Cardboard boxes are plentiful, cheap, and easy to find. They’re great for storing things in or shipping items around the world. However, if you try to use a cardboard box as a storage box, it will fall apart quickly because they aren’t made to be used this way.
You can make your sturdy storage boxes out of any cardboard box you have lying around by following these simple steps. You just need to get the right items for the job and follow the correct procedure. This is great for making extra space in your home or apartment while also getting rid of some unwanted cardboard boxes that might otherwise end up in the trash can.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to turn an ordinary cardboard box into something more practical and useful – a storage box.
What You’ll Need
· Cardboard box
· Scissors
· Ruler or measuring tape
· Jeans or any fabric
· Box cutters
· Hot glue gun
· Jute rope
· Chevron contact paper
Measure and Estimate How Big You Want Your Box to Be
Try making it slightly bigger than the typical cardboard storage boxes you find at stores, as they’re usually a little smaller or about the same size. You can also have some fun by being more creative. Make it larger than your bed or even the dinner table. Just be sure to keep some room for your legs while you sit down on it.
Once you’ve determined how large or tall you want your storage to be, cut the contact paper to that size and use one strip cover to cover the entire box. It’s always easy to cut down the paper where the top of the box is uneven.
Remove the Flaps Off from the Box by Cutting
Use your box cutter to slice the closing tabs of your box. After cutting, set them aside but do not throw them away because you’ll need them in your DIY project. You can also fold the flaps inside, laying them flat with the four sides of your cardboard box.
You can use flaps to separate the inside of your box for extra organization. To create storage compartments, you need to determine how many small boxes or lids you want. Next, cut two flaps from the box, which you will use to make your smaller storage compartments. Start by making long cuts on one side of the flap.
Make sure you select and cut a large piece of fabric that will cover the halfway through the outer sides and four inner sides of your box.
Finish the Cover
Secure the cover fabric of your box by using hot glue on the inside of the box. Use a small piece of fabric to cover the back of your newly made storage boxes. If you plan on stacking them, make sure you use hot glue to secure them together. To stack them, place pipe cleaners in between each layer, which will allow for easy access when needed.
Make sure the fabric on the inside touches the bottom side of your box. This DIY project won’t be necessary to cover the top of your boxes, so don’t worry about it. First, measure the side of the box with a ruler. Add an inch for hot glue and seam allowance.
Cut the Bottom Fabric
Begin by measuring and cutting out your piece of fabric an inch bigger on all the sides than the bottom side of your box. Fold and pin the fabric in half with the right sides together.
Sew around all four edges of your fabric 1/4” from the edge, leaving an opening to flip it inside out 1-2 inches. Then, flip the fabric inside out and press seams, so they lay flat against your box. Topstitch around all four sides of the box bottom to close the opening and secure the fabric inside.
Prepare the Bottom
Clip the fabric corners at the bottom corners of your box. Then wrap the cut edges around the corners of your box. Make sure you use hot glue and not any other glue to attach the fabric. Measure and cut a piece of your cardboard about 1/4 to 1/2 smaller than the bottom to finish up your storage box.
Prepare the Lining
Flip your box inside out so now you’ll see its lining. Mark the center of the box’s bottom on its lining and cut a square hole for where you want to insert your power strip or surge protector. You can do this by just folding it in half, then half again until you have your desired opening size.
Cover the Bottom Side of Your Box
Apply the hot glue on all four sides at the bottom of the box. It should be the inside box and not the lining. After that, place your prepared fabric following the previous steps carefully on the glued side. Fold lengthwise the cut edges, then spray out the box.
Fold your fabric up and press out all the air bubbles. Also, spray the inside of your box and fold your fabric into the box. Repeat this on the opposite side and the bottom of the box.
Now spray out your power strip and carefully place it on top of the fabric. Fold your fabric up to cover all sides and glue down any exposed areas (such as where you fold over). Do this on both sides and leave a line of access for your cord to plug in.
Lastly, spray out the inside of your box and carefully place it on top. Fold over the fabric to the outside. Using a small screwdriver, poke two holes for your eye screws. Place your eye screws in, add weights, and you are done.
You Can Wrap up with the Jute Rope
If you want to get creative, use some jute rope for a different look. Make sure the cord is still accessible if you do this method. Use the jute rope to cover the outer side of your storage box. Make sure you apply hot glue while wrapping the rope around your DIY storage box.
Complete the Jute Wrapping
In this step, you can cover the entire outer surface of your box, or you can stop at the top portion of your box. It is totally up to you. If you want to cover it all, do the same process until your box is fully wrapped up in jute rope.
You Can Complete with Carved Wood Screws
A different look would be to attach carved wood screws on the outer surface of your DIY storage box. This part is optional, and you can still use the jute rope. This is for decoration. You can also add some ric rac to the top edge, then spray the underside of the ric rac and press it onto your storage box.
Add a Label to Your Storage Box
Adding a label to your DIY storage box is very important because it will keep you on track of what is stored inside, such as old photographs, important documents (birth certificates), wedding mementos, special yearbooks, and the like. You can use chalkboard tags for this. Just write the label you would like to use on each tag.
Store Your Items
Now that you have a great storage solution, you don’t need to overstuff your closet or cabinets with your belongings, yet you have a storage box option. Take time and arrange your belongings properly in your storage boxes and enjoy a clutter-free environment.
FAQs on How to Make a Cardboard Box into a Storage Box
How do you decorate a storage cardboard box?
All you need to make your storage cardboard decorative is to cut your cardboard down to your preferred size. Make sure you’re liberal while using duct tape. After that, you can add ric rac or attach the border and handles. You can take it up a notch by adding stickers.
How do you make a sturdy storage box?
The only thing that needs to be done is cutting the cardboard down to your preferred size and reinforcing the corners with duct tape. Lastly, add ric rac or attach border handles and stitching (if desired).
How do you make a handle on a storage box?
Cut two pieces of tape about 5 inches long and put them sticky side up. Use your fingers to roll one piece around the other so that the rough side sticks together. Do the same with another piece and attach it to the box where you want it. Make sure they don’t overlap because you need a thin piece of tape to attach it to.
Final Thought on How to Make a Cardboard Storage into a Storage Box
As you can see, recycling cardboard boxes into storage boxes is quite easy. With a few supplies and some creativity, you can easily turn your cardboard into a great storage solution at home. So, instead of stashing away that cardboard into the trash can, why not recycle it into something you can use?
You no longer need to spend so much money buying conventional storage boxes when you have your cardboard lying around. With just a few minutes of work, you can turn that plain piece of cardboard into an attractive storage box for your home. Before throwing out that next cardboard box, think about whether or not it has been discarded, or you can transform it into something useful.
