How to Make an Office Organizer from an Old Cardboard Box

If you go to wholesale grocery outlets and stores to buy items in bulk, chances are you come home with a lot of cardboard boxes. Dry goods, such as instant noodles are packaged by the dozens in cardboard boxes. Ever wondered what to do with these boxes other than throwing them in the recycling bin? You can use them to create an office organizer where you can put magazines, memos, letters, blank papers, folders and journals. You will not only make your home office look organized but you can help the environment too.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard box
• Adhesive paper shelf liner
• Scissors
• Adhesive tape (optional)

1. 
    
   Cardboard Box, Self-adhesive Shelf Liner, Scissors

   Choose a cardboard to use. You can avoid too much cutting if you choose the ones used by manufacturers to package dry goods sold in wholesale stores. You can also ask your local grocers if they have extras. They usually break them down for recycling. You can ask them if you can get one or two for your project. These boxes are excellent choices for an office organizer because they are cut in half and have pre-cut front and back that is ideal for filing things.

2. Get a decorative paper to use. For example, gift wrap, extra wallpaper from an old project, construction/art paper or self-adhesive paper shelf liner. The Self-adhesive shelf liner is the one used in this project because it is cheaper to buy and it is self-adhesive. A roll averages $5.00 in 2009.

3. 
    
   Unroll paper.

   Unroll the paper on a flat surface with the decoration at the bottom and the adhesive part on top.

4. 
    
   Add extra for folding.

   Place the cardboard box on top of the unrolled paper. Adjust the placement of the box to approximate the extra paper to cover all four sides. Make sure that it is at the center to give an even coverage.

5. 
    
   Cut paper.

   Cut the paper to size. If you are using self-adhesive paper liner, it has lined grids used to guide you while you cut. If you are using another type of paper to cover the box, you would need to mark using pencil and ruler.

6. 
    
   Peel off protective cover.

   Remove the protective covering of the adhesive side. Peel it off carefully to avoid tearing the paper.

7. 
    
   Place cardboard on top of paper.

   Place the cardboard box on top of the adhesive side. Make sure to keep it centered.

8. 
    
   Fold paper.

   Fold the paper on the long sides first and press with your fingers to remove the air bubbles. Make sure that the paper is flat and adhering to the box. Fold the top part over to the inner part of the box to give a smooth edge.

9. 
    
   Cut ends and corners.

   Cut the ends, leaving half an inch of allowance for folding. Fold the edges and corners.

10. Cover the front and back openings of the box. Cut the paper to the shape of the openings. Leave half an inch each time for folding.

11. 
     
    Add transparent tapes on folded parts.

    Use adhesive transparent tape to strengthen the hold on the folds. Remove all bubbles or creases by pressing your hands on the paper and running them back and forth.

12. 
     
    Use it.

    Start using your office organizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same type of paper for uniformity.
• Line the inside part of the box only when it will be used on top of your desk because it is exposed.
• Keep it unlined if you are using on upper part of shelf where people cannot notice the inside of the box. This can save time and paper.

[tracysmith159]

on 6/24/2009 What a good idea. Save an old box from the garbage and stay organized too.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/14/2009 Great recycling project. Office organizers can be pricey. This is one way to cut cost and personalize it. Thanks for sharing and I appreciate all of the pictures! 5*

[boatst]

on 5/5/2009 What a great way to recycle box and left over wallpaper. thanks