The removalists have helped you into your new home, and you've unpacked your boxes, but now, you have to figure out what to do with that giant pile of old cardboard moving boxes. With a bit of creativity, you can get rid of your boxes while improving your life or the lives of others around you.
Here are five uplifting, useful and awesome things to do with old cardboard boxes:
1. Solve the fitted sheet problem
Tired of not being able to fold fitted sheets perfectly? Does your linen closet look like a war zone? Then, you have two options. You can watch instructional videos until you became a folding pro, or you can pop a few cardboard boxes into your linen closet. Boxes keep fitted sheets tidy and organised, and if you don't have existing shelves in your closet, you can use stacks of boxes to organise anything you want.
2. Amuse the kids
Are the kids driving you crazy? Do you want to spend some quality time with the little ones after negotiating a stressful move? If so, turn those cardboard boxes into something fun. Break down the boxes, grab the tape and construct a super-sized ply fort. Then, grab a bit of paint, and turn a few moving boxes into kitchen sets, laundry machines and other household necessities.
3. Help a neighbour or stranger in need
Chances are that someone in your new neighbourhood may be moving away. If so, offer them use of your moving boxes for free. It saves them the hassle of having to look for boxes or the expense of having to buy new moving boxes. If you do not know of any neighbours who are moving, post the boxes to an online website that specialises in free items or keeping things out of the landfill. That way, you help a stranger in need.
4. Comfort your cat
If you have a cat, giving your feline friend a moving box should be one of the first things you do when you move into your new home. A box – especially one outfitted with a blanket that smells like your old house – is proven to calm cats in new or stressful situations.
5. Fertilise your garden naturally
Want to keep toxins out of the environment? Then, put your cardboard boxes (or at least one of them) in the garden to use as a compost bin. Simply, place the box somewhere outside or in the garage. Then, fill it with food scraps, vegetable peels and coffee grounds. Stir the mixture occasionally, and as it breaks down, you get a nutrient rich compost to spread on your garden. It will take the moving box about a year to break down. Then, it can become compost, and you can use another one of your moving boxes as your new compost bin.
For more ideas, contact a company like Man Made Movers.
Share19 March 2015
After my parents passed away I inherited a lot of bulky furniture items that have been in my family for many generations. My current inner city flat is nowhere near big enough for it so I rented out a storage unit. Sometimes I head out to the storage lot just to look through it and remember them. Luckily the furniture has stayed in great condition and one day when I finally get a big family home, I'll be able to have it all on display. I spent a lot of time researching the best way to store vintage furniture long term, and it's all on my site. Enjoy!