Moving boxes, especially high-quality, sturdy ones, can seem nearly impossible to throw away after you’re finished using them. After all, it would be a shame to throw out something that could be used again for another purpose; not to mention, throwing away cardboard is terrible for the environment.

If you’ve recently relocated and are wondering what to do with all the empty moving boxes you have lying around, you’re in the right place. At Merit Moving Systems, we’re experts in everything that has to do with the moving process—and that includes finding a use for old moving boxes that are taking up space in your new home. For inspiration, take a look at this list of five creative ways to upcycle your moving boxes from our team of expert movers at Merit Moving Systems.

1.  Use Boxes as Home Storage Containers

With a bit of bright paint or some attractive fabric that matches your home décor, you can turn cardboard boxes into clever storage solutions for home organization. Use one of your boxes as a sock drawer in the bedroom, another box for spare toilet rolls in the bathroom, and another to keep your knick-knacks and other random items.

2.  Children’s Art Projects and Toys

Children have big imaginations, and one way to prove that is by giving them a few cardboard boxes to play with. With a bit of help from a grown-up, boxes can easily be transformed into giant forts, kid-sized cars, creatively designed dollhouses, and so much more. For even more fun, bring out some art supplies and have a box painting party to decorate their brand-new toys.

Boxes also work well as art canvases for kids. Cut cardboard into large squares or other shapes, and let your child paint or draw on them however he or she likes.

3.  Indoor Dog or Cat House

Any dog or cat will enjoy the comfort of a cardboard box bed, especially after the stress of moving into a new home. To create a box bed for your favorite pet, simply cut the box lengthwise in half, with a half-circle in the front for them to easily step in and out. Add in their favorite blanket and a few toys, and even personalize the outside by writing your pet’s name on the front of the box. Place the box in a quiet area of your new home, and your pet will be sure to feel safe, warm, and protected in its new den.

4.  Quick DIY Photo Frames

If you’re into crafting, you’ll love making DIY photo frames out of your old moving boxes. To make the frames, measure and trace your picture frames into the size you want—like 4x6 or 5x7 rectangles. Then cut them out with box cutters or heavy-duty scissors.

Once you’ve cut the rectangles out of the cardboard, cut out an opening for the picture. Paint and decorate the frame however you want, and then set the picture you’d like to frame in the center of the rectangle. Give away as gifts to loved ones, or use them to decorate the refrigerator or cork board in your new home.

5.  Make a Cat Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch, but you don't want them ruining the furniture in your new home. Instead, recycle your old moving boxes by making an irresistible cardboard scratching post for your feline friend. To do this, cut out squares of cardboard and stack them up high on a coat rack or an old chair for a cheap and effective scratching post.

Keep in mind that cats will tend to scratch more when they feel nervous or anxious, and moving into a new home can be stressful for them. If this is the case, use cardboard to cover your couches when you leave the house to protect them from your cat’s claws while you’re away.

If you are still left with unused moving boxes after your upcycling projects, boxes in good condition can be returned to Merit Moving Systems or another moving company to be recycled for other people who are moving. You can also post an ad on a garage sale app or Craigslist to advertise free boxes for anyone who might be looking for them.

Since 1958, Merit Moving Systems has been serving the community with expert relocation services in Southern California and across the country. If you’d like to donate your old moving boxes to someone else that needs them, give us a call and our friendly moving experts will be happy to help. For more information about our top-rated moving services or to schedule a free, in-home pricing estimate for your move, fill out our online form now and an agent will get back to you shortly.