What a relief; you’re all moved into your new place after a long, exhausting day. The only problem is that you bump into a darn cardboard box everytime you turn around. Once your stuff is unpacked, what do you do with all those boxes? You want to use your boxes for some fun projects and save some money in the process; possibly provide some entertainment for your children to get them away from the screens.
As a residential moving company, we’ve learned of some amazing ways people use their boxes after moving. It amazes us to see how well some people think outside the box. Here are ten creative ways to repurpose your cardboard boxes.
1. Plant Boxes
You have all the necessary supplies if you need to create a home for your precious plant babies. Cardboard boxes make great rustic plant boxes. Cardboard is even helpful in aiding your plants’ growth through composting. Just make sure to avoid wax-coated cardboard. Shredded or ripped cardboard is ideal.
2. DIY Cardboard Playhouse
If you have young children, they’ll love a DIY cardboard playhouse, princess castle, spaceship, or pirate ship. You can let them help you with the cutting and assembling and then allow them to give it their personal decorative touch with markers, chalk, or paint.
3. Homemade Cards
If you’re not into impersonal and commercialized, thank you and birthday cards, cardboard is the perfect material to create something personal and unique. Cut them into your desired shape, burn the edges for an old-fashioned scroll look, and channel your best artistic skills to draw your favorite design. Then, put your best calligraphy talents to the test and write a personalized note. What an easy way to make an impressive and creative card. The thickness gives it an elegant weight, and the uniqueness shows you put thought into it.
4. Feline Scratching Pad
If you’re a cat mom or dad, what about a cat scratching post? This can be a brilliant way to avoid cat scratches on all your furniture. Plus, you’ll get brownie points with your cat. This can be the perfect and cost-free way to channel your cat’s scratching to somewhere other than your kitchen chairs and arms.
5. Present Boxes
Sometimes, it’s quite a struggle to wrap large presents such as a giant stuffed bear, a guitar, a bean bag, or a tricycle. With some excellent wrapping paper, tape, and a lovely bow, moving boxes are the perfect solution to your sizable present dilemma. You could keep a few boxes with your wrapping supplies to use as needed.
6. Storage Boxes
Of course, you can use boxes for storage; that’s their primary purpose. But nobody wants to store everyday visible items in boring brown cardboard boxes. You can give them a makeover with burlap and glue, and nobody will ever know that there is cardboard underneath. If you want them to have open tops, rip the top flaps off and set them aside to use the next time you need a personalized thank you card.
7. Cardboard Dollhouse
This could be a fun project for the sweet little girls in your life. It will be fun to assemble, fun to look at, and fun to play with. You could even make a miniature cardboard cityscape for your children to play with and put their little dolls and figurines in. Assembly may require some adult supervision, but when it’s done, it can provide hours of uninterrupted imaginary play time.
8. Drawer Dividers
Cardboard makes great drawer dividers to organize your junk drawer or separate small items—boxes used for separating and protecting dishware work best. Your DIY cardboard separators will also be great for organizing small office items on your desk.
9. Homemade Decorative Letters
A Home Goods look for less. Cut out some large letters, paint them, and add your desired finish, such as glitter, gloss, or sandpaper, and your living room, child’s room, or primary bedroom will have the perfect personal flair without the price tag.
10. Shoe Rack
If you love innovation, try building a homemade cardboard shoe rack. Cut and fold pieces of cardboard into triangular shapes and add some colorful tape. Stack the triangles to make a beautiful shoe rack tower. It’s durable, flexible and portable. Your guests will compliment it every time they come over.
Moving requires many boxes, but there are fun and sustainable ways to repurpose them and put them to good use in your home. If you love DIY projects and are not ready to part ways with all that cardboard, you’ll have fun putting your crafty talents to use and transforming your cardboard into some valuable household items.
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Infographic
You’re all moved into your new place after a long day, but now you have all these cardboard boxes. Check out this infographic for ten creative ways to repurpose them.
