Used to be, whenever I bought a pair of running shoes, the box went to the basement and became part of a shoebox skyscraper.

One night, analyzing its structural integrity, I knew I’d better do something before it collapsed. I came up with several uses.

Sometimes I’m a little short on cupboard space. I find that shoeboxes make great temporary cupboards.

I have so many running socks, I don’t know where to put them. Shoeboxes are the perfect answer. A bonus is that when I have visitors, I can create temporary chairs by stacking them up. I also put unlaundered socks in a box for house parties to use for the fun game, ‘Which is the stinkiest pair?’

Another excellent use is a cat timeout place. The other day I got angry at Gloopy and sent her to the box for ten minutes.

After her last time out finished, I realized they haven’t been so effective. I brainstormed and decided squishing her with my bike is an excellent negative reinforcement.

Keeping safety in mind, I’ll wear a bicycle helmet even though squishing Gloopy is an easy, backyard chore.