How long, if at all, do you guys keep your boxes for DJ gear?
I'm in the process of moving, and I have alot of empty boxes...

Here's my view:

I try to get cases for everything. With my big mains made by K-V-2-A-U-D-I-O, all I had were these crummy slipcases, better that nothing. Everything else is in racks and road cases. Audio consoles(not little DJ mixers) are in cases, all gear is racked, boxed or cased.

Then there is lighting. No offense intended since nobody is better, but the boxes are crap after a few gigs. Why? Well, the boxes are meant for retail display, and if shipped are in a more durable corrugated cardboard box. That should tell you something right there.

I would say if you're gigging and have nothing else, then save the boxes for whatever protection they can offer.

Otherwise, here's my rule of thumb:
Returns can typically occur within 15-30 days from purchase. ENSURE you check your gear within that time frame(I have a fog machine I haven't opened in the 2 years since I've received it, ADJ FogStorm 700, DO NOT FOLLOW MY POOR EXAMPLE). If after 30 days, recycle the box if you have a better method of transporting the gear. This is for just about everything. I keep the packaging about a month before disposing or recycling it. Check the plastic stuff, most of it can be recylced.

Keep them if you need them, otherwise lose them. Do you really want to pay to move boxes of boxes?(if you do it yourself, that's time, mileage and fuel. If you pay someone else, it becomes more apparent)

I hope the Arriba cases I ordered are worth it. I can't wait to get rid of all that cardboard.

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, all of my stuff is in rack mounted cases or travel cases.
I kept the boxes (mostly audio) for that day if/when I upgrade, and want to re-sell the old stuff. Figuring the boxes would net a little more money on the sale or make it more attractive to the buyer.

Although, they're not Lionel trains, so I don't think the box adds that much vaule.

Boxes are a pain, in my opinion. For me, it's an inconvenience after the purchase that I will have to throw away or recycle anyways.

When buying used gear(yeah, I Ebay a lot for deals), original boxes are meaningless to me. Sure, nice, but I'm just going to toss them in the end anyways. As long as the unit is intact and includes the things I require(like manuals, power supplies) and is adequately packed for safe shipping, I'm perfectly content.

As far as fixtures I would sell, about the only thing I might get rid of are some of my 32 Par38's, and I got those on sales at Musician's Friend so most I got for $15 each. Original box or not, bulb or not, best I could get them unloaded use id $8-12 each. I still have 4 new in the box. NO, they aren't for sale, yet.

I recently bought some gear at my local indy pro audio shop. One item did not have the box. The guy wanted to find it, and I was like "hey, don't bother, I'm only going to chuck it anyways". Took it home, tested it, wired it up and it's in my 16-space rack and working just fine.

My Arriba cases arrive in 2 days. I can't wait to start tossing those retail boxes!

I keep mine until I sell the gear, it's the best way to ship items when I am done with them.

The boxes can also come in handy, on the occasion that your product has to be shipped in for service.

question for you guys! my box for my scanner has been on the floor of my basement for quite some time now and it has rained and the box has gotten wet and is prob. not any good anymore! i do need to send my light in for servicing!! will they take it if i put the old wet box inside a nice new ups box??? or what can i do!! it NEEDS to get serviced!! thanks all jingles!!

Jingles,
I would see if you can find a box that is close to the original size, and see if you can reuse the styrofoam to pack the light in a new box, and use buble wrap as a filler if needed.

actually upon further looking at the box just the outside shipping box looks done for. i think the light box itself is ok but i will need to ship it in a ups one for sure!! thanks!

I usually keep boxes for the length of the warrenty. Just in case I have to mail something or take it back to the store. After the warrenty period I get rid of my boxes. Plus I use cases for all my gear or it doesn't leave the house.