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How to Make a Practical Cardboard Paper Organizer

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Add practical storage to your shelves with these easy and cheap DIY cardboard paper organizer boxes. They’re a perfect cube storage solution and a pretty way to organize your items.

Kallax storage bin holding cardboard paper organizer storage boxes and a dog sitting on top.

NOTE: This project was originally shared in Sept. 2018

It is that time of the month again when I join my friends and we bring to you our unique projects from all over the world.  Yes I am talking about the International Bloggers Club, but this time I have a surprise. 

Last time we got together we had done a project on pebbles and rocks.  This time around we are doing a different theme each month using the anniversary gifts by year as our guideline.

So if you are up on your anniversary gifts you will know that the first year is paper. This time around I am going to share how to make practical cardboard paper organizer that’s perfect for storage.

Close up of the cardboard paper organizer storage cubes.

 Meet The International Bloggers

But before we start with the project let me introduce our new bloggers.  First off we have Marie of The Interior Frugalista.  Marie is from Canada and is a wiz with furniture transformations.  

Next we have Eleanor of Just Ella Bella.  Eleanor is from South Africa and her blog is full of wonderful craft ideas!

Then there is Leanna from Of Faeries and Fauna.  Leanna is also from Canada and she shows us how to make a pretty home on a small budget.  

And finally we would like to welcome Evija from From Evija with Love.  She hails from the United Kingdom and is originally from Latvia. Evija  loves to craft and work on her new home.  

And let’s not forget the original crew.  Katrin of KreativK, who hails all the way from Germany but is now living in the south of Spain. Katrin is an expert at easy stylish decorating ideas. 

Michelle of A Crafty Mix, a South African blogger who creates the most imaginative crafts you will ever see!

Pili of My Sweet Things.  Pili lives on the idyllic island of Mallorca and makes lots of fun DIY projects. 

And yours truly, The Boondocks Blog, who moved from Greece to hectic New York a year ago.  

As you can see we are truly an international bunch!

How to Make Practical Cardboard Paper Cubes for Storage

Now a little bit about this project.  It all came about because my sweet pup, Tatou had an obsession with looking out our living room window. For a long time we had a loveseat so he would perch up there and enjoy the view or bark at all the passersby.

But the time came when we had to give the boot to that old sofa. This left Tatou with no place to perch. Certainly his butt did not fit on the window sill.

Tatou, a black and white dog, sitting next to a window.

So I came up with the idea of buying a KALLAX from Ikea. I tilted it over and placed it against the wall.  It was a perfect fit under the window.  This became Tatou’s new perch! Problem solved!

However, the Kallax is a storage unit and I wanted to place storage cubes in the openings. Most storage boxes that I had seen were made of this cheap polyester material. I needed to come up with something practical so if he were to accidentally (most likely) chew them, it would not be a problem.

Materials Needed To Make a Cardboard Paper Organizer

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This was my solution. Simple cardboard boxes.

Empty cardboard box.

I hemmed and hawed  over what to use to cover the boxes. In the end I opted for a very simple look using this kraft paper. Well actually it was left over from when we had painted a room and used it to cover the floors. But regardless, humble is best in this case!

A roll of kraft paper.

​Using liquid glue and scotch tape I secured the paper onto the box.  I am not going to show the process since it was very easy. In fact I’ve done something very similar here.

Close up of a cardboard paper organizer storage cube.

 For the top openings, I covered some old magazine files in this gift wrapping paper which coordinates with the kraft paper. I’ve also done it with maps.

Various magazine files covered in gift wrap paper.

​I carried the same theme throughout with the shoe box that hides all the small games.

Shoe box covered in gift wrap paper next to board games.

And of course it wouldn’t be fall without a few pumpkins in the mix!

Kallax storage bin holding basket and boxes.

See that little paw in the background? 

Close up of basket with pumpkin and a dog's paw.

My cardboard paper organizer was done!

Kallax storage bin holding cardboard paper boxes and a basket.

​And the best part? Because those cardboard paper organizer boxes are the right size and fit deep into the openings he cannot pull them out and chew them to bits! That’s also why I didn’t add any handles.  He’s a tricky little fella!

This makes grandma Mary very happy because I’m usually the one who has to clean up the mess!

Kallax storage bin holding cardboard paper organizer storage boxes and a dog sitting on top.

Happy pup!  He can spend hours up there watching the world go by!

A dog sitting on top of an Ikea Kallax shelf.

​Now if I didn’t have a pup and he was better behaved I would have done this using fabric for a more elegant look but for now I will go with this practical idea.

Kallax storage bin holding basket and boxes with dog perched on top.

​You just never know where your next project is going to come from or who will inspire it. This may seem like a small job but it was a very real concern for me and I had left those cubes bare for a long time. 

​With this practical solution everyone is happy! I get storage and Tatou gets to perch!  I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make a practical cardboard paper organizer cubes for storage. Does your pet make a mess like mine or is it just that he’s still young?

​And now check out to see what my pals from the International Bloggers Club are up to.

Picture
Using cardboard boxes as storage cubes for the Kallax storage bin, #storagebins #storagecubes #paperprojects #easystorage #practicalideas #Kallaxstorage How to Make Practical Cardboard Paper Cubes for Storage www.theboondocksblog.com

Other Projects with Paper:  

Colorful wreaths with packing paper.
Packing Paper Colorful Wreath
Three boxes stacked to organize clothes.
Boxes for Organizing Clothes
  1. Awwww Mary, look at Tatou. Is it just my imagination or is he getting bigger? But his sweet little face hasn’t changed. No wonder you all fell head over heels in love with him. Love your idea of just using wrapping paper and cardboard boxes as storage while he’s still in his puppy phase. I’m sure that will pass, or then again maybe not 😉

    • Mary says:

      Michelle he has gotten bigger and friskier. I just hope he calms down at some point because taking him for a walk is a nightmare nowadays. He is always pulling at the leash. Oh well, we still love him no matter what he does.

  2. Maria says:

    Your dog is so cute, he has grown so much! Cute cubes! look great there!

  3. tomthebackroadstraveller says:

    …clever! 😀

  4. Pili says:

    That puppy has grown a lot, Mary! The chose the best place in the house, he can lay there for hours watching what’s going on outside.
    Your storage solution is a great idea even without the puppy, love the look of the brown paper and the dots on the upper shelf add interest. Good use of that paper leftover

  5. So excited to be part of this group that I’ve admired since the beginning and I can’t wait to join you in next month’s challenge. I never forgot when you first introduced us to the idea of covering boxes with pretty paper (or fabric). Such a good idea and I’m loving the white polka dot paper used for these! Tatou seems to be quite content on his new perch.

  6. Noorfadzilah Ramlee says:

    I’ve been meaning to get storage cubes for my kallax too . Now I can upcycle all those cardboards…. Thx for the idea

  7. It is a win – win for you and Tatou. He gets to look out the window. You have a stylish look to the shelves. Great idea.

  8. Debbie says:

    Hi Mary, we are in the process of having a good clear out/ tidy up. And whilst I am not the most creafty person around, unless it comes to who’s getting the last of the cake, I do have a nice sturdy shoe box that I was going to sling in the recycling bin… Now I’m going to keep it and see what paper Jumbo has in stock! I think this is a project even I could manage!
    xx

  9. Bright says:

    Hello! I love these shelves – great for storage!
    Its probably strong enough to use as extra seating so why not make it into a window seat and sew that pooch a cushion! Tatou probably likes it in the summer because it would be cool….winters coming…cozy cushion recommended.

  10. Liberty says:

    I love practical!!

  11. Maya Kuzman says:

    The storage space immediately gets a cleaner look. I’ve done something similar, but in my case I’ve painted plastic ice cream containers white to store my haberdashery and although they are in a cabinet, hidden from plain sight, I like to have a clean look when I open the cabinet. This is a fantastic idea for an open storage!

  12. Denise says:

    Such a cute idea for home organization. It looks so pretty! Thanks for the inspiration! From Blogger’s Pitstop!

  13. Kim says:

    Mary, you are so creative and your pup looks so happy now. Win- win!!

  14. Meredith says:

    I love that you got the shelf just for your pup! We have our couch up against the window, and two dogs that LOVE to bark at everything that goes by!!
    This is such a cute (and easy!) way for storage – I’ll have to find some boxes for my Kallax shelves!
    Thanks for sharing with the Share your Style Link Party!!

  15. Cecilia says:

    I love pretty and functional storage! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm–pinned!

  16. Florence says:

    Tatou looks like a fun dog, just like our Leo, who is also fun, but can be very naughty too. I like your solution for giving him a perch. I’m not sure what a “kallex” is, or even if I spelled it right. The perch just fits him and that paper you used is pretty too.

  17. Boxes are the best solution to hide everything. I’ve made some for my shelves too. I love the paper you used Mary especially the one with dots. You did excellent work my friend 🙂 Ohhh your puppy looks so cute!!!

  18. I love this idea Mary! You had me at polka dots!! Great way to keep organised and so pretty too!

  19. Katrin says:

    That shelf is a keeper! Tatou is enjoying it and you get to hide some storage in the cubes! Love how easy ideas are also most of the times the most practical ones!! Looks great Mary!

  20. ella says:

    I need to do this, my craft room is such a mess!!! Love it, thanks so much for the shout out

  21. Jann Newton says:

    Mary, I love how you coordinated the kraft paper and the wrapping paper. A great look, and much more practical than fabric!

    • Mary says:

      Jann I usually like fabric covered bins but this was practical because no one wants a puppy to destroy the fabric. It’s bad enough that I no longer have pillows in the living room. Have to train that little guy!

  22. Gail says:

    Great idea, Mary, and it looks fabulous using paper! It’s so versatile and a quick fix in case the pup gets frisky with things!

  23. Lori Jo says:

    Very neat and great organization! Enjoyed this creative idea tip 🙂
    Lori Jo – 50 With Flair
    http://www.50withflair.com

  24. Michelle says:

    Great organizing Mary and the boxes look so professional!

  25. Carol says:

    Mary, You did a great job and I love the coordinated look. What we must do when we love our furbabies!

  26. Super smart idea, Mary! Love that polka dot paper you used, as well! Great solution to have for a ‘smart’ pet. 😉 What kind of dog?

  27. Leanna says:

    Hi Mary. I love how you updated the Ikea shelf. As always I appreciate how you do it within a budget for the average person. Love your ideas and final look.

  28. Cindy says:

    Very clever and cute idea. What we do for our pups. So cute perched looking outside.
    I read a comment where you mentioned pulling when walking. Doxie in motion sells harnesses where it avoids that problem. Another company makes them too but the name escapes me.
    These harnesses are great. You measure and it’s custom for your pup. Aren’t expensive either.
    By age 3 pups calm down. Using Nylabones also helps with chewing.
    So happy I found you on Instagram
    Enjoy your day
    .Cindy

  29. Cindy says:

    Creative solution and cute. What we do for our pups.
    Happy I discovered you on Instagram
    Enjoy your day
    Cindy

  30. Your storage unit looks very nice Mary. I like the brown paper. Later on once Tatou gets older you can probably change to fabric if you like. He should grow out of his chewing and getting into things.

  31. Julie says:

    Awh, bless him, he looks SO sweet. Surely someone so adorable couldn’t do any damage around they house!!!
    Your boxes look great, and if something/someone DOES happen to them they’ll be easy to replace, great job!

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