How To Upcycle Storage Containers Easily and on a Budget

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Who doesn’t love a DIY project that upgrades the look of a household item at practically no cost? I know I do!

Today, I’m sharing an easy and affordable way to upcycle storage containers. This handy hack can glam up your storage bins and hide what’s inside at the same time!

Can you tell how excited I am to show you my plastic drawer makeover? These plastic containers were such a breeze to revamp and the results blew me away. I mean, what a difference can just a few craft supplies make!

Upcycle Storage Containers Video

Plastic Storage Container Upcycle Prepping

I have these 3 drawer storage containers set up in multiple spots throughout our home.

Sometimes I like that I can see what’s in the drawer, but most of the time, not really. So, I decided to change things up!

If you want to go from ugly plastic storage drawers to modern storage solutions in a few minutes, start by gathering supplies.

Upcycle Storage Containers Materials

• Drawer(s) you want to upcycle
• Contact paper of your choice
• Regular paper/butcher paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Electrical tape
• Razor blade

DIY Plastic Drawer Makeover Steps

Once you have all the supplies and equipment ready, you can move on to the steps below:

Step 1: Create a Drawer Pattern

I pulled out the plastic bins and used butcher paper to trace the outline of the front side of the clear plastic drawers. I ended up with a pretty accurate pattern to work with.

Step 2: Take Measurements

I measured from the top of the drawer down to the handle, and it was about 2 1/2″. 

The indent portion of the bottom half of the drawer would take more contact paper than the upper portion, so I had to cut my pattern in unequal halves to accommodate the difference.

Step 3: Cut, Trace, and Cut Again

After measuring, I cut my pattern out and traced the pattern onto the back of the contact paper.

Then, I cut the contact paper.

I then traced my pattern onto the back of the contact paper and cut the contact paper.

Step 4: Stick and Trim

Now was the time to peel the backing off the contact paper and place both halves on the drawer front.

To cover the line between the two contact paper sections, I used white electrical tape. You can use a different tape color depending on the colors of your contact paper.

Finally, I trimmed off the extra contact paper using a razor blade/X-Acto knife.

The Finished Product

Here it is all finished, and I love the way it turned out! 

It is a fantastic way to hide what’s inside the drawer, and if you want a quick way to remember what you put in there, use label makers to add a simple clue to the front of each drawer. 

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!

Other options you can use to give your plastic storage bins makeovers include:

• Scrapbook paper with spray adhesive
• Acrylic paint
• Drop cloth
• Gold spray paint
• Washi tape

How to Make Plastic Storage Bins Look Nice

When it comes to enhancing the appearance of boring old plastic storage bins, you may be wondering some of the following common questions:

Upcycle Storage Containers Video

Here you can see me create this video with Hometalk

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Wrapping Up

I have placed and used my upcycled storage units all over my home, including the craft room, bathroom, closets, kitchen, family room, kid’s rooms, toy room, office, and laundry room.

This goes to show just how versatile this plastic storage container upgrade hack is, so don’t hesitate to try it yourself! 

Find out “What Exactly Does It Mean To Repurpose Or Upcycle“, save money, and create the most amazing things.

Transforming storage containers into functional and aesthetically pleasing units is a fantastic way to contribute to the ethos of sustainability. One of the key aspects of this process is the concept of reuse. Instead of discarding items like cardboard boxes, yogurt containers, or tin cans into the recycling bin, we can explore their potential for a second life. The lids of containers, often overlooked, can serve as excellent building blocks for creating innovative storage solutions.

For instance, a soda tub with a tight seal can be repurposed into the perfect size for storing leftover snacks in the fridge. Glass jars, typically destined for the recycling bin, find new purpose as charming herb containers. Mason jars, with their timeless appeal, can be used for pantry organization, showcasing a clever way to store various staples like flour or small toys.

The process of upcycling storage containers doesn’t just stop at aesthetics. It extends to functionality as well. Plastic tubs, often seen as mere food storage, can become ideal shelves when creatively arranged. Diaper boxes, with a bit of inspiration, can be transformed into stylish organizers for office supplies, complete with paper clips and pens neatly tucked away.

When it comes to cleanliness, a quick wash with soapy water is usually all it takes to revive containers before their makeover. The dishwasher becomes a valuable tool in this journey, ensuring that even items like milk jugs or coolers can be repurposed efficiently.

For those looking to add a personal touch, ribbons, markers, and even yarn can be employed to enhance the visual appeal of these storage units. Each upcycled creation becomes a unique gift, showcasing the effort and thought put into transforming what might have been considered junk into treasures.

In conclusion, the upcycling journey presents plenty of opportunities to turn everyday items into functional storage solutions. Whether it’s transforming a cardboard box into a decorative shelf or repurposing a yogurt container into a charming herb pot, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you consider purchasing storage solutions, take a moment to explore the potential lying dormant in your recycling bin.

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