You Can DIY An Entire Storage Solution From Dollar Tree Essentials, But Is It Worth It?

If you have a craft room or a work-from-home office, you definitely understand the need for tidy storage. There are many ways to organize and store your things, but prices can add up quickly when you need to manage a significant number of items. Luckily, there are some affordable DIY options, including ways to use Dollar Tree storage bins to organize your home. 

In a video, YouTuber Thrifted Living explains how to DIY a sliding drawer storage system from Dollar Tree. For this DIY, you will need a number of storage baskets and smaller bins with handles. She simply uses zip ties to secure the larger baskets together and create a space for the smaller clear bins with handles to fit inside. Her completed project has six compartments and resembles a set of drawers. She makes good use of the clear storage by placing colorful craft supplies in each bin. The project is super easy and convenient, and you can change the sizing to fit your needs by adding more DIY drawers to the system. The user does not specify exactly which baskets from Dollar Tree that she uses, but there are plenty of options to try. But is this DIY worth it? If you are looking for quick, affordable storage and are flexible with your aesthetic, then it might be the perfect solution for your home.

Your project cost will be very low, with the total varying based on the number of drawers you want for your system. An Essentials Slotted Plastic Basket is $1.25, and the Rectangular Slotted Baskets with Single-End Handles are $1.25 each. You can even buy zip ties at Dollar Tree. If you make a system with six compartments, you can spend under $25 total at the store. This project also does not require any other tools or glue. There is no drying time, either, so it is incredibly time-efficient to do, even on your own. The affordability may also leave you with space in your budget to personalize this project. 

There are many ways to customize this DIY. You can spray paint the storage system, add labels to each compartment, or choose a different style of storage bin for a unique look. Bright colors are great in a craft room, and metallic spray paint can make the system fit into any home office. You can also make and add chic home labels to the drawer compartments to keep you organized. At Dollar Tree, you might also find other options for the drawer components, meaning you can stray from the clear bins. Fabric, wood, and other opaque bins can be great for hiding clutter. Keep in mind that you might want to look for ones with handles, though. If you want to splurge, you can also check other stores for more cute, functional bin options.

If you are thinking about taking on this DIY, though, there are some important points to consider. First, you will want to think about the amount of space this project takes up. Depending on the exact sizes of the bins you choose, the amount of storage compared to the size of the entire system may not be what you want. If you are looking for super efficient storage space, you may need to be careful with the bin size you choose or explore other solutions. Finally, you should consider durability. This system will not be great for storing heavy items, particularly near the top, and the plastic bins may wear quickly. Also, keep in mind that you can purchase clear plastic drawers for around $20 as well, which may be more durable and cost-effective, depending on your needs. Of course, if you want the benefits of customization or drawers of a specific size, a DIY is a better choice. 

As far as affordable and easy storage solutions go, this DIY is among the best based on the price and customization options, even if it might not last forever. Regardless of what you decide about this DIY, you may also benefit from other simple and stylish shelving ideas you can DIY using Dollar Tree essentials. Overall, this DIY seems to be worth the time and effort, even if it is a more temporary solution.