What to Do with Cardboard Boxes after Moving House?

Cardboard boxes are a godsend when moving house, it’s true. And depending on how much stuff you need to transport from A to B, you may require a lot of them. As useful as they are during a move, afterwards you may find your new home awash with a sea of boxes that need something doing with them. But what?

In this article, we’ll take you through things you can do with cardboard boxes post-move to keep your new home clutter-free.

What do do with cardboard boxes after moving house?

Your move has gone smoothly. So, how do you tackle the cardboard box mountain?

Give them away: Arrange a new home for your cardboard boxes as soon as you can, whether that’s a friend who’s in need of them or a local charity shop who may be grateful for boxes to store/transport donations. You can also advertise on social media – you may be surprised at how many friends have something going on where a cardboard box would be just the ticket.

Sell them: If you fancy reclaiming some of the initial cost, you could try selling the boxes. Again, this can be done over social media, and you may find you have takers, especially if you have a bulk number to sell.

Choose a removals company who will take them off your hands: If you can’t imagine any further need for cardboard boxes, simply choose a removals company who will both provide the relevant packing materials, and relieve you of them once the move has been completed. Simon Long Removals will provide all boxes and packing tape for every move, and are happy to take the boxes away at the end, too.

Use for storage: It can take a while to get organised after a move, so you may discover that your cardboard boxes are useful long after you’ve settled in. In fact, they can be the perfect containers for loft, garage and underbed storage, easily tidying away those odds and ends that accumulate.

Recycle: Cardboard is a highly recyclable material, and so your local recycling centre will readily take them off your hands (presuming you have too many to pop into your home recycling bin). All they need is breaking down and they’re good to go.

Get creative: Whether you’re into arts and crafts, or just have a couple of kids to entertain, cardboard boxes can open a world of creativity. A quick browse through pinterest can shed new light on the imaginative potential of cardboard boxes. Some parents have gone the extra mile and transformed boxes into everything from pretend cars, planes, playhouses, castles, or even crazy golf courses. There really are no limits, and you can come up with your own ideas, too.

Turn them into compost: Are you a keen gardener? Corrugated cardboard can actually be used for compost and will break down readily. The trick is to cut it into smaller pieces first to ensure more rapid decomposition. Another recommended step is to pop a little liquid detergent on the cardboard to speed up the process. Be aware of different sorts of cardboard, for example wax-coated cardboard, as this may not degrade as readily.

Save them for a rainy day: If you suspect the boxes may come in handy for the future, then saving them for a rainy day, so to speak, isn’t a bad idea. Carefully break them down so they don’t take up too much space. You should then store these flattened boxes somewhere cool and dry so they remain in the best possible condition.

Planning your big move in Norfolk or Norwich? Here at Simon Long Removals, we provide friendly and efficient residential moves both locally and nationally. Our BAR-approved movers take the stress out of moving house, offering an all-encompassing service that includes packing, moving and storage. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.