If you think that the only way you can get rid of those cardboard boxes at home is to take them to the recycling center- think again.
Believe it or not, there are tons of ways to upcycle cardboard boxes. You can turn them into toys or handy items at home, such as organizers and extra storage spaces. You can even turn them into creative pieces of furniture.
If you don’t think that’s possible, then check out these clever tips on how to recycle cardboard boxes at home.
1. Marker caddy
If you are into arts and crafts, you can turn your old cardboard box into a marker caddy. Just add a few empty tissue rolls to keep your pens upright.
2. Play stove
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy your kids new toys. You can take a cardboard box and turn it into a play stove. It’s cheap, fun to make, and entertaining to play with.
3. Cardboard city
Making a cardboard city could be as fun for your kids as it is for you. Simply take a few empty cardboard boxes and assemble them into buildings. Let your kids decorate add the doors and windows. You can also add dolls and toy cars to make it more realistic.
4. Dog house
This one’s a pretty clever way of upcycling an old cardboard box. It’s perfect for if you often have puppy parties at home.
5. Rustic Christmas decorations
If you don’t have a theme yet for this year’s Christmas tree, why not go rustic? You can easily achieve that by cutting out tree patterns from your cardboard box. Take a foam brush and dip it into your paint of choice. Dab it all over your tree and allow to dry before hanging.
6. Lantern
Turning your old cardboard box into lanterns is probably one of the best way to transform trash into really creative home decor. The lanterns won’t just make your home cozier, but you’ll get to save money from them, too.
7. Cardboard letters
If you have an upcoming party at home, you might find this idea great. Cardboard letters are super easy to make and they can add that personal touch to any celebration.
8. Chandelier for the kids’ playroom
Make your kids’ playroom more stylish by adding this chandelier. Just don’t forget to use LED tea lights instead of candles for safety purposes.
9. Desk organizer
They say maintaining a clean work space is essential for productivity. So, keep your desk neat and clean with this cardboard organizer. It has rooms for pens, small notepads, keys, and your phone.
10. iPad case
iPad cases aren’t cheap. In fact, most of them can easily cost you around $50 or more. Instead of spending that much money, you can make your own iPad case from any cardboard box you have at home. Add some fabric to make it look extra beautiful and stylish.
11. Laptop Desk
This low-cost laptop desk can help you stay productive all day. You can take it with you anywhere you want to work.
12. Cardboard chair and foot stool
This one’s pretty clever. It’s pretty solid, too. You can actually sit on it and use the footstool if you want to rest after a hard day at work.
13. Can organizer
This can organizer is a good addition to your kitchen. It’s cheap and it does work in keeping your canned goods in one place.
14. Hanging shelf
This hanging shelf will cost you nothing if you already have some cardboard lying around at home. Although it’s a time-consuming project, you’ll surely feel accomplished after getting it done.
15. Book organizer
While reading is good for one’s mental development, having books lying around at home can be annoying. Create a book organizer from old cardboard boxes and give your child his own space where he can keep his favorite books.
16. Play house
Cardboard boxes make a great material for playhouses. They are cheap and easy to turn into any design you want. You can make a castle, house, train station or even an entire town. If you worry about your DIY skills, you can make one as simple as this.
17. Mini-drawer
If you need space to keep your little supplies, making your own mini-drawer should be your next project. The best part about using old cardboard boxes is that you can make it into any size you want.
18. Basket
If you’re running out of space for your blankets or even your kids’ toys, you can create a cardboard basket. You can wrap some rope around it to make it more sturdy and stylish.
19. Thread spool organizer
Missing one or two of these can be frustrating, particularly when you’re in the middle of a project. So, to keep things organized, consider turning one of your old cardboard boxes at home into a thread spool organizer. You can use nails or pins to keep them upright.
20. Coin sorting machine
Your kids will totally love this idea. It isn’t just crafty but it’s also educational. They can use it to learn how to count and how to pay for things.
21. Marble labyrinth game
A labyrinth game is an excellent way of passing time or bonding with your friends. If the game sounds new to you, consider playing with a simplified cardboard box labyrinth first. All you have to do is tilt the entire thing to get the marble to go through a certain course without falling into one of the holes.
22. File folders
File folders can be expensive, particularly the really cute ones. However, with the empty cereal boxes you have at home, you can create your own eco-friendly and cheaper versions. Just make sure to label each to avoid confusion.
23. Gift box
This is probably the most common way to recycle old cardboard boxes, particularly cereal boxes. With a pair of scissors, an empty box, and hot glue gun with glue, you’ll be able to complete this project in no time.
24. Chalk and cardboard computer
Computers can be handy in teaching kids some of their lessons. However, if you’re dealing with toddlers, too much screen time can be a bad thing. So, instead of using your iPad or laptop, create your own chalk and cardboard computer.
25. Gift bags
Empty food boxes can be turned into cute gift bags. Just make sure to not put really heavy items inside them as they aren’t as strong as plastic bags.
26. Kitchen organizer
Keeping your kitchen neat and organized can be difficult if you have tons of little items around. Keep your rolls of tin foils and plastic wrap a bit more organized in your drawers by putting them inside a cereal box organizer.
27. Business cards
Using empty boxes of cereals for your business cards can help you make a good impression. Apart from showing you recycle, this hack can also help you save money.
28. Guitar
No, you’re not reading this one wrong. You can make an actual playable guitar using old cereal boxes and the process is not as hard as you think.
29. Bookmarks
If you often lose your bookmarks, you can forget about buying your next one. Just make one out of an empty cereal box.
30. Flashlight
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any disaster or emergency. As part of your preparation, you can make a few functioning flashlight from old cereal boxes.
31. Robot
This particular project will need more than just cardboard boxes. You’ll also need to collect bottle caps, paper towel tube, aluminum foil, cans, markers, and glue.
32. Box theater
Encourage your kids to be more creative with this cardboard box theater. While making it, allow your kids to come up with a story they can play in their box.
33. Pencil case
If you keep pencils in the kitchen for writing your grocery lists, you might find this project handy. Making your own pencil case using cardboard boxes is one way to make sure you’ll never lose a pen again.
34. Puzzle
For days you can’t go out with the kids, you can keep them entertained with puzzles made from their favorite cereals. This project won’t take a lot of time, making it perfect for busy moms.
35. Easter egg baskets
This makes a really fun holiday activity. Get your kids to help you make their baskets before the go looking for their Easter eggs.
36. Wall art
If you have a solid wall at home that looks blunt and boring, this tip is an excellent solution. It’s not just cheap but it also allows you to use the design you want.
37. Present toppers
Be extra creative by using soda and cereal boxes as your next present toppers. They are an excellent alternative to ribbons.
38. Necklace
Paper bead jewelry is an excellent hobby whether you want to create necklaces made out of recycled cereal boxes for yourself or your family and friends. You can go as bright and as colorful as you want.
39. Shoe rack
Save space with this DIY shoe rack. It’s really easy to make and it won’t take a lot of your time.
40. Cardboard stand
Holding your phone for a long time can leave your hands numb. So, the next time you watch videos on your phone, consider using this cardboard stand.
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