Easy and Inexpensive DIY Rolling Storage Crate

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 Do you want a rolling crate for easy storage? We have limited storage space in our place and I needed to find a way to store blankets and other bulky items. I found just how to do it using wooden crates! These are perfect for a small space and can be used for so many different purposes. These would work in a craft room to store larger items like glue guns. They can be made to fit perfectly under a craft table. They can also function as a utility cart in the garage or utility room

Step-by-Step Tutorial: DIY Rolling Storage Crate Video

Learn how to transform a simple wooden crate into a stylish and functional rolling storage crate with this easy DIY tutorial. Using affordable supplies from Dollar Tree, follow step-by-step instructions to sand, varnish, and add wheels to your crate. Enhance its versatility with a lid covered in fabric, making it perfect for storing blankets, DVDs, board games, and more. Maximize your small space with this creative and customizable storage solution!

Now you can make this a few different ways and start with a sheet of plywood and cut it with a miter saw, use a kreg tools, kreg jig, etc, but I’m going to start with a wooden crate.

Rolling Storage Crate Instructions

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Head over to Dollar Tree to grab your supplies, including a wooden crate (available at Walmart), a sanding block, a damp cloth, folk art home decor varnish, and four furniture wheels.

Rolling Storage Crate Materials

• Wooden Crates
• Orbital Sander
• Wheels

They sell these crates everywhere, and mine came from Walmart. You can also find crates with a durable plastic frame if you would prefer that over wood.

Step 2: Sand and Prep

Begin by sanding the entire exterior and interior of the crate to remove slivers and splinters. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to eliminate sawdust, ensuring a smooth surface for the next steps.

I decided to lightly sand the crate since we’d be storing blankets in them and our hands would be reaching in and out of them. You can use an orbital sander or a sanding block, whichever you prefer.

Step 3: Varnish the Crate

Apply folk art home decor varnish to the crate’s exterior and interior. If you prefer a stained or painted look, do this step first. Let the varnish dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Attach Wheels

Flip the crate upside down and attach one wheel to each corner. Consider making pilot holes with a drill for easier screwing. Repeat the process for all four corners.

I went to Home Depot and grabbed some caster wheels and screws. The longer screws would be done in 3 of the 4 holes and the smaller screw would go in the last hole.

*Hind site, I would have bought the wood crates with the extra wood in the 4 corners so that I could have used the same sized screw in all of the holes.

I started by drilling a pilot hole (pocket holes) with a drill bit in first where all of the screws would go. This would prevent the wood from splitting when I placed the screws in. I then screwed in the screws in all 4 holes of all the wheels.

Here’s the completed rolling crate.

Step 5: Explore Storage Options

Your rolling crate is now functional and versatile. Consider using it for DVDs, board games, toys, cleaning supplies, shoes, and more. Share your ideas in the comments!

I placed my blankets in the storage cart and wheeled it under our side table.

Step 6: Creating the Lid – Optional

Measure and Trace: Place your wooden crate upside down on a flat surface. Use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the top surface of the crate. Draw a line to trace the size of the top surface onto the poster board.

Cutting the Poster Board: Cut the poster board along the traced line, ensuring it’s slightly larger than the crate’s top surface. Scissors work well for this step, but you can also use an X-Acto knife or another cutting tool of your choice for precision.

Prepare Side Pieces: Trace the dimensions of the two long sides and the two short sides of the crate onto the poster board, leaving about an inch of extra space. Cut these pieces out carefully with scissors or your preferred cutting tool.

Layout Preparation: Arrange the cutout pieces, starting with the large piece in the middle (matching the crate’s top size). Position the long and short side pieces around the edges, forming a cohesive lid shape.

Assembly with Hot Glue: Heat up your hot glue gun. Run a line of hot glue along one edge of the large piece. Position one of the long side pieces against the glue, creating a joint. Hold it in place until the glue sets. Repeat this process with all the edges, attaching the side pieces around the central piece. This creates the framework for your lid.

Adding Fabric: Cut a piece of fabric from Crafter’s Corner large enough to cover the entire lid. Apply a line of glue to one side of the lid and carefully press the fabric onto it, ensuring a secure seal. Continue this process for all sides, wrapping the fabric around the edges and sealing it onto the lid.

Finishing Touches: Fold the fabric neatly at the corners, adding a bit of glue to secure them in place. This step is similar to wrapping a present. Continue until all sides are covered and the fabric is securely attached to the lid.

Attaching the Lid: Once the lid is complete, position it on top of your crate.

Lid or no lid? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

DIY Rolling Cart Video

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Other DIY Rolling Cart and Crate Ideas

You might also be interested in my DIY Rolling Cart Upcycle! I found a vintage 3 tiered serving cart for $6 at the thrift store, and I was so excited! With a little cleaning, sanding, and painting, I upcycled it to fit in my home. You can find the full tutorial at Upcycled 3 Tiered Serving Cart

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This worked great for my storage area, and you can change cart’s design from this easy-roll cart by rotating the crates vertically or stacking more than one of them to make a rolling laundry cart for your laundry room. I’ve even taken these crates and made extra storage above my washers and dryer to store my detergent, dryer sheets, etc.

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DIY Rolling Cart Q & A

Happy Building!

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