Space Treat:Boxed In

Symptoms:
When you get a holiday gift, think twice before saving the box it came in.

Sound challenging?

You probably won't have any trouble recycling a box from the Gap or Macy's, but the box for your new computer or television is a different story.

If you've got the extra space (a basement or garage) then keep it but be sure to toss the old boxes from last year when you go to deposit the new ones. However, if you have limited space, you just might want to consider letting them go. I know it's hard, as illustrated by the following common "box buts."

"But, what if I need it when I move?" Chances are, if it's delicate, you can just carefully wrap it and bring it to your new home yourself, leaving the moving company out of it. Any box and some bubble wrap will do.

"But what if I need to return it?" Keep the box until the return expiration date. Put a reminder in your calendar to toss it after that date.

"But what if I need to mail something else in it?" You may need to do that, but is holding on to this box for an indefinite amount of time the best use of your space? Let it go and use your space more efficiently.

Extra Box Tip:
Have an empty box from a case of wine? Because it's already outfitted with dividers, it's easy to store and separate tree ornaments. When unwrapping holiday gifts set aside all the tissue paper and re-use it to wrap each ornament in before placing inside the wine box.

Write to me to share your successes!

Happy Holidaze,
Erica
The Spacialist
New York Magazine's 2008 choice for BEST SPACE ORGANIZER!
212.924.4383