18 Storage Solutions You Can DIY From Cardboard Boxes For A More Organized Home

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Love them or hate them, cardboard boxes sure are useful, especially when tackling a house move. But what do you do with the small mountain of rectangles and cubes once you're all settled? Never fear, we have a solution for you. In fact, we have no less than 18 smart ways to repurpose cardboard boxes after a move that will level up your home organization. Whether you need a solution for your shoes, something gorgeous for storing trinkets, or a way to control plastic bags, we've got you covered. 

Cardboard is a great material to work with because it's lightweight, budget-friendly, and checks all the sustainability boxes. It's also easy to use. You don't need any special tools to cut or fold it, and it responds well to being glued, stapled, or taped. Decorating it is also a breeze, whether you cover it in fabric, pretty paper, or paint straight onto it. 

When you're creating structures with cardboard, pieces that have been previously folded won't have the same level of structural support as unfolded pieces. Keep that in mind when it comes to load-bearing areas like shelves, and look for pieces that are still rigid and not previously bent. Let your creativity loose as you use simple cardboard to invent ways to make your home more organized. Using cardboard lets you fix the areas in your home that are bugging you. Enjoy creating solutions that not only calm the clutter but also add to the beauty of your spaces.  

At a glance, you wouldn't guess this basket is made from cardboard. Dressed up in a combination of patterned fabric, carefully glued jute rope, some lace, and a handmade label, this basket can be useful in the entryway for keys, phones, and wallets. There's a nifty divider to separate the two halves, which is useful for keeping things apart or keeping items such as notebooks standing up straight. Use it in the bathroom for toiletries, or the bedroom for your TBR pile of books. The rope handle makes carrying easy and adds charm.

This shelf is made from a large shoebox, ends up being a handy size to fit on a countertop, and can be covered in paper that matches the style of your kitchen. All of the shelves have at least a double layer of cardboard and contact paper for extra strength. In addition to the two lower shelves, there's an extra open shelf on top that gives you space for taller containers or those that have flip top openings. If the top shelf feels too flimsy, give it a fourth side across the back for additional stability.

If you're looking for an easy way to keep all of your paper clutter organized in your home office, this may be the answer. Fabric provides the lining for this stylish in-box, which adds color, personality, and strength. The string detailing is a simple version of a plait using regular string, but it adds a beautiful finishing touch. The size of this container makes it ideal for storing a pile of paper, but it can just as easily hold stationery, notebooks, or other small office necessities. The raised effect adds elegance and makes this in-tray an office must-have. 

Left to their own devices, shopping bags seem to multiply and cause chaos, whether they're tucked away behind a cabinet door or shoved into a drawer. With this clever box manipulation, their days of dominating are over. Pick a box that's the right size to house your collection, cut a long slot in the side, and cover it in contact paper. Leave the top open as that's where you'll stuff all the bags in. We'd recommend covering or painting the inside as well, to prevent the cardboard from showing through when the level of plastic bags drops.

Whether you're gifted snazzy chocolates or you treat yourself, don't throw the box away, but repurpose it as a stylish mini drawer set. To make double drawers, you'll need two boxes of chocolates. Glue the outer boxes together and cover them with leftover pieces of wallpaper for a rich texture. Using paper that picks up on the color of the inner box, such as the gold in this case, will add to the upmarket feel of this DIY. Once you've stitched on a bead as a knob, these small drawers are ideal for jewelry or makeup.

There's nothing more frustrating than wanting to settle in for a movie and some foot-up time at the end of a long day, only to find the remote control is missing. Not to mention the fact that a living room can have many; one for the overhead fan, one for the AC, one for the TV, and another for the music system. Save your sanity and make yourself one of these containers. Pick a box that matches the number of remotes you currently have, cut it diagonally, cover in contact paper, and create dividers.

There are homemade jewelry boxes, and then there's this! Best tackled by crafters with time and patience, this gorgeous organizer will make your bedroom more organized than ever, and it's all handmade from cardboard. The fine attention to detail sets it apart from many other DIYs, down to the use of Linlinzz Mini Magnets as flap closures. The left has a concertina compartment for storage, there's a ring holder in there behind one of the flaps, and the right side dispenses tissues. The color scheme lends a timeless vintage feel that is simply perfect.

Making these containers takes a little more work than the average DIY cardboard storage solution, but the end results are worth it. Starting with a cardboard base, the outer layer is built up using two different papier-mâché techniques. Before the final layer sets, the beautiful plant design is pressed in, then sealed with layers of paint. Bamboo and string handles add a luxurious touch to finish it off. Use these containers to gather bits and pieces on your bedside table, hold toiletries on your dresser, or hold cooking utensils in the kitchen. 

Who knew a small piece of cardboard could look this stunning? Each mini trinket box is made from a single piece of thin cardboard. While some are decorated with acrylic paints, stencils, and stamps, others are made with wall filler and lace. The third type is covered with napkins, used tea bags, and acrylic varnish. Each one takes careful construction, and they're all finished off with a string tie and a specially chosen charm, such as the PandaHall Antique Bronze Charms. While these won't solve your kitchen cabinet clutter, they're perfect for storing precious jewelry or trinkets.

A home can never have too many wall-mounted shelves, and these fun hexagon shapes add a pop of color and style. While these hues might not suit your style, picture them in a soothing shade of sand, sage green, or nutmeg. As with all cardboard-based furniture, keep an eye on the weight tolerance when placing decor items into the shelves. Pair them with battery-operated votive candles, fairy lights, or LED strip lights for a nighttime glow. Use them in kids' rooms painted in bright colors for displaying teddy bears, dinosaur collections, or their entire collection of plushies!

This shoe storage rack is simple to make by taping together triangles of cardboard and attaching them in a neat stack. The edges are reinforced with tape to prevent wear and tear. While this version may not be the prettiest shoe rack you've ever seen, it will get shoes off the floor and keep pairs together. If you like the idea and want to upgrade how it looks, cover the cardboard with Gaotaobn Vintage Ink Flowers Textured Floral Contact Paper, or whatever matches your bedroom. Contact paper is pretty and adds extra stability to the structure.

If you're looking to fill a large, open space on a wall, add curved shelves as a striking statement piece. The swooping curves offer an unexpected visual element that is not only interesting to look at, but is practical too. Many layers of cardboard go into each shelf, making them strong enough for decor elements as well as a selection of light reading. Whether you highlight the clean lines of the shelves by painting them in contrasting colors to the wall, or go for a subtle approach that leans into the softer shades, these shelves are striking.

This impressive corrugated cardboard construction takes drawer organization to another level. Built in multiple layers, the top trays are designed to slide back and forth, giving you access to the stationery underneath. The best part of making this for yourself is tailoring it exactly to the items you have to fit into your drawer. Adjust the compartments to be larger, smaller, or wider as needed. Using corrugated cardboard makes the whole structure stronger, as corrugated cardboard is known to be more durable than the regular flat variety. 

Keeping your craft supplies neat and tidy makes it so much easier to tackle projects. A lined basket is an ideal addition that can be used for wool, fabric, or any one of the many other things that go into being creative. While the outside layer looks upmarket and expensive, it's actually just a non-slip PVC foam bath mat. What really sets this basket apart is the fine attention to detail that finishes off the project so beautifully. The handles are optional, as you may find an opening cut into the side to be more space efficient.

Getting arty is easy with all your supplies right at your fingertips. Make yourself an organizing station like this and enjoy being able to sit down and get going without having to open a drawer, pull out a container, or arrange your desk. If the brightly colored version is a little too saturated for your space, go with neutrals or pick out a color that stirs your creativity. Swap out markers for colored pencils if the adult coloring craze is something you enjoy. For paintbrushes, make the vertical shelves slightly deeper to keep them neat and tidy.

This mini bookshelf is an ideal size to pop on your desk and have your books within easy reach. Make as many shelves as you need to find the books you need easily. This is particularly useful for those who are at school or college to help them work efficiently and not waste time hunting for the right book. Make another one to go in the bathroom and fill it with magazines or other reading materials. This little shelf is tough enough that you can use the space on top for extra toilet rolls or spray. 

Cats love hiding spots, which makes this sweet ball-shaped cat house all the more precious. Created from layers of cardboard, the end result is so appealing that it doesn't need a coat of paint or any other decoration. The hardest part of the making process will be keeping your quizzy kitty away long enough for the glue to dry. Cats love sharpening their claws, and some scratch pads are made from cardboard just like this. A place to hide that doubles as a scratch area? Make your furbaby a home they can't resist and save your furniture.

Every home needs a treasure chest, and this vintage one looks authentic enough to have been stolen off a pirate ship. Use it in a kid's room as a small toy box, or let them keep their treasures safe inside. Make one to match your living room decor and store travel mementos and photos or a stash of snacks for movie night inside. The finished size of your chest will vary depending on the size of the box you start with, so decide what you want to store before you start cutting.