Why you should keep empty boxes and containers

Do you ever think about a weird habit (I know, only one, right) that you have? One that you think, ‘certainly no one else does this, right?’ And if they knew I did they would think I was weird?

At the risk of sounding weird (I know, more weird than I already am) I’m sharing a weird habit I have, but one that I don’t really apologize for.  My weird habit (just the ONE we’re talking about today) is my affinity for collecting empty boxes and empty containers. Just hear me out…..I haven’t converted my house into an empty box storage haven….yet.

Free containers = Free storage

I don’t really know when it started. As a kid I was kind of fascinated by cute containers, but living rather frugally, those cute containers had to usually be handmade. And as part of the frugal mindset my parents blessed me with, I likely picked up on keeping re-usable things.  Like boxes.  Anyone remember storing things in the empty Velveeta cheese boxes? Or storing leftover food in an empty Cool Whip, cottage cheese container, or empty butter tub?

Empty containers: An organizer’s paradise

I think another part that contributed to this was my organizer nature. Because I liked to organize and re-organize, it was always nice to have empty containers and boxes to be able to do that. Then I wouldn’t have to run out to the store to try and figure out sizes and capacities and spend money on something I might just replace later. Or just not be happy with it and have wasted the money.

Over the last 10 years I’ve been a bit of a junkie about collecting empty containers. I don’t usually purchase any, unless it’s for a very specific purpose. For example, when I reorganized my yarn collection, I measured out the various sizes I would need and actually purchased tubs that would fit perfectly on my shelves. Right height, most efficient width and depth.  But PRIOR to that I used what I had. I used computer paper boxes and other plastic totes. Boxes from deliveries. Plastic tubs I inherited or re-purposed from another area of the house.

Glass containers

I also hang onto reusable glass containers. Think pickle jars, mayo jars, salsa jars. And my husband absolutely loves me for it. LOL {insert eyeroll}. These have also come in handy to store all sorts of supplies and things. I’ve used them to deliver hummingbird feed that I take to my parents during the summer. I’ve used them as vases for cut flowers I deliver to my mom. That way she doesn’t feel obligated to return it and I don’t lose a good vase or good dish.

Being an organizer doesn’t always mean you’re organized

Now, don’t get the idea that my house is perfectly organized. Far from it! I have lots and lots of ideas but only so much creative energy and gusto to actually get them done. One of the myths about professional organizers that I’ve busted before is that everyone thinks we have the cleanest and most organized homes.  NOPE! We’re a lot like everyone else. We have our junk drawers and our corners to stuff things. And don’t get me started with under the bed.

You can’t keep them all

But I digress. As I come across empty boxes at work or inherit empty containers, I’ll bring them home or wash them up. I have a few areas I store them. And as I’ve collected them, I’m a little more picky about any additional ones I add to the collection, just so I don’t end up on an episode of Hoarders. With an organizer’s mind, I like to keep all of my empty totes and stuff in one general area so it’s like shopping when I need something.   Except my method isn’t nearly as cool as The Container Store’s! Trust me!

Storing empty boxes and containers

We have a ping pong table in our unfinished basement. So we don’t really use our basement for entertaining or anything. Thank goodness. It’s become mine and my husband’s hobby areas along with bein a general storage area for things like the extra chairs we only pull out for Thanksgiving or Christmas, holiday decorations, or some of the inherited furniture pieces until we find them a happy home.

Under the ping pong table I store boxes within boxes. Everything from small boxes that a dozen golf balls come in, to the plastic storage containers for index cards, random storage baskets, all the way up to computer paper boxes, a wooden crate, and the lovely Amazon delivery boxes.

Adjacent to the ping pong table area is a couple of shelving units I use to store plastic totes, stacking them where I can. But making sure I can adequately ‘shop’ when I need to. A few of the larger boxes might go here too.  Keep in mind, just about everything on these shelves has either been inherited (free!) or was used in some way (mail package, food box, etc) (also free!).

While in some ways I think this is a weird habit, I also attribute it to being frugal, efficient, re-purposing, and feeling organized. Now, I recognize you gotta have the space to store some of this stuff, and while I too would love to keep every empty container I come across, even I have to be a bit intentional about NOT keeping every one. BUT, I know at any time I can go downstairs and pull out a container to use for whatever my little heart desires. Need a bigger box for a gift? Got it. Need to cart some blankets or other large unwieldy items somewhere? Got it.  Need another box for a new yarn you’ve added to your collection? Got it.

I was also able to heavily contribute to both of our parents moving because of this box collection. They borrowed the boxes and totes and those that remained in decent condition came back home to my basement. I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve lent boxes to for moving! But now I’m making it sound like my basement is wall-to-wall boxes. I promise, it’s not.

Final Thoughts on Collecting Empty Boxes and Containers

So while it seems like a weird habit, I’m okay with it. Now that I’ve shared some of my weirdness, what’s one of your weird habits? Drop it in the comments below! We can bond over our weirdness. 🙂

Related Articles

Did you like today’s post about why you should always stockpile a few good empty containers (at least in my opinion)? If so, check out a few of my organizing articles:

• Organizing Yarn
• Organizing Scrapbook Supplies
• Using craft organization in other areas of your life (like backpacking!)

Did you know I also have a series that features new projects I try out from other crafty designers? If you are interested in learning more about my New Project Spotlight series read my New Project Spotlight series welcome article.

I’m always looking for new projects to feature. What is a new project you’ve tried and liked? Would it be a good one to shine the light on in my New Project Spotlight series? Are you an awesome crochet artist with a design you’d like to see featured here? If so, leave me a note in the comments.

In addition to several of my crochet boards on Pinterest, you might also check out my Made It, Did It, Tried It board, chuck full of a random assortment of projects, places, recipes and more that I’ve tried and liked.