Keep Aluminum Foil & Plastic Wrap Boxes Organized With A Clever Magnet Hack

Stowing rolls of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or baking paper in a kitchen drawer is far from ideal. What if your hands are covered in steak marinade right when you need to tear a piece off? Instead, try this simple hack that'll make storing aluminum foil (and similar rolls) so easy: affix neodymium magnets into the inside of the box using strong glue, and stick the roll on your refrigerator. These pocket-size but powerful connectors hold the boxes on the fridge even as you pull sheets off for covering a bowl of leftovers or lining a casserole dish.

There's no denying this genius aluminum foil storage idea will free up space in your kitchen, but how exactly does it work? The success of this method lies in the type of magnet you use. Whereas regular fridge magnets are made from iron or nickel, neodymium magnets are made from a highly magnetic element called, well, neodymium. Without getting too technical, a magnet made from neodymium has a lot of unpaired electrons all spinning in the same direction — many more than its iron-made counterpart — resulting in one of the most intense magnetic charges. Fair warning: Anyone attempting this DIY should know that if a young child or pet swallows two or more of these magnets, they can perforate their bowels (via The University of New Mexico). Keep them well out of reach of small hands and curious muzzles.

Find a pack of 6 DIYMAG neodymium disc magnets with double-sided adhesive for about $11 at Walmart. At 1.26 inches in diameter, they support an astonishing 18 pounds each. In fact, for this project, the diameter doesn't really matter. The strength of these magnets is rated on a scale, with N28 at the weakest end to N52, the most powerful. Most magnets available to consumers are N42, so look for that. Can't find a self-adhesive option? Purchase some super glue, a two-part epoxy, Gorilla Glue, Mod Podge, or even double-sided tape to stick them into the box with. Avoid a hot glue gun — the heat might damage the magnet.

To undertake what is arguably the handiest way to repurpose magnets around your home, open the lid of the box and remove the roll inside. Mark where you want to affix the magnets with a pen or pencil as far apart as possible to stop them attracting to one another. Working with one magnet at a time, peel the backing from the magnets or double-sided tape or add a few drops of glue, and press the magnets into place. If using glue, check the manufacturer's instructions for how long it will take to cure. Stick the roll onto your refrigerator door for ease-of-access or on the side of the fridge to keep them out of sight. When a roll runs out, simply place a new one into the magnetized box.