Ah, spring, the time of year when the urge to purge many a clutter causing item is almost overwhelming. During our last spring cleaning session this weekend, we had a bit of a household debate over boxes. Yes, we're talking about empty boxes that tech arrived in. Our debate caused me to think about what exactly the rationale is for keeping the boxes around, and in the interest of helping others in a similar spot, I'm more than happy to share it.
Here are the 4 talking points we think about when deciding if we should stow or toss a tech box:
1. Are we are planning on re-selling the tech? Almost all tech in its original box will sell for a higher price than without the box. This is especially the case with Apple products, so we make it a habit to keep all of the boxes (since we sell the old version when we buy the new one). Keeping the boxes has worked for us and we've been able to get much better prices than friends who re-sold iPads, Apple laptops, and iPhones without the box.
2. Is it easier to move with the box? Some items are easier to relocate when they are in the box. If we know that we're moving soon, we hold on to the boxes for items like big screen TVs to make the move easier.
3. How much space does it take up? Unless a move or re-sell is right around the corner, some boxes don't make sense to store in our tiny apartment because even if they increase the value or make moving easier, they are just too darn big. With each of these larger boxes, we think about how much space it takes when it's flat and make the call from there.
4. Can it be used for something else? I have some serious hoarding tendencies when it comes to things that can be re-purposed in DIY projects...so this is the point where I have the most trouble and my other half needs to remind me of point 3. I've made several nifty things out of old tech boxes, including headphone cable organizers, desk caddies, pet beds, and fridge magnets. I see a box and I think of the possibilities, and I really dislike throwing things away that have "potential." If you're like me, remember to think about how much space it takes up and how many other items are waiting to be re-purposed that you still haven't used. If you have a tendency to toss everything, take a minute and think about how the box can be used before tossing it.
As you can imagine, these 4 points are helpful, but they don't solve the debate for every box...
What are some of the things your household considers when you decide whether to save or stow a box?
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Another reason to keep them, which my spouse insists upon, is in case there is a defect in the first year or while under warranty, to ship them back for repair or replacement. Beyond the first year, we still keep them forever, in case we move (rolls eyes).
I finally threw away a box from a laptop bought in 2006..that was stolen two years later. I dunno, maybe I thought keeping it around would make it magically reappear? Haha..it was interesting to see how technology has advanced since then though. I thought it was super sleek when I bought it--not so!
Large, well made boxes for items that have a warranty I do try to keep - even if it means flattening them and putting them under the mattress and stuffing the styrofoam into a bag to wedge someplace out of the way. Apple computers, in particular, are packed at a level of genius.
When my parents were moving, I cleaned out my old room and I found a big box full of product boxes from way back when. There were old Palms that I thought I was going to sell, but the valued dropped so much so quickly it was worthless; Old router box that I thought I might save in case I need to return (the router didn't always work, but I never bothered to return it); 2nd gen. iPod and macbook pro (the boxes were just so cute); and old computer game boxes!!! I don't know why I saved them!?
I'm one of those people that saves boxes for "just in case." Those just-in-cases rarely happens. I'm planning on cleaning them out every year and re-evaluate them. It's my plan from now on and I hope I'll stick with it :P
LOL @ Ben! I feel the same way re: EYEROLL
Warranties should be on the list. Half the time companies want the product in the original box.
I used to save every box that come into my home under the bed, covered in a thick blanket of dust. With allergies in mind, and the fact that I can get most any size of box at work, I cleaned out my stash. Some of the boxes are so well made I always hesitate to recycle them. ‘But, it’s a beautiful box.’ Just say no.
I wish I had kept the box for my big screen TV since I'll be moving later this month, but it couldn't collapse easily and it was just too big to fit anywhere unobtrusive.
I am however looking forward to getting rid of all the little boxes that went with old cellphones.
Agreeing with #1 - trash most boxes, but keep them for things that have very high resale value, like that D800. And if you buy lenses, KEEP THE BOXES, because their resale value stays high years longer than the camera bodies.
I am considering this right now as we are moving. Stupidly I never thought of actually packing the Wii away IN the Wii box to move it. I blame stress!
Ahhh, as one of those <ahem> box "storers" (read: hoarder), the Eye Roll is a much needed awakening. Perhaps I shall empty the "box closet" this weekend and purge. It'll be tough to let go... "in case I move."
Between moving all.the.time. and amazon.com, I like feel most of our garage devoted to boxes. It's so cluttery, BUT it's been a lifesaver when packing up and moving on. Especially the big TV box, it's the first thing moving companies ask when they see the TV(only 42"). If we didn't have the original they want us to buy one of theirs $70+ and/or want to charge extra for insurance.
I wish amazon had a box buy-back program......
We bought a house in June, and I've just been getting to some of the last boxes that have been tucked in corners. I opened one yesterday, and it was FULL of tech boxes, neatly packed by my husband, of course. We didn't even use them to move the items! He just can't throw them away. I finally got all of the manuals out of them and convinced my husband to recycle them all. What a waste of space! Especially since we know we'll be living here a while.
My husband would keep every box for everything we buy. It came in handy the last time we moved, but now that we are in a more permanent location, I don't think that keeping so many boxes is necessary. For electronics, I will keep the box for a month or so in the basement, just in case we need to make a return. The only exceptions have been camera equipment (which I learned the hard way) and anything Apple.
This question plagues me every time I clean out a closet, but I've never had any suggestions presented to me before, so I appreciate the article. I think I'll run with throwing away boxes when the warranty is over. Even so, companies should replace items under warranty without the original packaging, but it makes sense to not keep packaging for longer than the warranty. Thanks!
Mind it's important to store all the necessary documents pertaining to any device-appliance, I use large zip-lock type plastic bags and remove all adhesive label and tags from the box, repositioning such to an index card. Receipts and warranties go into the bag too.
I re-purposing said boxes into organizational duties and for mailing items sold on eBay-type auctions. Just a quick untuck and refold so the boxes now present a clear uniform appearance and less waste now resides in my local landfill.
Retentive, perhaps, frugal, damn-straight !
Hubby saves boxes "just in case." I save some,but not as bad. I also had too much packing material--and just found out our local post office will accept peanuts! White ones aren't recyclable, but letting someone else use the is a form of recycling.