16 Crafty Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes After Moving

So, you’ve unpacked after a big move and now have a tower of cardboard boxes staring back at you. Before they become part of the staggering 70,000 tons of paper and cardboard discarded every year in the U.S., consider a more creative and eco-friendly approach.

With a touch of imagination, these boxes could transform into a whimsical playhouse where your kids can embark on make-believe adventures, become the perfect companion for your budding garden blooms and much more.

Discover 16 things to make out of cardboard that can delight your kids, elevate your home decor or enhance your garden — all wrapped up in eco-conscious, budget-friendly fun!

1. Cardboard Playhouse
2. Pretend Play Cardboard Laptop
3. Cardboard Pizza
4. Collapsible Cardboard Superhero Hideout
5. Train Costume
6. Tetris Family Costume
7. Minecraft Creeper Heads Costume
8. DJ Costume
9. DIY Upholstered Headboard
10. Photo Display Board
11. Stylish DIY Storage Box
12. Accent Wall Template
13. Cardboard as a Weed Barrier
14. New Flower Bed Starter
15. Cardboard Pathway
16. Cardboard Windowsill Herb Planter

Is It Safe to Reuse Moving Boxes?

Cardboard boxes are 100% recyclable. As long as they’re free from moisture, mold and serious damage, they’re good to go for a second (or third) round. Simply give them a once-over to ensure they’re still sturdy.

Repurpose Cardboard Boxes into Kid-Approved Crafts

Those cardboard boxes that once held your dishes and knick-knacks can now be the foundation for a universe of adventures and creativity. Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, upcycle them for fun, child-safe box crafts. Here’s how you can reuse cardboard with your kids in mind:

1. Cardboard Playhouse:

Create a mini castle for your mini monarchs! Cut out doors and windows, and let the little ones decorate the exterior with crayons, paint or stick-on jewels. Don’t forget to add a makeshift mailbox or even a tiny chimney for an extra royal, homelike touch.

2. Pretend Play Cardboard Laptop:

Using a larger flat box as the base, attach a smaller piece as the “screen” where the kids can stick or draw their own “apps.” You can even add a cardboard keyboard for that touch typing practice.

3. Cardboard Pizza:

For a slice of crafty fun, cut out a circle for the base, and then let the kids decorate their pizza with colored paper toppings using red circles for pepperoni, yellow shreds for cheese and green bits for peppers.

4. Collapsible Cardboard Superhero Hideout:

Design a foldable fortress that can be easily set up and taken down. Cut out lookout points, secret entrances and maybe even a spot for their superhero emblem. When playtime’s over, it collapses for easy storage.

P.S. If you have pets — especially cats — these furry friends will equally appreciate a new cardboard hangout to explore, sleep, play and call their own. Hang toys, add cushions, poke holes and create tiers — the sky is the limit.

Fashion Cardboard Boxes into DIY Costumes

Cardboard boxes have a sturdy yet malleable nature that makes them ideal for cardboard DIY costumes. Whether you’re gearing up for your child’s school play, a themed party or preparing early for Halloween, these cardboard boxes can transform into imaginative outfits that are sure to steal the spotlight.

5. Train Costume:

Align a series of boxes to form the body of the train. Use circular cutouts as wheels, then accentuate with paint or markers. Don’t forget a cardboard cone as a mini chimney for that extra steam engine touch!

6. Tetris Family Costume:

Begin with boxes large enough to comfortably wear. Then, on their surfaces, combine smaller squares to craft the Tetris block shapes. Add a generous coat of bright paint on each block, and voila!

7. Minecraft Creeper Heads Costume:

Using a large box worn over the head only, paint squares with varied shades of green to mirror the pixelated face of the Minecraft creeper.

8. DJ Costume:

Take a medium-sized cardboard box and draw a detailed DJ console on its surface, complete with turntables and dials. To make it wearable, attach a sturdy string or ribbon to the upper corners, allowing the box to hang conveniently at chest level.

Craft Chic Cardboard Home Decor on a Budget

Believe it or not, well-crafted cardboard can be a budget-friendly way to add functional and aesthetic touches to your home. For those searching for cool things to make out of cardboard, dive into these nifty upcycled cardboard box projects to bring a dash of DIY charm to your living space.

9. DIY Upholstered Headboard:

Shape a cardboard piece into your desired headboard design. Add a soft layer, such as batting, and cover with a fabric of your choice. It’s a simple way to add a focal point to a bedroom without a hefty price tag.

10. Photo Display Board:

Resize a cardboard sheet and cover it with decorative paper or fabric. Attach ribbons in intersecting lines, creating pockets to hold photos, notes or mementos. It’s a personalized touch and a memory board rolled into one.

11. Stylish DIY Storage Box:

Strengthen a cardboard box with extra layers of tape and cover with decorative paper. Add handles or labels, creating a handy storage solution that blends well with your other home decor.

12. Accent Wall Template:

Create reusable cardboard stencils of geometric shapes. These can guide you in painting unique, changeable patterns on your walls, offering a fresh look at a fraction of the cost of store-bought stencils.

Compost Cardboard Boxes in the Garden

Sustainable practices not only help Mother Earth, but they can also enrich garden soil, laying the foundation for plants to flourish. Enter, cardboard — a biodegradable material that’s about to become your garden’s best friend. Check out these clever ways to introduce cardboard boxes to your green space:

13. Use Cardboard as a Weed Barrier:

Before laying down mulch or gravel, place flattened cardboard over your garden bed. It acts as a natural barrier, preventing weeds from sprouting. Over time, the cardboard breaks down and nourishes the soil.

14. Start New Flower Beds with Cardboard:

Thinking of expanding your garden? Lay down cardboard sheets on the desired area. This will kill off the grass below and create a rich planting bed. Simply cut holes in the cardboard where you want to plant, and you’re set.

15. Build a Pathway with Cardboard:

For a simple, eco-friendly garden path, lay thick strips of cardboard wherever you want to comfortably walk. Top it with straw, wood chips or gravel. The cardboard base helps with weed control and decomposition.

16. Cardboard Windowsill Herb Planter:

Craft a shallow box from cardboard. Fill it with soil and plant your favorite herbs. Place it on your windowsill for fresh herbs year-round. As the cardboard naturally decomposes, it will provide nutrients to the plants.

Donate Your Leftover Cardboard Boxes

Instead of sending your moving boxes to the recycling bin, consider a more charitable route. Local schools, Goodwill stores, religious centers, and even homeless shelters often welcome extra boxes for storage or donation drives.

If you’re unsure where to offer them, a quick post on platforms like Facebook Marketplace can easily connect those unused boxes with someone in need. After all, new boxes typically cost up to $2 a pop!

Speaking of repurposing — after you’ve tackled those cardboard boxes, find out some clever ways to reuse your bubble wrap from your recent move, too.

Clear the Clutter with CubeSmart Storage

Finished with all your DIY projects and still have boxes filled with odds and ends? Instead of letting these items take up valuable space, explore CubeSmart’s smart storage solutions.

Find that just right storage unit tailored for your moving needs. Declutter, organize and breathe easy knowing your cherished items are safely stored away until you need them next.