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How to Create Storage with Everyday Items
Save money, reduce waste, and organize your space with DIY storage solutions. Repurpose household items like mason jars, wooden crates, and tin cans to create practical and eco-friendly storage. Here's what you'll learn:
- Benefits: Cut storage costs by up to 70% and reduce waste by 10%.
- Essential Tools: Screwdriver, hammer, wood glue, paint, and more.
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Ideas by Room:
- Kitchen: Use tension rods for under-sink storage or mason jars for spices.
- Bathroom: Repurpose spice racks for toiletries or mason jars for cotton balls.
- Bedroom: Turn old ladders into racks or drawers into under-bed storage.
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Material-Based Projects:
- Wood: Crates for shelves or pallets for organizers.
- Glass: Jars for pantry items or craft supplies.
- Fabric: Sew baskets or pocket organizers.
Quick Tip: Maximize space by using vertical storage like wall-mounted shelves or pegboards. Start small, maintain your creations, and enjoy a clutter-free home.
15 DIY Storage Ideas using things you already OWN
Planning Your Storage Project
Start your storage project by clearing out unnecessary items, taking stock of what you can reuse, and measuring the space you have. Once that's done, look for everyday household items that can be repurposed for storage.
Common Items to Reuse
You might already have great storage solutions hiding in plain sight. Here are some ideas for repurposing:
| Item Type | Storage Uses | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mason Jars | Organizing small supplies or pantry goods | Kitchen, office, craft room |
| Wooden Crates | Storing books, toys, or linens | Living room, bedroom, garage |
| Tin Cans | Holding art supplies or kitchen utensils | Office, kitchen, workshop |
| Shoe Boxes | Keeping seasonal items or documents neat | Closet, under-bed, garage |
| Wine Bottles | Craft supplies or decorative containers | Craft room, bathroom |
When reusing items, check their durability and weight limits. For example, make sure glass jars are clean and free of cracks before using them.
Finding Extra Storage Space
Once you've picked out your reusable items, it's time to make the most of your home's space. Look for overlooked areas like vertical walls, gaps under furniture, or empty corners.
Measure these spaces carefully, and leave a 10-15% margin to account for adjustments. For vertical storage, ensure your walls can handle the weight, and use the right mounting hardware for safety.
Research by Luvasmr highlights how wall-mounted storage can dramatically increase room capacity without taking up floor space. Their collection of wall organizers and mounting tools offers practical ways to make use of these often-ignored areas.
Storage Ideas by Room
Kitchen Storage Methods
Make your kitchen more functional by giving everyday items a new purpose. For example, a magnetic knife strip on the wall keeps knives within reach and clears up drawer space [1]. Mason jars can be used to store dry goods, utensils, or spices in a neat and visible way.
You can also use tension rods to hang cleaning supplies under the sink [5]. Here are a few ideas:
| Area | Repurposed Item | Storage Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Under Sink | Tension Rod | Hang spray bottles and cleaners |
| Drawer | Muffin Tin | Organize small items like twist ties and clips |
| Wall | Old Drawers | Turn into floating shelves for cookbooks |
These creative ideas can help you make the most of your kitchen space. And the same approach works wonders in the bathroom.
Bathroom Organisation Tips
Transform your bathroom with clever storage hacks. Mount spice racks on the wall to neatly store makeup, nail polish, or toiletries [2]. Over-the-door organizers are a smart way to save floor space - up to 3 square feet [1]. You can also attach mason jars to a wooden board to hold cotton balls, buds, and other essentials [1].
For more options, explore Luvasmr's wall-mounted toothbrush holders and shower caddies. They make use of vertical space while adding a stylish touch.
Bedroom Storage Solutions
Your bedroom has plenty of hidden storage potential. For instance, an old ladder can double as a wall-mounted rack for blankets, scarves, or bags [4]. To organize jewelry and accessories, create a magnetic board using a picture frame and sheet metal [2].
"80% of the clutter in most homes is a result of disorganisation, not lack of space" [4]
Tackle clutter by sliding old drawers with casters under your bed for easy-access storage. Another trick: use shower curtain rings on hangers to cascade scarves, belts, or ties [1]. This keeps items visible and maximizes vertical space. For shoes or purses, install crown moulding as a high shelf [5], combining storage with a decorative element.
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Storage Projects by Material
Material-based projects allow you to create storage solutions that fit your style and needs. Everyday items can be transformed into practical storage, with each material offering unique benefits.
Wood Storage Projects
Wooden crates and pallets are excellent for creating durable and customizable storage. For instance, a wooden crate can be mounted on a wall to organize bathroom toiletries [2]. Stack several crates together, and you’ve got a rustic pantry shelf system [1]. To make them last longer, sand any rough edges and apply a protective finish.
Here’s a quick guide for using different types of wood:
| Material | Best Uses | Preparation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Crates | Modular shelving, pantry storage | Sanding, optional staining |
| Pallets | Wall organizers, shoe racks | Thorough cleaning, weatherproof finish |
"58% of Americans feel guilty about throwing away items that could be reused or repurposed" [10]
Let’s move on to glass, plastic, and fabric for more creative storage options.
Glass and Plastic Storage
Glass jars and bottles are perfect for keeping items visible and organized. Use jars of various sizes to store dry goods in your pantry. For a clever hanging solution, attach jar lids under a shelf and screw the jars onto them [11].
Plastic containers are just as versatile. Repurpose them as drawer organizers or under-bed storage. Larger containers can be trimmed to create custom compartments for office supplies or kitchen utensils [7]. To make them more visually appealing, spray paint them in matching colors or cover them with decorative contact paper.
Fabric Storage Ideas
Old fabrics like canvas or denim can be turned into flexible storage solutions. For example, you can sew collapsible storage baskets to hold blankets and toys [9]. Need a quick bedside organizer? Stitch a pocket organizer that fits between the mattress and box spring [9].
DIY storage projects can save you up to 70% compared to store-bought options [10]. When choosing fabric, go for durable and easy-to-clean materials to ensure your projects last [9].
Here are a few ideas for combining materials to add functionality:
| Primary Material | Complementary Material | Project Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wood + Glass | Mason jars on boards | Bathroom organizer |
| Plastic + Fabric | Lined containers | Closet organization |
| Canvas + Wood | Fabric-covered crates | Decorative storage |
Upkeep and Design Tips
Storage Care Guide
Taking care of your DIY storage can make it last much longer. A survey by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that well-maintained storage solutions can last 3–5 times longer than those that are neglected [1]. For wooden storage, clean it with warm water and mild dish soap, and apply wood conditioner once a year to protect it. Keep metal parts dry and apply a thin layer of mineral oil to prevent rust. If you’re using fabric storage, rotate these items every few months to spread out the wear and tear [3]. Want to take it up a notch? Turn your basic storage into decor that looks great while staying functional.
Design and Decoration
Well-maintained storage can double as part of your home’s design. Pinterest trend reports showed a 39% increase in searches for "upcycled home decor" in 2024 [4]. Interior stylist Emily Henderson explains:
"The key is to make storage visually appealing enough to display openly, reducing clutter while enhancing your space's aesthetic" [6].
Here are a few ideas:
- For a sleek modern vibe, spray paint tin cans.
- If you like the farmhouse look, distress wooden crates.
- For a boho touch, wrap fabric boxes in colorful, patterned textiles.
If you’re aiming for eco-friendly upkeep, choose natural cleaning options. According to the EPA, using green cleaning products and fixing items instead of replacing them can cut household waste by as much as 25% [9]. A mix of vinegar and baking soda works wonders for cleaning, and water-based, low-VOC paints are great for refinishing storage pieces.
"Regular maintenance of your storage systems is key to sustaining a clutter-free environment long-term", says organizing expert Marie Kondo.
To keep things fresh, update your storage pieces every 2–3 years [8].
Final Tips and Recommendations
Starting your DIY storage journey? Begin with careful planning. Research shows that homeowners who create their own storage systems reduce kitchen clutter by 60% while saving an average of $200 compared to purchasing new containers [4].
Safety First: Always secure tall units to walls and smooth out any sharp edges to prevent accidents.
Material Choices Matter: Select materials suited to the space. For bathrooms, steer clear of cardboard or untreated wood, as these can break down in humid environments. Instead, go for glass, plastic, or sealed wood. Make sure to clean materials thoroughly before use [1].
Once your materials are ready, focus on organizing them effectively. Here's a quick guide:
| Material | Best Uses | Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Jars | Dry goods, bathroom items | Wash weekly with warm soapy water |
| Wooden Crates | Books, toys, clothing | Dust regularly; condition wood yearly |
| Metal Containers | Tools, craft supplies | Keep dry; apply mineral oil as needed |
| Plastic Bins | General storage, garage | Wipe regularly; avoid direct sunlight |
Organization Tips: Clear labeling is key for easy access. For instance, Sarah Johnson from Portland, featured on the "Upcycled Wonders" blog, used chalkboard paint on container lids for quick and reusable labeling [3].
Maximize Space: Utilize vertical space by adding floating shelves made from repurposed wood. Professional organizers also recommend using tension rods to create multi-level storage inside cabinets, allowing you to fit more items neatly [2].
Maintenance Routine: Keep your storage functional with regular upkeep:
- Dust weekly
- Inspect joints monthly
- Reorganize quarterly
- Deep clean annually
Finally, reassess your storage needs periodically to stay organized and efficient [10]. Start small, build confidence, and expand your DIY projects over time.
FAQs
These FAQs tackle common questions about organizing DIY storage supplies, based on the principles of repurposing and smart material choices discussed earlier.
How can I effectively store DIY supplies?
Organizing your workspace can make a big difference - 67% of DIY enthusiasts report improved productivity when their tools are well-organized[2]. Here are solutions tailored to different spaces:
| Space Type | Storage Solution | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small Apartment | Over-door organizers, floating shelves | Paints, brushes, small tools |
| Garage/Workshop | Pegboard system, magnetic strips | Power tools, hardware |
| Craft Room | Rolling carts, mason jars | Craft supplies, fabric |
What's the best way to organize tools in limited space?
When space is tight, vertical storage is a game-changer. Pegboards are perfect for keeping frequently used tools within easy reach, and they can cut down project setup time by up to 30%[1]. Magnetic strips are ideal for metal tools, while clear, labeled containers work great for small hardware.
How do I maintain organized storage systems?
To keep your storage system functional over time, try these tips:
- Use clear containers to easily see what's inside[1].
- Label everything to avoid confusion[1].
- Group items by category, such as tools, materials, or accessories.
- Set a schedule to declutter and reorganize every 3–6 months.
What everyday items work best for storage?
You can repurpose common household items for effective storage. For example:
- Glass jars: Great for small items like screws or beads.
- Wooden crates: Stackable and perfect for modular storage.
- PVC pipes: Ideal for holding long tools like paintbrushes.
- Vintage suitcases: Stylish and practical for storing fabric or other supplies.
A great example is Sarah Johnson, who revamped her 200 sq ft craft room in January 2024. By using a pegboard system and stackable clear containers, she boosted her project completion rate by 40% and reduced unnecessary supply purchases by 25%[2].
How can I make my storage solutions look attractive?
You don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. Here are some ideas:
- Paint storage containers to match your room's color scheme.
- Use decorative baskets that double as storage and decor.
- Install open shelving to display both practical items and decorative pieces[1].
- Add vintage touches like old suitcases or wooden crates for charm[2].