I am getting ready to move house and the stress levels at home at the moment are high as the packing has entered its “relentless” phase. But I am not about to moan and groan (for a change), instead I am going to share some of my (perhaps slightly weird) reflections on packaging materials of all things.
Prior to the relocation, the materials likely to float my boat were leather, fishnets, feather boas, silks (you get my drift), but most recently I have found myself getting stimulated by cardboard and polythene!
Over the last few months, the acquisition of cardboard boxes has been a significant focus. Over this period I have found myself taking a technical interest in cardboard in a way I haven’t before. Boxes need to be double skinned to be strong enough; the more uniform in size the better for stacking; they need flaps that can be taped tightly shut.
I have caught myself looking at boxes cast aside by shops or taken to the tip (plenty of my stuff has gone in this direction) and wondering if I should snatch the cardboard and reuse it. Seeing it left to rot just felt all wrong.
I recently spent some time at one of my work related marketing agencies and was genuinely delighted when I was offered a batch of brand new, still strapped together Enviro Boxes.
In the run up to Christmas, my boss bought me a case of Belgian beers. I thought “beer, great” and then moments later thought “and I can reuse that box”.
In the extended Baldwin family, some of my relatives are also moving and I have been able to talk enthusiastically about cardboard boxes with my uncle (like normal blokes might talk about football, girls, beer or bands). We have discussed marking techniques and packing protocols.
Bubble-wrap has suddenly become a valued commodity and I have asked various people to save it for me. I get a stash of the stuff and feel the urge to get wrapping immediately. I have even walked around various shops comparing prices for the stuff.
I am hoping that these odd/sad feelings pass. I haven’t got as far as asking Mrs B. to wrap herself in polythene or wear cardboard knickers, but I am nervous that I am on a slippery slope, I may never be the same again.
When the move is complete, I have already determined how others can benefit from the cardboard boxes I have amassed – they will not be wasted, they will be used again. It’s important to me!
My fingers are crossed that this is a phase I am going through, like Picasso’s blue period and that once the move is done, things will return to normal.
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Prior to the relocation, the materials likely to float my boat were leather, fishnets, feather boas, silks (you get my drift), but most recently I have found myself getting stimulated by cardboard and polythene!
Over the last few months, the acquisition of cardboard boxes has been a significant focus. Over this period I have found myself taking a technical interest in cardboard in a way I haven’t before. Boxes need to be double skinned to be strong enough; the more uniform in size the better for stacking; they need flaps that can be taped tightly shut.
I have caught myself looking at boxes cast aside by shops or taken to the tip (plenty of my stuff has gone in this direction) and wondering if I should snatch the cardboard and reuse it. Seeing it left to rot just felt all wrong.
I recently spent some time at one of my work related marketing agencies and was genuinely delighted when I was offered a batch of brand new, still strapped together Enviro Boxes.
In the run up to Christmas, my boss bought me a case of Belgian beers. I thought “beer, great” and then moments later thought “and I can reuse that box”.
In the extended Baldwin family, some of my relatives are also moving and I have been able to talk enthusiastically about cardboard boxes with my uncle (like normal blokes might talk about football, girls, beer or bands). We have discussed marking techniques and packing protocols.
Bubble-wrap has suddenly become a valued commodity and I have asked various people to save it for me. I get a stash of the stuff and feel the urge to get wrapping immediately. I have even walked around various shops comparing prices for the stuff.
I am hoping that these odd/sad feelings pass. I haven’t got as far as asking Mrs B. to wrap herself in polythene or wear cardboard knickers, but I am nervous that I am on a slippery slope, I may never be the same again.
When the move is complete, I have already determined how others can benefit from the cardboard boxes I have amassed – they will not be wasted, they will be used again. It’s important to me!
My fingers are crossed that this is a phase I am going through, like Picasso’s blue period and that once the move is done, things will return to normal.
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