Repurpose: empty food boxes + scissors = drawer organizers

We all need drawer organizers right? I'm magnetically drawn to any sort of organizer but I usually balk at spending money on something that is permanently hidden in a drawer just to organize the miscellaneous junk that has gathered there. Plus, I never know if they will fit my drawer or what configuration I would need. For an easier, less expensive, and good-for-the-planet solution look in your pantry instead!

You can measure and draw a line around your box or you can just freehand it like me. You can adjust the height according to what you'll be storing inside. The boxes can be used from any end, just use clear packing tape to close up any open side.

I also use empty dry goods boxes to wrap presents in even though it can be a little embarrassing when the recipient doesn't realize it and starts thanking you for Cheerios or graham crackers ;)

Nice and neat! Save the leftover cardboard and do this fun project with the kids - great for rainy and snowy days :)

Comments

[hollesdottir]

I love this idea! It's one of those "why didn't I think of that?". But I never do think of it first. :)

I am enjoying your blog. Keep it up!

[Cheri]

I'm so excited, I was just looking for some drawer organizers today at Wally world. None the right size. I need to organize my bras and panties drawer. I can create my own and decorate with fabric!!!! Thank you!

[Nevis]

This is a fantastic idea!

[Suezi]

if you want to make them pretty cover them with fun paper!great idea!

[Suezi]

if you want to make them pretty cover them with fun paper!great idea!

[Kim]

Awesome idea and great photos!

[emma]

What a super idea! thanks for sharing!

[rebecca]

fabulous! my daughter loves to decoupage - this will perfect for her to make desktop organizers!!

[Ellen]

I've been enjoying your repurpose ideas. Come and see one that I did 'in your honor'.

[Stephanie]

Great idea! I did a junk drawer makeover a few months back and it is already resorting to its former appearance. This would be a perfect solution to get it back to being organized! Thanks for sharing!

[Silvia]

A great idea!! And very simple :)

[e.beck]

band aid boxes are my personal favorite ..... i move all the bandaids to a baggie so that i can use the box right away .....

[Lisa]

Now that's innovative. Great idea and great pictures of the project too.

[Amanda]

These are great!
Does anyone have an idea for repurposing oatmeal cyllindrical containers, though?

[Mary Ellen]

Does anyone else remember the Hints from Heloise newspaper column which ran for years? Great common sense tips on how to reuse and recycle. Thanks for this idea. I really want to get better at organizing and I'm not keen on investing in those plastic trays to do it.

[Kimberly C.]

I love this idea! Thanks for sharing it.

[Day]

Great idea - and just the inspiration I need to do some organizing myself. Thanks!

[Wibit (Brie)]

Brilliant!!!!! I really need to organise my craft stuff!!

[Jude]

This is a terrific idea. I think I will do this in my desk drawer at work.

[Lori Janiszewski]

Hey thanks for the great tip! I'm an organization drop out, I'm afraid. I really want to be though. I had a thought about your idea of using the boxes for presents. You could always decoupage over it and then you wouldn't need to wrap the present either. I might try it to see how it looks.
I added you on my favs list. thanx....

[AnnaMaria]

I made these for m desk when I was a kid :)
thanks for the memory xo,AM

[Nanette]

Super smart and its reusing. Too good.

[Adla]

what a great recycling project..very very clever :)

[patricia]

Very good idea!

[willownt]

Nice! I have long used old shoe boxes inside my clothes dressers to organize socks and other small items (they work really well for little kids' stuff just because they're smaller), but this is truly clever, and cute.

And I love everyone's stories about giving gifts in old food boxes and people's reactions.