She Sticks Rods Through A Plastic Storage Bin, Shows Clever New Ways To Stay Organized
by Marilyn Caylor 1/16/2017
Plastic storage bins are commonplace in many homes, and for good reason! They're great for storing all sorts of miscellaneous treasures. But, did you know there are cool ways to turn these humble bins into everyday household items?
Sure, you can let your cat play in it - but it would be more practical to convert that storage box into a litter box before kitty actually jumps inside! Or, how about using these bins to create a mini-greenhouse so your plant babies don't perish during the cold winter months?
The number of ways you can upcycle storage bins are endless, but there are some great ideas for you listed below...
Safely Transport Jewelry
Let's face it, necklaces have a way of getting into each other's business when then share the same space. Untangling the chains can be such a hassle! If you're a DIY crafter that sells jewelry at art fairs, use a plastic bin to safely transport your delicate merchandise. Drill a few holes in the side and insert metal pegboard hooks.
Hang Up Those Ornaments
Hang up your ornaments like you hang up your clothes! This will keep them from breaking into a million pieces before the next holiday season arrives. Drill some holes into the sides of a plastic bin, and stick some rods through it. The details for this simple project can be found at Craptastic.
Adorable Upcycled Toy Chest
There's no reason to store toys in a plain, and sometimes ugly, storage bin. It's easy to spruce it up without breaking the bank. All you need is some wrapping paper and burlap fabric, which can often be found at the dollar store. The Creative Dominican has all the details on this toy chest makeover.
creativedominican.wordpress.com
Top-Loading Litter Box
Cats are the cleanest pet in the world and pretty much take care of themselves, but there's one thing you have to clean up for them - the litter box! A top-loading litter box can help keep the mess manageable. But, don't fork out for the expensive ones at the pet store! Make your own by following this step-by-step guide on The Baroness' blog.
Precious Play Kitchen
If there's one thing that kids always want to do, it's play! Although smaller kids aren't always old enough to learn how to cook on a real stove, they can practicing by playing with this cute toy kitchen. Pieces of vinyl make this look like a real stove top! Check out Pineapples and Pinecones for instructions.
Backyard Water Fountain
There's no need to splurge on a pricey fountain when a storage bin will do the job. Believe it or not, you can make one yourself for about $30. All you need is a water pump, plastic tub, and a few river rocks. The Garden Glove has all the details on this pretty water feature.
Yarn Box
If you love to knit, then you probably already have a huge collection of yarn. Having easy access to your favorite colors can make your knitting job a lot easier. If you drill a few holes in the top of bin's lid, you can thread the yarn right through it. When you're ready to knit, just grab the box and go!
Homework Filing System
If you love to organize, then plastic bins are your best friend! Use smaller plastic tubs to create a homework storage system for each of your kids. You can also store report cards, writings, art work and awards. Head on over to IHeart Organizing for more details.
Portable Baby Bath
When you're camping in the great outdoors, it can sometimes be a challenge to find ways to keep yourself clean. Adults can probably get away with going a couple of days without a bath, but babies need a daily bath. Be sure to take a plastic bin with you - it makes the perfect baby tub!
Sensory Table
Kids are very tactile and hands-on. It actually helps them learn! Use a plastic tub to create a fun sensory table for your little ones. PVC piping creates the table frame. You can fill the table with with water, or other squishy things like uncooked rice or sand. Their fingers are going to have a ball with the different sensations! Check out Southern Bell DIY for more info on how to make this sensory table.
Floating Cooler
The only thing better than spending a lazy day in the pool is cooling off with a nice refreshing drink. But, who wants to get up out of the pool to grab a cold soda? You don't have to when you have a floating cooler! Fill a plastic bin with ice and drinks and use foam pool noodles to keep it afloat. To make your own, just follow the simple instructions from Lorrie Schumacher.
Multi-Level Hamster Home
Give your furry little hamsters a 2-story home of their own. Every furball in the neighborhood will be jealous! Stack plastics bins on top of each other and use wire mesh to make the "cage" part of this setup. Use plastic pet funnels to connect the two cages together. For more detailed instructions, head over to Hammy Happenings for a great tutorial!
Greenhouse For Seedlings
Growing healthy seedlings is a crucial first step in planting a garden. When it's chilly outside, a greenhouse works great at keeping plant babies warm. A plastic storage bin can be instantly transformed into an inexpensive mini-greenhouse. When it's time for the seedlings to leave the nest and venture outside, you can simply grab the box and transport everything at once. Find out more about this green thumb project at The Prairie Cottage.
prairiecottagerose.blogspot.com
Store Ornaments With Ease
It's always fun to put up the Christmas tree and decorate it, when the tree has to come back down, it can be hard to figure out how to store all the delicate ornaments. The solution? Plastic cups and a plastic bin! Just pop an ornament into the cup, and place it inside the storage bin. Don't forget to use a wooden board between each layer of cups.
Watch the video below to learn how to make a top-entry kitty litter box.
Plastic bins are one of the best inventions of the 20th century. These practical boxes can be custom crafted to fit every part of your life. Since these bins are super inexpensive, you can make multiple projects at a fraction of what it would cost to buy in the store.
Sources: Pillar of Salt Studio, Craptastic, Creative Dominican, The Baroness, Pineapples and Pinecones, The Garden Glove, Maggies Crochet Blog, IHeart Organizing, Living on a Latte, Southern Bell DIY, Pinterest/Lorrie Schumacher, Hammy Happenings, The Prairie Cottage, Smart School House, FB Image Credit: Craptastic
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