Thinking Outside the Box

My closet is full of of boxes.  Boxes of all shapes and sizes.  When my son moved back home I needed to clear out a closet for him and I had to get rid of most of my boxes.  It broke my heart.  I had a terrible time trying to figure out what boxes to dispose of and what few boxes I should keep.  

I’m not sure when my obsession with boxes started.  I don’t remember saving them in my college years nor my early adult years.  Our first few homes were rather small apartments so I probably didn’t save them then as we simply did not have the room.  Maybe it all started when we moved into our house when we had more room than we thought possible.  The point being that once I started I was unable to stop.  

Lest you think me crazy I don’t save every empty box I get my hands on.  No, these boxes I save have to be a certain quality.  They must be sturdy like the boxes any Apple product comes in although many of their boxes have permanent structures in them that make them unusable for any other purpose besides the Apple product.  They also must close snugly and attractively.  The boxes that have tabs that slide into the sides are my favorite.  They make a nice tight package.  The boxes must be a good size meaning a size I don’t have many of already.  I am usually overrun with jewelry size boxes but lacking in average size flat boxes.  Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a truly original box like the candy box that was decorated like a tuxedo or the bright red candle box that had a ribbon attached to it to hold it closed.  

What do I do with all these boxes??  I save them.  And when I need a box I usually have the perfect one for the purpose.  But, alas, I have a hard time parting with my boxes even for the perfect purpose.  Parting with any of my boxes even for a good reason is difficult for if I use it now, what will I do if I have another need for this perfect box?  This makes no sense to me. But seeing as I have always been a planner, I think keeping boxes makes me feel like I have a back up plan.  They give me an illusion of control and readiness. 

I also love imaging possibilities and an empty box is full of them.  They’re not just for storing stuff.  I can make a lot of things with a box.  My creativity comes out when I see an empty box much like a blank canvas to a painter.  When my grandkids come over a surefire way to find something to do with them is to bring out some big boxes.  So when a big box comes around I break it down and stick it behind my dresser for future grandkid endeavors.

My husband has given up trying to understand or control my box obsession.  He just smiles and shakes his head as he does with my other idiosyncracies. (and I have many)  My co-workers are also aware of my compulsion so when they get a box that they think meets all my criteria they will come to me with it as excited as I am.  “Laura, you’re going to love this box!” as they hold it out to me.  

They are not wrong.