Edible Pencils

If there is one thing every crafter needs more of, it is storage. Not fancy storage. Not expensive storage. Just useful, practical, “where did I put the scissors?” kind of storage.

The good news is that some of the best organizers are already sitting in your recycling bin. Cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, glass jars, tin cans, plastic tubs, milk cartons, tissue boxes, pill bottles and even cardboard tubes can all be turned into useful storage with a little paint, fabric, paper, glue or imagination.

Upcycled storage is one of my favourite recycled craft categories because it solves two problems at once. You keep something out of the bin, and you make your home, craft room, desk, pantry or kids’ space a little easier to manage. It is thrifty, practical and satisfying in that very specific “I made this from rubbish and now it looks cute” kind of way.

Before you start, give your containers a good clean and let them dry properly. Remove labels if you can, or cover them with paper, fabric, contact paper, paint or decoupage. For anything that will hold sharp tools, heavy supplies or children’s items, make sure the edges are smooth and the finished organizer is stable.

If you love practical recycled crafts, you may also enjoy these Recycled Crafts ideas for 4 ways to make containers with recycled plastic bottles, tiny recycled bottle screw-top containers, and 30 brilliant uses for empty pill bottles.

Here are 15 upcycled storage ideas to help you turn everyday throwaways into useful organizers.

Fabric-Covered Cardboard Storage Boxes

Cardboard boxes are one of the easiest things to turn into attractive storage. This fabric-covered cardboard storage box tutorial shows how a plain cardboard box can be covered with fabric to create a pretty storage bin for shelves, closets, craft rooms or kids’ rooms. The project is designed around using cardboard boxes as decorative storage containers, which makes it a strong fit for this roundup.

This is a great way to use leftover fabric, thrifted pillowcases, curtain remnants or odd pieces from your sewing stash. Make several in matching fabrics for a tidy craft shelf, or use different fabrics for a more colourful recycled look.

These boxes would be perfect for yarn, felt, sewing notions, kids’ craft supplies, seasonal decorations or paperwork.

Duct Tape Upcycled Storage Box

For a quicker version, this DIY upcycled storage box uses just a cardboard box, scissors and duct tape. It is a simple idea, but that is exactly what makes it useful — you can turn a plain box into a sturdier, neater-looking organizer without needing many supplies.

This would work well for garage shelves, craft-room cubbies, pantry overflow, toy storage or under-desk organizing. Choose bright duct tape for a fun look, or use neutral colours if you want something more minimal.

It is also a good project for teens who want to organize their own rooms without spending money on new containers.

Cereal Box Magazine Holders

Cereal boxes are just the right shape for magazine holders, printed patterns, notebooks and paperwork. This cereal box magazine holder tutorial is a clever way to turn empty breakfast boxes into file-style organizers.

Cover them with scrapbook paper, wallpaper samples, fabric, wrapping paper or contact paper to make them look less like cereal boxes and more like coordinated office storage.

These are especially useful for printed crochet patterns, quilting templates, worksheets, seed catalogues, magazine clippings or craft printables. You could even label them by category so your recycled storage looks intentional rather than improvised.

For another cereal box project, take a look at these recycled cereal box bookmarks.

Decoupaged Cereal Box Organizer

If you want a more decorative paper-craft version, this decoupaged cereal box magazine organizer turns empty cereal boxes into pretty storage using paper and decoupage.

This is a lovely project for using old book pages, magazine pages, sheet music, junk mail, wrapping paper scraps or damaged scrapbook paper. It gives the finished organizer a more handmade, artful look.

These would be useful on a desk, in a craft room, on a homeschool shelf or anywhere you need to sort papers without buying plastic organizers.

Upcycled Tissue Box Drawer Organizers

Empty tissue boxes are a handy size for small storage. This upcycled tissue box organizer tutorial shows how to turn tissue boxes into organizers for drawers, desks or shelves. The tutorial specifically focuses on using upcycled tissue boxes for drawer and office organizing.

Use them to sort hair ties, ribbon scraps, charging cords, sewing clips, washi tape, pens, glue sticks or small craft tools. You can cover them with paper or fabric so they match your space.

This is also a nice way to tidy up those messy “everything drawers” where little bits seem to disappear forever.

Recycled Milk Carton Animal Containers

These recycled milk carton animal containers are perfect for pens, markers, scissors, brushes and pencils. The Recycled Crafts post describes them as adorable animal face containers that work well for art, craft, office and school supplies.

This is a great project for back-to-school season, kids’ desks, homeschool spaces or classroom craft tables. Adults could make a cleaner version with plain colours, kraft paper, labels or simple painted faces.

Milk cartons are surprisingly sturdy once cleaned and cut, so they are ideal for upright storage.

Recycled Plastic Bottle Containers

Plastic bottles can become simple containers for craft supplies, desk items, small toys or garden bits. Recycled Crafts has a useful post on 4 ways to make containers with recycled plastic bottles, which is a good internal link for this topic.

Bottle bases can hold paper clips, beads, buttons, seed packets, hair ties, elastic bands, small tools or children’s craft supplies. Smooth the cut edges with tape, fabric, felt or an iron-safe method if you know what you are doing.

You can leave clear bottles plain so you can see what is inside, or decorate them with paint, paper, washi tape or fabric scraps.

Tiny Bottle Screw-Top Containers

These tiny recycled bottle screw-top containers are perfect for those very small things that always go missing. Think beads, buttons, sequins, pins, tiny embellishments, travel pills, stitch markers, safety pins or mini hardware.

This is one of those recycled storage ideas that is small but genuinely useful. It is especially handy for craft rooms because tiny supplies are often the hardest things to keep sorted.

You could label each little container or store several together inside a larger recycled box.

Upcycled Plastic Food Tub Storage

Single-use plastic food tubs are too useful to throw away after one use. This upcycled plastic food container storage tutorial shows how to decorate plastic food tubs with Mod Podge and paper, including old book pages, magazines or scrapbook paper. The tutorial starts with washing the tub thoroughly, then transforming it with paper and decoupage.

These are great for craft supplies, pantry packets, bathroom items, kids’ toys, stationery, seed packets or small sewing supplies.

Because the base container is already shaped for storage, all you really need to do is make it pretty enough to keep.

Craft Storage In Recycled Jars

Glass jars are one of the simplest recycled storage ideas, especially for craft rooms. This craft storage in recycled jars idea is perfect for tall items like markers, pencils, paintbrushes and tools. The source notes that jars work especially well for taller craft supplies, while smaller bits may need different storage.

Use jars for paintbrushes, knitting needles, crochet hooks, markers, pencils, buttons, ribbons, pom poms or embroidery floss. Clear jars are helpful because you can see what is inside, and they look cheerful when filled with colourful supplies.

You can leave them plain, paint the lids, wrap them with twine, add labels or attach them under a shelf for hanging storage.

Tin Can Desk Organizers

Tin cans are a classic recycled storage material because they are sturdy, upright and easy to decorate. Use clean food cans for pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, rulers, crochet hooks, makeup brushes, kitchen utensils or small tools.

Cover them with fabric, paper, rope, twine, old maps, sheet music, paint or contact paper. You can make a single pen cup or glue several cans together on a base to create a larger desk organizer.

If you like tin can projects, Recycled Crafts has an older post with a collection of cool recycled tin can patterns that would make a nice related link.

Pill Bottle Mini Storage

Empty pill bottles are small, sturdy and excellent for tiny items. Recycled Crafts has a full post on 30 brilliant uses for empty pill bottles, including practical and crafty reuse ideas.

Use them for beads, needles, pins, screws, buttons, safety pins, seed saving, travel-sized sewing kits, mini first-aid kits or tiny craft embellishments.

For safety, always remove medication labels properly and do not use pill bottles for food, children’s treats or anything that might cause confusion.

Six-Pack Carrier Craft Caddy

A cardboard six-pack carrier already has built-in sections, which makes it perfect for craft storage. This DIY craft storage from recycled materials article includes the idea of turning a six-pack bottle holder into a handy storage caddy with natural sections for organizing supplies.

Use it for paint bottles, glue sticks, scissors, markers, small tools or kids’ craft supplies. Add a handle wrap, paint, fabric, paper or labels to make it look more polished.

This would be especially handy for portable craft sessions because you can carry the supplies from room to room.

Upcycled Craft Room Organization Ideas

If your craft room is always one project away from chaos, this roundup of upcycled craft room organization ideas is a helpful inspiration source. It focuses on using thrifted and upcycled items to organize craft supplies, including paint, fabric and other creative materials.

The best craft storage is usually the storage that matches how you actually craft. Jars are useful for things you want to see. Boxes are better for bulkier supplies. Small containers are best for beads and buttons. Trays and caddies are best for supplies you move around often.

This is a good link to include for readers who want broader craft-room ideas beyond one single tutorial.

Recycled PVC Pipe Storage

PVC pipe offcuts can be turned into clever organizers for cords, tools, craft supplies, outdoor toys and garage storage. Recycled Crafts has a post on ways to use PVC pipe in unexpected ways that includes practical organizing inspiration. The article discusses using PVC pipe creatively, including organizing outdoor toys and making functional storage-style projects.

Short lengths of PVC can hold markers, paintbrushes, scissors, knitting needles, small tools or rolled vinyl. Longer pieces can be used in the garage, garden shed or craft room.

This is a sturdier upcycled storage option for anyone who likes tool-based projects.

55 DIY Storage And Organizing Ideas Using Upcycled Junk

For readers who want even more inspiration, this big roundup of 55 DIY storage and organizing ideas using upcycled junk is full of ideas using cereal boxes, cardboard boxes, salvaged items, packaging, denim and more. The source groups recycled organizing ideas into categories including cereal boxes, cardboard boxes, salvaged organizing ideas, wood, packaging and denim storage.

This is a useful “keep browsing” link at the end of the article because it opens up lots of additional organizing ideas for readers who are ready to tackle a whole room.

Tips For Making Upcycled Storage Look Less Like Rubbish

The secret to nice-looking recycled storage is consistency. A random mix of containers can look messy, but a group of recycled containers painted the same colour, covered in matching paper, or labelled in the same style suddenly looks intentional.

Try using one colour palette for a whole shelf. Cover cardboard boxes in the same fabric. Paint tin cans in matching colours. Add simple labels. Wrap jars with twine. Use kraft paper, book pages or neutral contact paper if you want a calmer look.

Also think about what each container is best at holding. Tall jars are good for brushes and pens. Small bottles are good for beads and pins. Cardboard boxes are good for bulkier supplies. Cereal boxes are good for papers. Tin cans are good for tools. Plastic tubs are good for items that might leak, spill or need wiping out.

Why Upcycled Storage Is Worth Making

Upcycled storage is one of the most useful kinds of recycled crafting because it is not just decorative. It helps your home work better. It gives loose things a place to land. It saves money. It uses materials you already have. And it gives you that very satisfying feeling of making something useful from something that was almost thrown away.

Whether you are organizing a craft room, a child’s desk, a pantry shelf, a sewing corner, a bathroom drawer or a garage workspace, there is probably something in your recycling bin that can help.

So before you toss that cardboard box, glass jar, tissue box, tin can or plastic tub, have another look at it. With a little paint, paper, fabric or glue, it might become your next favourite organizer.

For more practical recycled craft ideas, browse 4 ways to make containers with recycled plastic bottles, tiny recycled bottle screw-top containers, recycled milk carton animal containers, and 30 brilliant uses for empty pill bottles.