Once the hustle and bustle of moving has slowed and you’ve unpacked all your belongings, there’s a good chance you’ll be left with a bunch of empty moving boxes… and you’re probably more than ready to get rid of them.
Sure, you can always throw away your moving boxes after the big day. However, there are more environmentally friendly and useful ways to solve this cardboard conundrum. Which is why the moving experts at Wheaton have put together some tips on how to dispose of your moving boxes.
What to Do with Moving Boxes After You Move
Wondering what to do with your used moving boxes? We’ve compiled several environmentally responsible and helpful ways to recycle, reuse and dispose of your moving boxes. Here’s how to get rid of moving boxes:
1. Donate or Give Your Moving Boxes Away
Call around to local businesses or post on your neighborhood app (like Nextdoor) to see if anyone needs extra boxes. (Pro tip: there is almost always someone looking for moving boxes.) You can also give your boxes away on Craigslist or even Facebook Marketplace. Otherwise, there may be businesses in your area that are in need of moving boxes.
Where to take used moving boxes:
- Local libraries
- Schools
- Grocery stores
- Apartment complexes
- A local charity, such as a food bank or a shelter
Giving away or donating your moving boxes will take a little extra time compared to just throwing them out. However, if you find an organization or business in need, you can feel good about donating your boxes to a worthy cause!
2. Recycle the Boxes
If your cardboard moving boxes were damaged during the moving process, consider recycling them. Simply break them down and take them to a local recycling center. If you have room in your home’s recycling bin, you can also put them there, of course.
Some cities pick up recyclable materials upon request. Check with your local recycling centers to see if they provide similar services. Ask the center about any stipulations they have about acceptable boxes for recycling. For instance, they may require that boxes be flattened or shaped into a certain size. They may even require a certain number of boxes to qualify for pick-up services.
3. Use Moving Boxes at Home
You don’t have to get rid of moving boxes… instead, you can use them in your home! Sturdier boxes are perfect for items you want to keep in storage. Boxes may also come in handy for wrapping presents for birthdays and other gift giving holidays.
If you have small children, you may want to use the boxes for creative art projects down the road as well. You can make tunnels, playhouses or dollhouses from large boxes, for example. You could even use the boxes to make creative Halloween costumes.
4. Save the Boxes for a Future Move
If you plan on moving again within a year or two, simply keep your boxes stored away for your next relocation. Flatten out your boxes and store them in a dry, dark place. This way, you can save yourself the time, hassle and money of getting moving boxes in the near future.
5. Sell Your Boxes
Where to Sell Used Moving Boxes:
- BoxCycle or ContainerExchanger. These websites allow people to buy and sell used boxes for free. Most often, people can sell their boxes for $.50 to $1.50 per box.
- Craigslist. Give away or sell your boxes (for cheap) on Craigslist.
- Local companies that buy and sell moving boxes. Do a quick Google search of who buys used moving boxes to find any companies that do this near you. Once you’ve found a company that wants to buy your boxes, they’ll likely pick them up from your home and pay you a small amount for each box.
Hire a Moving Company that Removes Boxes for You
The best way to get rid of moving boxes right after a relocation is to hire a moving company that removes them for you. When you make your move with Wheaton, we offer services from the start to the finish of your move. Your Wheaton moving team will even remove cardboard boxes after unpacking your belongings. To move with Wheaton, get in touch with your local agent today!
