Simple Tip #9

Simple Tip #9: Room Storage

This is one of those things that comes from reading too many IKEA catalogues, and watching too much Queer Eye for the Straight Guy as a kid. I like the idea of organization and putting things in boxes in their proper place so you can find them.

This is always a good tip for if you're currently living in a small apartment (God knows there are MILLIONS of apartment buildings around L.A) or if you just want to put some things in a nice discrete place in your house.

Now, you can go out and buy storage units (boxes and the like) for cheap at places like Target and possibly IKEA (not too sure about that one). But I want to talk about making your own storage.

All you really need is some shoe boxes or a couple bigger boxes, some wrapping paper, and sharpies. First off, I would decide what to store. I really don't have all that much I need to put away, so I've made up boxes for my CDs and birthday/christmas/other cards.

Well, anyways. Decide what you want to store and then take a box that you think will fit your things. Try fitting everything you want to put into the box first so you know if you need to downgrade or upgrade in size.

Next take your pick of wrapping paper. Some bright in colorful is always nice. I recently used some Japanese fan print paper I had left over from a one sheet. Take this and cover the lid of the box with it. Make sure it's nice and flat when you tape it down. Cut it up in pieces and tape it if you have too (I did this, and it was a lot easier to control the bumpiness of the paper).

When you're done with this, you have the option of doing the rest of the box. If its just a plain cardboard box or if its a plain color, it's not really necessary, but you are always welcome to do it. If it has writing all over it, then you'll probably want to cover it.

Once you're done wrapping the boxes, you can cut a piece of the wrapping paper (if you have left the bottom half of the box plain) or a piece of computer paper (if you did not) and write whatever is in the box.

You're done! Voila! You have easy, reusable and recycled storage boxes! Enjoy!