Add practical storage to your shelves with these simple, low-cost DIY cardboard paper organizer boxes. They make a tidy cube storage solution and a stylish way to keep items organized while protecting them from curious pets.
NOTE: This project was originally shared in Sept. 2018
Every month I join an international group of bloggers to share creative, easy projects. For this month’s theme we focussed on anniversary gift materials by year — and since the first anniversary is paper, I made practical cardboard paper organizer cubes that fit perfectly in KALLAX-style shelving.
Meet the International Bloggers
Before the how-to, a quick hello to the creative friends I collaborate with: Marie of The Interior Frugalista (furniture transformations), Eleanor of Just Ella Bella (craft ideas), Leanna of Of Faeries and Fauna (budget-friendly home decor), Evija of From Evija with Love (crafting and home projects), Katrin of KreativK (stylish decorating), Michelle of A Crafty Mix (imaginative crafts), and Pili of My Sweet Things (fun DIYs). Together we share ideas from around the world.
How to Make Practical Cardboard Paper Cubes for Storage
This project started because my little dog, Tatou, loved perching on the living room loveseat to watch the street. When the loveseat was replaced, I needed a new perch that would also provide storage. A KALLAX-style shelf stood upright under the window and became the perfect solution — but I wanted storage cubes that were practical, durable, and inexpensive. Fabric bins were pretty but not ideal for a dog who likes to explore with his teeth. Cardboard boxes covered in kraft and wrapping paper offered a safe, economical alternative.
Materials Needed to Make a Cardboard Paper Organizer
- Kraft paper or butcher paper (or leftover protective paper from painting)
- Coordinating gift wrap or patterned paper for accents
- Sturdy cardboard boxes sized to fit your shelf openings
- Liquid craft glue or white PVA glue
- Scotch tape or packing tape
- Scissors or a craft knife and a ruler
Choose boxes that fit snugly into the cube openings. Deep-fitting boxes are less likely to be pulled out or chewed, and the lack of handles prevents a determined pet from grabbing them.
Simple Step-by-Step
1. Measure the interior of each shelf opening and select cardboard boxes that fit comfortably inside with minimal wiggle room.
2. Trim and fold the boxes as needed so they sit flat and even. Reinforce weak corners with extra cardboard or tape.
3. Cover the outside of each box with kraft paper: apply a thin layer of liquid glue, smooth the paper over the box, and secure seams with tape on the inside. The kraft finish gives a clean, cohesive look that’s neutral and durable.
4. For top-facing or accent boxes, wrap magazine files or shoebox lids in coordinating gift wrap and secure with glue and tape for a tidy appearance.
5. Let glue dry fully before sliding boxes into the shelf. Arrange decor items — seasonal accents like small pumpkins, baskets, or a coordinated game box — to complete the look.
The process is straightforward and flexible: you can use patterned paper, maps, fabric, or plain kraft depending on the style you want. I chose kraft for a humble, practical appearance and used dotted gift wrap for a playful contrast on the magazine files and game box.
Because the boxes are deep and fit snugly, Tatou can’t pull them out to chew. I also avoided handles for that reason. The result is a neat, pet-friendly storage solution: practical, inexpensive, and attractive.
Small touches — like covering a shoebox to hide games and adding seasonal decor — make the unit feel intentional and polished. And most importantly, Tatou has his window seat back, happy and content for hours.
If you prefer a more refined look and don’t have pets to worry about, fabric-covered boxes or store-bought fabric bins can be used. But for a low-cost, recyclable, and pet-savvy approach, these kraft-covered cardboard organizers are hard to beat.
This project is a reminder that practical solutions can be beautiful — and that inspiration often comes from the daily needs of home life. With a few basic materials and some simple steps, you can turn used cardboard into tidy storage that fits your shelf and your lifestyle.
Happy organizing! I hope this tutorial helps you make practical cardboard paper organizer cubes that are both useful and attractive. Does your pet inspire home projects like this, or are yours better behaved?
Curious to see more paper-based projects? Below are other paper-themed ideas to try at home.
Other Projects with Paper:
