I love boxes.
Big ones. Small ones. Flat ones. Deep ones.
Oh, the possibilities.
Therefore, it’s very hard for me to throw away boxes.
They’re just so . . . . useful!!!
When you need a box, you need one that is just the right size for the job. So, it has to be better to keep every box that ever crosses your path, right?
But boxes take up so much room. You can flatten them, but I have done that many times before, only to then forget that they existed.
And really, boxes getting filled . . . means stuff being stored, which means clutter sticking around, which is something I don’t need.
At all.
Maybe . . . I could decide that whenever a beautiful, perfect box comes my way, I should fill it with clutter, and then go drop it off somewhere.
That would be useful.
Trish says
I like boxes. Since we're reformed clutterers (or trying to be, anyway), we could love filling up those boxes with thrift-store donations…right?
Lindsey says
My issue with "perfect" boxes is keeping them for Christmas gifts. There is always an odd shapped gift and wouldn't it just be the worst if I had thrown out that "PERFECT" box!?!?
Shannon says
So funny that you wrote about this subject. I too love boxes, but don't want the clutter. On the other hand, I don't want to throw out a box that I will need. And they are expensive to replace. My kitchen has a space between an island and windows. It is FULL of boxes. Oh, I want to have the space clutter-free but with Christmas coming, I might need those boxes to wrap gifts. Maybe after the first of the year, when I start my New Year Resolution, I will finally get it clean. Maybe.
April says
hello I am a recent subscriber to your blog and when I read this post I thought of what I did this weekend…I went through LITERALLY EVERY drawer in the house…I had a MOUNTAIN of trash to go through last night (I was stupid enough to go through it to separate recycling 🙂 ) and then a table top full of stuff to find a home for or give to goodwill…it was kind of exhausting but I'm so glad I did it…it feels right to clear things out before getting the Christmas decorations out later this week…anyway, good luck with your continued decluttering/cleaning process…
have a great Thanksgiving!
Kimmie says
My husband just did the last Fall Cleaning of the garage. I don't know how many boxes I broke down flat. I just did it and handed them to him to recycle at work….with my eyes closed. It was pretty painful.
Caffeinated Mom says
My lovely hubby is our box lover… its bad, really bad! But slowly, weeek by week, I'm setting out 2-3 boxes on our trash day. Maybe he won't notice!
Cherish says
I, too, keep boxes. It's hard to decide on the cutoff point when it becomes too many.
Jimmie says
I do this too — save boxes. Like you say, when you need one, it's great to say, "This one is perfect!"
Nichole says
I use my boxes for trash to prevent box pile up. It actually works out really well for me because we have to haul our own trash out so it ensures no bags break in my van on the way to the dumpsters.
melinda says
I just this week started saving cereal boxes again, for Christmas gifts.
I have already bought almost all my gifts, quite a few of which are t-shirts. They need to be in boxes! Because I am clumsy, and if a gift is just wrapped, not in a box, invariably I will punch some kind of hole, or tear it and have to rewrap. boxes save em money!
I know I’m supposed to be decluttering, but boxes are just gonna have to be here for now.
Jeanine says
The flat rate boxes at the post office are free.
Linda says
I moved 3 years ago & had to BUY boxes. I couldn’t believe how much money it cost me. When I started cleaning out my spare closet a few days ago I realized half the closet is full with the flattened boxes. I’m paralyzed right now not knowing if I should get rid of them or keep them because I keep saying I would like to move again. But I’ve been saying that for the last 2 years. I just know as soon as I get rid of them I’m going to find the perfect place to live & have to spend $$ again. I’m really stuck with this one. Had to leave the room to think about it & came across your post. Still don’t know the answer but good to know from you, & others that commented, that I’m not alone in this.
fep says
I tend to collect boxes too!
Using your container method, I now have one shelf in a closet where I put empty boxes/wrapping things. One. If it doesn’t fit, too bad. No you are not allowed to go dump it in the basement.