Many people think it’s an inconvenience to spend too much time and energy going through cardboard boxes looking for the right items to seal them in, so they discard everything without a thought. As with most unneeded garbage, however, it doesn’t take long before you’re swamped with piles of junk that you don’t know how to dispose of. To avoid this unneeded burden on the environment, here are some ideas on where to store your cardboard.
Get your cardboard boxes customized in accordance with the products
Shoe boxes are perfect for storing papers, photographs, and ribbons.
Boxes made from cereal or breakfast cereals come with a handy lid that can be used as a storage box for anything from discarded clothes to books and even your old videogames!
Paper cartons are good for storing records, photos, or magazines. These long boxes come with handy handles to ease the work of transporting them anywhere you desire.
Hidden compartments can be tailor-made in under-bed boxes to hide money, jewelry, and other valuables.
Cardboard crates can be used to store shoes, clothes, and even books. They’re also great for transporting things from one place to another.
Disposable dishes and cups are tailor-made in cardboard cases that are useful for storing fragile things like china or vases.
These long, thin boxes can be used to store magazines or newspapers.
Plastic bottles come with a thin cardboard sheet that you can use as a cover if you’re not using it for its fluid contents.
If you enjoy making trips to the Container Store for packing supplies, you’re about to find your experience vastly improved.
Down with the post-it notes, packing tape, and clumsy plastic storage bins! Instead, follow these 13 genius tips from The Kitchn to get all of your cardboard packed in style.
1. Know Your Cardboard Boxes
There are many types of cardboard boxes available at stores like Target and Walmart, and they come in a variety of sizes. Take time to familiarize yourself with which boxes are best suited for what items you need to pack. Make sure that you don’t buy too many small boxes when one big box would do the job just fine!
2. The Art of Wrapping Gifts
Instead of wrapping gifts before packing them in boxes, try wrapping them directly on top of boxes used for shipping. This will not only save you some packing materials but also eliminate waste by reusing boxes instead of buying new ones.
3. Tuck Your Receipts
Not only will your receipts stay neat and organized, but they can be tucked inside the box for a clean presentation all around!
4. Choosing an Appropriate Size
A good way to make sure you choose the right size box for your items is to sketch what will be inside. For example, if you need to pack a lot of books and magazines, try using a box that is twice as tall as your materials are thick. If you have bulky items such as stuffed animals, use boxes that are bigger than they are so they will have plenty of room to wiggle around!
5. Make Boxes Last Longer
If you want your boxes to last longer, try adding a layer of paper or bubble wrap between the bottom of the box and the contents. This will prevent the cardboard from being squashed or ripped and will also protect any items you may have packed in your box.
6. Storage Containers
A stacked set of boxes can make the perfect storage containers. Use a smaller box to store all of your smaller accessories, and then place it inside a bigger box for extra protection. The top box can be used to store even more items as well! What do you think? Is this brilliant or what?
7. The Tape Trick
If you want something heavy to stay in place, use duct tape to secure it inside the box. This nifty trick will keep your box lids from getting smashed as well!
8. The Gift of Traveling Lightly
Try using a smaller box to store items that you can’t fit into your luggage. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting about them or leaving them behind when you leave for your trip. When it’s time to head home, just grab the box and toss it in your suitcase!
9. Get Fancy with Your Packing Tape
Don’t be afraid to be creative with your packing tape. Have fun by creating patterns and making your boxes look as pretty as they are useful!
10. The Last Box Trick
When you’re done packing, don’t throw out those empty cardboard boxes! Instead, use them to transport items when moving into a new place. Another great use is to pack boxes full of sand and use them as an alternative to a heavy bag or rolling thing when you carry things around.
11. More to Packing Than Just Cardboard
If you’re packing light, try using tape as a substitute for plastic wrap and foil by sticking it inside the box instead of wrapping it. It’s cheap, easy, and super easy to wash once you get home!
12. The Ultimate Cardboard Boxes
Make up your very own cardboard boxes by placing sturdy cardboard paper (such as newsprint) on top of each other. The paper will help keep your items in place and also prevent bending or tearing during travel!
13. Avoid Packaging Paper
Instead of using paper for packing, use a cardboard box that has protective foam strips on the side. It will keep everything from getting crushed as it’s packed and also from shifting during travel.
