How to Create a Storage Bin

Kids always have what seems to be millions of small toys which can be a storage nightmare. This quick and easy project--which your child can help with--is a simple solution for organizing and storing toys. Quickly create small, stackable storage bins that cost very little. Befriend your local grocery store produce clerks or vegetable stand proprietors. Ask to purchase the plastic mesh boxes that berries and cherry tomatoes are packaged in. It's very likely they'll give you a few at no charge.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic mesh fruit baskets
• Empty cereal boxes
• Spray paint (optional)
• Crayons, markers, decorating items
• White glue
• Hole punch
• Wire ties or nylon cable ties

Instructions

1. Wash the plastic mesh fruit baskets thoroughly with hot soapy water to remove any fruit or vegetable residue. Set them aside to air dry.

2. Spread several layers of old newspapers out to protect your working surface. Turn the baskets upside down and spray paint them. Allow them to dry thoroughly.

3. Cut one of the folded corners of an empty cereal box so that it opens up to form one flat sheet of cardboard. Place it with the printed side down. Cut a 2-inch cardboard square label for each storage bin. Ask your child to use crayons or markers to color pictures of the proposed contents of each bin on the labels. Put them aside.

4. Flip a plastic mesh fruit basket upside down and set it on the cardboard. Trace around it and cut out the shape. This is the template for making covers for the storage bins. Use this to trace and cut out two covers for each storage bin. Glue two of the covers together to form a single sturdier one, making sure that the edges line up nicely. Allow the glue to dry, and then have your child decorate the covers.

5. Punch 3 to 4 holes in one side of the decorated bin cover, about ¼ inch from its edge. Thread a wire tie or nylon cable tie through each hole and fasten the cover to the top of the mesh basket with them.

6. Glue one of your child's decorated labels to the front of each bin. Allow it to dry. Ask the youngster to pick up the small toys and organize them in the bins. Stack as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Small key rings also work well for attaching the lids to the storage bins.