Christmas has been and gone, and many of us will find ourselves with plenty of empty boxes as a result. It can feel like such a shame to throw away nice Xmas packaging when it seems it would have a much better purpose. Despite this, if you can’t find a better purpose for these boxes, you’ll just end up cluttering your home. In order to avoid the dreaded clutter, detailed below are some of the best ways to repurpose the mound of cardboard boxes you acquire over the festive season.
Coasters
Coasters are some of the easiest things to make from cardboard. All you have to do is cut the cardboard into your desired shape; a circle, a square with rounded edges, or something a little more creative. When it comes to decorating your coasters, you might use decorative tape, paint, stencils, or whatever you fancy. These coasters are ideal for parties, as you won’t have to worry about your expensive coasters (or tables) being drenched in sticky liquid. You might also use them to protect the floor, as they make great furniture sliders.
Storage
We could all do with more storage, and it’s even better if the storage is unique and affordable. You can cover cardboard boxes in fabric, paint them, or customize them in any way you see fit. You could then stack them all against a wall, containing the objects you need to store. This could result in a great feature wall that can be added to as time goes on. As a result, your leftover boxes will be much more than just storage; they’ll be decorations, too. Ultimately, you’ll be left with a simultaneously unique and affordable feature.
DIY Toys
We’ve all been in that position where we’re frustrated by the fact a child is more excited by the box their toy came in than the toy itself. Therefore, why not cut out the middleman, and transform these cardboard boxes into DIY toys? From shape sorters to jigsaw puzzles, there are so many simple toys that could be crafted from a simple piece of cardboard. More often than not, you’ll find that kids are more excited to play with something a little different, rather than something extravagant. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own toys.
Planters
Raising your own plants is a great way of incorporating some greenery into your home and providing you with a sense of responsibility. In continuing with this “green” theme, why not turn a cardboard box into a planter? By poking a few holes in the bottom and lining it with a plastic bag, you can make your very own planter. The beauty of a cardboard planter is that it will be compostable at the end of its lifespan. As a result, a cardboard planter will be a friend to your garden in more ways than one.
Homemade Cards
So, you’ve acquired all these boxes from your pile of Christmas gifts. Therefore, you’ll have lots of people to thank. That being said, is there a better way to show appreciation than via a homemade card? Not only is a handmade card so much more thoughtful, but it’s better for the environment in the sense that you’re reusing materials. Get creative in any way you please, whether this is by using paints, stickers, glitter, or anything else. The beauty of making your own cards is that there are no rules; you might even personalize them for each recipient.
Have you got an abundance of boxes left over from the festive period? What will you do with yours?
