You just bought something new...how long to keep "the original packaging"

If it works, I chuck the box. I figure if it needs warranty replacement, I don't need to ship it back in the original box.

 

Depends on the item. Things that I might want protecting during a move (like a printer, TV, effect pedal, amp head, etc.... I might keep the original box for. Plus I always keep a few boxes around just in case I sell something and need to ship it.

 

The plastic stuff goes right away, though.

 

I keep it until I run out of space, then throw it away and replace it with new trash.

 

I keep some boxes & packing until I'm absolutely sure I'm keeping the item. At least a week. There are some purchases that I'll keep the packing indefinitely because if I later decide to resell on ebay, having the retail box is a bonus for some buyers and adds value. Camera, smartphone, that kind of stuff is usually a keeper.

 

I keep stuff until I need the box to ship something in.

 

With me, that stuff generally goes into the trash same day. I live in a Manhattan apartment - and it has plenty of stuff already. The last thing I need is more useless clutter...

MM

 

It depends. I generally keep bigger boxes in case I have to move or ship something like a bass.

 

For expensive items (TV, stereo or bass equipment), I hang on to the packaging stuffs for a long time.

 

This. Then again, I have a huge attic.

 

I have a 600 sqft apartment, I break down and throw out the boxes as soon as the product is out of them.

lowsound

 

I'm a horrible pack rat so I break down the boxes and store them in the closet. Comes in handy

 

I still have the boxes for my studio monitors that I bought 6 years ago. They don't have any kind of screen over the drivers, and they weren't cheap. Other than that I toss the boxes as soon as I'm sure I'll keep something.

 

I'll keep packaging/boxes for amps, basses, some small appliances, some Amazon boxes for a while. I buy & sell quite a bit on eBay & Talkbass, and they come in handy for packing & shipping. But then again, I live out in the country, with a big garage with huge overhead space, so I have lots of room. Every now & then I'll go through and clean out a bit, but generally they'll get used again.

 

Effects pedals I buy..well at least the ones I have now. Because if I sell them and dear god I don't have the box..I ( the seller ) gets accosted.

I'll save a bigger box and peanuts for moving / storage if need be.

 

True, but I tell ya what - almost every time I get a pedal that comes shipped with its original box it's in better cosmetic condition than ones that don't. If that doesn't bother you any then don't worry about it, but for guys that like 'clean' gear it can be worth that extra scrutiny. Personally, I don't care so long as it works

 

To go off topic a second, I get that people want the best deal, etc. but if you're buying used and expect new, who's the fool in that scenario?

OT, Im a pack rat but don't normally keep boxes unless Im unsure if I am going to have to send it back or I need a box that size.