Simple Uses For Everyday Items: Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes can get in the way. Cardboard boxes can clutter. Cardboard boxes are clumsy and take up a lot of space.

Have you ever thought of other ways you can use your boxes for other than storing and packing items? In our basement, we have a large stack of boxes. We decided that after our recent move, that we should keep them because where we are currently living, will not be a home we will be living in forever. Someday we will need them again. I have learned that cardboard boxes can be used for so much more than packing our stuff in them!

Simple, Everyday Uses for CARDBOARD BOXES:
1. Make a placemat – cover it with paper, have your kids decorate it, and use them for your next meal! You won’t have to feel bad if you kids spill on them because it is not like you paid a fortune for them.

2. To ensure your glassware will stay in tip top shape if traveling with it somewhere, place cardboard in between each glass and your glassware will arrive in style.

3. Keep your nice non-stick pans from scratching each other by placing a piece of cardboard in between.

4. Trick a friend – sounds wrong, doesn’t it? Resort to the good ole “wrap the present in a small box” and put it in a bigger box, and bigger, and bigger…

5. Use small cardboard boxes as dividers in your drawers. Use them to hold utensils, small kitchen gadgets, etc.

6. Use liquor boxes to store your ornaments – the extra cushion in between will prevent scratches and cracks.

7. Play fort! Get a large enough box and you can forget the sheets, chairs, and couch cushions needed to make a fort – find a large box and your kids will be busy for hours. Have them draw and decorate it!

8. Surface protection – are you going to be cutting, writing, gluing, or painting on a surface? Put a piece of cardboard underneath for added protection.

9. Puppet stage! You could even use the same box that you are using for the play fort. Cut out a window and have your children create a play with old socks, some yarn, and buttons for eyes. Encourages lots of creativity!

10. Take a thin piece of cardboard, drive your nail through it, and then position the nail in the place needed. Hold the cardboard’s edge and you will not ever hammer your fingers – the hammer will hit the cardboard instead! When finished, just tear the cardboard away.

Cardboard boxes have more uses than what we think – hopefully the next time you look at your stack of them, you will have a greater appreciation for them!