Reboxed: What to Do With Cardboard Boxes?

Cardboard boxes are ubiquitous in our daily lives, serving as vessels for everything from online deliveries to household items. But what happens to them once their contents are unpacked? Instead of discarding them, consider the myriad ways you can repurpose cardboard packaging around the house. From organising clutter to sparking creativity in DIY projects, cardboard boxes hold untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.

Organisational Solutions

Cardboard boxes are excellent organisers for decluttering and tidying up spaces around the house. Utilise them to store seasonal clothing, shoes or accessories in closets, or repurpose smaller boxes as drawer dividers to keep socks and undergarments neatly arranged. Label each box for easy identification and stack them to maximise vertical storage. You can even go one step further and use wrapping paper to cover your boxes, choosing a style that matches your home decor.

If you’re moving house, boxes are a great way to transport your household items. Just ensure they are clearly labelled and any delicate items are wrapped in protective packaging such as bubble wrap.

Creative DIY Projects

Unleash your creativity with cardboard boxes by transforming them into one-of-a-kind DIY projects. Turn larger boxes into playhouses or forts for children, complete with windows and doors for imaginative play. You could also use your boxes to create a miniature village to house dolls. Create shop fronts or winding roads for toy cars and use acrylic paint to decorate. A fun way to bond with your children, inspire creativity and ignite their imagination while also teaching them about the importance of sustainability and reusing materials.

For adults, repurpose boxes into stylish storage ottomans by upholstering them with fabric or repurposing smaller boxes as decorative wall shelves. You’ll need to reinforce these with corrugated cardboard or even thin pieces of plywood. The possibilities are endless - let your imagination run wild!

Eco-Friendly Gardening Solutions

Give cardboard boxes new life in your garden by using them as eco-friendly planting containers. Cut larger boxes into sections and fold them to create raised garden beds or compost bins. Alternatively, use smaller boxes or egg trays as seed starters or pot liners for indoor plants. You can also poke holes in the bottom with a pencil for better drainage. Biodegradable cardboard boxes can be composted along with organic waste, making it a sustainable choice for gardening enthusiasts.

Cardboard also acts as a great lining tool for pet litter boxes and cages, and will cut your cleaning time in half.

How to Recycle Cardboard Boxes Effectively

Cardboard boxes are versatile assets that can be repurposed in countless ways around the house. From organising clutter to sparking creativity in DIY projects, these humble containers offer endless possibilities for reuse and upcycling. However, when it's time to bid farewell to a cardboard box, it's important to ensure it's properly recycled or decomposed. To do so, flatten the box and remove any tape or labels. Then, if recycling, place it in the appropriate recycling bin. If composting, tear the box into smaller pieces and soak them in water to accelerate decomposition. Beyond the Box offer some other ways you can recycle your cardboard boxes as well as some cardboard myths.

Check out this video for a more thorough step by step guide to breaking down cardboard boxes and using them for compost:

By responsibly managing cardboard waste, we can reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.