The story of Better Boxes

I was inspired to make Better Boxes because I wanted to have an easier time moving, furnishing, and organizing my stuff when I was a college student, living in a dorm room, and moving a lot. I designed the boxes over dozens of moves and multiple cross-country relocations. As a young entrepreneur, first in the field of professional organizing and later as an interior designer, I faced many challenges. These experiences served to improve the product line and shape it into the system it is today.

In 2019 my pitch for Better Boxes (formerly Muvo Box) aired on This Week in Startups with Jason Calcanis, who said it was an "Ikea killer." (1:03:35-1:11:14) After a year of hands-on product development and street sales with IdeaFabLabs maker space in Santa Cruz, California, I launched online in January 2020, selling custom and small-batch laser cut and engraved boxes under the name Pretty Boxes. With a newly established office downtown, it was a dream come true. Sadly, it was short lived. By April it became clear that 2020 would be a year to recalibrate, reprioritize, and possibly relocate.

No stranger to set-backs, I'm again pushing forward with the Better Boxes mission to support the day to day logistics of change, transition, and transformation - whether it be cross continent, cross town, or across the room. Now more than ever people need Better Boxes.

I am also working on an upcoming book, "Make Home: Interior Design and Home Keeping for Nomads," which teaches young people how to set up a home that is beautiful, functional, and budget-friendly, with an eye towards future mobility. It includes tips and strategies for moving quickly and economically, and contains handy reference charts, rules of thumb, and worksheets to help with moving, organizing, and the new home set up process.