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14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Empty cardboard boxes piling up from online orders? Don't toss them yet. These versatile materials can transform into practical tools and fun projects around the home.

We've curated 14 proven ways to reuse cardboard boxes effectively. See below:

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Contents
  • 1. Make a drawer divider
  • 2. Donate to a charity
  • 3. Feed the birds
  • 4. Make a paint palette
  • 5. Make coasters
  • 6. Protect the floor
  • 7. Spray paint without the mess
  • 8. Make a cat house
  • 9. Make a collapsible play hut
  • 10. Make a decorated wastebasket
  • 11. Store Christmas lights easily
  • 12. Build a cardboard kitchen
  • 13. Pick up dead leaves effortlessly
  • 14. Create a coloring station

1. Make a drawer divider

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

This straightforward DIY organizes drawers perfectly. You'll need cardboard, a ruler, and a craft knife.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Measure your drawer's length and width, then mark and cut cardboard strips to fit—one set lengthwise, one crosswise.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Cut 10 cm slits at regular intervals along each strip.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Interlock the strips using the slits, then place in your drawer for instant organization.

2. Donate to a charity

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Pack unwanted items into boxes and drop them at organizations like Secours Populaire or Emmaüs. Many offer home pickups—call to schedule.

3. Feed the birds

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Kids love making and watching birds enjoy these feeders.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Cut cardboard into shapes like hearts, poke holes for string. Coat both sides with peanut butter.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Press into birdseed on a plate to adhere. Hang outdoors. (Toilet paper rolls work too—check the tutorial.)

4. Make a paint palette

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

More durable than paper plates, this eco-friendly palette is ideal for artists of all ages.

5. Make coasters

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Cut into circles or squares, then seal with decorative tape for stylish, custom coasters.

6. Protect the floor

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Slide cardboard under furniture legs during moves to prevent scratches and scuffs.

7. Spray paint without getting it everywhere

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

8. Make a cat house

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Drape an old T-shirt over a box, aligning the neck with the opening. Tuck sleeves inside for cozy edges. Your cat will love it. (See tutorial; also try the cardboard toy.)

9. Make a collapsible hut

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Kids adore box playhouses. This foldable version stores easily. Use two large boxes, masking tape, and a cutter.

1. Tape flaps on one box securely inside and out for the base.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

2. Cut off one long side for the roof; save the piece.

3. From the second box, cut a matching roof using the saved piece.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Tape roofs together and attach to the base frame.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

5. Score the back, bottom, and lower edge per dotted lines for folding.

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

6. Flatten, tape vertical cuts to back and bottom (skip horizontal for foldability).

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Reinforce interior with tape, add supports if needed. Let imaginations run wild!

10. Make a decorated wastebasket

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Wrap a large box in gift wrap for handy wrapping paper disposal during holidays or parties.

11. Easily store Christmas lights

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Wrap strands around cardboard to prevent tangles. Check the trick here.

12. Make a cardboard kitchen

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Build a pretend play kitchen—kids' top budget-friendly toy. Check the trick here.

13. Easily pick up dead leaves

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

A box simplifies yard cleanup. Check the trick here.

14. Make a coloring box

14 Genius Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Boxes and Reduce Waste

Kids prefer this interactive setup over books. Check the trick here.