How to Reuse Your Cardboard Boxes for DIY Crafts

reuse cardboard boxes
Cassandra Rosas

Whether it is because you’re moving to a new home or because you’re just doing a lot more online shopping lately, collections of cardboard boxes are probably a part of your life or have been at one time or another. Boxes may seem useless, but cardboard can be reused in many ways before you end up recycling them.

In America, the average person uses approximately seven trees every year in paper products. Recycling cardboard only uses around 75 percent of the energy needed to make new cardboard, and every ton of recycled cardboard saves 9 cubic yards of landfill space.

Like paper, cardboard is made from wood fiber. There are two different types of cardboard: corrugated and chipboard, or paperboard. Corrugated cardboard is made in layers, with the middle core layer folded into a zig-zag structure. Paperboard is a grayish, single layer of cardboard that is more firm than paper but can be torn easily — think cereal boxes. Recycled cardboard becomes paperboard.

Tips for Recycling Your Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is easily recyclable, and as long as you are recycling it correctly, you’ll save a lot of resources. Most municipalities have some kind of facility that will take your cardboard boxes as long as you break them down and flatten them for collection or drop off. Most towns will pick up your cardboard at your curb in large quantities, or you may have to go to a recycling center, in which case you should call ahead and find out what the rules are in your area.

Some waste collection services won’t take cardboard or paperboard if it’s wet. Wet cardboard fibers are less valuable for recycling centers. Water also makes the cardboard heavier, which ruins the value, since it’s sold by weight.

Sometimes, you can’t recycle your cardboard; if it’s contaminated with pizza grease or wax of some kind, you´ll have to toss the contaminated cardboard in the trash. Still, you may be able to compost it or use it to line your garden beds with it for weed control.

But for those who love to repurpose things, there are many ways to get some great use out of cardboard boxes before it’s time to send them to the recycling plant.

Ways To Use Cardboard Boxes Around the House

DIY household storage. Using cardboard boxes for storage seems like an obvious choice, but you can make it fancy. Wrap your cardboard boxes in decorative papers, wrappings, or simple labels to create low-cost home storage decor that is functional as well as beautiful. Simply take your box, some adhesive, and enough paper, fabric, or other materials, and wrap your box in an entirely new look. Mix and match the colors and patterns to give your shelves cupboards and other storage areas an attractive, coordinated look.

Shoe rack. Shoes already come in a storage box, so do you really need to buy another shoe shelf when you can build shoe storage out of the boxes they came in? You can assemble your cardboard box shoe rack in various ways — stack your boxes together using a glue gun to make them sturdy and secure. For a more intricate design, try this unique folded cardboard shoe rack.

Drawer dividers. Keep things tidy in your drawers with sturdy cardboard dividers. Imagine opening up your sock drawer, and every pair of socks is neatly visible. Drawer dividers are not only helpful for clothing, but also for the utility drawer, utensil drawers, and bathroom drawers.

Cardboard Boxes as Home Decor

Photo frames. Turn your cardboard boxes into photo frames, which you can decorate more efficiently than wood or other materials. Once you have decided the size of photos you’re going to frame, cut a piece of cardboard for the back, then cut another layer the same size to place over the top of it. Leave one end of the frame open to slide the photo into place, but use glue or staples to connect the frame layer to the backing. Try this tutorial for more ideas.

Lamps. Fold cardboard into different geometric shapes to make cool lamps and paper lanterns for beautiful accent light in your home. The sky’s the limit for ways to fold and cut cardboard into geometric shapes.

Mirrors. Make a sweet mirror frame out of boxes or cardboard using various shapes and adding some bling, like this amazing mirror made from toilet paper rolls and sequins.

Repurpose Cardboard for Your Pets

Cat hammock. Since cats love boxes, period, you may not even have to turn your cardboard box into anything special in order for your cat to think it’s a luxurious, private getaway just for them. But constructing a cat hammock is probably as much fun for you as the hammock is for your cat. Try some of these clever ideas for your cat’s hammock.

Cat scratching structure. Cat scratching apparatuses are known for being expensive and taking up a lot of room. Not anymore. Make your own cat scratching post or pad out of leftover cardboard, and feel no shame about throwing it into the recycling bin or compost pile once your cat is finished with it.

Dog house. A home for Fido is easy to build out of cardboard, and it makes a great little indoor hideout for your dog. Simply cut a door big enough for your dog to enter, toss in his favorite blanket and chew toy, and your old cardboard box is now a doghouse.

Dog bed. Cut a couple of large or small boxes down to a more shallow profile, and stack them inside each other for durability. Add some pillows and blankets for your dog to snuggle with.

Birds houses. If they’re made out of sturdy cardboard boxes and painted with a waterproof coating, you can create a range of beautiful birdhouses for your covered patio.

Ways to Reuse Cardboard Boxes in the Office

Filing and storage. Sturdy cardboard boxes are great for storing old files and other office essentials that you need to keep but want out of your sight. Clearly label the boxes, and put them in the storage closet.

Decorative storage. You can make some attractive office decor with nice little cardboard boxes, adding your own special touches. Use fabric, decorative paper, ribbons, or other items to adorn your boxes. Use oatmeal boxes for pen holders or glue cereal boxes open on one side together to store files.

Markers, pens, and pencils caddy. A handy desktop caddy is easy to make with a low profile box as the tray or base and adding tubes or boxes in which to stand up your markers, pens highlighters, rulers, and other supplies. Color coordinate the design with your office decor.

DIY Cardboard Playhouses & Crafts for Kids

Pretend kitchen. Every appliance in the kitchen is box-shaped, which makes cardboard boxes great for creating a play kitchen the kids will adore. With a few cuts, a hot glue gun, some paint, your child’s imagination, and your ingenuity, you can create a refrigerator, sink, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. Use cardboard to make accessories, like a toaster, pots, and pans, and even cardboard play food.

Dollhouse. Making cardboard dollhouses is a super fun and creative project for kids—and adults—of all ages. A cardboard house can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Keep it simple with a single box for creating a miniature room—paint the interior, add cardboard furniture, and make little dolls out of clothespins or sticks—or go wild, and make an elaborate, multi-box, multi-story home with doors between rooms, stairs, and a rooftop garden.

Fort. Little kids love big boxes, especially when they’re big enough to make into a fort. As with cardboard dollhouses, a cardboard fort can be as simple or as epic as you want it to be. Toddlers will be happy with anything they can walk into and hang out inside. Bigger kids—and many adults—will find great joy in creating a large structure with rooms and tunnels. Just make sure you check the weather so you’ll be able to enjoy your fort before it rains.

Car, rocket ship, submarine. Whatever type of vehicle your kid is into, you—or they—can make it out of a cardboard box. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut doors and windows, and have your kids use markers to draw on the details, like the wheels, handles, and controls—or make them out of cardboard and glue them on.

Wild card boredom-buster. Give your kids a bunch of cardboard boxes on a rainy afternoon and see what kind of magic happens.

With a little creativity and imagination, you can turn your cardboard boxes into something fantastic, giving them a longer life, reducing waste, and lowering your carbon footprint. Getting clever and creating things like DIY storage bins, shoe racks, dog beds, and birdhouses can give you an enormous amount of satisfaction, and crafts like these help you relax and be creative. Kids and pets love cardboard boxes of all kinds, keeping them busy for long periods—and once they’re done with their creations and no longer interested, you can recycle the boxes. Repurposing your cardboard boxes is good for the planet, great for the kids’ imaginations, and benefits your health. Good thing you saved all those boxes!

How To Impress With High End Custom Boxes

When dealing with high end custom boxes, it is important to distinguish your brand in the market. This is what will make you more memorable and likely to attract good referrals and repeat business. An important aspect of marketing to this segment lies in the packaging of products.

High end custom boxes can be used to make that good impression that what you have to offer is of the best quality. These specialty boxes tend to make a brand stand out and should be carefully considered when ordered from manufacturers.

Production Process of High End Custom Boxes

It is advisable to source your custom boxes from a supplier that offers comprehensive services. this includes design and manufacturing processes, all under one roof. This helps reduce the risk of confusion or other breakdowns in communication that can lead to mistakes. A box maker that has a streamlined operation will better deliver on orders according to specifications agreed upon.

Customize

Work with a box designer that can help create a unique result that will set your brand apart. From shape and materials to color and inserts, ensure that the outcome is pleasing to the senses. You can play with textures and color effects to create a custom gift box that is elegant and charming. Choose accents that give a luxurious feel and look to match your target demographics’ tastes. Consider also having holiday-themed high end custom boxes made. The design should suit the occasion but still reflect the image of the brand.

Simplicity of High End Custom Boxes

Keeping designs simple is recommended for the high-end market. When you consider the existing high-end brands in the market, you will find that most use simple but high-quality packaging that is easily recognizable and appreciated by their clientele. While you should strive to be unique, understated colors and limited use of imagery can be a big help in making a positive impression. Rather than make the design busy, seek out unusual colors and other ways to simply but elegantly embellish your custom gift boxes so they remain functional yet beautiful.

Lasting Designs

Lightweight packaging that can easily be torn or otherwise damaged does not make for a good impression. You want a custom gift box design that is rigid and durable. These kinds of sturdy designs tend to make for a more enjoyable unboxing experience and create a better presentation when beautifully accentuated by such adornments as ribbons. Even though the boxes may not end up getting reused, the high-end market clientele still prefers long-lasting construction over flimsy materials.

Using A Ballot Box To Promote Greater Customer Engagement

ballot box
Businesses need to establish a good relationship with their customer base. It is what helps to create customer loyalty that is essential to business success. This means looking for other ways to interact with and engage customers outside of just the commercial transaction.

Ballot boxes can be very useful tools in engaging customers through different campaigns. They can be used to help collect data and carry out promotions. You can customize a ballot box in different ways to serve these purposes.

Prize Competitions

Running a contest is a good way to stir up interest and excitement amongst your existing customers. It can also attract the attention of potential customers and help convert them. it is also a good way to reward customers for their loyalty to your business.

And, despite what some may think, it can be a cost-effective promotion. Whether it is your own product or from a supplier, you can set a reasonable budget for the prizes, marketing, and management of the contest. Try to make it a fun experience that will hype your brand and cause more people to talk about your business.

Product Reviews Using Ballot Box

This can be especially helpful when launching a new product. You will want to get the views of customers. Where possible, allowing them to sample the product and drop a comment in a ballot box can provide an easy way to collect valuable data. It also makes customers feel important to know that their views will be taken into consideration.

Conduct Polls With Ballot Box

This is another way you can get views about products or services, and even employees. Creating a poll is another good way to collect data that can go towards product development, strategic decisions, and even assigning bonuses. Giving customers a say in more internal decisions made by the business makes them feel more intertwined with the brand and likely to remain loyal.

Customer Feedback

You have likely seen a simple white ballot box in many business spaces for the collection of customer views, complaints, and compliments. It allows people to give feedback anonymously on everything from customer service to product quality. They feel they can confidentially share their views and hopefully effect a positive change in a business they frequent.

For the best results, ensure that you regularly empty the box and review the contents. An overflowing box is an indication that it has been placed for show. This can give a negative impression to customers.

Tips For Packaging Product During The Holiday Season

packaging product
Holiday periods are often a high shopping season for many products. It is an opportunity that many businesses cannot afford not to capitalize on. One of the main ways to capture this market lies in the choice of packaging solution. This outward appearance can be a strong lure and show that your brand does keep up with the times and interests of shoppers.

Imitate

When deciding how to customize the design of your packaging, you need to look for inspiration. Consider the top brands in your industry and look at what designs they have used. Some will change up their design each year, while others remain more consistent. Take inspiration but do not exactly copy such designs to avoid negative publicity. Adapt whatever design you like to your brand and give it a fresh look.

Boxes

Holiday seasons are also gift-giving seasons. This is a good opportunity to invest in packaging product in boxes. The unboxing experience has become an important trend. Customize the box’s appearance to reflect the season through the use of color, imagery, and writing. Go for simple but festive designs that are tasteful and stylish. Choose cardboard boxes that offer the benefits of being eco-friendly, lightweight, and protective.

Printed Bags

Bags help in carrying around multiple items when you are out shopping. Not to mention it allows for good concealment of gift boxes. This is another choice of a packaging solution that is well-appreciated by shoppers. Businesses can choose between plastic and paper bags. Plastics are however not eco-friendly despite being quite strong and able to withstand heavier weights. Paper bags are more mindful of the environment. A quality many shoppers appreciate in a brand. Paper bags can also be easily customized to match the holiday season and are especially useful when shopping for luxury products.

Packaging Product Embellishments

Packaging can easily be made more special with simple embellishments. Ribbons are a popular option. Simply choose a color suited to the season or have a customized design made up accordingly. Ribbons help add a special touch to gift boxes and can come in a variety of printed designs and accents like gold threading. Ornaments and embossed writing on boxes and wrapping paper are another way to go.

Packaging Product Cards

Including free cards with packaging can help endear your business to customers. You can pick a simple festive design and keep the card size small enough to be used for any gift size. Leave it blank so the customer is free to write their own message.

Securing The Contents Of Your Shipping Box

shipping box
More and more businesses are transitioning towards the e-commerce market. As more people opt to make purchases remotely, it only makes sense to ensure they can easily find and make transactions with your business online. It also means knowing how to ensure the safe delivery of the items they buy to their doorstep. How the products are packaged in a shipping box will have a big impact on this. Here are a few guidelines on how businesses can better ensure shipping goes smoothly for their products.

Sizing

Have shipping boxes that conform well with the size of your products. If you often receive orders with multiple items to be delivered, then you will need a variety of different-sized boxes to work with. The more closely fitted a box is, the more secure the contents will be. This is because there is less room for the contents to rattle around in and become damaged during transit. For instance, if in need of printer shipping boxes, you will want a size that does not allow the electronic to shift and suffer any injury. It also reduces the overall weight and dimensions of the shipment, helping to keep shipping costs low.

Shipping Box Filler

Many products are of a shape that does not match a conventional shipping box. They will require filler material to fill in gaps. Filler helps to reduce the risk of shifting and damage. Even for box-shaped products, it helps to leave a little room for this protective padding. You can use a variety of materials for filler including old newspaper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts.

Inserts for a Shipping Box

These are an even better form of protection for goods in transit. Foam and cardboard inserts keep the product in a stable position within the box. They are a good option for high-value items that would be particularly expensive to have to replace if damaged in transit like electronics and expensive perfumes.

Wall Thickness

The more flutes there are in cardboard boxes, the better protected the contents are. Thicker boxes are more rigid and can better withstand the rough handling that would result in punctures and other damage. They are also better at limiting liquid penetration if the box becomes wet. You can reinforce these attributes by choosing laminated box designs that make them more water-resistant. You can also use packing tape along the seams to help reinforce the construction.

Ensure that you also look into the reputation of the shipping company you are using. You will want a firm that is known for the careful and timely handling of shipments. They should also be dependable in terms of both pick-up and delivery. Also, make a comparison of rates to ensure you are getting a competitive deal.

Making Effective Direct To Consumer Boxes

Direct to consumer boxes are often used for marketing directly to customers. This is done without the need for intermediaries like retailers or wholesalers. The products come packaged by the manufacturer. Cutting out middlemen allows these businesses to make direct contact with customers.

Consumers appreciate dealing directly with the manufacturers and are often more receptive to receiving marketing material that comes from them. Here is what businesses can do to make this interaction more productive.

Make Appealing Packaging

The design of direct to consumer packaging needs to be highly appealing for consumers. An attractive and striking design will make the unboxing experience more enjoyable. You need o build anticipation for the product even before the customer sees it. So depending on the type of product, you should apply design features that will stir the interest of the recipient and are in line with the values of your business. Even with direct to consumer subscription boxes, an effort should be made to regularly update the design so clients do not become bored with what they see regularly.

Stabilize The Contents

To further make the unboxing experience exciting, be sure the interior is presentable. A structured design that holds the product in place is best. Make use of such packaging features as cardboard inserts to make for an attractive presentation. This will also help in protecting the product within. when held in place, there is less risk of damage should the box be mishandled. It can also help in providing a neater presentation that will be good for your brand.

Ensure Optimal Sizing

Depending on such factors as product size and quantity, you will want to ensure a good fit when ordering your direct to consumer boxes. To make the display appealing, you want to avoid oversized or too tight of a box. Oversized boxes can seem wasteful and untidy. Too tight and you risk damage and poor presentation. Choose a box supplier that can configure box sizes of different dimensions so you can make choices that make for a pleasing unboxing and visual experience.

Choose Sustainable Packaging

Using sustainable packaging conveys the impression that your business cares for the environment. These are values that your clients will positively associate with your brand. Indicating that the boxes are recyclable and reusable will hold good appeal. Limit or eliminate the use of any non-recyclable packaging materials where possible. Being environmentally conscious is particularly important for the younger demographic of shoppers, so displaying this attitude can help secure their brand loyalty.

Choosing The Best Packaging Companies In Canada

Packaging companies in Canada
For every business that sells a product, the packaging is an important consideration. More so if the product is being shipped to clients from different locations. The packaging is what secures the product and ensures it arrives at its destination in a presentable and safe condition. Packaging can also be used to promote the brand. This is often factored in when developing designs.

For Canadian businesses, choosing the right supplier for such needs can be tough. The box manufacturing business can be highly competitive with many suppliers to choose from, both near and far. Here are a few tips on how to narrow down the best options of packaging companies in Canada for your business.

Budget

Most businesses, especially small and medium-sized, will have a set budget to work with for packaging materials. You need to find a supplier that can provide what you need within the budget you have set. Seek out suppliers that have minimum order quantities that can fit your budget. Also, consider what kind of discounts they offer on bulk orders. You will need to source quotes from the various suppliers you are considering to make price comparisons.

Reputation of Packaging Companies in Canada

Price alone should however not be the determining factor. You need to work with a supplier that has a good reputation. They should communicate effectively and be reliable. The last thing you need is to place an order that is delivered late. Look up online reviews and check up on testimonials from other client businesses in your area. Also, look at how the company handles disputes. You want a company that takes responsibility for its actions and communicates courteously.

Expertise

There are many variations when it comes to box manufacturing. From the number of flutes to graphics, there are numerous design features to consider. You need a provider that can properly advise you on what is best suited to your business and brand. Those that have worked with similar businesses are the best option as you get to see samples of their work that have gone out into the real world.

Various Packaging Companies in Canada

When it comes to product packaging, there is more to it than just the box in Canada. You may need filler for bulk orders, inserts for specialty subscription boxes, and more. You may also require different kinds of boxes for deliveries and displays. The more complex your needs, the more careful you need to be about choosing packaging companies in Canada. Focus on those that have good experience and capability to supply the wide variety of packaging you need. Choosing a single supplier for all your packaging needs is more convenient and often cost-effective.

Is It Worth It To Buy Corrugated Boxes For Your Online Business?

buy corrugated boxes
Many entrepreneurs have opted to go the online route when it comes to establishing businesses. With fewer people choosing to visit stores, it has proven lucrative to set up an online business so shoppers can pick out what they want and simply have it delivered.

Many such business owners will pay much attention to their websites and social media channels as this are how they often connect with customers and facilitate orders. However, some attention should also be given to packaging used for shipping. It is advisable to buy corrugated boxes for this purpose for several key reasons.

Easy Handling

Corrugated boxes are lightweight, making them very easy to handle. This is important as heavier materials can make delivery more cumbersome. Besides making work harder for delivery persons, it can also make it harder to transport for recipients if they take delivery far away from where they intend to use the product. Heavier packaging also tends to add extra shipping costs which can affect your profits.

These boxes can also be customized with such features as handles or slots that can make lifting or carrying them easier.

Affordability

A corrugated box is typically very cheap to manufacture and buy. They can even be constructed using recycled materials and are often made into simple designs. Even where graphics, laminates, and more are used to jazz up the designs, the costs often remain low, especially with bulk orders.

That low cost is of benefit to online businesses. Although many do not have to contend with the cost of having a brick-and-mortar shop, they often have to compete with lower pricing from competing businesses, which can slash profit margins substantially. Being able to minimize shipping costs by choosing to buy corrugated boxes can be of good financial benefit.

Customizable

Corrugated boxes can be customized in a variety of ways. This includes external design, size, and shape. You can keep them plain and simple, or opt for a more striking or colorful design. Whichever option you choose, consider what expectations your customers have and safety factors. Also, what kind of impression will be made about your brand when the package is delivered.

A corrugated box can also be easily customized in terms of wall thickness. Single wall boxes are fairly common and affordable to buy. However, when you have heavier and valuable products to ship, it is better to opt for double or triple wall boxes. They offer better protection that improves the chances the order will arrive at its destination in a safe condition.

How To Make Your Cardboard Storage Boxes Last Longer

cardboard storage boxes
Most people will with time accumulate a sizable amount of possessions they do not need. Whether usable or derelict, many items will not require regular use and need to be put in storage. Cardboard boxes are a popular choice when it comes to stashing things away. They come in various sizes and thicknesses that make them suitable for storing items of different kinds. They may however not last long if not properly handled. Here are a few tips on how to prolong the life of your cardboard storage boxes.

Choose The Right Cardboard Storage Boxes

When storing heavy items, you need to use cardboard boxes with more flutes. Double or triple wall boxes are a good option as their added thickness makes them less likely to buckle under the weight of the contents. Use thinner single wall boxes for lightweight items. Also, be sure to avoid over-packing. It can be tempting to squeeze in as many items as possible, but this can cause the box to bulge and tear. Keep the contents to a reasonable amount to avoid damage.

Decorative storage boxes come in attractive designs that most people like to preserve. This means they should be more carefully handled to keep up appearances. Remember to avoid placing other boxes on top of them and keep them off the floor.

Stack Cardboard Storage Boxes Smartly

Cardboard boxes can be easily stacked. They can often hold up well even for prolonged periods. But you need to ensure you do not over stress them. Keep the strongest boxes with heavy contents at the bottom and pile the more lightweight boxes on top. If you have shelving you can use to avoid stacking altogether, do use it. the less weight your cardboard storage boxes have to bear, the longer they will last.

Consider Coating

If your boxes are of the barest design, consider coating them with resin, wood glue, or epoxy. This will help make them more water-resistant and less likely to suffer damage from pests. Applying this can help create a protective barrier that will prevent damage in case of unforeseen exposure. This will in turn better protect the contents and preserve the structural integrity of the box.

You can get any of these and a paintbrush from your hardware store. You can apply several layers to help reinforce this protection. Ensure each layer fully dries before applying a new one and finally using it for storage.

Tape The Edges

The edges of a cardboard box are often highly vulnerable, especially with single-wall cardboard boxes. They can easily bulge and tear. You can easily strengthen them using duct tape. It will make the box stronger and less likely to lose shape.

Tips on Choosing the Right Retail Packaging

retail packaging
Shoppers tend to be drawn in by how good a product looks aesthetically. With this in mind, it is best for any product to be presented as well as possible. Plain packaging might be practical but it is unlikely to catch the attention of shoppers. Instead, you should look for retail packaging that will help your product stand out from the shelves. Not just any retail packaging will do, however, and here’s a brief look at some of the things you should be looking for when choosing retail packaging.

Retail Packaging Design

As mentioned, aesthetics are very important. Your retail packaging should look great and help the product more appealing. Don’t forget also to use packaging that is suitable for the product in question. If the packaging is for kids’ toys then it is best to opt for packing that is bright, colorful, and fun. If the packaging is for a product like cologne, something more sophisticated will be more suitable. Remember also that a design that allows people to see the product inside can also help encourage people to make the decision to buy.

Quality Retail Packaging

Custom retail packaging that looks good on a shelf is all very well, but it also needs to look good close up. If you choose a poor quality packaging then it can give the impression that the product itself is also of poor quality. Check first to see which materials are being used and try to get a sample of the packaging before ordering. It is something that could make a big difference to how well a product sells so it is certainly something worth paying attention to.

The Environment

More and more people are becoming aware of the need to care for the environment, and many are changing their shopping habits accordingly. A lot of people are now looking at all aspects of a product to see how sustainable it is and this includes the packaging. If your packaging is considered to be particularly wasteful then a lot of people are likely to choose another product instead.

If you do use green custom retail packaging then make sure it is clearly stated on the packaging itself so people know you are making an effort. Also mention any other efforts that you might be taking to do your part for the environment. Not only can this help you to make more sales, it will also help you to do your part in maintaining a healthy planet for future generations.