Chloe Zhang
Plastic storage boxes are a great way to get organised and make things easy to find. They can be used in a variety of settings, from the kitchen to the home office, and can be purchased or made at home. In this article, we will explore the different ways to set up plastic storage boxes, including buying ready-made boxes and creating custom-sized DIY boxes, to facilitate easy and tidy storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Storage, organisation, decoration |
| Items to upcycle | Plastic food containers, plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic tape cassette cases, plastic shopping bags, plastic tubs |
| Preparation | Clean the plastic, remove labels, disassemble non-plastic components, drill holes, paint |
| Upcycling techniques | Paper mache, glueing paper, decoupage, adding drainage holes |
| Uses | Art supplies, sewing supplies, stationery, makeup, travel first aid kit, planters, piggy banks, gift boxes |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic boxes are stackable, waterproof and can be easily purchased
- Fragile items should be wrapped in packing paper, bubble wrap or newspaper
- Glassware, mirrors, dishes and antiques should be carefully arranged in sturdy boxes
- Plastic boxes with built-in handles are easier to carry and don't require assembly
- For clothes, use wardrobe boxes to keep them wrinkle-free and protected
Plastic boxes are stackable, waterproof and can be easily purchased
Plastic storage boxes are a convenient and durable way to store your belongings. They are readily available and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them perfect for various storage needs. One of the standout features of plastic boxes is their stackability. The Iris Weathertight bins, for example, are highly packable and stackable, making it easy to store and locate your items. The lids of the StorageWorks Decorative Storage Boxes are also stackable, but their collapsible lids make them a bit cumbersome to use.
Another advantage of plastic storage boxes is their waterproof nature. Most plastic storage solutions are made of polypropylene, which is suitable for most conditions but becomes brittle in freezing temperatures. If you need cold storage, opt for boxes made of high-density polyethylene, like the Rubbermaid Action Packer, which can withstand weather conditions and keep out driving rain.
Plastic storage boxes are widely available and can be easily purchased from any home improvement store. The larger the store, the more options you'll have in terms of pricing, capacity, and quality. Online retailers also offer a convenient way to purchase plastic containers, and you can even rent them temporarily for moves.
When using plastic storage boxes, it's important to ensure that the items you store are completely dry. Because plastic containers are watertight, any trapped moisture can lead to mould and mildew issues. Wrapping items in soft packing paper or fabric can provide an extra layer of protection and help absorb any residual dampness.
Overall, plastic storage boxes offer a versatile, durable, and easily accessible solution for your storage needs. Their stackability, waterproof capabilities, and widespread availability make them a convenient choice for organising and protecting your belongings.
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Fragile items should be wrapped in packing paper, bubble wrap or newspaper
When packing fragile items, it's important to take extra care to ensure they don't break in storage. Fragile items should be wrapped in packing paper, bubble wrap, or newspaper and carefully arranged in a sturdy box, such as a plastic container.
Firstly, gather your packing materials. You can use soft packing paper, bubble wrap, or newspaper to wrap your fragile items individually. Packing paper is a good option as it is soft and won't stain your items, but bubble wrap provides more cushioning. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, you can even use old towels or clothes as cushioning, especially for non-breakable items.
Next, wrap each fragile item carefully. Make sure to wrap each item individually and secure the wrapping with tape or string if needed. You can also use stretch wrap to bundle multiple fragile items together securely. When wrapping, pay extra attention to vulnerable spots, such as the handles and spouts of teapots or the edges of picture frames.
After wrapping, carefully place the fragile items in a sturdy plastic storage box. Plastic containers are ideal for storing fragile items as they are durable and waterproof, protecting your belongings from moisture damage. Choose a box that is the appropriate size for the number of fragile items you have. It's important not to overfill the box, as this can increase the risk of items breaking during transport or storage.
Finally, seal and label the box. Use strong packing tape to secure the lid of the plastic storage box. Apply at least two full strips of tape to the bottom and seal the top in an H-pattern: one strip down the center seam and one across each edge. Clearly label the box with the word fragile and indicate which side should remain upright. You can also label the contents of the box and the room it belongs to for easier unpacking.
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Glassware, mirrors, dishes and antiques should be carefully arranged in sturdy boxes
Glassware, mirrors, dishes, and antiques are all fragile items that require careful packing and handling. Here are some detailed steps to ensure these items are safely arranged in sturdy boxes:
Glassware
Firstly, pre-made cell boxes with cardboard dividers are ideal for storing glassware. The dividers prevent friction and potential breakage between glasses. If using a standard box, line the interior top, bottom, and sides with a soft, absorbent packing material such as crumpled packing paper, bath towels, sweaters, or sweatshirts. This provides cushioning and shock absorption for your glassware.
Next, wrap each glass individually with packing paper. Place a sheet of paper inside the glass, providing cushioning, and then wrap the entire glass. After wrapping, pack the glasses upright, carefully stacking them if they are of uniform size. Fill any vacant spaces with crumpled packing paper to prevent movement. For extremely fragile items, consider double-boxing by placing the packed box inside a larger box with additional padding.
Mirrors
When packing mirrors, it is essential to use a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the mirror to accommodate extra padding. Mirror boxes, which consist of four interlocking pieces of cardboard, are ideal as they can be customised to fit snugly around the mirror. If a mirror box is unavailable, create your own by flattening large moving boxes.
Before placing the mirror in the box, cover it with painter's tape in an 'X' or grid pattern. This helps keep broken pieces in place if the mirror cracks during transport. Wrap the mirror in packing paper and then a layer of bubble wrap. Ensure the box is tightly packed with no empty spaces to avoid shifting during transit. Mark the box with "FRAGILE", "HANDLE WITH CARE", and "DO NOT LAY FLAT".
Dishes
When packing dishes, use sturdy boxes that can withstand the weight of the contents. Wrap each dish by placing it in the centre of a sheet of packing paper and pulling the corners over the dish to secure it. Repeat this process with three more dishes of the same size. Stack the wrapped dishes together, turn them upside down on another sheet of paper, and rewrap the bundle. Place the bundle in the box vertically on a thick layer of packing paper.
Fill any gaps in the box with packing paper to prevent sliding and add extra paper on top and all four sides before sealing the box with tape. Label the box as "Fragile" and "This Side Up".
Antiques
When packing antiques, it is crucial to use high-quality packing materials such as acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. Wrap each antique item individually and use boxes specifically designed for antiques that fit the items snugly. Label the boxes clearly with their contents and any special instructions, such as "Fragile" or "This Side Up".
For antique clothing, use acid-free boxes and store them flat to prevent creases and wrinkles. Quilts and handmade linens should be placed inside a muslin cover to protect them from light, dust, and insects. For antique furniture, disassemble it if possible to make storage more space-efficient. Wrap the furniture in soft, breathable materials such as moving blankets, towels, or furniture pads.
By following these steps, your glassware, mirrors, dishes, and antiques will be carefully arranged and protected during storage or transportation.
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Plastic boxes with built-in handles are easier to carry and don't require assembly
Plastic storage boxes with built-in handles are a convenient and efficient way to organise your home or office. These boxes offer infinite uses and are perfect for storing and transporting items with ease. The built-in handles eliminate the need for assembly, making them ready to use straight away.
One notable example is the Really Useful Box®, a plastic storage container with built-in handles and a snap lid. This box features a transparent design, allowing you to easily identify its contents without opening it. The attached handles make it convenient to carry and move the box from one room to another. With a capacity of up to 9 litres, it is ideal for organising and transporting various items.
The IRIS® Buckle Down Plastic Storage Container is another excellent option, featuring built-in handles and a snap lid. This container is designed to be weather-tight, providing protection against moisture and mildew. It is a perfect choice for storing important documents, reports, tax forms, and employee records, keeping them safe and dry.
Built-in handles on plastic storage containers offer significant advantages in terms of convenience and ease of use. They eliminate the need for additional lifting equipment, making it more comfortable to lift and transport the boxes. Additionally, the handles often come at no extra cost, as large plastic storage containers with handles typically have a similar price range as those without handles.
Overall, plastic storage boxes with built-in handles are a practical choice for anyone looking to organise their space efficiently. They offer a hassle-free and convenient solution for storing and transporting items, all without the need for any assembly.
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For clothes, use wardrobe boxes to keep them wrinkle-free and protected
For clothes, using a wardrobe box is a great way to keep them wrinkle-free and protected. Wardrobe boxes are specifically designed for storing clothing, with a built-in bar for hanging garments. This helps to prevent wrinkles and creases that can occur when clothes are folded and squished together in a standard box.
When using a wardrobe box, avoid metal hangers as these can stretch fabric and may rust in humid conditions. Instead, opt for wooden or padded hangers to preserve the integrity of your garments. Cover the wardrobe box with a cotton sheet to protect your clothes from dust and light while allowing them to breathe.
Additionally, when packing your clothes into the wardrobe box, place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, more delicate items at the top. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can also help to prevent creases and save space. Make sure not to overstuff the box, as this can cause your clothes to lose their shape.
Using a plastic wardrobe box can offer enhanced protection for your clothes. Plastic bins with tight-sealing lids help keep out moisture, pests, and dust. Clear bins allow you to easily see the contents inside, but if your storage unit is exposed to light, consider darker bins to prevent fabric fading.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need styrene plastic sheets, 'L'-shaped Plastruct, and glue.
Use side cutters to cut the two sides of the 'L' separately to avoid squishing the plastic.
Run a bead of strong glue, such as super glue, along one edge of the 'L'-shaped Plastruct and position it at the edge of the side piece. Repeat for the other side. Then, glue the face side of the box.
You can organise your boxes by labelling them with chalkboard labels and a chalk marker or printing labels. Sort your items by size, type, or colour, and use shelves, drawers, or baskets to separate them into categories.
Choose a desk with built-in drawers and maximise wall space by installing a pegboard shelf or hanging open shelving. Use accessories such as woven baskets or plastic storage bins to optimise shelf space.
