The phrasal verb "box up" is predominantly used in informal contexts, often appearing in everyday conversation and casual writing. It generally refers to the action of packing items into boxes, typically for the purpose of moving, storing, or organizing. Consequently, it is frequently encountered in contexts such as moving houses, shipping goods, or cleaning up spaces like warehouses or homes during spring cleaning. Given its straightforward, literal meaning, "box up" is usually not used in formal writing or speech as more specific or professional terms would be preferred in such contexts. However, its ease of understanding makes it a popular choice when discussing logistics and organizational tasks informally. It's also worth noting that while "box up" is mostly used in literal contexts, it can sometimes be employed metaphorically to suggest compartmentalizing aspects of one's life or thoughts, though this usage is less common.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To put things in a box or boxes for storage, transport, or organization.
I need to box up all the books before we move to the new house.
She boxed up her belongings and shipped them overseas.
2. To confine or enclose something or someone in a limited space.
The workers felt boxed up in their cramped office environment.
The old documents were boxed up in a small room at the back of the archive.