How to Flatten a Box

Last Updated: May 1, 2020

There are many reasons why you might wish to flatten a box, from storage and recycling to using the box in art and craft projects. Once you know how to flatten a box, it's child's play. But not everyone bothers or even knows what to do, and that's a pity because one non-flattened or stomped on box takes up the space of six flattened ones in your recycling bin! Just in case you're not sure what to do yet, here's a brief overview.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Taped Box

1
Place the box on a flat work surface. Turn it upside down so that the fixed base is facing up.
2
Remove any tape that might be holding the box together. In some cases you may be able to simply lift the tape and pull it across but that isn't always easy to do and if you're doing bulk boxes, it's often impractical. Instead:
- Slide a scissor blade, box cutter or a craft knife through tape. A sturdy modern key will also do the trick. Pull it right along the tape, in the gap it overlaps between the flaps.
- Run the blade through the tape sideways at each end to open completely.
- Always face the blade away from you, just in case it slips.
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3
Flip open the box flaps completely outward each end.
4
Press the box down to flatten.
5
Done. It can now be stored, recycled or used as required.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Glued Box

Glue sealed box flaps are frequently the case with grocery packaging, such as for cereal and pasta boxes. But they can also be used with strong cardboard boxes, making them harder to flatten.

1
Place the box on a flat work surface. Turn it upside down so that the fixed base is facing up.
2
Locate the box end that has been glued in place.
3
Unseal the glue:
- If the box is lightweight and used for groceries such as cereal or pasta, you will usually be able to do this simply by hand. Slip your finger under the glued flap at one end and start working it through the glue to detach the flaps.
- For tougher boxes with stronger adhesive bonds, you may need to lever with a scissor/knife blade, a metal ruler or similar object. Slide the object in at one end of the flap and gently lever the flap up. Then work the object across the flap to release it from the other flap.
4
Flip open the box flaps at each end.
5
Press the box down to flatten.
6
Done. It can now be stored, recycled or used as required.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Printer Paper Box

This type of box requires a slightly different approach. It is usually doable by hand, without the need for a tool.

1
Pull apart the two cardboard flaps glued against the base of the box.
2
Repeat on the other side.
3
Open the box out fully.
4
Fold flat. Done.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Fruit or Banana Boxes

Deliberately made sturdy to protect fruit, these boxes need both the base and lid to be flattened.

1
Pull the lid and base apart. Deal with separately.
2
Pull open each of the flaps on both of the box pieces. You can hold the flaps from inside the hole in the middle of the box to give you more grip.
3
Fold to flatten neatly. Done.

Warnings

Beware paper cuts and scraping your hand over hard glue blobs.

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Avoid trampling boxes. They just end up bulky messes that take up more room in the bin or cage.

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