Alright you packed up everything you own, moved it, and unpacked it. Now you're left with 10000 cardboard boxes. What should you do with them? Your first thought might be to recycle them. That's a good thought but the quote is reduce, re-use, recycle. Recycling should be done last when there's no longer a good use for them.
Reduce and Re-use
The first step is to reduce the amount of cardboard boxes being used. Before you recycle them, ask yourself if the boxes are in good enough condition to be re-used. Make sure they're still strong enough to hold items and that they aren't too bent in or flimsy. If they can be re-used, tell your friends and family online that you are giving away free boxes. You'd be surprised how often someone you know needs boxes for storage or for their own move. If you don't know anyone personally, drop them somewhere appropriate with a sign that says free boxes and post online that you are giving away free boxes.
Re-purpose
The next best thing to re-using them for their intended purpose is to re-use them with a completely new purpose. Here are some great ideas for re-using cardboard boxes!
1. Turn Your Cardboard Boxes into a Playhouse!
This is great because it's less expensive than a traditional playhouse and it's more environmentally friendly. Kids will love this because they will be able to do things like color on it without getting in trouble. They can absolutely destroy this thing and you won't even bat an eye.