10 Ways To Reuse Cardboard Boxes

Think twice before just recycling or throwing away your old cardboard packaging! In a world where sustainability is everything, recycled boxes have the potential to become your next DIY masterpiece! From large cardboard boxes to the smallest recyclable boxes, we're here to highlight the ways that you can reuse these materials to turn them into something new.

In this blog, we'll explore 10 ways to give your recycled cardboard boxes a new lease on life, helping you reduce waste whilst also saving money in the process. From storage containers to DIY ideas, we have it all waiting for you!

Person holding brown box

 

Meet Stoxi - Our Brown Box Campaign Mascot:

Have you met Stoxi, your savings guide and eco-friendly hero! Stoxi isn't just a mascot, but he's a symbol of our commitment to reuse and recycling. With his charming personality, Stoxi is your trusty companion on a journey through our Brown Box Deals!

He's on a mission to reveal the hidden treasures inside those boxes, proving that exceptional quality and unbeatable value can be wrapped in eco-friendly packages.

Meet Stoxi

Stoxi is here to spread the word on how cardboard boxes benefit the environment. Click here if you'd like to know more about the environmental impact of cardboard boxes and how we can save the planet!

  

Can I use a cardboard box as a planter?

Don't increase the amount of cardboard waste by throwing it away after one use. You might be wondering how you make planters out of cardboard boxes and if this is even possible. The solution is simple, for this cardboard planter DIY line your cardboard box with a plastic bag and poke some holes into the bottom. This tip is great because no matter the size of your cardboard box, you will find a plant to fit in it.

You can add some string to the sides of the box to create a hanging planter or add some fabric/paint along the box to give your planter a bit of character and decoration.

  

Are cardboard boxes safe for storage?

Similar to the DIY cardboard planter, simply line your cardboard box with fabric to turn it into a large cardboard storage container. Again, by choosing any type of fabric to line your box with, you can make a storage container completely personalised to you. And since this creation will be living inside your home, its heavy-duty hold will ensure long-lasting use so you won't have to worry about continually swapping out your storage containers. Another great tip is glueing a couple of the cardboard boxes together to make extra large storage trays that can fold down to create more space.

Related blog: Ten Home Organisation Tips Blog.

  

 

What can I use if I don't have furniture sliders?

Furniture sliders are usually hard pieces of plastic or rubber lined with a cushioned material that is placed under furniture to prevent it from sliding or denting the carpet. However, if you are looking to find some cheap furniture sliders, making your own is always the best bet! But what can I use instead of furniture sliders?

For this cardboard furniture slider diy, cut your cardboard boxes into pieces that can be placed under your furniture. Because cardboard is already quite cushioned, you don’t need to line it with foam. You now have your furniture sliders for carpet or hard floors.

 

Christmas boxes

With Christmas around the corner, we understand that saving money is everyone’s current priority at the moment. So instead of wasting your money buying wrapping paper, gift bags or even more cardboard boxes... store your old brown boxes from Stock Must Go to use as Christmas gift boxes in the future.

Again, you can personalise your box by adding your own choice of ribbon, paint, or fabric to make your gift completely stand out from the crowd. Our boxes come in all different shapes and sizes, so don’t worry about your gift not fitting.

Cardboard Christmas gift box

 

How to make inexpensive garland?

Another fun décor idea or activity to do with your kids on a wet weekend is creating your cardboard garlands. With Halloween and Christmas approaching, now is the best time to start redecorating your house for the cosy period. Even if you only have enough corrugated cardboard to decorate a single wall, it's a great way to put some new life into your living space!

To make these easy cardboard garlands, using your brown box trace a pattern along the box and cut the design out. You can get a pattern online or freehand it yourself if you’re feeling creative, add your decorations to the garland, maybe some fabric or new material, then attach some string to the top of the words to hang up in your home, they make the perfect party decorations.

  

Can you make a house out of cardboard?

If you have a larger cardboard box and bored kids, why not create the ultimate play den by turning your brown box into a collapsible cardboard playhouse? Get your kids to decorate the box however they like, a castle, a house, or a school...

What’s better is after they have finished, the playhouse can easily be folded down to nothing and put back onto your shelf to be used another time.

 

How do you make a cardboard wall design?

Similar to the cardboard garland, for this tip all you need is some scissors and some fabric. Cut out your desired wall art, there is always plenty of inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube so you will never run out of ideas. Then simply stick the decoration to the wall, your art will be unique to you and your home! These are also great gift ideas to give at times like Mother's Day, Father's Day and birthdays. 

How to make a tablet stand out of cardboard?

Sick of losing your phone or tablet whenever you put it down? With this inexpensive trick, never lose your device again.

Choose your selected piece of cardboard and fold in the middle so the two sides are sat at a 90-degree angle, cut two slits into the top of the cardboard big enough for your device to slot into, and the back of your phone/tablet will then lean against the corner of the cardboard. It’s simple!

There are many tutorials on YouTube if you’re stuck on what to do..

 

How do you make a simple cardboard picture frame?

A great option for customising your décor. Simply cut the cardboard to fit around the image, attach some string to hang from your walls or attach some additional cardboard on the back to create a stand. Make sure to decorate the photo frame how you’d like. This DIY could be a great Christmas gift idea too.

Photo frame

 

10- Cupboard organiser/divider:

Finally, a draw organiser would be perfect to create using your leftover cardboard boxes. Simply cut the cardboard into smaller sections to create space dividers for your home. As cardboard is easy to bend and holds well into shape, you can organise your home with no restrictions on how you want to.

And it’s simple to take out the cardboard if you want to change your organisation around, a great way to customise.

 

Positives of reusing cardboard:

Negatives of reusing cardboard:
  • Reduces landfills
  • Reduces greenhouse gases
  • Saves energy
  • Wide range of uses
  • Reusing old materials
  • Sustainable
  • Will eventually deteriorate
  • Will become damaged eventually
 

Have you checked out our Brown Box Deals yet? We have high-quality products at low prices. Head to our blog now to Discover The Magic Of Our Brown Box Deals!

Conclusion:

Giving those unused cardboard boxes and recycled materials a second purpose is not only eco-friendly but also opens up a world of creative possibilities. From charming eco-friendly Christmas decorations to small packaging boxes for your thoughtful gift box packaging, these 10 creative ideas give new life to those eco-friendly boxes while reducing waste and embracing sustainability.

So, let's make the most out of our packaging boxes and embark on a greener, more imaginative journey!

 

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1 comment

Richard In Willesden

Richard In Willesden

When purchasing something that is packed in a cardboard box, don’t dispose of the box until you’re certain that the product isn’t defective or in need of return.
Instead, remove any sticky tape, staples and labels before flattening the box and storing it under a bed or somewhere else where it won’t get in the way, get wet or become a fire risk.
This avoids the need to obtain another box if the item does need to be returned. Keeping a roll of box tape handy to help remake the box if required is also helpful.

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