The Top 56 DIY Storage Ideas
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. DIY Craft Desk Organizer
If you’re looking for some creative and practical DIY storage ideas, consider making your own craft desk organizer. This project is perfect for anyone who loves to craft, sew, or work on small DIY projects at home. You can use simple materials, such as cardboard boxes, scrapbook paper, and glue, to create a stylish and functional storage solution.
Start by measuring your desk space and creating a plan for how you want your organizer to look. Then, cut cardboard boxes to size and cover them with decorative scrapbook paper. You can add dividers, shelves, or compartments to the boxes to store different types of supplies, such as pens, markers, scissors, or glue.
Once you’ve created your boxes, you can stack them together to create a custom organizer that fits your desk perfectly. This DIY craft desk organizer is not only practical but also adds a fun and personal touch to your workspace.
2. Fabric Storage Bins
If you’re looking for creative and affordable storage solutions, DIY projects can be a great way to go. One simple idea is to create your own fabric storage bins, which can be a stylish and practical way to store clothing, linens, toys, and more. You can choose from a variety of fabrics and colors to match your decor and personal style and customize the size to fit your needs.
Another great option is to create a closet organizer, which can help maximize your space and keep your wardrobe organized. You can build your own shelves and cubbies, or repurpose items like bookshelves or crates to create a custom storage solution.
3. Wood Pallet Shelf
If you’re looking for DIY storage ideas that are both functional and stylish, consider using wood pallets to create a unique and rustic shelf. Wood pallets can be found easily and are often inexpensive or even free. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into a beautiful and practical storage solution for any room in your home. The first step is to disassemble the pallets and remove any nails or screws.
Then, you can sand the wood to smooth out any rough edges and prepare it for staining or painting. Next, decide on the design and layout of your shelf. You can opt for a backless shelf for easier assembly. You can choose to stack the pallets vertically or horizontally, depending on your needs and the available space. Once you’ve decided on the design, attach the pallets together using screws or brackets.
Finally, mount the shelf onto the wall using anchors and screws. You can use your new wood pallet shelf to store books, plants, decorative items, or even kitchen supplies.
4. Hanging Shoe Closet Organizer
If you’re looking for easy and affordable storage solutions, there are plenty of creative DIY ideas out there. One option is a hanging shoe closet organizer. This simple yet effective storage hack can help you maximize space in your closet while keeping your shoes organized and easily accessible. All you need is a sturdy hanger and a fabric shoe organizer that you can purchase or make yourself.
Simply attach the organizer to the hanger and hang it in your closet or on the back of a door. You can choose from a range of materials and styles to match your personal taste and decor, from colorful fabric pockets to sleek clear plastic compartments.
Not only is this DIY storage idea practical, but it can also add a touch of style and fun to your space. You can even customize it to store other items, like jewelry or small accessories.
5. Woven Baskets
When it comes to storage, sometimes the best solutions can be the ones you create yourself. DIY storage ideas can be both functional and stylish, and woven baskets are a versatile and affordable option to consider. These baskets can be used to store a variety of items, from blankets and pillows to books and toys.
They come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your space and personal style. Woven baskets can be easily found at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces, so you can get creative without breaking the bank. You can also customize them by adding labels or painting them in a color that matches your decor.
Another advantage of woven baskets is that they can be easily moved around, making it simple to reorganize and adjust your storage as needed.
6. Paper Metal Rack
If you’re looking for some creative and budget-friendly DIY storage ideas, you can’t go wrong with a paper metal rack or a paper organizer on a shelf. These simple yet effective storage solutions can help you keep your space organized and clutter-free.
A paper metal rack can be a great addition to your home office, craft room, or garage. You can easily find affordable metal racks at hardware stores or online retailers, and then customize them to suit your needs. For example, you can use wire baskets or hanging file folders to organize paperwork or tools. Simply label the boxes or holders with the contents and stack them on a shelf for easy access.
7. Repurposed Shelf
When it comes to storage, sometimes the best solutions are the ones you create yourself. If you’re a crafter or knitter, you know how quickly yarn and supplies can accumulate. But fear not, with a little creativity, you can repurpose an old shelf into a perfect storage solution for your yarn.
Add a glass sliding door to your repurposed shelf to protect your yarn from dust and give it a polished look. With easy access to your colorful skeins, you’ll be inspired to start your next project in no time. Plus, a glass door will let you easily see your stash of yarn, making it easy to keep track of what you have and what you need.
8. Plastic Organizer Crates
If you’re looking for a fun and cost-effective way to organize your home, consider incorporating plastic organizer crates into your DIY storage projects. These versatile containers can be found in a range of sizes and colors, making them perfect for storing everything from shoes and toys to craft supplies and pantry items. One idea is to stack the crates on top of each other to create a unique shelving unit.
You can secure them together with zip ties or metal brackets for added stability. For a more personalized touch, you can paint the crates in a color that matches your home decor, or even use stencils to add a design or pattern. Another option is to hang the crates on the wall for added vertical storage space.
You can use metal brackets to secure the crates to the wall, or simply use heavy-duty picture-hanging strips. This is a great way to keep items off the floor and out of the way, while still keeping them easily accessible.
9. Custom Wood Craft Organizer
If you’re someone who loves crafting, then you know how important it is to have a place for everything. A custom wood craft organizer can be the perfect solution for keeping all your craft supplies in order. With specially made compartments for your pens, scissors, and other crafting tools, you’ll never have to dig through clutter again.
Not only is it functional, but a custom wood craft organizer can also be a stylish addition to your crafting space. You can choose the wood and finish to match your decor, and even add personal touches like painted designs or stenciled patterns. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a one-of-a-kind organizer that’s perfectly tailored to your crafting needs.
Whether you’re working on scrapbooking, painting, or any other type of craft, a custom wood craft organizer can help you stay organized and focused on your projects.
10. Under-The-Bed Rolling Storage
If you’re looking for some DIY storage ideas to help you get organized, under-the-bed rolling storage made from wooden pallets can be a great option. This project is not only practical but also eco-friendly and affordable. All you need are some wooden pallets, casters, screws, and a drill. Simply remove the slats from one side of the pallet and attach casters to the bottom of the pallet.
This will allow you to easily roll the storage container under your bed and keep your belongings within easy reach. You can also add dividers or compartments to the inside of the pallet to further organize your items.
11. DIY Drawer Shelves
To create your own DIY drawer shelves, all you need are some wooden pallets, a saw, sandpaper, and some screws. First, carefully disassemble the pallets using the saw, making sure to keep the boards intact. Then, cut the boards to the desired length and sand them down to create a smooth surface. Next, attach the boards to the wall using screws, making sure to leave enough space between them for the drawers. You can also experiment with unconventional materials, like ropes and baskets.
Finally, attach some drawer handles to the front of the boards, and slide in some DIY drawers made from leftover pallet boards. These DIY drawer shelves can be a great addition to your living room, bedroom, or even your garage. Not only do they provide ample storage, but they also add a unique and charming touch to your home décor.
12. Ceiling-Mounted Rack
By utilizing the space above your head, you can free up valuable floor space and keep your tools and equipment organized and easily accessible. To create your own ceiling-mounted rack, you’ll need some sturdy materials like metal pipes or wooden planks, and some hardware like hooks or brackets to attach the rack to the ceiling.
You can customize the size and shape of the rack to fit your specific needs, and even add features like adjustable shelves or hooks to store different types of equipment. Ceiling-mounted racks can also be a great way to store seasonal items like holiday decorations or outdoor gear.
13. DIY Shed Storage
If you’re looking for creative and affordable storage solutions, DIY shed storage can be a great option. You can choose to create your own storage shed using pre-fabricated kits or even wooden pallets. This can be a fun and satisfying project, allowing you to customize the design and functionality of your shed to meet your specific needs.
If you’re not confident in your carpentry skills, pre-fabricated kits can be a great choice, as they come with all the materials you need and clear instructions to follow. However, if you’re up for a challenge and want to save some money, building your shed with wooden pallets can be a great option.
Pallets are easy to source and can be transformed into functional and attractive storage solutions with just a bit of creativity and elbow grease.
14. Driftwood & Strings Toy Storage
If you’re looking for a creative and eco-friendly storage solution, you might want to try making your own driftwood and string toy storage. Not only is this DIY project simple and easy to do, but it also adds a touch of natural and rustic charm to any room. To get started, gather some driftwood pieces and some sturdy strings or cords.
You can choose to use different lengths of driftwood to create a tiered effect or keep them all at the same length for a more uniform look. Then, simply tie the strings to each end of the driftwood and attach them to the ceiling or wall using hooks or screws. You can adjust the spacing between the driftwood pieces to accommodate different sizes of toys or other items.
Once it’s all set up, you’ll have a functional and stylish storage solution that can double as a decorative accent. Not only does this DIY project provide a unique and personalized touch to your space, but it also encourages sustainable living by repurposing natural materials.
15. Wood Pallet Tool Rack
If you’re looking for some creative and affordable storage solutions for your shed, a wood pallet equipment rack might be just the thing you need. With just a few simple tools and some repurposed wood pallets, you can create a sturdy and functional rack that can hold all your outdoor tools and equipment.
Start by dismantling the pallets and separating the usable boards from the rest of the wood. Cut the boards to the desired length and attach them together to create a simple frame. Then, using nails or screws, attach the boards horizontally to the frame to create the shelves.
You can customize the size of the shelves to fit your specific storage needs, whether you need to store lawnmowers, shovels, or other large items. Not only is this a cost-effective solution, but it’s also environmentally friendly as you’re repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste.
16. DIY Vanity Storage
Creating your own vanity desk organizer is not only a practical way to keep your makeup and beauty products organized, but it can also be a fun and creative project. There are countless ways to create a DIY vanity desk organizer, from repurposing old containers to building one from scratch using materials like wood or acrylic.
You can also add personal touches like decorative accents or a pop of color to match your style. A DIY vanity desk organizer can be customized to fit your specific storage needs, with compartments for brushes, palettes, lipsticks, and more.
Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose items you might already have around the house. Whether you’re looking to save money, get creative, or simply organize your space, a DIY vanity desk organizer is a great way to tackle clutter in style.
17. Plastic Desk Drawer
If you’re looking for creative and affordable ways to organize your stationery, this DIY idea can be a great solution. This simple yet effective solution can help you keep your pens, pencils, scissors, and other office supplies organized and easily accessible.
All you need is a plastic desk drawer and some basic crafting supplies. You can customize the drawer with colorful washi tape, stickers, or paint to give it a unique and personalized look. Another idea is to use a pegboard to organize your tools, craft supplies, or even jewelry.
18. Floating Shelf
When it comes to storage solutions, there are endless possibilities for creative and affordable DIY projects. One popular idea is the pallet floating shelf, which can add a rustic and functional touch to any room. Pallets can be found for free or at a low cost, making them an eco-friendly and budget-friendly material for your DIY project.
To create a pallet floating shelf, you’ll need to carefully dismantle a pallet and use the individual boards to create the shelf. You can customize the size and shape of your shelf to fit your specific needs, whether you want a long, narrow shelf for a hallway or a wide shelf for a living room.
Once you’ve assembled the shelf, you can add hooks, baskets, or other accessories to increase its functionality. Pallet floating shelves can be mounted on the wall using brackets or heavy-duty screws and can hold a range of items such as books, plants, or decorative accents.
19. Art Canvas Rack
If you’re an artist or art collector, you know how quickly your collection can take over your living space. That’s where DIY storage ideas come in handy, and one great option is creating an art canvas rack. With just a few basic materials and some creativity, you can make a custom-made rack that can store all your canvases neatly and safely.
To get started, you’ll need some wood planks, screws, a saw, and some sandpaper. Cut the wood planks to size and sand them smooth. Then, arrange them into a simple frame and secure them with screws. Next, create some evenly spaced vertical supports inside the frame using more planks. You can attach these with screws, brackets, or even ropes or wires. The supports should be spaced to accommodate the size of your canvases. Finally, attach some hooks or loops to the vertical supports where your canvases can hang. You can paint the rack to match your decor or leave it natural for a rustic look.
Source: @filomenaboothart via Instagram
20. DIY Jewelry Organizer
One idea to consider is creating your own jewelry organizer using materials like mesh wire and hooks. By attaching hooks to a mesh wire rack, you can create a unique and stylish way to display and organize your jewelry collection. Another option is to repurpose old items, such as a ladder or wooden crates, to create storage space in your home.
For example, you could transform an old ladder into a bookshelf by simply adding shelves to the rungs. This can be a great way to add character and charm to your space, while also keeping it organized. Another DIY storage idea is to create your own floating shelves using wooden boards and metal brackets. By customizing the size and color of your shelves, you can create a unique and functional storage solution that complements your home’s decor.
21. Toy Shelf
Another great DIY storage idea is to build a toy shelf or rack for your children’s playroom or bedroom. You can use simple materials like wood, brackets, and screws to create a customized toy storage solution that fits your space and your child’s needs.
Another helpful tip is to organize your toys with baskets. You can choose from a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to match your decor and create a cohesive look. Categorizing toys is also a great way to keep things neat and tidy. You can create separate baskets or bins for different types of toys, like dolls, action figures, and puzzles, and label them accordingly.
This not only makes it easier for your child to find what they’re looking for, but it also encourages them to put things away in their proper place. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can create functional and stylish storage solutions that will make your home feel more organized and clutter-free.
22. Pegboard Storage
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use storage solution, consider incorporating a pegboard into your DIY storage ideas. Pegboards are great for organizing tools, craft supplies, and other small items that tend to get lost in cluttered drawers or cabinets. The best part is that pegboards are customizable to fit your specific needs.
You can arrange hooks and shelves in any configuration you like, depending on the items you need to store. For example, if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can use a pegboard to organize your tools, such as hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers. If you’re an artist, you can use a pegboard to store your paints, brushes, and other supplies.
23. Mudroom Storage
If you’re looking for creative and practical storage solutions, DIY mudroom storage with benches could be the perfect option. With a little bit of creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can transform a small entryway or hallway into a functional mudroom that can keep your home clutter-free.
A walk-in mudroom can be especially useful if you have a larger family, as it provides plenty of space for everyone’s shoes, coats, and outdoor gear. By incorporating benches into your mudroom design, you can also create a comfortable seating area where you can put on or take off your shoes.
To make the most of your mudroom storage, consider adding hooks, cubbies, or baskets to keep your items organized and within reach. You can also incorporate shelves or cabinets to store items that you don’t need to access as frequently.
24. Repurposed Chest Storage
When it comes to DIY storage ideas, repurposing an old chest can be a fun and creative way to add some charm and functionality to your home. Whether you found a vintage chest at a thrift store or have an old family heirloom collecting dust in the attic, giving it new life as storage can be a great way to showcase its character and history.
You can add a fresh coat of paint or leave it in its natural state, depending on the look you want to achieve. Once you’ve cleaned it up, consider adding some new hardware to give it a modern update or keep the original hardware for a more authentic feel.
Depending on the size of the chest, it can be used for a variety of purposes, from storing linens and blankets to keeping toys and games organized. You can even add some shelving or dividers inside the chest to make it more functional.
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.