We are renting short-term, and the landlord absolutely forbids anything on the wall. I can’t have shelves that would organize things so well in the sewing room, and I can’t give up a lot of floor space. We have several bookshelves that are doing duty as a pantry because of the shallow (and few) cabinets in the kitchen. I don’t really want to buy more furniture, even used, so a comment by my husband inspired this sewing room makeover. “I could even use boxes as furniture for a while.” So I will.
inspired temporary storage of fabric
I have some plastic bins on the floor with various craft supplies that I can’t seem to live without, but never open the box to access. Anyway, I decided to tape together some of the boxes we have saved for the next big pack-and-move, and use them as fabric storage. All this is supposedly set aside for doll clothing and accessories. I keep going to thrift stores and stumbling onto fantastic sales so I come home with another bag full of tops, tablecloths, and fabric remnants that I just know I can turn into something absolutely cute for a doll.
I stacked the boxes in the corner, and it also inspired me to rearrange most of the rest of the room. I think I can walk through it again. Even though I resent using valuable sewing time to clean, fold, and reorganize, I know I’ll appreciate it the first chance I need something and can immediately put my hands on it.
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We started out our marriage 49 years ago using boxes for furniture – end tables in the living room, end tables in the bedroom, and yes, even stacked like you have. Smile and think of it as an investment into the future.
One thing that works well are the plastic crates – long ago they used them to haul milk jugs but are sold (and found everywhere) for crafts, (quite often $3-$5), you can turn them on their side and stack them for shelves, and when ready to move, stuff ‘em like boxes. Good luck!
My husband offered to get some metal shelving, but I don’t want to give up the floor space right now. This is a great solution for the short term, and when we move this summer, we’ll figure out long-term needs. Sounds like a good memory for you, seeing the boxes!
Ok Donna, now you need to come and organize MY sewing area!
Our rental has a zillion holes in the walls. In fact, one small wall in our bathroom has 9 holes—I have no idea why! I understand limiting holes, but ZERO! Hmmm….that’s really hard. The boxes are a clever solution to your problem!
The blank walls are depressing, but I know it’s only a few months longer. I am very good at organizing, but then the clutter takes over before I notice and it’s hard work again. I’d be glad to help you organize!