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Have you ever seen a cardboard box and thought, “That's a nice box, I'll keep it just in case”? I think so too. When I asked my social media followers the same thing, I was met with an outpouring of love for cardboard boxes.
As more commerce moves online, we're dealing with more packaging materials than ever before. And sometimes, you might need to return an item. Having the perfect box on hand is a necessity that couldn't be more important in the modern world.
Some of my social followers were especially fond of the boxes that have handles on the sides for easy transport.
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Some commented that the weight of the box, especially the sturdy cardboard, was a deciding factor, while others said that the box had to be folded to enclose the contents.
Boxes have become a huge problem in our households, and Amazon wants to put a lid on it. (iStock)
Also, some people have an attachment to certain brands of boxes, so brightly colored cardboard is a plus.
Why keep a box? Some people have a reason for doing so, while others just want to be prepared in case they might need the box.
Some practical people keep boxes in case they move or change jobs, while others use them to organize “stuff” they might need for some reason in the future, like cords and cables from electronic devices they haven't used in years.
If you have a side hustle that involves shipping, having a stock of quality boxes is essential.
Some people use them in their gardens for weed control and maintenance, others use them under trucks to soak up oil – strictly speaking, these are just a few of the things that go with a “good box”. You can imagine my horror when a good box breaks down and is sacrificed as an oil absorbent for a car.
Humans aren't the only ones who love these simple structures. Pets love them too. Many cat owners tell us that their furry family members have more fun playing with the box than with the toys and treats it contains. Some even tell us that their children can find unique and creative ways to spend hours playing with the box.
One poster wrote that she was unpacking a move with her 7-year-old, and that every box they threw out was an “unforgivable betrayal because he had a plan.”
Where to store all those boxes? That's an art in itself. One poster says he's earmarked a special spot in his garage for his “favorite boxes.” Another comments that his wife stacks the boxes like Russian nesting dolls.
As more people move to buying things online, Amazon boxes are everywhere. (iStock)
Throw away that nice box? Well, you're bound to have to send something to your aunt or cousin within the next three days and you'll regret it.
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The fear of not having a good box when you need it seems to be a widely shared sentiment: social media creators the Holderness Family even penned a trending song called “You Should Save That Box.”
But in some households, box hoarding can become a contentious issue. One person wrote to me, “My husband would keep all the boxes if I let him.”
Why keep a box? Some people have a reason for doing so, while others just want to be prepared in case they might need the box.
Another commented that they realized keeping the boxes makes them more like their mothers.
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The love for boxes is real, but many Americans would be sad to learn that Amazon, the biggest user of luxury boxes, plans to phase out its custom cardboard boxes. Amazon will send products in the manufacturer's original shipping boxes when possible, which may come as a disappointment to hidden box lovers across the country.
So if you get a box that looks good and convenient, keep it just in case. Of course, there are also Ziploc bags, which are handy…
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