exchange program for homeowners looking for boxes.
Is it worth selling my used moving boxes?
If the boxes are in good condition, you can try to sell them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other community Facebook pages. Depending on where you live, there may also be companies that buy used boxes.
How should I store moving boxes for future use?
If you plan to reuse moving boxes, you’ll want to fully break them down and flatten the boxes. Also, keep the boxes in a cool, dry area that’s far away from water, dust, and pests.
