Maximize Storage In Deep Cabinets With An Organizing Hack That's Practically Free

Even when you've got one sitting on your porch practically every day, it's easy to overlook the humble cardboard box. Made of sustainable paper pulp, the specially engineered material is designed to be strong, lightweight, and extremely versatile. This makes cardboard boxes ideal for shipping, because they keep items secure while adding little to the overall weight, keeping freight costs down. If you love to order stuff online, it doesn't take long to amass a collection, but you can simply knock the boxes down or send them off to be recycled. But if you struggle with keeping the endless stream of items you've ordered neatly organized, with a little ingenuity you can turn those cardboard boxes into a practically free way to maximize your storage by arranging them into stacked and divided compartments that fit neatly into even the deepest cabinet.

Whether you opt for baskets, bins, or Lazy Susans, there are many items you can use to organize your bathroom. But when your cabinets are deep, some items may still get pushed to the back where they're hard to reach or even remember. To create a storage solution using cardboard boxes that makes your must-haves easier to access, the first thing you'll need to do is empty your cabinet. Take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the interior with a disinfecting wipe before carefully measuring the height, width, and depth. Then sort the items you want to store into groups like oral hygiene, skin care, and medicines.

Size matters, especially when it comes to deep cabinet storage. You'll need to find cardboard boxes that fit neatly into the available space. Typical Amazon boxes come in small, medium, and large sizes. Depending on the dimensions of your specific cabinet, you may also want to consider using liquor boxes, bulk food packaging boxes, or even Priority Mail boxes which you can get for free from your local post office. Make sure you avoid flimsy boxes, opting for the sturdiest ones you can find. 

It's a good idea to reinforce the bottom seam and edges of each box with duct tape. Although it will add to the overall time required to complete this project, completely covering the outside of each box with craft varieties like Simply Genius Colored & Patterned Duct Tape Rolls can create a more unified and attractive look. Make sure you remove the box flaps first, and never lose the end of your duct tape roll by using this paper clip hack. An optional step is to put the box flaps inside each box to buttress the base. 

To create tiered storage that also keeps your primary storage box in place, you'll need to place another box behind it. After finding the right size combination for your particular cabinet, fill the box you'll use in the back of your cabinet with packaging airbags. Use as many as you can fit into the box without distorting its shape to maximize its structural stability.

The final step is arranging your prepared cardboard boxes so they can accommodate and organize the items you need to store. First, place an airbag-filled box in the back of your cabinet. Then, place a reinforced box directly in front of it, making sure it leaves room between the top of the cabinet and box. If you have enough room, place additional reinforced boxes next to your tiered storage. There's no wrong way to arrange your boxes. Approach it like a puzzle to make them work best for your cabinet shape and size.

After your boxes are assembled, organize your bathroom by grouping like items together. Consider using an inexpensive product like these Readsky Small Plastic Storage Baskets with Handles, making sure to check that your baskets will fit both inside and on top of your tiered boxes. Since toothpaste and shampoo leaks are possible, pick ones that are made of a washable material. If you can't afford to invest in baskets or bins, a second option is to use smaller cardboard boxes or food storage containers instead.

A third option works best inside a shallower box placed alongside a tiered one. It involves creating dividers using either the removed box flaps or, if you've cut down the box for a better fit, a piece of discarded cardboard. Simply cut the flaps or strips of cardboard to neatly fit inside the box. Then, use clear packing tape or more duct tape to secure the strips in place.