Savvy, Stylish Storage

A huge part of the idea of “homesteading” for me is making do with what we have and being content with it. Well, I have to admit, I’ve been pretty unhappy with my coat closet. It’s your typical set up from a rental, a rail for coats and a shelf with way too much space. So I’ve been slowly working on increasing its functionality and making it something I’m not terrified of our guests opening (for fear of the mess  they will see or something falling out on them). I fell in love with the idea of numbered baskets or storage boxes like these to stow our outerwear accessories (gloves, scarves, hat, umbrellas, etc.) and paper products that also live in that closet. 

 Architectural Digest

If you didn’t guess… these are EXPENSIVE. Similar ones at the big box stores were cheaper, in price and construction, but still, I felt like spending equivalent to my weekly grocery bill on baskets or storage boxes was extravagant and hardly fit my  “make do” attitude. Not to mention the store that has my favorite contenders, I’m currently boycotting.  

Having moved recently, we happen to have a plethora of boxes flat stacked in a corner of our basement that for which we paid little to no money. So, with two boxes (that just happened to fit perfect in my closet…. standard size + standard size = success!) some kraft paper from my gift wrapping stash and a sharpie I made my own numbered storage boxes for free. These would not stand up to high traffic areas or children’s rooms.  If you are looking for attractive storage that won’t be abused or used on a daily basis though, this might be your answer. You could cover these with a multitude of gift wrapping papers or fabric and label them in a million ways to suit your style. This is just a simple step by step meant to inspire! I’d love to see what you are using for creative storage at your house!

 Tape the bottom of the box securely and cut the top flaps off the box. An old serrated knife works great for this. 

Cut your paper (or fabric) so that there is 1-2 inches of overhang on the top and bottom. Wrap it around like wrapping a package. When you get to the top, wrap the paper under and tape securely all the way along the top (this area will get the most hand contact and I wanted mine to last a while). 

Next, I printed the labels on regular computer paper (I used Engravers MT font on these). Cover the back of the paper in chalk, lay it on the box and trace the numbers with a pencil. It will transfer onto your paper (or fabric) and you can then trace with a marker (or paint).

Voila! Now I have some awesome (free) storage bins that will hide a multitude of household sins in a stylish way!