You’ve done the hard part – everything’s moved in, stored away, and your new house is starting to feel more like a home. Now to tackle the final hurdle of what exactly to do with the mountains of cardboard boxes you’ve somehow accumulated along the way.

If you’re stuck on what to do with your moving boxes, you’re not the only one. Luckily, there’s plenty of options when it comes to cardboard boxes – easy to recycle, reuse, and upcycle, there are so many ways to offload them that doesn’t end up with more trash sitting on a heap somewhere. Keep reading for a full rundown of how to get rid of moving boxes in the UK.

Of course it’s important to note that, at Bristol Van Removals, we pick up all boxes from within a 20 mile radius outside of Bristol absolutely free of charge, meaning you don’t need to worry about recycling. If you’re outside of this 20 mile zone, or your removals company doesn’t offer this service, read on…

How to Get Rid of Cardboard Boxes After Moving

Recycle Them

First and foremost – recycling is a great way to offload your unwanted cardboard boxes after a big move (as mentioned we recycle all boxes we pick up from our customers). There’s a few ways you can go about this:

• Take them to a recycling centre. This is a good solution if you’re stuck on how to get rid of large cardboard boxes. Have a look at where your local recycling centre is (there are several online platforms that can help you out with this part), or try any nearby rubbish tips – these will usually have a recycling section dedicated to cardboard that you can use if you’re struggling to find a recycling centre that’s close to your new home.
• Take them to your local supermarket. Certain big chain supermarket stores are open to cardboard box donations, which is great if you’ve got a bigger stack that you don’t know where to offload. Just to note, it’s worth checking online before you go to drop them off.
• Put them in your wheelie bins. It might sound obvious, but if you’re only looking to get rid of a small amount of boxes, putting them in your recycling bins is a quick and easy way to offload your extra cardboard after a move.

However, recycling is definitely something you want to avoid if the boxes are salvageable and could be used again for something else. Keep reading for some ideas on how to put your boxes to good use.

Donate Them to Charity Shops

Local charity shops are always on the lookout for extra cardboard boxes. Get to know your new local area by scouting out any nearby charity shops and making an easy donation that they’ll definitely appreciate. 

Give Them Back to Your Moving Company

Unlike Bristol Van Removals many removal companies won’t come and pick your boxes up for you. Most, however, will likely take them off your hands if you can transport them. If you’ve recently moved and you enlisted the help of a handy moving service to speed the process along, you can easily reach out and donate your extra boxes to the company for them to use with the next person – a win-win for both of you that limits waste and promotes reusing rather than repurchasing.

Advertise Online

If you’re wondering what to do with lots of cardboard boxes that are still perfectly fine to use again, advertising online for free pick-up is a great way to offload your extra boxes and make someone’s day in your local area. Use social media or platforms such as Gumtree to let your neighbours know you’ve got some extra boxes on your hands – there’ll definitely be someone who’s in need, and you might make some new connections in your local area along the way!

What to Do With Extra Cardboard Boxes

If you’re looking for ways to reuse your cardboard boxes rather than just get rid of them, there are endless possibilities that you can have fun experimenting with.

Use Them For Storage

Rather than spending more money on expensive storage solutions, recycle your old cardboard boxes into handy stowaway space that saves on waste and won’t break the bank. The beauty of cardboard is that you can decorate it yourself, with free reign to get creative and turn it into something that perfectly matches the rest of your new home’s decor.

Upcycle Them As Toys for Your Kids

When you’re a kid, the magic of playing doesn’t have to come at a price. The best toys can be the ones you create, and cardboard boxes are a great way of using your imagination to create silly games and lasting memories that your child will cherish. Have fun with building robot costumes, cutting out puppets, or encouraging active play by turning the box into a car that your kid can run around in.

If you’re dealing with lots of boxes in various shapes and sizes, even better – you could build a fort with windows and a chimney, or a castle with towers and turrets. You can even take your boxes apart and upcycle them as storage boxes for your kids’ toys that they can decorate themselves with paints and stickers. 

Get Creative Around Your Home

Transforming cardboard boxes into creative projects can be incredibly resourceful, and create a space for hours of fun at the same time. Don’t be afraid to unleash your artistic side – you can turn your boxes into canvases for paintings of collages, create personalised art for your friends and family, or even turn your boxes into weird and wonderful sculptures.

Boxes can also be upcycled into functional items, such as laptop stands, bookshelves, or dividers for your drawer space. These not only tidy up clutter, but do it in a way that’s personal to you, for next to no cost at all. Let your imagination run wild, and have fun with your new flatmates, friends, or family members with an afternoon of crafts and creativity.

Are you prepping your cardboard boxes ready for a big move? Get in touch today with our team of professional movers for some extra support, with a complete, quality service guaranteed every time. Whether you need office removals, packing services, storage removal services, or cleaning services, we’ve got the solution for you. Reach out and take the first step towards your new abode.