Life aboard a boat can be an exhilarating adventure, but it requires creativity and practicality when it comes to storage and organization. One of the most head-scratching dilemmas we cruisiers face is dealing with cardboard. While cardboard may be the go-to packaging material on land, it’s a whole different sea creature on the water. Let’s dive into why banishing cardboard from your boat could be the best decision you’ll make this cruising season.
Space-Saving: Busting the Myth of “Empty Space”
On a boat, every cubic inch of space is precious. Cardboard packages, with their notoriously inefficient use of space, are often more air than actual product, taking up valuable room that could be used for other essentials. By unpacking items from their cardboard boxes, you can significantly reduce the volume they occupy. Using space-efficient storage solutions like reusable air-tight containers or freezer-style zip-closure baggies can help maximize your storage capabilities. These containers enable efficient packing and are stackable, easy to label, and make much more efficient use of your vessel’s limited nooks and crannies.
Bug Off: Keeping Pests at Bay
Cardboard has an unfortunate reputation for attracting unwanted visitors like bugs and pests. These critters love to nest and munch on the fibers and can easily make their way into your food supplies if given a chance. The last thing you want while cruising is to find your provisions crawling with unwanted guests. Items like pasta, crackers, and powdered goods are particularly vulnerable if not stored correctly. No one likes the surprise of droopy crackers or spoiled pasta.
Flour and sugar typically come in thin paper packaging, which makes them extra susceptible to moisture intrusion. These items are prime candidates for repackging in plastic air-tight containers.
Quick Tip: When traveling, we often share a ride to the store for provisioning. When I don’t need (or have space for) a whole 5 lb bag of sugar or flour, I’ll split it 50/50 with my shopping partner.
Consider repackaging these items as soon as they arrive to prevent moisture absorption or infestations. Cardboard packing materials can absorb moisture quickly, leading to degradation and mildew, both serious offenders when keeping food and supplies in ship-shape condition.
The Recycling Conundrum: A Shore Thing
One challenge many cruisers face is the lack of recycling facilities at marinas. Cardboard might be recyclable, but what do you do if the marina doesn’t have the facilities? Preemptive disposal of cardboard before setting sail can save you from the clutter of accumulating waste. Many sailors opt to unpack provisions at home or at stores equipped with recycling options. When picking up packages, consider using folding fabric baskets or cloth bags to efficiently carry items from shore to ship without relying on cardboard boxes.
Smart Storage Solutions
Airtight Containers and Zip Baggies
Reusable air-tight plastic containers like Lock & Lock are a great choice. They’re perfect for keeping your provisions organized, dry, and pest-free. Freezer-style zip-closure baggies are another versatile option for consolidating items. Both solutions can be easily labeled with a permanent marker to note the contents, the date repackaged, and the original expiration date—a handy detail that ensures you keep track of what needs to be consumed first.
Vacuum Sealers: A Boater’s Best Friend
One of my favorite galley tools is my small vacuum sealer. Amazon sells a host of brands like Food Saver. Vacuum sealers onboard can be extremely beneficial. Vacuum sealing not only protects your supplies from moisture and pests but also reduces the amount of storage space required by removing excess air. This is crucial for optimizing the limited refrigerator and freezer space typical on most boats. Moreover, vacuum sealing allows for pre-measured portions, making meal prep quick and easy while cruising. Buying the bag material in rolls rather than pre-made bags saves money and gives you the flexibility to make bags to size.
Shipping Box Caution: Dirty and Unsanitary
Avoid bringing shipping boxes onboard whenever possible, as they are often exposed to dirt and contaminants during transit. Cardboard can act like a sponge, soaking up rainwater and moisture, quickly turning into soggy messes in humid, damp, and salty environments, which leads to mildew and spoiled goods.
Your shipping boxes are exposed to dirt, grease, grime, bugs, and leaking chemicals all during transportation and sorting. Consider when the last time your delivery driver washed their hand after a bathroom break and before handling your package. Have you ever looked at the back of a FedEx or UPS delivery van? Filthy!
Folding Baskets and Fabric Grocery Bags to The Rescue
Transform your provisioning routine by employing foldable fabric baskets to collect packages from the marina office. These are lightweight, easy to store, and avoid the pitfalls associated with cardboard boxes. Not only do they help keep the boat cleaner, but they also make transferring items more manageable and environmentally friendly. Fabric grocery bags are also a great choice and don’t take up any room. Plus, they are inexpensive enough to throw away when they get dirty or wear out.
Embracing cardboard-free storage solutions on your boat saves space and ensures a cleaner, safer, and more efficient cruising experience. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can say goodbye to the cardboard chaos and soggy Oreos!
Do you have a cardboard-free boat?
What do you use to store your repackaged items?
Let us know in the comments below! 
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