24 DIY Storage Ideas and Projects
Space is something we could all use more of. It seems that no matter how big your home is or how many closets you have, you can always use more storage.
This becomes even more challenging when you have a small space to work with. Take matters into your own hands by creating more storage with DIY solutions.
These DIY storage ideas will give you workable solutions for creating more storage in your home or small apartment.
1. Create Your Own Craft Desk Organizer
Create a multifunctional craft desk organizer using simple materials like plywood and small bins. This desk organizer provides a dedicated space for all your crafting tools, ensuring they’re neatly arranged and easily accessible. It’s a great way to keep your workspace clutter-free and your supplies in order.
2. Sew Simple Fabric Storage Bins
Fabric storage bins are a stylish and versatile solution for decluttering any room. You can make them from durable materials like canvas or burlap for a long-lasting use. These bins are perfect for storing everything from toys and books to clothes, and they can be easily customized to match your room’s decor.
3. Turn Wood Pallets into Shelves
Transform a wooden pallet into a rustic and charming shelf. This project involves sanding and staining a pallet, then mounting it on a wall. It’s ideal for displaying books, plants, or collectibles, adding a warm, natural touch to any room.
4. Craft a Hanging Shoe Organizer for Closets
A hanging shoe organizer maximizes closet space and keeps footwear in view. Make one with fabric pockets or use a pre-made organizer. It’s a simple, space-saving solution for keeping shoes organized and floors clear.
5. Weave Personalized Storage Baskets
Woven baskets add texture and warmth to any room while providing practical storage. They can be handcrafted from materials like wicker or seagrass. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or toys, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
6. Assemble a Chic Paper Metal Rack
Construct a metal rack to organize papers and documents. This project can involve bending and cutting metal rods into a frame with shelves. It’s a sleek, modern way to keep important papers sorted and within reach.
7. Refresh a Shelf into Stylish Storage
Give an old shelf new life by repainting and modifying it to suit your storage needs. Add hooks, bins, or additional shelves to make it more functional. This is an eco-friendly way to add storage without buying new furniture.
8. Stack and Customize Plastic Crates
Plastic crates can be stacked or mounted on walls to create versatile storage units. They are ideal for storing anything from books to garden tools. Customize the arrangement to fit your space and needs, and consider painting them for a more personalized look.
9. Build a Bespoke Wood Craft Organizer
Build a wooden organizer specifically designed for your craft supplies. Include compartments and drawers tailored to the size and shape of your tools and materials. This not only keeps your supplies orderly but also adds a personalized touch to your craft area.
10. Design Rolling Storage for Under the Bed
Utilize the space under your bed with rolling storage bins. These can be made from wood or repurposed drawers with casters. They’re perfect for storing seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or items not frequently used.
11. DIY Custom Drawers
Build cabinet drawers using old wine crates or plywood to fit unique spaces in your home, such as under the office desk. Include dividers for better organization. This approach offers a tailored storage solution, efficiently utilizing underused areas.
You can also repurpose old dresser drawers and paint them.
12. Install a Ceiling-Mounted Storage Rack
Create a ceiling-mounted rack to use overhead space for storage. Ideal for garages or kitchens, this rack can hold items like pots, pans, or bicycles, freeing up valuable floor space.
13. Build a Simple Shed for More Storage
Maximize your outdoor storage by constructing a straightforward shed in your yard. This project can involve using weather-resistant materials to create a durable space for garden tools, lawn equipment, and seasonal items. A simple shed design allows for an organized and accessible way to store and protect these items from the elements.
14. Make Driftwood and Strings Toy Storage
Craft a unique toy storage unit using driftwood and strong strings. Hang the driftwood on the wall and use the strings to create hanging baskets or nets for lightweight toys, adding a playful and natural element to children’s rooms.
15. Repurpose a Pallet into a Tool Rack
Convert a wood pallet into a tool rack for your garage or workshop. Sand and treat the wood, then add hooks and holders for tools. This is a sturdy, cost-effective way to keep tools organized and within easy reach.
16. Enhance Your Vanity with DIY Storage
Create custom storage solutions for your vanity to organize makeup, jewelry, and other personal items. Use small boxes, jars, and trays to keep everything neatly arranged and easily accessible, enhancing your daily routine.
17. Construct a Plastic Desk Drawer Divider
Build a plastic desk drawer organizer using sheets of acrylic or repurposed plastic containers. Design compartments to fit your specific needs, keeping desk supplies tidy and systematically arranged.
18. Craft a Chic Floating Shelf
A floating shelf adds a sleek, minimalist storage solution to any room. Build it from wood or buy a pre-made one, and use it to display books, plants, or decor items. It’s a simple yet effective way to add storage without taking up floor space.
19. Set Up a Creative Art Canvas Rack
Create a rack for storing art canvases and supplies. Use wood or metal to build a frame with dividers, providing safe and organized storage for your art materials. This is ideal for artists or anyone with a collection of canvases.
Source: @filomenaboothart via Instagram
20. Fashion a DIY Jewelry Organizer
Design a jewelry organizer tailored to your collection. Use a picture frame and add hooks, mesh, or velvet-lined trays to store and display your jewelry in a way that prevents tangling and makes selection easier.
21. Build a Fun and Functional Toy Shelf
Construct a durable toy shelf tailored to the size and type of toys you need to store. This can be a simple wooden structure with open shelves or bins, making it easy for kids to access and tidy up their toys.
22. Arrange a Versatile Pegboard Storage Wall
Install a pegboard to create a flexible storage wall. Add hooks and shelves to hold tools, craft supplies, or kitchen utensils. This allows for customizable and easily changeable storage solutions.
23. Install Custom Mudroom Shelving
Build or install shelves in your mudroom to organize shoes, coats, and outdoor gear. Consider adding baskets or hooks for smaller items to keep the space tidy and efficient for everyday use.
24. Convert a Chest into a Storage Bench
Transform an old chest into a storage bench or coffee table with added functionality. Refinish or paint it to match your decor and use it to store blankets, books, or games, making the most of your living space.
DIY Storage FAQs
Look for a furniture storage solution that also complements the rest of your furniture. It should add to the room’s design. If the items you need to store aren’t attractive, your storage unit should hide them.
Hidden storage is about finding places in your home that are going unused. These could be hidden compartments in your furniture. Or it could be hidden spaces within your home’s architecture.
For example, if you have stairs, there is potential under them. The same applies to a kitchen island. If you lack these types of features, you can create them. For example, add a built-in shelving unit that takes up an entire wall.
The first step is to do a major purge. Get rid of everything you can to declutter as much as possible. Then organize the items into different groups. Finally, get the items off the floor by placing them on a shelving unit or shelf.