The Affordable Way To Add Structure & Visual Appeal To Dollar Tree's Flimsy Plastic Organizers

Dollar Tree is a great place to find affordable organizing solutions. From large baskets and bins to small organizers, their varied collection gives you the opportunity to find a size and shape that fits your needs. There are also usually a few color options, so you may even be able to meet your aesthetic goals. If you have expensive taste, some Dollar Tree storage baskets are an affordable alternative to the Container Store's. While it is absolutely worth perusing the aisles to search for an organizer that works for you, you may not find the perfect fit. Luckily, you can easily upgrade one that is the wrong color or that feels flimsy by wrapping it in peel-and-stick wallpaper.

For this project, you'll cut a piece of peel-and-stick wallpaper to fit around the organizer's exterior, and then carefully apply it. The result will be sturdier, more durable, and your choice of design. Start by washing the organizer with soap and water, making sure you remove any oils, dust, and dirt. When it is thoroughly dry, measure and mark where you need to cut the wallpaper. You can trace the organizer by rotating it around, or you can take measurements of the bottom and sides. To apply the wallpaper, peel off the backing only for the section you are working on. Remember to trim the corners of your cut-out for a shape similar to an unfolded box so you can cover all sides of the organizer.

Start on a side of the bin, the long side if it is rectangular, before moving to the bottom, the opposite side, and then the two others. Once your wallpaper is firmly stuck in place, the organizer should feel sturdier, since there is another layer of support. While this hack is an easy way to change the look and feel of a budget organizer, it has some flaws. 

If your organizer has perforations on the sides, then covering them with a sticky wallpaper on just the outside will mean that there is exposed stickiness on the inside. These exposed areas will quickly collect dirt and look gross, and they may even stick to some of the items you store inside the organizer, potentially causing damage to the organizer or items. Adding wallpaper, tape, or another type of liner over these sections can help. You may also notice the edges lifting over time, since they can't be secured with trim as on a wall, and peel-and-stick wallpaper does not last as long as you think. 

On the other hand, if you just want to elevate a simple, functional organizer and are not too fussy about keeping it perfect for years, this is an acceptable way to improve a flimsy organizer. While buying an expensive peel-and-stick design may not be worth it, if you are looking for ways to make the most of leftover peel-and-stick wallpaper or you find the wallpaper that Dollar Tree sometimes carries, then this hack is worth a try.