10 Ways to Reuse Old Shoeboxes Instead of Ditching Them
Read this before you break down and recycle a stack of old shoeboxes!
If you have a stack of old shoeboxes that are in good shape, don't be so quick to throw them away. Instead, clean the interior and exterior of the boxes and reuse them in one of these 10 clever ways. Lidded shoeboxes are excellent storage vessels for everything from craft supplies to holiday decorations and collectibles. Not only do they keep stored items safe and dust-free, they are stackable and maximize vertical storage space.
Old shoeboxes also double as practical organizational tools—like a DIY drawer divider to prevent socks and small accessories from taking over your dresser and closet shelves. Special shoeboxes, whether they have a cool design or came with a meaningful pair of shoes, make for lovely keepsake boxes as well. So before you break down and recycle all those old shoeboxes, peruse this collection of smart ways to reuse them. And if you're on the hunt for even more upcycling ideas, check out fun ways to give everyday items a second life.
Put Away Out-of-Season Shoes
Store out-of-season shoes and boots in old shoeboxes to protect them and make room for the pairs you are currently wearing. Once it's time to put shoes away for the season, clean them, pop deodorizing packs inside each shoe, and tuck them away in a lidded shoebox.
Keep Holiday Decorations Safe
Store holiday decorations in an old shoebox. Carefully stack shatterproof decorations, starting with the largest and heaviest on the bottom. Keep collections together and use dividers and Ziplock bags if necessary. Make sure the box has a matching lid to keep your collection safe, and don't forget to add a label for quick identification.
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Build a Keepsake Box
Use an old shoebox to store precious keepsakes such as photos, letters, and meaningful mementos. If you love holding on to sentimental items, designate different shoeboxes for certain keepsake categories—think special holidays, life milestones, or specific years.
Create Drawer Dividers
You don't have to splurge on pricey drawer dividers to organize your dresser—old shoeboxes will do the trick! Clean the interior and exterior of the shoebox and make sure it fits inside the drawer comfortably. Discard the lid, position it horizontally or vertically inside the drawer, and organize your belongings.
Make a Care Package
A clean, unbranded shoebox serves as the ideal vessel for a thoughtful care package or gift. Clean the interior and exterior of the shoebox, then layer the bottom with colorful tissue or shredded paper. Not only does it add a decorative touch to the shoebox, it helps secure gifts in place.
Organize Craft Supplies
Lidded shoeboxes make for the perfect storage containers for craft supplies such as yarn, fabric scraps, paint bottles, and crafting tools. They allow you to keep similar items together and prevent supplies from getting dusty or damaged. Label the top and side of the shoebox so you know exactly what's inside!
Corral Donations
If you regularly donate to a local food pantry or thrift store, keep a shoebox on hand to gather donations. For non-perishable food items to donate, keep a shoebox in the pantry. For thrift store donations, keep an empty shoebox in your closet or garage.
RELATED: How to Make Your Food Pantry Donations Actually Helpful
Store Old Photographs
If you have old photographs scattered throughout various drawers, gather them all in an old shoebox. This way, the precious old photographs are safely stored away and you gain extra space in your drawers. Win-win!
Tuck Away Collectibles
Old shoeboxes provide a safe way to store various collectibles, such as model cars. Line the bottom with tissue paper or a piece of felt to provide cushioning and protection, and label the box exterior. Depending on where you're storing it, place a moisture and odor absorber in the shoebox.
Declutter Closet Shelves
Declutter closet shelves by corralling small accessories in old shoeboxes. This is a great way to reuse a special shoebox—such as a shoebox with a cool design, one that came with a meaningful pair of shoes, or a unique style you saved up for.
RELATED: 8 Small Closet Ideas That Instantly Create More Space
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
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