Packing crates are an incredibly useful item for moving and storage, providing ample room while helping to keep your belongings safe. But when the packing and moving is over, what do you do with them?
While there are options to rent packing crates for as long as you need, if you’ve decided to buy crates, then you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of good uses for them. We’ve taken the time to think of some of the most inventive ways to use your packing crates to help you get the most out of them.
Inventive ways to use your packing crates
1. Simple garage/shed storage
One of the most popular and practical ways to repurpose packing crates is by turning them into simple storage for your garage or shed. Even sheltered spaces like these can leave your goods susceptible to damage, but moving crates can provide you with an extra layer of protection to keep your things safe. Stack them in various configurations to create a unique and functional storage solution for your books, decorative items, or kitchen supplies.
2. Makeshift coffee table
Everyone knows the struggle of unpacking when you’ve just moved house. Your moving crates can make a useful temporary coffee table while you get yourselves sorted – especially on those first few nights! Cover with a sheet and voila, nobody needs to know what’s really underneath!
3. Add some wheels for portable storage
Making your storage a little more portable can make it easier for some tasks, especially if you’re dealing with some heavy items. Using a skate is one way to get your moving crates from A to B, making it much easier to shift some heavy loads.
4. Unique wine rack
Love wine? Create a one-of-a-kind wine rack using a ventilated packing crate. Stack the crates vertically and secure them together. You can store your wine bottles by adding some shelving or by keeping your crate horizontal and stacking your wine neatly. This can be particularly handy during the Christmas period or if you’re storing wine for a special event like a wedding or party.
5. Kid-friendly toy storage
Keep your children's toys organized with a creative storage solution made from packing crates. Paint them in vibrant colours, stack them, and add labels or chalkboard paint to identify what goes where. It's a fun way to teach your kids about organisation and makes good use of your leftover crates.
6. Christmas décor storage
If you usually find that your Christmas décor ends up being thrown hastily into storage at the end of the year, why not try a better solution this festive season? Packing crates and moving boxes are excellent units for storing your Christmas goods and keep them safe until next year.
If you want to get really organised, you can include an itemised list either at the top of your box or attached to the side so you can see exactly what’s in each crate.
7. Compact workstation
Moving offices or still setting up your home office space? Create a compact and practical workstation using packing crates. While not recommended as a long-term solution, your packing crates could certainly make do to give you a little space to put your laptop so you can get some work done amongst the chaos!
8. Simple shoe storage
Organise your shoes by placing plastic tea crates in your closet or by the entryway. The open design allows for air circulation, keeping your shoes fresh, and making it easy to see and access your footwear. Moving crates are also great for keeping your less attractive shoes (wellies, for example) out of sight!
9. Outdoor animal bed
Winter is a tough time for animals, especially some of your regular garden visitors like hedgehogs. Placing some packing crates on their sides in the garden under some cover like bushes and trees could give them a safe space to rest or sleep in during the coldest weather. Add some bedding and perhaps leave some fresh water and food nearby to give your furry friends some comfort this winter.
10. Effective planters
you have a garden or outdoor space, repurpose plastic tea crates as planters. Fill them with soil and use them for planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Their durable plastic construction makes them perfect for outdoor use – even if it’s just temporary while you wait to move your plants elsewhere.
Buy or rent packing supplies from phs Teacrate
Incorporating packing crates into your home decor and organisation projects can be a fun and sustainable way to breathe new life into these often-overlooked items. Plus, repurposing them is an excellent way to reduce waste and contribute to an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
At phs Teacrate, we supply a number of products to help make packing, moving and storage a breeze. Take a look at our moving boxes rental packages for more information. Renting your plastic crates is a simple way to get what you need to move house or office easily, keeping things flexible and sustainable.
Contact us today for more information about our products and services.