What to Do With Boxes After Moving

Picture this: You just spent all day moving, and it is finally over. You are unpacked,and you believe you are mostly settled. You finally get to take a deep breath, but then you look over and see moving boxes all over the place. They can be a reminder that all the work isn’t done just yet! Heroes Moving and Storage has years of experience in moving and offers tips to our readers and customers.

Through our different services, we have learned many things about the supplies we use, including what to do with boxes after moving. There are many different ways to use or discard moving boxes. These ways can be divided into 4 categories: keep, sell, give away, or recycle. It’s up to you, but here are some of your options. 

KEEP 

Option #1 

A logical option would be to break down the boxes and store them until your next move. But unless you plan on moving again within the next year or two, those boxes will be sitting there and taking up space for a long time.

If you plan on moving again soon, then make sure to keep the cleanest and strongest boxes. Flatten them out and keep them in a place away from moisture and direct sunlight. You can also place them in plastic bags to help protect them from dust and possible bugs.

Option #2

Another option would be to keep them for storage. As you unpack, you may realize that some things still need to go into storage. In this case, it is very easy to keep your storage unit clean and organized if you use sturdy moving boxes to store your belongings. Fill them up and make sure to label them properly so that you can keep track of where everything is. 

Option #3

Moving boxes can also be kept and used for DIY projects such as:

• Frame mountings: Cardboard boxes can be used as backings for frames to keep paintings, posters, photos, and other art in good shape inside the frames.
• Gift-wrapping: Boxes can be used when you are gift-wrapping for birthdays, holidays, and other occasions. 
• Floor protection: Cardboard can be flattened and laid down on the floor to protect it during painting jobs, changing the oil in your car, or any other job where something could drop and stain or ruin the floors. 

SELL

Option #1

Some moving companies have the option of buying back moving boxes after the move. It is a useful way to have the supplies you need without taking up any extra space after the move. 

When you hire packing services, it can be helpful to opt for reused boxes.

Option #2

If not your moving company, then there are other companies to sell boxes to. Here are some of those companies:

• BoxCycle
• U-Haul Box Exchange
• Sell your boxes on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor 

GIVE AWAY

Option #1

After unpacking, you might be eager to get rid of the boxes. Ask around! Talk to your neighbors and friends to see if they need any boxes or have any use for them. If they are still in good condition, then you can offer to sell them or just give them away to those who may need them. 

Even posting on social media about giving away the boxes can help you get rid of them more quickly.

Option #2

Another option is to give the boxes away to a charity. This is a way to make sure that the boxes will get reused for something useful and possibly meaningful. Most charities use the boxes to move items back and forth and to keep things organized.

Contact Heroes Moving and Storage

If you are ready to get started on your next move, contact us today! Our professional movers are ready and here to help with any moving needs you may have.