How to Get Rid of Cardboard Boxes After a Big Move: 5 Productive Things You Can Do

Moving is expensive. From the cost of driving cross-country, to buying boxes, to hiring movers, to the downpayment on your new home you can really feel the crunch.

And not only is moving expensive, but it creates a lot of waste in the form of cardboard boxes and packing paper.

Whether you’re someone who hates clutter and wants the boxes cleared out to clean the house or you’re trying to be environmentally friendly, you have options.

Here are some ways how to get rid of cardboard boxes after a move.

How to Keep Boxes in Good Condition While Moving

The way you pack your boxes while moving dictates whether you can use them again or not.

It’s always better not to overpack boxes, as that can damage their shape and even cause them to rip.

If you’re packing something heavy, try to create a platform for it at the bottom of the box, using a piece of wood or another rigid belonging of yours. That will keep the bottom of the box sturdy, easier to carry, and less likely to give out.

When you write what room they’re going to, put a piece of tape on the box, and write the room with sharpie over it. This way, the next owner can take off the tape and label it for their own use.

How to Get Rid of Cardboard Boxes

So you’ve arrived and unpacked (mostly) everything. The photos may not be on the walls yet, but you’re getting back into your daily routines.

Now the question is, what do you do with all these boxes?

As it turns out, you have three choices: keep, sell, or give away.

Keeping Boxes: Why and Where

If you suspect you’ll be moving again soon, have a child who’ll be moving soon, or just don’t want to risk it, keep your boxes.

For the most efficient storage, break down all your boxes, removing tape or folding it over on the edge of the box if it’s still in-tact.

Place your broken down boxes in one or two big boxes. Place these in your garage or storage area, and you’re set for your next move!

Sell Your Boxes

Some professional movers will buy back boxes you didn’t use, but only if they’re still new or in gently used condition.

If your boxes have seen better days, that doesn’t mean you can’t make some cash off of them. Be realistic about your price.

List your boxes on Facebook Marketplace or a selling app, for a bulk price. If someone messages you asking for a smaller amount, you can price their request as you see fit.

For reference, you should charge 50% of what you paid, less if the box is visibly damaged.

Give Your Boxes Away

If you have no luck selling the boxes and don’t really have a good reason to keep them on hand, why not pay it forward and give them away. 

Community websites like Nextdoor are ideal places to advertise that you have boxes available for the next person moving.

Your Next Move

If you’re still in the planning stages of your move, contact us for a free quote. We can help!