How to Get Rid of Boxes After Moving – 10 Smart & Eco-Friendly Ideas

You’ve finally unpacked your belongings, and your new home looks great—except for one thing: mountains of empty boxes.

Cardboard boxes can take up space, clutter your home, and become a headache if not handled properly.

Instead of tossing them out, there are several smart, eco-friendly, and even money-saving ways to get rid of boxes after moving.

Here are 10 practical ideas to help you clear out your moving boxes responsibly and effectively.

10 Smart Ideas to Get Rid of Boxes After Moving

1. Reuse Boxes for Storage

Not all boxes need to go right away. Some sturdy ones can be reused for organizing seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, or garage storage.

Label and stack them neatly — they can save you from buying expensive bins.

Van Lines Move Tip: Reinforce the bottoms of boxes with packing tape before reusing them for storage.

2. Offer Them to Friends or Neighbors

If you know someone who’s moving soon, your used boxes can be a blessing.

Ask around your neighborhood or post on community groups — people often look for free moving supplies.

Where to Post:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Nextdoor app
• Craigslist “Free” section

You’ll free up space quickly while helping someone else save money.

3. Donate to Local Charities or Businesses

Many charities and small businesses appreciate box donations for storage or shipments.

Try donating to:

• Local food banks (for packing food supplies)
• Animal shelters (they use boxes for pet bedding and play areas)
• Thrift stores (for transporting donations)

Always call ahead to confirm they accept boxes.

4. Recycle Responsibly

Cardboard is highly recyclable, but it must be clean, dry, and flattened before pickup.

Most cities offer curbside recycling or designated drop-off centers.

Van Lines Move Tip: Remove packing tape, labels, and plastic inserts before recycling for easier processing.

If your area doesn’t offer pickup, check with local recycling facilities or use Earth911.com to find the nearest drop-off location.

5. Sell Your Boxes Online

Did you know you can make money from your used boxes?

Websites like BoxCycle, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp let you sell gently used moving boxes.

Large wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and specialty boxes often sell the fastest.

Bonus: You can list bundles (e.g., “20 medium boxes for $15”) for quicker sales.

6. Get Creative – DIY Projects and Crafts

If you’re crafty, turn your boxes into creative projects:

• Kids’ playhouses or forts
• Drawer dividers or organizers
• Cat play tunnels or scratching posts
• Wall art or upcycled décor

Cardboard is surprisingly versatile for DIY projects and can even be used for gardening (weed barriers).

7. Return Boxes to Your Moving Company

Some moving companies, including Van Lines Move, offer box return or recycling programs.

If you used professional movers, check if they’ll pick up reusable boxes for future clients.

Many companies appreciate when customers return quality boxes in good condition.

Pro Tip: Save original moving labels and receipts — they may be required for pickup programs.

8. Use Them for Shipping or Packaging

If you run an online business or frequently ship packages, keep some of your boxes for future use.

Just make sure they’re sturdy, undamaged, and labeled appropriately.

Van Lines Move Tip: Always cover or remove old shipping labels before reuse.

9. Compost Biodegradable Boxes

If your boxes are plain (no glossy coating or heavy ink), you can compost them! Cardboard adds carbon to compost piles and breaks down naturally.

Shred or tear the boxes into small pieces and mix with kitchen scraps or yard waste for balance.

10. Organize a Community Recycling Event

If you have many boxes or live in an apartment complex, gather your neighbors for a “box drop-off” event.

Coordinate with your local waste management or recycling center for a group collection.

It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and fosters community spirit.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of boxes after moving doesn’t have to be stressful or wasteful. Whether you choose to reuse, recycle, donate, or sell, every small effort contributes to a cleaner home and a greener planet.

At Van Lines Move, we not only make your move easy but also help you adopt sustainable practices from start to finish. Even you can check moving box calculator here, After all, a successful move doesn’t end when the last box is unpacked—it ends when your space feels fresh, clean, and organized.