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Plastic Storage Boxes Versus
Cardboard Boxes - Which Should You Use for Holiday Ornament Storage and Why?
By Karen
Porter,
Editor
EasyHomeOrganizing.com
Should you spend a bundle on
plastic storage boxes? Or should
you just use those old cardboard boxes from behind the nearest liquor store for
your holiday ornament storage?
Perhaps neither.
It's not necessary that you buy plastic storage boxes that are specially made
for organizing and storing holiday decorations. But if you can afford to do so,
you'll find some store-bought containers are worth it. Manufacturers are getting
very savvy with designing holiday ornament storage boxes to specifically match
the shapes and protective needs of individual holiday storage items like
ornaments, wreaths, light strands and more.
And you won't have to spend a bundle to get them. Many plastic storage boxes are
reasonably priced (and sometimes they even go on sale).
Some positive reasons to buy plastic storage boxes for holiday storage of
decorations versus used cardboard boxes include...
♦They're made of more sturdy
materials (like hard plastics and thick vinyl) than used cardboard boxes you
find discarded behind stores. The bottom won't fall out unexpectedly one day!
♦Plastic storage boxes are durable
and usually will last your lifetime, remaining in the same shape as you buy
them. You can't really say the same for used cardboard boxes.
♦Some holiday ornament storage
boxes that you can buy are literally the perfect size because manufacturers
specifically make them for the purpose of storing that certain item. This is
good because your items will fit snugly without sliding around or bumping into
and scratching each other.
♦Some plastic storage boxes are
made as stackables. That means you can stack them four high without any worry of
the stack tipping over. This conveniently saves you space in your garage, closet
or wherever you keep your holiday ornament storage.
With cardboard boxes from behind the liquor store you just take what you get.
Some are too big; some are too small. Some have holes in them. They might be wet
and develop mildew. And if they're not, they certainly might succumb to this in
your home due to temperature changes or any undetected (until it's too late)
ceiling or roof leaks. Cardboard boxes stack awkwardly and of course they get
crushed easily when you stack things on them (not good for wreath storage or
glass ornament storage). And not to get into the unsavory details but know that
certain bugs tend to nibble on cardboard and any glue that might be associated
with these boxes. And that's not just moths we're discussing!
In terms of sentimental value, aren't your special holiday ornaments and
decorations worth more than a used cardboard box you find in the trash bin?
It's like this...if your holiday ornament and decoration collection is truly
special, then this is not the time to show off your frugality. Some might even
say that's not frugal but foolish because it will cost you more dollars
long-term to fix your errors. Instead, invest in the upkeep of your holiday
ornament collection by using appropriate plastic storage boxes (which you won't
find behind the liquor store).
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