How to Reuse your Moving Boxes

by Brian Epps, REALTOR® 12/02/2019

Image by Shutterstock

Most times, after moving your property into your new home, you have stacks of empty cardboard boxes to put away. After taking out the contents, you might be wondering what to do with that pile of cardboard. Thankfully, cardboard moving boxes are easy to reuse and can serve other purposes.

Break Down All Your Boxes

The first thing to do with your moving boxes in preparation for recycling is to break them down; it makes it easier to recycle. Empty all contents in the boxes, cut tape along the connections rather than tearing it off, collapse the boxes, and ensure they are entirely flat. Cut out any part that might have damage from liquids or spills as it is almost impossible for recycling companies to recycle saturated cardboards. Store the deconstructed boxes in a dry place until you can bring them to a waste management facility or until you can arrange for pickup.

Check with the Waste Management Company 

Before bringing out all your boxes and stacking them right next to your bin, ensure the waste management truck will collect them during regular pickup times. Most cardboard boxes take up a lot of space even when collapsed, so services pick them up on different days or require you to deliver them. Put a call into your waste management company or instructions or ask for a drop off point you can take the boxes to yourself.

Put the Cardboard to Use Yourself

You can repurpose your boxes without sending them to the recycling plants. Consider the following:

  • For Compost: If you make compost, throw your cardboard boxes into the pile. They will break down into mulching for gardening. You can compost boxes damaged by food or water but avoid incorporating boxes soiled by chemicals. 

  • For Protecting Your Floors: If you intend to paint your new home, your cardboard will come in handy for protecting your floor from paint spills. Cut open your boxes to make them bigger and tape them together to protect a wood floor or carpet. 

Lastly, rather than recycle or repurpose your boxes, be a good neighbor, and consider gifting them to someone that is moving. Check with your real estate agent to see if another client could use your boxes.

About the Author
Author

Brian Epps, REALTOR®

Brian Epps brings an unmatched combination of experience, creativity, and dedication to Intero Real Estate Services, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies that embody the real estate industry. Brian’s focus is on the individual needs of each of his clients. His ability to listen to them and to craft solutions best suited towards achieving their goals is what sets him apart from others in the industry.