How to Build Temporary Shelves

Often we find ourselves with storage challenges that necessitate quick and temporary shelves. When temporary shelving is needed, usually the goal is to find a way to create these shelves as quickly and inexpensively as possible.
With a little creativity and some materials you probably already have, you can create temporary shelving to organize books or clutter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lengths of board (can be inexpensive pine or pressed wood) Cinder blocks (10-inch square) Bricks Plastic crates

1. Assemble the boards you have to use. The boards do not have to all be the same size or width. Variations of size are acceptable when you are just creating a temporary shelving unit out of need. If the shelving unit ends up becoming more permanent, you can swap out mismatched boards for ones that are uniform.

2. Place the bottom supports (cinder blocks, bricks or plastic crates) on the floor where you are constructing the shelving. It is important for the foundation of the shelves to be flush against a wall. If possible, place the supports on a smooth surface (instead of carpet). If necessary, place the supports on large, flat books.
   Place one support on the left side, one support on the right side and one support in the center (if necessary).
   If you are using plastic crates, you will be limited in how much weight you can place on top of them. For the most support possible with plastic crates, place them with the open end facing down.

3. Add the first layer of boards for the first shelf. Place another layer of supports on the first shelf in the same fashion as the foundational supports on the floor. Add a second layer of boards for the second shelf.
   Test the stability and add your items to the shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• For safety reasons, two shelves is probably the highest you should make your temporary unit.