Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially for kids. While parents tackle the task of unpacking and organising, children can be easily entertained and engaged by transforming those moving boxes into extraordinary creations.

The average family will have well over 30 moving boxes sitting around after their move. Don't throw them away just yet! With just a little imagination, these boxes can become forts, majestic castles, or cosy cubby houses, providing endless hours of play.

Not only do these DIY structures spark creativity and encourage imaginative play, but they also offer a wonderful way for kids to explore their new surroundings while parents focus on settling in.

 Let’s dive into some fun ideas for turning those cardboard boxes into magical hideaways that will keep your little ones happily occupied during the moving process.

Moving with kids? Take a look at our FREE Downloads page and print them out our Best Rated Transport's Moving Journal for Kids. This is a free booklet of activities and pages for your kids to keep track of their moving journey. 

Moving Box Ideas: Cardboard Box Castles

You can get as fancy or as basic as time allows when crafting cardboard box castles out of moving boxes. Below are a few simple castles to inspire you. And when we saw 'simple', we mean there's no painting involved. They still look pretty impressive! 

More Advanced Cardboard Box Castles

If you have time up your sleeve and love a creative project, consider some of these more advanced cardboard box castles which can easily become a permanent fixture in any playroom. 

Cardboard Box Forts out of Moving Boxes

Forts are a little bit less work than cardboard box forts and also let you get a little more creative. Check out some of these cool cardboard box forts below: 

Cardboard Box Cubby Houses and Playhouses

For little ones who love playing house, a cubby house made out of leftover moving boxes is the perfect way to get them comfortable in their new environment. You may need a bit of paint to polish the leftover moving boxes up a bit we're sure a trip to Bunnings is in the cards anyway! 

Take a look at these cute and creative cardboard box cubby houses. 

Why Let Them Get Creative with Cardboard Boxes?

Building cardboard box forts offers a variety of benefits for kids: 

1. Creativity and Imagination: Kids can design their own forts, encouraging imaginative play and creativity.

2. Problem-Solving Skills: Constructing a fort involves figuring out how to fit boxes together, which helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

3. Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Manipulating boxes and constructing the fort helps improve both fine and gross motor skills.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork: If building with friends or siblings, kids learn to communicate and work together toward a common goal.

5. Spatial Awareness: Figuring out how to arrange boxes in a three-dimensional space enhances spatial reasoning.

6. Safe Exploration: A fort provides a safe space for kids to explore, play, and create their own little world.

7. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a fort can boost self-esteem and give kids a sense of achievement.

8. Physical Activity: Building a fort often involves moving around and can be a fun way to get some exercise.

9. Storytelling: Forts can serve as the backdrop for stories and role-playing, enriching language and storytelling skills.

10. Emotional Expression: Creating a personal space allows kids to express their emotions and create a sanctuary where they can feel secure.

Check out these other ideas to do with leftover cardboard boxes. 

Book Your Next Move with Best Rated Transport

Compare house moving quotes with Best Rated Transport and ensure you are getting a good rate with a trusted company. We do the comparisons for you so you can focus on the more important matters of moving (like deciding which cardboard box fort to start first).