10 Ideas for Repurposing Delivery Boxes That Eliminate Waste

Ever wondered what to do with all those delivery boxes piling up in your home? With online shopping becoming a daily habit for most Americans, cardboard boxes are accumulating faster than ever – creating both clutter and environmental concerns.

Instead of sending them straight to recycling, you can transform these ordinary cardboard containers into practical, creative, and even decorative items. From storage solutions to children’s toys, these versatile boxes have unlimited potential that’s just waiting to be unlocked with a bit of imagination.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

10 Creative Ways to Transform Delivery Boxes into Useful Items

Create a DIY Storage System – Transform your boxes into labeled storage containers for seasonal items. Cut the tops uniformly, cover with decorative paper or fabric, and add rope handles for easy access. These custom organizers fit perfectly in closets and under beds.
Build a Cat Playhouse – Turn a large delivery box into a feline paradise by cutting entrance holes, windows, and adding multiple levels inside. Cover with pet-safe paint and add cushioning for a cozy cat retreat that saves you $50+ compared to store-bought options.
Craft a Kids’ Kitchen Set – Convert boxes into a play stove, refrigerator, and sink. Cut openings for doors, use bottle caps as knobs, and add contact paper for durability. This DIY play kitchen encourages hours of imaginative play without the $100+ price tag.
Design Drawer Dividers – Cut smaller boxes to create custom compartments for organizing drawers in your kitchen, office, or bathroom. These tailored dividers keep utensils, makeup, or office supplies perfectly separated.
Make Wall Shelving – Reinforce delivery boxes with glue or tape, cut in half, and mount to walls as lightweight floating shelves. Cover with decorative paper or paint to match your décor for instant, no-cost display space.
Create Garden Planters – Line boxes with plastic, poke drainage holes, fill with soil, and grow herbs or small vegetables. These biodegradable planters break down naturally after a few seasons.
Build a Laptop Stand – Cut and fold a sturdy box into an ergonomic laptop stand that improves posture and prevents overheating. Add ventilation cutouts on the bottom for better airflow.
Craft Gift Boxes – Transform plain delivery boxes into beautiful gift packaging by covering with wrapping paper, adding ribbon handles, and decorative elements. These personalized gift boxes add a special touch to any present.
Design a Charging Station – Convert a box into a cable management system by cutting holes for cords and creating compartments for devices. Cover with fabric for a stylish solution to electronic clutter.
Make Filing Organizers – Cut and reinforce boxes to create vertical file holders for important documents. Label each section for easy reference and cover with contact paper for a professional look that costs nothing.

Turn Cardboard Boxes into Stylish Storage Solutions

Custom-Sized Drawer Organizers

Transform delivery boxes into perfectly tailored drawer organizers that fit your exact specifications. Simply measure your drawer dimensions, cut the cardboard to size, and create dividers for different compartments. You can cover them with contact paper, fabric, or decorative tape for a polished look. These custom organizers work brilliantly for separating socks, underwear, office supplies, or kitchen utensils—all without spending a dime on store-bought solutions.

Decorative Shelf Bins

Create attractive shelf storage by cutting delivery boxes to your desired height and reinforcing the corners with strong tape. Cover them with pretty wrapping paper, wallpaper scraps, or fabric using spray adhesive for a seamless finish. Add rope handles by punching holes on opposite sides and threading through decorative cord. These personalized bins look stylish on open shelving while concealing clutter in living rooms, offices, and bedrooms—costing far less than retail storage solutions.

Create a Cozy Pet Retreat from Shipping Containers

Cat Hideaway With Multiple Entrances

Transform your delivery boxes into a multi-level cat paradise your feline will adore. Cut strategic doorways and windows in 2-3 connected boxes, then secure them with strong packing tape. Line the interior with soft fabric or old t-shirts for comfort. Add peepholes at different heights to satisfy your cat’s natural curiosity and desire to survey their domain. For extra durability, reinforce the corners with cardboard triangles and cover the exterior with decorative wrapping paper.

Dog Toy Storage Box

Create a stylish and practical dog toy organizer using a sturdy delivery box. Cut the box to your desired height, fold down the flaps inside, and secure them with tape for reinforcement. Cover the exterior with washable fabric or contact paper in colors that complement your home decor. Add your pet’s name with stencils or adhesive letters for a personalized touch. Place this box in your living room or entryway to keep dog toys neatly contained while still easily accessible for playtime.

Craft Kid-Friendly Playsets That Spark Imagination

Cardboard Castle With Drawbridge

Transform a large delivery box into a medieval castle that’ll captivate your child’s imagination. Cut out a drawbridge on one side, using string to make it raise and lower. Create crenellations along the top edges by cutting triangular notches. Add towers by attaching smaller boxes at the corners with duct tape or hot glue. Decorate with non-toxic paint in stone patterns or cover with aluminum foil for a metallic effect. This castle becomes a perfect backdrop for knight adventures, princess stories, or dragon-slaying quests.

Miniature Dollhouse With Furniture

Convert a medium-sized delivery box into a charming dollhouse by removing one side and dividing the interior with cardboard shelves to create multiple rooms. Craft tiny furniture from smaller boxes and cardboard scraps—beds from matchboxes, tables from bottle caps, and chairs from toilet paper tubes. Add decorative elements like fabric scraps for rugs, wallpaper from wrapping paper, and windows cut into the sides. Your child can personalize each room, creating a unique play space that encourages creative storytelling and imaginative play.

Design Practical Home Office Organization Systems

Desktop File Organizers

Transform delivery boxes into sleek desktop file organizers that keep important papers sorted and accessible. Cut the box at an angle (about 45 degrees) to create vertical slots for different document categories. Measure your documents first to ensure proper sizing, then reinforce the dividers with additional cardboard pieces. Cover with adhesive paper, fabric, or paint in colors that complement your office decor. Add labels to each section for quick identification of bills, correspondence, and project materials—saving you both money and desk space.

Cable Management Boxes

Delivery boxes make perfect cable management solutions that eliminate tangled cords and protect power strips. Cut strategic holes in the sides of a shoebox-sized container for cords to enter and exit, while keeping surge protectors and adapters hidden inside. Decorate with contact paper or spray paint to match your office aesthetic. For added functionality, create internal dividers to separate different types of cables and prevent them from tangling. This simple solution not only organizes your workspace but also reduces fire hazards from dust accumulation around electrical components.

Build Eco-Friendly Garden Helpers for Your Plants

Biodegradable Seed Starters

Transform delivery boxes into perfect biodegradable seed starters that nurture your seedlings while reducing waste. Cut cardboard into 3×3-inch squares, fold the edges to create small containers, and fill with potting soil. These cardboard starters break down naturally in soil after planting, eliminating transplant shock and feeding your garden as they decompose. They’re ideal for starting tomatoes, herbs, and flowers indoors before the growing season begins.

Compost Bin Liners

Delivery boxes make excellent compost bin liners that absorb excess moisture and add valuable carbon to your compost pile. Simply break down boxes to fit your kitchen compost container or outdoor bin, replacing them when they become saturated. The cardboard itself will decompose completely, creating nutrient-rich material for your garden. This method prevents messy containers, reduces odors, and transforms your delivery waste into garden gold without purchasing commercial liners.

Fashion DIY Home Decor Pieces With Personal Flair

Wall Art Made From Cardboard Cutouts

Transform delivery boxes into stunning wall art by cutting geometric shapes, animals, or abstract designs from the cardboard. Use a craft knife to create precise cutouts, then paint them with metallic colors or bold hues that complement your décor. Arrange multiple pieces in a gallery wall formation for maximum impact. Mount your cardboard creations using removable adhesive strips to prevent wall damage. This eco-friendly art adds texture and dimension to blank walls while showcasing your personal style.

Textured Lampshade Covers

Create unique lampshade covers by cutting delivery box cardboard into decorative patterns. Measure your existing lampshade’s circumference, then cut cardboard strips with intricate designs using scissors or a craft knife. Wrap the cardboard around the outside of your current lampshade, securing with glue or twine for a rustic touch. When lit, these covers cast beautiful shadow patterns across your room. For safety, ensure the cardboard doesn’t directly touch the bulb and use LED lights that generate minimal heat.

Construct Functional Furniture From Sturdy Boxes

Temporary Nightstand or Side Table

Transform sturdy delivery boxes into practical nightstands with just a few simple modifications. Start by reinforcing the box by taping all seams with strong packing tape, then stack and secure multiple boxes for added height if needed. Create a flat, stable top by cutting a piece of cardboard to fit precisely over the opening. Add a decorative tablecloth or contact paper to elevate the appearance and protect the surface. Your new nightstand can hold lamps, books, and other bedside essentials while serving as temporary furniture for guests or new spaces.

Reinforced Footrest or Ottoman

Convert large delivery boxes into comfortable footrests by reinforcing the structure with additional cardboard layers inside. Tape all edges securely with heavy-duty packing tape, then wrap the entire box in batting or foam for cushioning. Cover with fabric using a staple gun to attach it under the base. For added stability, fill the bottom third with magazines or books before sealing. This DIY ottoman not only provides a perfect place to rest your feet but also offers hidden storage space inside when you remove the top panel.

Develop Educational Tools for Learning and Development

Flash Card Storage System

Transform delivery boxes into organized flash card storage systems that make learning more efficient. Cut your boxes into compartments sized perfectly for different subject categories, then label each section clearly. Add divider tabs using cardboard scraps to separate topics like math, science, and vocabulary. Enhance your system with a fold-down front panel that provides easy access while keeping cards secure when closed. These custom organizers cost nothing but save countless hours searching for specific study materials.

DIY Board Games and Puzzles

Delivery boxes provide the perfect foundation for creating educational games that teach while entertaining. Cut box lids into puzzle pieces by drawing shapes and carefully cutting them out—younger learners enjoy larger pieces while older children benefit from complex patterns. Transform larger boxes into board games by drawing paths, adding homemade game pieces, and creating question cards about subjects they’re studying. These DIY learning tools encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills while giving packaging materials new purpose as personalized educational resources.

Engineer Gifting Solutions With Repurposed Packaging

Custom Gift Boxes With Dividers

Transform ordinary delivery boxes into personalized gift boxes with custom dividers for multi-item presents. Start by removing labels and cutting the box to your desired height. Create dividers by cutting cardboard strips that interlock through small slits. These compartments perfectly separate fragile items like homemade cookies, bath bombs, or jewelry collections. Line the interior with decorative paper or fabric to elevate the presentation while hiding the cardboard’s industrial appearance.

Reusable Gift Bags and Tags

Convert smaller delivery boxes into stylish gift bags that recipients can use again. Cut off the top flaps, punch holes near the upper edge, and thread ribbon or twine through for handles. Decorate with wrapping paper, fabric scraps, or paint using stencils for professional-looking patterns. For matching tags, cut small rectangles from box scraps, punch a hole for ribbon, and decorate to complement your gift bag. These eco-friendly alternatives eliminate single-use gift wrap while showcasing your creativity.

Set Up a Home Recycling Center With Cardboard Divisions

Transforming delivery boxes into useful items saves money brings joy and reduces environmental impact. The projects we’ve shared range from practical storage solutions to creative children’s toys and even stylish home decor.

By repurposing cardboard boxes you’re not just decluttering your home but participating in sustainable living. These DIY projects require minimal tools and materials you likely already have on hand.

Next time a package arrives don’t rush to recycle the box. Take a moment to consider its potential. Whether you need organization pet accessories or educational tools for kids there’s a creative solution waiting to be crafted from that humble cardboard box. Your wallet and the planet will thank you for your resourcefulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I reuse delivery boxes instead of recycling them?

Reusing delivery boxes reduces waste more effectively than recycling, which still consumes energy. By repurposing boxes, you’re extending their life cycle, reducing your carbon footprint, and saving money on storage solutions or other items you might otherwise purchase. Creating something useful from what would be trash provides both environmental benefits and personal satisfaction.

How can I make cardboard storage solutions look attractive in my home?

Transform cardboard boxes into attractive storage by covering them with decorative paper, fabric, or paint. Add rope handles, apply wood-look contact paper, or use decorative washi tape for a finished appearance. For a cohesive look, create matching sets with the same color scheme or pattern. These customized storage solutions can blend seamlessly with your home decor while being budget-friendly.

Are cardboard pet projects durable enough for daily use?

Yes, when properly reinforced. Use heavy-duty packing tape along seams, add additional cardboard layers for strength, and consider applying a non-toxic sealant for protection against moisture. For cat furniture, reinforce weight-bearing areas and corners. Most cardboard pet projects last several months with regular use, and can be easily replaced when worn, making them economical and environmentally friendly options.

How can I involve children in cardboard box projects?

Children can help with non-cutting tasks like decorating, painting, and arranging components. Older kids can assist with measuring and planning. Projects like cardboard castles, dollhouses, and play kitchens are perfect for collaborative creation and teach sustainability values. These activities develop creativity, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills while showing children how to repurpose everyday items into something valuable.

What tools do I need for these cardboard box projects?

Basic tools include a utility knife or box cutter, scissors, ruler, pencil, and strong adhesive like hot glue or heavy-duty tape. A cutting mat protects surfaces. For decorating, gather paint, markers, decorative paper, fabric, and embellishments. Most projects require no power tools, making them accessible for beginners. Start with these essentials and add specialized tools as you tackle more complex projects.

Can delivery boxes really be used for gardening?

Absolutely! Cardboard makes excellent biodegradable seed starters—simply cut boxes into small containers, fill with soil, and plant seeds. Larger boxes create compost bin liners that add carbon while absorbing moisture. You can also use flattened cardboard as weed barriers in garden beds or create raised garden bed borders. These applications allow the cardboard to naturally decompose while serving a useful purpose.

How do I reinforce cardboard to make functional furniture?

Create sturdy furniture by using multiple layers of cardboard for strength. Cut identical pieces and glue them together, ensuring the corrugation runs in alternating directions. Fold edges for structural integrity and reinforce corners with brackets made from cardboard triangles. For weight-bearing pieces like ottomans, create internal support structures. Apply polyurethane sealant for durability and moisture resistance.

What are creative ways to use delivery boxes for educational purposes?

Transform boxes into organized flash card systems with labeled dividers for different subjects. Create DIY board games by cutting and decorating box lids as game boards and using smaller pieces for cards or game pieces. Make puzzles by cutting box panels into interlocking shapes. These educational tools promote learning while teaching children about sustainability through creative reuse of materials.

How can I turn delivery boxes into gift packaging?

Create custom gift boxes by cutting down and reshaping delivery boxes, then covering them with decorative paper or fabric. Add dividers for multi-item gifts. For gift bags, cut boxes into appropriate shapes, fold, and add handles made from rope or ribbon. Create matching gift tags from cardboard scraps. These personalized options offer an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought gift wrap.

How long do cardboard DIY projects typically last?

With proper construction and care, cardboard projects can last from several months to years, depending on use and exposure to moisture. Decorative items like wall art may last indefinitely when sealed and kept dry. Functional items with regular use, such as storage boxes, typically last 1-2 years. Extending lifespan is possible by applying sealants, reinforcing stress points, and keeping items away from humidity.