You wish you knew sooner. 9 ways to repurpose old storage bins

If you have some storage bins that are collecting dust and doing little else, we've got some ideas that will transform them into something super useful. Dig those bins out of storage that aren't storing much at all, and you've already got the main material you'll need for these creative projects.
The only question is which project you will choose. Will you give your bin a makeover and display it more prominently in your home? Or will you transform it into something entirely new?
Advertisement
1. Fabric-covered storage bins
If you have cardboard boxes left over from a move, don't toss them out. This project transforms them into beautiful fabric-covered boxes that nobody will ever guess are cardboard underneath. Get the full tutorial here.
2. Mini greenhouses
If you've got a green thumb, you won't want to throw out your old storage bins. They make the perfect environment for your little seedlings to start growing in.
3. Sensory water table
If you've got a little one at home, an old storage bin makes a great DIY sensory water table. Head over to Southern Belle DIY for instructions for setting it up with PVC pipe.
4. DIY burlap organizing crates
If you're dreaming of a burlap crate organizing shelf but don't want the designer price tag that comes with it, make it yourself. Follow the instructions from Simple Made Pretty, which uses dollar-store plastic bins as the base for these beauties.
5. License plate book storage
If you have a small wooden storage bin that currently serves no purpose (and isn't pretty enough to use as is), cover it with old license plates for a quirky, simple makeover. It's the perfect size for storing your favorite books.
6. Christmas ornament organizer
Never again will your precious Christmas presents end up in a big cluttered mess. Head over to Craptastic Katie to find out how to make your own Christmas ornament organizer using an old storage bin.
7. Pack-and-go play stove
How cute is this idea from Printable Cuttable Creatables? Transform an old bin into a play stove that doubles as storage for all your little one's kitchen toys. Let's play house! (Yes, the tutorial even includes the printables you'll need for this project.)
8. Easy yarn dispenser
If you knit, you'll definitely want to make one of these simple yarn dispensers to make your life easier.
DIY Everywhere
Simply poke holes in the lid of your storage bin and thread the yarn right through the holes.
DIY Everywhere
9. Inexpensive water feature for your garden
We never would have guessed that this beautiful water feature is actually made from a storage bin. The Garden Glove walks you through all the steps for this project, which costs less than $30.
Advertisement