Dealing with Amazon boxes is tough. But any phone, computer, or video doorbell you order comes with its own packaging that can permanently hump your back. Should I allow these old boxes to take up closet space or should I throw them in the trash?
At least keep the return box
When buying an expensive new device, try to keep the packaging for at least a few weeks. Most retailers, including Amazon, will refuse returns that are not in the original box.
Now, you may have had a different experience with returns. Businesses often make exceptions to their return policies for customer satisfaction. This is especially true if the product is defective.
But no one wants to go through the trouble of returning an item. Keeping the box for a few weeks makes things easier. Plus, you won’t have to spend a ton of money buying new boxes, packing peanuts, or packing bubble wrap.
If you know you don’t need to return the product, you can disassemble the packaging and separate it into trash and recycling. However, you may need to store the box a little longer. Hard to say.
Original packaging also increases resale value
I plan to upgrade my phone or tablet at some point. And if you keep the original packaging of these devices, you’ll get a resale value of $15 or $20. This is the case with almost all electronic devices and is the number one reason in favor of leaving the old box in place.
Selling the product in its original packaging gives the illusion that you are a good caretaker. maybe.
Additionally, some boxes may become “collector’s items”. People love old Apple and Nintendo boxes, even if the boxes are for small accessories.For some reason, some musicians are obsessed with the packaging of old guitars his pedals and keyboards.
Now, old boxes don’t always increase the resale value of a product. Most people don’t pay extra for the TV package they bought five years ago, or shell out big bucks for a box of cheap wireless chargers. Also, if you expect the device to die (like a security camera placed in a harsh environment), you probably don’t need to worry about resale value.
But do you actually resell your old electronics? If you stock up on a lot of boxes and rarely sell stuff, it might be time to clear out your closet. It’s a dangerous game to hold on to the idea that “this might be worth something”!
Old boxes make moving and maintenance easier
In some cases, keeping old boxes makes life easier. Your video doorbell may come with additional mounting hardware, or your Xbox packaging may have good foam padding. In such situations, it is convenient to keep the box.
I’ve found this to be especially true while on the move. A new home may require a small piece of hardware that you’ve left in your smart thermostat box. Also, if you still have the Styrofoam-filled packaging, you don’t have to worry about damaging your Xbox while traveling.
Admittedly, this is not the best argument for keeping old boxes in storage.Some people live in the same house for years and decades and leave the old box alone in case It can be a waste of time and space. You can always keep the operating instructions and spare parts in a plastic bag. Realistically, the first thing that breaks when you move is your electronics.
Some boxes aren’t worth keeping
Most electronics boxes contain styrofoam, hard plastic, or other parts that cannot be laid flat. So they take up a lot of space. It’s not a big deal when the box is small, but having a very large box for a desktop monitor, sound system, or other bulky product can make your neck hurt.
Usually these big boxes can be thrown away with no regrets. People rarely resell large electronics. Shipping someone a 40 inch TV on eBay is not a pleasant experience. A box might make shipping easier, but it just ends up in the buyer’s trash.
There are some exceptions to this rule. You’ll probably want to keep the new box for a few weeks in case you need to return the product. You may also plan to upgrade your large digital piano in the next few years. This box may increase resale value and facilitate shipping.
Also, some large electronics can be collectibles. Their box may be worth it someday. But this is rarely the case with your average computer, TV, desktop monitor, soundbar, or other gigantic device.
how to store old boxes
Storing old boxes is a real nightmare. There are several options, including shoving them in closets, cramming them in garages, dumping them in storage units, and stacking them on the floor. And if you’re an idiot, I think you can use old boxes as decorations.
The problem, of course, is that electronics packaging cannot be flat. It usually comes with a lot of extra plastic, spare parts, or other nonsense.
My advice is to try to avoid the hoarding mentality.I’m sure there are many reasons to keep old boxes, but space is limited. Throw away the irrelevant boxes. And find a clean space to store and organize the crates that are really worth keeping. (If you keep your old box in the garage, put it in a plastic container to keep out water and insects.)
Here are some fun suggestions. Use your old box as storage. You’ll be amazed at how many cables and Christmas ornaments you can fit into your Xbox packaging. If you label these old boxes with painter’s tape, you won’t have trouble finding anything away from the squirrels.
