7 Ways To Repurpose Your Second Hand Moving Boxes

7 Ways To Repurpose Your Second Hand Moving Boxes

Jun 29, 2023 Once you are done unpacking your belongings, you will be left with a pile of second hand moving boxes. Before throwing them away in the trash, there are many more sustainable and eco-friendly ways to recycle and repurpose your moving boxes. You can use them to create DIY art projects for your home, upcycle them to create pet beds and cat scratching pads, use them for compost or even create dividers and wall shelves. The best part is that instead of throwing these boxes in landfills where they will decompose and release toxic methane gas, you will be reusing them and thus protecting the environment. Here are seven ways you can repurpose your second hand moving boxes:  7 Ways To Repurpose Your Second Hand Moving Boxes 

1. Recycle Your Boxes In The Correct Way

If you need to get rid of the cardboard boxes quickly and don’t have time for any DIY projects, you can recycle your cardboard boxes. Before recycling these boxes, you must remove any labels and stickers and ensure that there is no non-recyclable tape on them. You can then place them in the right recycling bin for a curbside pickup or go to the recycling centre to dispose of them properly. This is a good way to protect the environment as recycled boxes use 25% less energy than new moving boxes and do not release any sulphur dioxide during production. Tip: Here are some more tips on how to recycle packing materials.

2. Donate Or Sell Second Hand Cardboard Boxes

Another way to repurpose your cardboard boxes and extend their lives is by donating them to Brisbane’s local charities and food banks. You can also ask your removalists in Brisbane to pick up your used moving boxes after unpacking them. If you cannot find any charity that needs boxes, you can always sell these boxes online through a third party to earn some extra cash in the process. Tip: You can also make your house move eco-friendly using these tips.

3. Create Dividers For Your Bedroom And Kitchen Drawers

One of the most creative ways to reuse your second hand moving boxes is to cut them into pieces and use them as dividers for your drawers. You can cut them according to the items you are organising, like socks or utensils, and keep all your small items neatly stacked. You can use a utility knife or a ruler to cut the base of your cardboard box or foam board into different shapes and sizes. You need to be accurate with your cuts and make sure the dividers fit perfectly in the drawers. Secure them in place using glue or double-sided table. Make sure they won’t move around when you open the drawers. The best part is that you can give a personal touch by decorating the bedroom and kitchen drawers using wrapping paper, contact paper or fabric. This can make your house look more beautiful and keep the dividers durable.

4. Prevent Weeds In Your Garden And Create Mulch For Your Soil

Your second hand moving boxes are one of the best composting materials that help enrich your soil and prevent weeds. You can flatten your cardboard boxes and place them over your soil to stop weeds from growing and kill any earthworms. Ensure you wet the boxes to keep them in place and lay them on top of each other to create compact layers.

5. Use Your DIY Skills To Make Decorative Boxes And Gift Tags

Another way you can repurpose your secondhand boxes after your removalists in Brisbane have unloaded and unpacked all your belongings is to use them for decorative purposes. You can use your DIY skills to cut these boxes into small decorative gift boxes and tags and cover them with coloured paper and stickers.

6. Store Your Cleaning Products And Tools

If you are not planning on moving again for a while but want to keep the moving boxes, expert removalists Brisbane recommend you use them to store your cleaning products and tools. You must also clean and dust these secondhand boxes before storing any products so that your items are safe. Lastly, keep these moving boxes away from water so they do not get damaged and break apart.

7. Give Your Pet Dog Or Cat A New Home

Lastly, you can repurpose your moving boxes by reshaping and cutting them into beds for your pet cats and dogs. You can remove one side of the box and trim the other edges to create a snuggly pet bed. If your cat is playful, you can create a scratching pad or pet toys from these cardboard boxes and let them play with them. Make sure you choose a sturdy box and clean it thoroughly. Remove labels and packing tape, and staples from the box. You can add comfort by lining the bottom with soft blankets and making it cozy for your furry friend. Tip: Always prioritise the safety of your pet when implementing new ideas to boost their living space.

Some Additional Tips 

  • Use your moving boxes to build blanket forts
  • Cover your floors with second hand boxes when painting your walls
  • Give them to friends and family in case they are planning to move
  • Ask your new neighbours if they need second hand boxes
  • Let your kids build cars, planes and creative structures using these boxes.
Tip: Here are some more ideas on what to do with empty moving boxes.

Conclusion

Thus, it is a good idea to repurpose your moving boxes by recycling, donating, selling or using them for DIY projects so that they do not go to waste and end up in landfills. You can also store your extra belongings and cleaning tools in them till your next move and thus keep them safe and ready to use for the next time you are relocating homes in Brisbane.