This Reader Repurposed an Unexpected Item for Organization!
Looking to declutter?
Organization, especially with little ones, can be quite a challenge. Sure, you could buy an already assembled organizer, but that can become pricey. This week’s Happy Friday reader Jennifer put together a clever, unexpected DIY organizer!
When we moved into our new house and had twins, I needed some storage space! I did not want to spend money to buy proper “storage cubes” from Target or from IKEA, so I used what we had around the house; this included some mismatched milk crates! I used zip ties to connect them and put one set in our twins’ room for toys. This created a low shelf that could fit under the window in their room with space on top for book baskets.
I did purchase matching bins for them that fit perfectly! I also used this same trick in several closets and again used zip ties to connect the milk crates in stacks of three in two columns for lots more storage.
This was a great way to shop my house to find things we weren’t using and repurpose them into useful storage. I love organizing and storage but don’t like spending money!
Jennifer, this turned out awesome! Here at Hip, we love upcycling, recycling, and decluttering as much as possible, so this is definitely something the team will try!
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Maybe spray painting them or decorating them in some way would make them look nicer 🙂
Yes, or at the very least match the color and orientation
I think they’re just fine the way she has them.
I had this idea too.. over 25 years ago when I was just a kid lol. I didn’t know about zip ties then, though, so I think I must’ve just used some old shoe laces or yarn to try and keep it together haha
Nice job. Useful for college students too.
Yes! GREAT idea for college students! Thanks for the suggestion! 🤗
Good idea! I might stack 3 Sterilite file crates vertically to save space ( got them for a dollar each from Walmart when they were clearanced last year)
Nice score! Glad you’ve been able to snag some too! 💞
Clever! And when they get a little older, if you get another type of storage system, these would be great in the garage for all the outdoor toys as well.
Love that idea too, Tracey! Thanks for commenting! 🙌💖
Great idea! That is a nice, clean look, and sturdier than some of the chintzy versions that you pay for. You are very organized for someone that just moved and had twins!🤩
I agree! Looks sturdy and organized. Great job!
I agree too! I’m loving the organization! 😍
I bought three lawn chair cushions and attached them to the top of mine and placed books in the cubbies. Made for a great reading book in my prek classroom
How cute!😍 Thanks for sharing how you’ve used yours in your classroom! Love it! 💖💖
I like the fact that this idea allows things that are stored in it to have air circulation and to “breath!” Way to go, Jennifer.
Oh yes! Great point, Lisa! 🙌❤️
Where did you get the white bins?! I used to have them on the shelf under my coffee table and need more but can’t remember where I got them. 🙂
They are from Target!
I do this in my classroom, and instead of baskets in them I use the square fabric cubes-the ones from the dollar tree are a perfect fit!
Great idea, Melanie! Thanks for sharing about another inexpensive option for baskets! 🤗💖
I have 5 white crates across the top shelf in my closet facing out with my purses and makeup/toiletry bags stored in them. They are easy to quickly see and pull out the one I want.