How To Upcycle Storage Containers (5+ Genius Budget Hacks)
We all have those plastic three-drawer storage units. They are cheap, functional, and… honestly? They are pretty ugly. I had a set in my craft room that was visually cluttered because you could see all the [Messy Supplies] inside.
Quick Answer: How can I make clear plastic bins look better?
The easiest way to upgrade cheap plastic drawers is to cover the front with pattern contact paper.
- Step 1: Trace the drawer front onto butcher paper to make a template.
- Step 2: Cut your contact paper (or wallpaper) using the template.
- Step 3: Stick it to the inside or outside of the drawer front.
- Step 4: Use colored electrical tape to create clean borders or hide seams.
Instead of buying expensive furniture, I decided to give them a facelift using just a roll of contact paper and some electrical tape. It is one of my favorite [Upcycling Projects] because it completely transformed the look for just a few dollars!
In this post, I’m sharing the step-by-step tutorial for my Plastic Drawer Makeover, plus two other ways I upcycle [Dollar Tree Plastic Crate Shelves] and [Food Containers] to create custom storage on a budget.
Upcycle Storage Containers Video
Project 1: The Plastic Drawer Makeover (Contact Paper Hack)
(This is the perfect way to hide clutter while adding a pop of pattern to your room.)
Materials Needed
- Plastic 3-Drawer Storage Unit (Sterilite or similar)
- Contact Paper (or Wallpaper/Scrapbook Paper)
- Butcher Paper (for making a pattern)E
- lectrical Tape (to hide seams)
- X-Acto Knife or Razor Blade
Instructions
1. Make a Pattern
It is hard to trace directly onto contact paper, so I used butcher paper first. I placed the paper over the front of the drawer and traced the outline (including the handle curve!).
- Tip: If your drawer has a split design (an upper and lower section), measure them separately.
2. Cut the Contact Paper
Place your butcher paper template on top of your contact paper and cut it out.
- Design Tip: If you are using a patterned paper, make sure the pattern is straight before you cut!
3. Stick & Trim
Peel the backing off and carefully stick the paper to the front of the drawer. Smooth out any air bubbles with a credit card. Use your razor blade to trim any excess paper around the edges for a perfect fit.
4. The Secret Detail (Electrical Tape)
If you had to use two pieces of paper to fit around a handle, you might have a visible seam. I used a strip of white electrical tape to cover the seam. It looks like a deliberate design element and gives it a clean, finished look!
Project 2: DIY Dollar Tree Crate Shelves
If you need open storage that is sturdy but cheap, this is my favorite hack. I used dollar store plastic crates and pool noodles (!) to build a custom shelving unit.
How it Works
- The Spacers: I cut pool noodles into equal lengths.
- The Assembly: I placed the pool noodles inside the corners of the crates to act as spacers, then stacked another crate on top.
- The Stability: I used hot glue (or zip ties) to secure them together.
- The Finish: I topped it with a piece of foam board covered in wood-grain contact paper to create a “tabletop.”
[Read the Full Tutorial: Easy DIY Dollar Tree Plastic Crate Shelves]
Project 3: Trash Wipes Dispenser
This is a brilliant way to reuse those sturdy plastic wipes containers. Instead of throwing them out, turn them into a dispenser for grocery bags or trash bags.
The HackClean:
- Remove the label and clean the container thoroughly.
- Cover: Use contact paper or spray paint to make the container match your decor.
- Fill: Stuff your plastic grocery bags inside. The “star” opening in the lid is perfect for pulling out one bag at a time!
- [Read the Full Tutorial: Trash Bag Storage Dispenser]
Project 4: Upcycled Trash Can Makeover
Why spend $30 on a fancy wastebasket when you can upgrade a $1 plastic one?
The Makeover
- The Method: I took a plain plastic bin and wrapped it in textured wallpaper (or contact paper).
- The Trim: To make it look high-end, I added “bling” ribbon around the top rim. It looks like a designer piece but cost pennies to make.
- [Read the Full Tutorial: Easy Upcycled Trashcan & Recycle Container]
Project 5: Hanging “Trash Can” Bins
Do you have zero floor space? Look up! I turned Dollar Tree wire trash cans into wall-mounted storage baskets.
The Command Hook Hack
- The Bin: Grab a wire mesh wastebasket or a plastic bin with a lip.
- The Mount: Use heavy-duty Command Hooks on your wall.
- The Result: Hang the bin on the hook! I use these in my craft room to hold rolls of vinyl and wrapping paper. It uses vertical wall space that was totally wasted before.
- [Read the Full Tutorial: Super Easy Dollar Tree DIY Organization]
Bonus: 5 Quick Ways to Upcycle Food Containers
Don’t throw those recycling items away yet! Here are rapid-fire ways to reuse common kitchen containers:
- Parmesan Cheese Lids: Did you know these fit perfectly on standard Mason Jars? Use them to turn a jar into a shaker for baking soda or glitter.
- Coffee Creamer Bottles: Peel off the label and use them to store snacks like Goldfish or nuts. The pour spout is perfect for little hands!
- Crystal Light Containers: These are the perfect size for storing pencils, markers, or paintbrushes.
- Altoid Tins: Use them to organize small office supplies like paper clips, thumbtacks, or screws.
- Glass Jars: I use old pickle jars to store cupcake liners and bulk spices.
- [Read More: Recycled Plastic Containers – Make Your Life Easier]
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to enhancing the appearance of boring old plastic storage bins, you may be wondering some of the following common questions:
Yes, but you need the right paint! Use a spray paint specifically designed for plastic (like Krylon Fusion or Rust-Oleum 2X). If you use regular acrylic paint, it will scratch off immediately.
Fabric: Use Mod Podge to adhere fabric scraps to the drawer fronts.
Scrapbook Paper: Use spray adhesive to stick colorful paper inside the clear drawer face.
Washi Tape: Create stripes or geometric patterns directly on the plastic.
Burlap/Drop Cloth: For a farmhouse look, hot glue textured fabric to the front (just make sure the drawer still slides open!).
My go-to trick is a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil. Rub it on the residue, let it sit for 20 minutes, and scrub it off. If that fails, Goo Gone is a lifesaver.
Upcycle Storage Containers Video
Here you can see me create this video with Hometalk
SHARING IS CARING…PLEASE PIN THE BELOW IMAGE:
How To Upcycle Storage Containers
Equipment
- Scissors
- Razor blade
- Pencil
- ruler
Materials
- 1 unit The drawers you want to upcycle
- 1 roll Contact paper of your choice
- 1 piece Regular paper/butcher paper
- 1 roll Electrical tap
Instructions
- Use butcher paper to trace the front of your drawer to make a pattern.
- Measure the top down to the handle.
- Cut your pattern out (two halves).
- Trace the pattern onto the back of the contact paper and cut the contact paper.
- Pull off the backing and put both sections on the front of the drawer.
- Use the colored electrical tape to cover the lines of the two sections.
- Trim off the extra contact paper using a razor blade/X-Acto knife.
- Enjoy your new container!
This DIY project is so easy, but its impact is big. It brings new life to the storage unit with just a few items from the dollar store. I’m thrilled to have created one of the easiest plastic drawer makeovers and covered the clear plastic surfaces!
Upcycling storage doesn’t have to look “cheap.” With a little creativity, you can turn dollar store finds into custom decor that fits your style perfectly.
Do you have a favorite storage hack? Let me know in the comments below!
I’m confused on how to do the handle again and wondering if itwould be the same if I just put the contact paper straight onto the draws. Advice pls. I have 3 of them so it would tk me much longer lol. I love the idea tho.
Hi Rose, you can put the contact paper inside the drawer but the sticky side will be what is attaching to the drawer so to have the pattern side facing out you would need to come up with a different way to attach it – like Mod Podge. I do have the video that you can watch which might help you with the handles. I made a pattern with regular paper and then cut my contact paper to match. The electrical tape is what covered the seam between the top and bottom piece. https://www.facebook.com/Hometalk/videos/2549637881720419/
I love this idea. I have one in the kitchen full of spices and cookie cutters. I also am using one for a night stand. This project will dress them up so they feel more like custom furnishings. Thank you. You did a beautiful job.
Thank you Phyllis, and I’d love to see pictures of yours if you give it a try 🙂
I’ve had these done like this for 8 years If you get tired just hange the paper. Heaped than new dressers!
It’s totally transformed! What a great idea to use the contact paper. Did you know that here in the UK we call it sticky backed plastic!
Thank you Julie, and I didn’t know that. What a fun name for it, thanks for telling me, I learned something new today 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful idea. I have several of these various places in the home. Now I will be able to decorate each one to the decor of the room. Thank you again.
Thank you Julie – if you decide to try it, please send me pictures 🙂
I love the pattern you chose, Chas! I’m working on my linen closet and I will look for a neutral pattern like that too.
Thank you Zaleina, and I would love to see yours when you are finished with them.
What a neat idea! I just love this!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thank you Jess, and thanks for the invitation – I’d love to share 🙂
I have some of these drawers and definitely need to do this. Thanks so much for linking at To Grandma’s House We Go link party! Your project has been pinned. We hope to see you again this Wednesday!
Thank you Sheri, and thank you for the Pin. I’ll be sure to be there again, thanks for having me.
Fabulous way to dress up a plain storage container!! Love the contact that you chose!
Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous upcycle with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Thank you Sam, and the contact paper came from Dollar Tree – added bonus! Thanks for stopping by.
how long do you think it would take the average person to do this?
Hi Skyy, so this was my first try at this. It took me about 25 minutes to do the whole 3 drawer set, and taking my time with it. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for posting this great idea!! Just curious how these have held up over time? I did this to a small drawer cart in my closet and over time the edges started to peak up. I’m thinking of mod podging using the furniture formula, but wanted to know what suggestions you or anyone reading this may have. Thank you
*peal up
Thank you Nicky, and they’ve held up great, I have 2 of them that I did and I use them all of the time. If you are having trouble with peeling, Mod Podge is a great solution. A quick fix might even be spray adhesive like Mod Podge sealer, Mod Podge Ultra, etc.
It looks so much better!! Thanks for linking up to More the Merrier Monday. Can’t wait to see what you’ll be linking up next week.
DIY Home Sweet Home
http://www.diyhsh.com
Thank you, and I love Merrier Monday 🙂 Can’t wait to see what everyone is making next week.
so clever – will share w/ my daughter!
Thank you Sue 🙂
What a great idea! My daughter has drawers like this in her room and we were trying to think of a way to make them look a little better! Found It! Pinned. We just started the Whisk It Wednesday link party and I thought you might be interested in sharing there too! Thanks, Carrie
Thank you Carrie, and thank you for the invite. I’d love to stop by 🙂
That looks very nice! I’ve never been a fan of the look those basic storage drawers but somehow they always manage to hold the things that would be so much easier to access if they were outside a closet, lol.
Thank you Ashley, I so agree. I have a few of them to store my crafting and sewing supplies and just thought I’d give it a try to hide some of the “stuff”. 🙂
That’s a brilliant idea. I would rather prefer not seeing the mess.
Thank you so much, and thanks for stopping by.
I have one of those. Great idea to make it look better!
Thank you Linda. Sometimes you want to see what’s inside, and sometimes you want to hide the mess 🙂