Stop throwing away money: what your empty boxes are really worth

Turning rubbish into extra money

Most homes have a cupboard full of “stuff you might use one day”. Old shoe boxes, tech boxes, gift bags, perfume bottles and cardboard from deliveries all end up shoved in there.

Here is the good bit. Some of that clutter is worth money.

There’s real demand for empty packaging now.

Influencers use it in their photos, people buying secondhand gifts want things to look new, and sellers often get more money when they include the original box.

You won’t make a full wage from this. But mixed with other small earners, it can easily help top up your food shop.

If you want more ideas, take a look at our guide to easy ways to make extra money online.

Why people want empty boxes

On the surface, it sounds daft. Who pays for an empty box?

There are a few simple reasons.

Someone might have bought a secondhand iPhone, but wants the original box so they can wrap it as a gift.

Another person might be selling their console or tablet and knows they will get more money if they can pack it in proper packaging.

You then have the influencer side of things.

A shelf full of designer boxes, branded bags and pretty bottles looks good in photos and videos. Some people want that “luxury” look even if they never bought the actual item.

Then there are crafters and small businesses.

They use nice jars, bottles, and boxes to sell wax melts, jam, candles, bath salts, and all sorts of things. If they can get decent packaging secondhand, it saves them a lot of money.

So while it may feel odd at first, there is a clear reason why buyers are out there.

Designer bags and boxes that sell

If you have ever bought something from a posh brand, you will know they love fancy packaging. Strong boxes, thick bags, ribbons and magnetic lids are part of the whole experience.

Brands such as Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Pandora and Glossier all produce packaging people search for online.

Clean designer bags often sell between £10 and £20. Designer boxes can sell from around £15 up to £40 or more if they are in great condition.

If you have a stash of these hidden in a cupboard, it is worth digging them out and comparing prices with similar items.

It ties nicely with our guide on how to sell your stuff online for free, which helps you get the best return for anything you list.

Tech boxes for phones, games and gadgets

Tech packaging is another little money-maker.

When people resell phones or consoles, the original box helps them get a better price and makes the buyer feel more confident.

That is why empty boxes for iPhones, iPads, Nintendo Switch consoles and PlayStations sell surprisingly quickly.

Recent iPhone boxes often go for around £5 to £15. Job lots of mixed models can be worth even more.

If you are upgrading your phone soon, keeping the box safe is a great way to add value.

Perfume bottles, jars and other “pretty” packaging

Empty perfume bottles are a quiet little moneymaker.

People buy them for crafts, props, wedding tables, refills and collections. Standard bottles might sell for a couple of pounds, while rare or fancy ones can go for a fair bit more.

Coloured gin bottles and unusual spirit bottles can sell well too, as people use them for displays or lamps.

Jam jars and small glass jars can also sell, but usually in bundles. If you enjoy turning rubbish into money, you may also like our guide to selling your rubbish on eBay for profit.

Can plain cardboard make money?

Plain cardboard boxes can earn money, but only in certain situations.

Most homes only have a few at a time, so they are not worth selling individually. But if you get a lot of deliveries or work somewhere where boxes pile up, some firms buy strong boxes in bulk so they can be reused.

For normal households, it is usually better to keep the cardboard for posting your items cheaply.

Where to sell your boxes and bottles

You do not need a special setup. A phone camera and a few minutes online is enough.

eBay is the best option for designer packaging, tech boxes and perfume bottles because there is a big audience looking for them. You will pay a fee when something sells, but listings tend to shift quicker.

Facebook Marketplace and local group pages work well for heavier bits like jars and bulky boxes. People can collect and you avoid postage completely.

Gumtree and Preloved are also worth a try for local sales and job lots of jars or packaging.

Staying safe and honest when you sell

Always make it clear you are selling empty packaging. Write “box only” or “empty bottle, no product included” in your title and description.

Take a photo with the box or bottle open so buyers can see it is empty. If a platform removes a listing or sends a warning, do not try to get around the rules. Rewrite it clearly or choose something else to sell.

If you meet someone for collection, treat it as you would any secondhand sale. Public places are best, and never hand anything over before payment is confirmed.

How much can you really make?

This is not a fast lane to riches, but it is a reliable trickle of extra cash.

A few designer boxes and bags might bring in £30 to £60 over time. Tech boxes can add another £10 to £30. A couple of perfume bottles, jars and mixed bits could add a little more.

It is money that would have gone in the bin. When you combine this with other steady earners, the total starts to matter.

Simple way to get started this weekend

Do a quick hunt around your home. Look in the loft, under beds, on top of wardrobes and in drawers where you might have shoved old packaging.

Clean anything you find and check similar listings on eBay by searching and tapping “sold items” to see what people actually paid.

Choose two or three items to test the waters. List them with clear photos and honest descriptions. If they sell, you can build on it. If they do not, you have only spent a few minutes finding out.

This works even better if you pair it with other small money-makers like those in our guide to side hustles.

Final thoughts

Selling empty boxes will never be the most glamorous side hustle, but it is simple, practical and uses things you already have.

When you team it with other everyday earners, such as selling clothes you no longer wear or old gadgets you no longer use, you can build a steady little stream of income.