---
title: "Reusing Boxes – 5 Tips To Help You Stay Out of Trouble"
url: "https://www.stamps.com/article/reusing-boxes-5-tips-to-help-you-stay-out-of-trouble/"
type: "post"
modified: "2025-11-13T15:18:22+00:00"
---
Reusing boxes can make you feel good. You’re saving the environment! You’re reducing waste! You’re saving money! But are you making a mistake? Well, that depends.

**Cover Unfamiliar Markings**

First of all, it is extremely important to cover all markings and symbols with which you’re not familiar. When I first started selling on eBay, I sent a pair of shoes in a box marked “ORM-D.” Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous materials. The package didn’t get far. It was held hostage in a city 45 minutes away. The Postal Service wanted me to pick it up. I drove to the agreed upon location—an out-of-the-way USPS warehouse. I was shipping shoes, I tell you. Shoes! What a nightmare.

**Hide or Remove Old Address Labels**

In addition, be sure to cover or remove any old address labels. As an eBay newbie, I had several boxes returned to me because the USPS only saw the original address label which showed the destination address as being my own!

**Avoid Alcohol Containers**

Sending items via the USPS in boxes that once contained alcohol can also be a problem. I would avoid using them. According to the USPS website, beer, wine, and liquor may not be sent through the mail. If you want to reuse a box for shipping that has alcoholic beverage labels on it, remove all logos and labels, so your package will pass through the mail system.

**Check the Stability of the Box**

If you plan to reuse a box, make sure it hasn’t lost its strength. For example, a box that has endured the process of traveling across the United States is often not strong enough to protect the products you are shipping. If you’re sending a stuffed animal, you might be OK. But don’t expect Grandma’s dishes to arrive safely if you‘re shipping them in a box that has already seen the other side of the country.

**Make a Good Impression**

Finally, think about the impression you are making on your customer. If you are planning to recycle boxes, reuse those boxes that are clean and professional looking. I belong to quite a few eBay-related Facebook groups. Every once in a while someone will post a picture of a box they received from an eBay seller that originally contained adult diapers. Not good!

Reusing boxes is a good idea, as long as you’re smart about it. Stick to professional-looking, clean, sturdy boxes, and you’ll stay out of trouble. Follow these tips, and your shipping journey will be smooth sailing!

Don’t forget – the USPS provides sellers free boxes for products being shipped via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. And they’ll ship these [free shipping supplies](https://www.stamps.com/usps/free-shipping-supplies/) to your work or home for free.

**About the Author**

Miriam Otto is an eBay blogger and credentialed teacher with 13 years’ experience selling on the site. She was a frequent guest on *eBay Radio* and has participated in eBay seller panels and projects. Her blog, The eBay Life, is an all-in-one resource for eBay sellers.