The Old-School Accessory That Makes The Perfect Retro Storage Solution

You may not realize it, but you could already have some fun storage containers in your home. If you have some of your old lunchboxes from back in the day lying around, or you're a collector of vintage lunchboxes, you're already sitting on some fabulous storage solutions. This fun old-school accessory was popular with kids in decades past. It offers ample storage space for small items and is a highly sought-after collectible in thrift stores. Whether you choose a metal or plastic one, these little boxes will help your home look nostalgic and organized. 

Metal lunchboxes geared toward children were introduced in 1902, but the ones that most people remember, rife with their favorite cartoon characters and TV shows, came out between the 1950s and 1980s. And while they're not as popular with younger consumers now as they were in the 1980s, new lunchboxes are still being released by retailers like Hot Topic, Box Lunch, and Spencer's. Even back in the 1980s, some folks were using lunchboxes for more than just lunch: They were a handy place to store a stash of collector's cards, Hot Wheels, and so much more. As an adult, you can use them to store collectibles as well, but we also appreciate their small size and portability for everything from your prescriptions to craft projects.

Hear us out: If you have things you travel with regularly that you like to keep together in one place on those trips, your vintage lunchbox is an excellent storage container. What's cooler than a Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox carrying your makeup, or a "Peanuts" one with your vitamins and supplements inside? Put prescription medications in one so it's easier to have them by you when you eat meals and take those pills. 

Yes, even if you're not traveling, you can still store things in your vintage lunchbox collection. Use them to organize your crafting or scrapbooking supplies; keeping all the items you need for a craft project in one place is a great way to make your life easier. You can keep your craft room spick and span and well-organized, and find inspiration for vintage lunchbox art as well. Keep other small collectibles in one. Turn one into a sewing kit that holds everything you need, including patches and fabric shears. Anything small enough to fit in the box, and in need of storage and organization, can go in these handy little former food receptacles. 

If you dig out your old lunchbox and notice an odor, don't be put off. You can banish lunch box smells with an odor-fighting ingredient you already have at home – vinegar. We all know stinky odors can linger for quite some time, especially if you have a plastic version of these lunch boxes.