When is a box just a box and when is it a useful item to hold on to? I know you didn’t wake up asking yourself that question this morning, but it is a question I am faced with almost daily when working with clients in my organizing business.
People are always wondering whether they should keep shoe boxes, gift boxes, computer boxes, jewelry boxes, Lego boxes and shipping boxes. Here are some things to consider.
Some people prefer to keep their shoes stored in their original boxes to protect them. Other people will forget about a pair of shoes if they can’t see them sitting on the floor or on a shelf. If you want to keep shoes in a box to keep them clean and to make them easy to stack, there are a couple of options. Some people take a photo of their shoes and glue it to the outside of the box, others will replace the original cardboard shoe box with a clear plastic one to make it easy to see the contents inside. Whatever you decide is fine if it works for you. The only thing that isn’t okay is keeping empty shoe boxes on the floor or shelves of your closet where they are collecting dust or taking up valuable space.
I fully support reusing gift packaging whenever possible, and I always recommend people save a variety of nice gift boxes so they don’t have to run out to the store every time they need to wrap a birthday or holiday present. However, there is no need to save every shirt box you’ve ever been given. One bin or box of different-size boxes is sufficient. Recycle the rest or re-purpose them to store other items. And the same goes for shipping boxes. Keep a few different sizes on hand, but don’t let your garage or basem*nt become a repository of cardboard boxes.
Likewise, it is not necessary to keep every jewelry box you have received. People like to hold on to these for sentimental reasons or because the boxes are pretty, which I can understand, but it’s better to keep a few of the very special ones for storage or moving purposes and toss the rest. You won’t miss them!
Computer boxes are also tempting for people to keep indefinitely. Some people reason that if they have to return their computer or have it repaired, the box will come in handy. But once you have your device up and running smoothly for a few weeks, it’s probably safe to discard the box. In the unlikely event that you need to ship your computer off for repair, you can find another box to pack it in.
If you’re holding on to your computer box because it has important identification material printed on the side, cut that portion from the box and file it with your other papers or take a photo and file it electronically. The only valid reason to keep tech boxes is if you frequently upgrade your devices and sell your used items. In that case, keeping the original packaging will probably increase their value.
Television boxes are also likely to be stashed away for safekeeping but never used again. I do understand that it’s difficult for movers to load, transport and unload large, flat-screen TVs. However, if you don’t plan to move in the next few years, it’s probably not worth holding on to the television box, especially if you have limited storage space. You can hold on to the receipt for your purchase and the identifying information on the box, but keeping a huge box to possibly move your large flat-screen TV — which may be obsolete a couple of years from now — is not worth it.
Kids are geniuses at arguing that it is absolutely necessary to keep every Lego, Playmobil and Barbie box. They say that they need to reference the photos or want to duplicate the scene, but don’t let them convince you. It’s enough that so many of our houses have been taken over by toys; we don’t also need to store the boxes they came in. Instead, keep the accompanying instruction booklets or take a photo of the front of the box. And if you’re considering keeping the boxes for when you eventually give the sets away, don’t. You will never go to the trouble of collecting all the proper pieces. Let them go.
To sum it up: Don’t keep boxes “just in case.” Use those that fit your current needs and save a few for future use, but clear out the excess. You will be surprised at the space you create.
Anzia is a freelance writer and owner of Neatnik. She can be reached at nicole@neatnik.org.
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FAQs
Your move might have been a battle—but if those boxes have battle scars, it's time for the recycling bin. Bottom line: “If the box is torn, dirty, or crumpled, throw it away. You do not need it,” Irwin says. And don't forget to give the inside a good whiff.
How long should you keep boxes for? ›
So it might be worth keeping during the return window, often 14 to 90 days, especially for expensive electronics. Another time to hold on to the box is if it's for an item you think you might resell. People are much more likely to buy secondhand products when they're in a box.
How to know what to throw away and what to keep? ›
Our experts weigh in to help you decide.
- Toss it if...
- You have twice as many as you need. Take inventory of your duplicate items. ...
- It's a gift you don't love. ...
- It's not worth repairing. ...
- Your gut says lose it. ...
- You don't know what it is. ...
- Keep it if...
- It's sentimental gold.
While most of the boxes that come to your home will end up in recycling, there are some that are worth keeping at least for a while. It can make sense to hold onto boxes for laptops, phones and tablets in case you need to return them repair them or resell them.
What should you not throw out when decluttering? ›
At the very least, it's worth thinking long and hard about the items below before decluttering them or throwing them out to avoid regrets later on.
- Important documents. ...
- Old paint. ...
- Sentimental items. ...
- Old keys. ...
- Certain travel mementoes. ...
- Decorative bins and baskets.
There's no use keeping cardboard boxes if they're in no condition to be reused. If they're worn or damaged, then it's often better to get rid of them than wasting your time (and home space) trying to save it.
Do cardboard boxes go bad? ›
There is no standard that specifies or requires the inclusion of an expiration date on corrugated cardboard boxes. Through studies and observations, however, it was possible to reach a consensus that, under ideal conditions (with controlled temperature and humidity), they last up to two years.
What is the first rule of decluttering? ›
Remove Everything and Replace Only What You Use
No matter what rule I use when decluttering a messy space, my first step is always to remove every item, clear out the offending closet or cabinet, and wipe it down.
How to be ruthless with decluttering? ›
Be ruthless by picking out just a few items to keep that are your most favorite, and consider parting with the rest. Give yourself grace as you go through sentimental items. You won't be able to do it all at once, and it may take several sessions to decide which difficult items to keep or let go.
What to keep when decluttering? ›
Use these decluttering tips to sort your items:
- Keep: Items that are useful in your daily life. Empty this box after you complete each space, putting items in their newly designated home. ...
- Get Rid Of: Items that you no longer have a use for. ...
- Put In Storage: Seasonal or sentimental items.
Use both hands to grip the base of the box and lift it to belly button height. Avoid carrying anything above your shoulders or head. Stand up slowly, keeping your back straight and shoulders back. Use your legs to stand and avoid bending at the waist or hips.
Should shoes be kept in their boxes? ›
Storing shoes in their original boxes or in plastic boxes can help to keep moisture at bay, improving the lifespan of your shoes. Storing them in a box will also prevent your shoes from getting crushed and creased, as they would if they were left loose under your bed or at the bottom of your wardrobe.
Is it worth keeping the TV box? ›
“People are much more likely to buy it when it's in the box,” said Raymond. Consumer Reports also says keeping the box while the manufacturer's warranty is in effect might make it easier if you have to send an item back, although most will accept an item for repairs in any box.
What is the 20 20 20 rule for decluttering? ›
Then we tested our hypothesis: the 20/20 Rule. Anything we get rid of that we truly need, we can replace for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from our current location. Thus far, this hypothesis has become a theory that has held true 100% of the time.
What is the one touch rule for clutter? ›
This rule is “so simple, yet so life changing”. Simply by dealing with an item immediately, whether it is your shoes, incoming mail, or your used coffee mug, less clutter will be created. One touch, one movement, equals less effort overall. This rule can also be applied when you are purging, editing, and organizing.
What is the rule of 5 decluttering? ›
The Decluttering Rule of 5 advises assessing items not used in five years to decide whether to keep, donate, or discard. Organize closets by usage, manage sentimental items thoughtfully, and maintain habits like 'one-in, one-out' to simplify and enhance daily living efficiently.
How many years does cardboard last? ›
Heavily processed cardboard, such as juice or milk cartons, is coated with a wax or similar substance to prevent leakage. These will decompose, given about five years, but their resistance to water will significantly prolong the process. Corrugated cardboard will break down significantly more quickly.
Should I keep boxes after moving? ›
After you are all moved in, some boxes are still in good enough shape to use again! Rather than simply tossing them in the trash, consider giving them to someone who could use them. You could give them to friends or family members who may be planning a move or could use a little extra storage.
Do you reuse old boxes? ›
What is the proper way to reuse a box? Recycling and re-using packaging is good for the environment, but it has to be done correctly to be sent through the mail. Don't reuse mailing boxes; they can weaken in the shipping process.
