16 DIY Ways To Turn Empty Cardboard Boxes Into Nifty Storage Solutions

Cardboard boxes are one of the most common packaging materials out there, but as a result, a large quantity of cardboard is trashed or recycled after a single use. While it certainly breaks down more quickly than plastic, cardboard is still a major source of waste, especially considering the rise in popularity of online shopping. According to data from Statista, the global consumption of paper and cardboard added up to over a whopping 414 million metric tons in 2022 and has increased tremendously over the years.

Even if you try to cut back on the amount of items you order online or choose to buy your essentials in bulk, it's likely that you and your family will still go through a fairly large amount of cardboard boxes over time. Luckily, however, cardboard is also one of the most versatile materials thanks to its simple but sturdy construction. Unlike a lot of other materials, it's also fairly easy to cut and bend into your desired shape, meaning that it can act as a fantastic base for your next DIY. You're likely familiar with the idea of using cardboard as a material to make your own children's toys or as a part of a school project, but the possibilities don't end there. With a bit of clever folding and gluing, you can easily transform your old boxes into fashionable organizers, perfect to help you tidy up your home. Here are 16 ways to turn cardboard boxes into storage solutions.

While organizing your home might not be extremely fun, the items you use to organize don't have to be boring. With this DIY idea, you can transform a plain cardboard box into a decorative storage bin that's perfectly fit to your personal style. Begin by adding layers of papier-mâché to the outside of the box. Then, if you'd like to add on some texture, go in with some cold porcelain or air dry clay to create your designs. Finally, finish off with your paint of choice to pull everything together. You could also make a sliding lid out of another flat piece of cardboard if desired.

If you're looking for something a bit more complex than a simple bin, consider trying your hand at making this multi-level toiletries holder. Take a tall cardboard box and cut a stair step shape into either side. Add two pieces of cardboard as dividers to keep each section separate, then cover the whole thing in rope to finish it off. The tall, back section is perfect for bottles like shampoo or hairspray, the middle can hold medium-sized bottles of skincare or hair oils, and the bottom is perfect for smaller bottles of serum or nail polish.

Sometimes, your existing materials just need a little bit of a facelift to transform them from trash into something you'll use every day. This DIY idea is one of the simplest out there, but it's perfect for crafters that need a place to store their materials. Take some pieces of fabric that would otherwise go to waste and cover your cardboard boxes. Finish everything off with some scrap ribbon or lace, and you have the perfect place to stow away your sewing supplies, balls of yarn, or additional fabric scraps that you could use in your next project.

Because cardboard boxes are fairly easy to fold, you can explore plenty of different shapes and designs beyond a plain storage bin. With the help of some duct tape, for example, you can make your very own cardboard treasure chest, perfect for storage in a child's room or as an addition to your next themed party. Use a simple box for the bottom half, then create a slightly-rounded lid for the top by securing pieces of cardboard to each other with duct tape. Tape the two pieces together, then finish everything off with some drawn-on wood grain and a keyhole for a pirate look.

If you find that your drawers tend to quickly become filled with the most random objects, it might be time to invest in some organizers that make things easy to find. However, because the options on the market may not fit the exact specifications you need based on the shape of your drawers, it's often better to just make your own. Cut down some pieces of cardboard to fit into your drawers, then personalize them to your heart's content. Create a grid pattern to store socks in your dresser, use larger sections for crafting supplies, or even make your own silverware organizer to keep your kitchen tidy.

Print magazines might not be as common as they were before the boom of digital subscriptions, but that doesn't mean that magazine holders have lost their organizational functionality. To make you own, cut the sides of a narrow box at a 45 degree angle, then cover the entire thing in contact or wrapping paper. Add a handle onto the back and you have the perfect organizer to stow on a bookshelf or on your desk. Use your magazine holder for its original intended purpose or use it as a spot to store documents, crafting supplies like card stock, or assignments for school.

If you have the patience and materials necessary, there are plenty of projects that transform old cardboard boxes into impressive pieces of furniture that rival those expensive items available in-store. This shelving unit is the perfect example. Mold your cardboard box into your desired shape with some tape. Go over everything with a couple layers of papier-mâché to provide texture and reinforce the build. Finally, finish off your project with some paint in your color of choice to cover up the materials and give your shelf a more polished look.

When it comes to making organizers out of old cardboard boxes, your only limit is your creativity. If you're willing to get a bit more complex with your design, this phone holder with a mini drawer is perfect for keeping your essentials nearby, whether you use it on your desk at work, on your bedside table, or by the couch. The design contains four basic parts: the slanted phone holder section, the mini drawer, the side shelf, and the bottom piece that ensures everything sits flat. With some clever gluing, cutting, and taping, you can build this organizer on your own with surprisingly little effort.