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Don't throw away your old phone box — you might need it in an emergency

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Don't throw away your old phone box — you might need it in an emergency

That cardboard box in your closet can come in handy more often than you’d think.

There's a specific type of anxiety that comes with deciding what to do with a box. Do you immediately throw it away? Do you stash it in a closet with about 20 other boxes that store little more than your own guilt? If you chuck it, you might need it for some unknown purpose in the future. But if you don't, that box might just sit in your home indefinitely.

It doesn't help when it's a nice box, either, like the type your phone might have arrived in. It's likely made of thick cardboard, with convenient compartments. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily for those who have finally gathered the nerve to go on a recycling tear, there are a few ways to help you decide the fate of your phone's box. Whether you're ready to resell your phone or need to report a stolen one, here's why you might want to keep your phone's box.

Hopefully, you and your phone will never part ways without your consent. However, if it does get stolen, you'll need its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. An IMEI is a 15- 17-digit number unique to your phone. Carriers can use it to identify the device and block it if it's lost or stolen. AT&T describes it as your phone's "fingerprint."

One place to check for your IMEI number is the box your phone came in. You should also be able to find it through your Apple or Google account, depending on the device you have.


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