With one often arriving on your porch, it’s easy to overlook the unassuming cardboard box. Crafted from sustainable paper pulp, this specially engineered material is designed to be strong, lightweight, and highly versatile. These qualities make cardboard boxes perfect for shipping, as they secure items while keeping the overall weight low, thus reducing freight costs. For those who enjoy online shopping, it’s easy to accumulate a collection of these boxes, which you can either flatten or recycle. However, if you’re struggling to keep your ordered items organized, a bit of creativity can transform these boxes into a virtually free solution to maximize storage by arranging them into stacked and divided compartments that fit neatly into even the deepest cabinets.
While baskets, bins, or Lazy Susans are popular for organizing bathroom items, deep cabinets can still pose a challenge as items may get pushed to the back, becoming hard to reach or remember. To create a storage solution using cardboard boxes that improves access to your essentials, start by emptying your cabinet. Take this opportunity to thoroughly clean the interior with a disinfecting wipe, and then carefully measure the height, width, and depth. Next, categorize the items you intend to store, such as oral hygiene products, skin care, and medicines.
How to prepare your cardboard boxes
Size is crucial, especially for deep cabinet storage. Find cardboard boxes that fit neatly into your available space. Standard Amazon boxes are available in small, medium, and large sizes. Depending on your cabinet’s dimensions, you might also consider liquor boxes, bulk food packaging boxes, or even free Priority Mail boxes from your local post office. Avoid flimsy boxes and opt for the sturdiest ones you can find.
Reinforce the bottom seam and edges of each box with duct tape. Although this adds time to the project, covering each box’s exterior with craft duct tape like Simply Genius Colored & Patterned Duct Tape Rolls can create a more cohesive and appealing appearance. Remove the box flaps first, and avoid losing the end of your duct tape roll by using a paper clip hack. Optionally, place the box flaps inside each box to strengthen the base.
To create tiered storage and keep your primary storage box in place, position another box behind it. After finding the right size combination for your cabinet, fill the back box with packaging airbags. Use as many as possible without distorting its shape to enhance structural stability.
Use containers to accessorize after assembly
The final step involves arranging your prepared cardboard boxes to accommodate and organize your items. First, place an airbag-filled box at the back of your cabinet. Then, position a reinforced box directly in front of it, ensuring there is space between the top of the cabinet and the box. If space allows, place additional reinforced boxes next to your tiered storage. There’s no right or wrong way to arrange your boxes—approach it like a puzzle to optimize them for your cabinet’s shape and size.
Once your boxes are assembled, organize your bathroom by grouping similar items together. Consider using an affordable product like these Readsky Small Plastic Storage Baskets with Handles, ensuring they fit both inside and on top of your tiered boxes. Since toothpaste and shampoo leaks are possible, choose baskets made of a washable material. If baskets or bins aren’t within your budget, consider using smaller cardboard boxes or food storage containers instead.
For a shallower box placed alongside a tiered one, a third option involves creating dividers using either the removed box flaps or a piece of discarded cardboard if you’ve trimmed the box for a better fit. Simply cut the flaps or cardboard strips to fit neatly inside the box. Then, use clear packing tape or more duct tape to secure the strips in place.
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