Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Zoocasa, a full-service brokerage. They offer advanced online search tools to empower Canadians with the data and expertise they need to make more successful real estate decisions.
Once you’ve moved into your new home, you’ll likely find yourself with many empty cardboard boxes. While recycling or having your boxes collected by our Top Box department are always options, there are many ways you can re-purpose boxes to gain further use.
Packaging Purposes
Do you typically send out a lot mail during the year? Be sure to set some boxes aside for your shipping needs. This will prevent any last-minute hassle of searching or buying a box. Furthermore, if you mail photos or fragile items, consider cutting up some cardboard pieces to provide additional protection.
You can also use your boxes for holiday and birthday gifts. We’ve all encountered a situation where our gift was incredibly challenging to wrap. Perhaps the present had a unique shape or a jagged edge. Placing the item in a box first can make this task much easier.
Floor and Surface Protection
Since cardboard boxes tend to be quite thick, they can act as a great protective barrier. Whether you are outside tending your garden or on your driveway changing your oil, or preparing to move, laying down some cardboard first can be helpful. This will help you and your floors stay clean as these projects are executed.
Cardboard boxes can also come in handy for indoor projects. Cardboard is the perfect material for floor, table, and surface protection. You’ll no longer need to worry about damage while you’re painting your wall or completing a craft on your dining room table. The leftover cardboard will certainly keep your spaces protected and clean.
Entertainment and Crafts for Children
Though you might have trouble finding uses for your boxes, your kids definitely won’t! Huge boxes can make great doll houses or forts for children. Kids will also have fun turning the cardboard into artwork or crafts if they have the additional supplies.
Is Halloween coming up? There are countless costumes which can be made from boxes. A robot, domino, or Lego are just a few costumes which can be transformed out of cardboard.
Shelter and Amusement for Pets
Do you have a cat or dog? Any cat owner knows felines love cardboard boxes. While you can simply leave the box out for your cat to enjoy, you can also take things to the next level by transforming the box into a playhouse. To execute, simply stack a couple of boxes and make it interesting by cutting out small doors and windows. If you have a small dog, you can transform the boxes into an indoor doghouse. A quick search on Google or Pinterest will give you tons of inspiration!
Storage Enhancement
This article wouldn’t be complete without suggesting you use old boxes for storage. However, there are many creative ways you can accomplish this. First, try wrapping some material around the box for a more decorative look. Additionally, don’t limit these boxes to the inside of your home. Consider using some boxes as storage for your vehicle or garage. You’ll find yourself with a more organized space in no time.
Do you think you’ll move in the future? Having the extra storage containers will certainly help as you put your New York or Vancouver MLS property on the market. Simply fold them and keep them in your attic until then.
Whether you’ve just moved into one of the many houses for sale in Toronto, California, or Vancouver, you’ll certainly have some extra boxes on your hands. Instead of discarding them, consider these ideas as a creative and functional alternative.