How to Make a Cardboard Box Storage System

Last Updated: November 28, 2022

If you have a lot of small supplies to store but would rather not invest in a permanent storage system yet, you can make your own from boxes and add to it as your collection grows. It's not the best, and sturdy system, but it's flexible, easy and inexpensive, and that might be just what you're looking for!

Steps

1
Get the boxes. If you can't find them locally, look online. You can use any measurements you want, as long as four long boxes (drawers) fit into one cubic box (compartment). Here are some suggested measurements and quantities:^{[1]
X
Research source}
- 25 to 500 cubic boxes - 13 x 13 x 13 inches (33 x 33 x 33 cm)
- 25 to 900 long boxes - 12 x 6 x 6 inches (30.5 x 15.25 x 15.25 cm)
2
Assemble the cubic boxes into a shelving unit.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Cut the flaps on one side.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Tape the cubes together - front, back and side.
- When taping is completed, put the completed shelving unit against a wall.
Advertisement
3
Assemble the long boxes, which will be drawers. Cut out a square at one end of the box. Four drawers fit in one compartment.
4
Load your inventory in the drawers.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Write the description on the box. Then, put the drawers in so that the order makes sense.
- Sort the drawers alphabetically.
- Alternatively, sort the drawers so that things you use most often are at arm level, easiest to reach, and things that are less frequently used are lower or higher.
- Slide the drawers into the compartments.
- Use compartments without the drawers for larger objects.
- Use small containers to store small objects. These are tennis ball cans. Check with your local tennis club - you might get hundreds of them for free.

Community Q&A

Question

Where can I get cardboard boxes?

Community Answer

Look at the dollar store or ask a local convenience store to save their leftover boxes for you.
Question

Where else can you get them?

Community Answer

The easiest way is to find a box that is not being used in the house. You can paint it or cover it in duct tape to add strength and color. You can also label and decorate it if you like.
Question

What is the effect of a cardboard box storage system on the environment?

Community Answer

By reusing things like boxes, you're generally cutting down the amount of energy that would be needed for recycling. You're also preserving the environment by cutting down on the energy needed to produce other materials like wood or plastic.

Warnings

Put heavy items in the bottom row.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 36 Not Helpful 9
To prevent the storage unit from falling forward, fasten it to the wall before use. Get some screws and wide washers, with holes narrow enough to prevent your screw heads from going through. Put your screws through their washers, then drive them through the back of some of the upper boxes (3 at least) into a stud in the wall, or into a previously installed dry-wall anchor.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2