DIY classroom cubes and more storage solutions

Kids take a lot to school and use it a lot while they are there. And they all need hiding places! If your school or classroom does not have a built-in QB or locker, you may be looking for other solutions. These DIY Classroom Cubes provide options for easy teachers who like to create, no time for busy teachers, and budgets of all sizes. You are sure to find something that fits your needs here!

1. Assemble a tub tower

Green plastic tubs stacked in a pyramid and held together with zip ties, filled with toys and games

All you need to build this storage tower is a pile of big tubs and a handful of zip ties! It’s easy enough for anyone to assemble এবং and it’s light, so you can move it around the classroom as needed.

Source: HomeDit

2. Build a bucket wall

Orange, yellow, green and blue 5 gallon buckets piled up side by side to create DIY Cubes

When Haley T. WeAreTeachers shared the cubes of this classroom in a discussion on the HELPLINE Facebook group, the other teachers were immediately intrigued. The colorful buckets on the walls create strong storage space that will last year after year.

3. Tape off some private space

Numbered squares taped on a concrete surface (Classroom Cubes)

Sometimes what you need is a place for the kids to make their stuff. This PE teacher has come up with a simple solution. “Students bring a lot of things to my class: water bottles, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, papers, folders, pre-class items. I decided to give the students their own QB space where they could put their belongings at their designated number and at the end of the class I could call the specific numbers so that the students could get their things and stand in line, or if things were behind, I can do it! ”

Source: @ humans_of_p.e.

4. Place some crates in the classroom cubes

Colored plastic crates are stacked in cubes and labeled with students' names

Milk crates are a popular and convenient option for student storage. You may be able to get them for free, but if not, you’ll find colorful options at dollar stores that work well. Many teachers recommend using a zip tie for extra stability. (Get more ideas for using milk crates in the classroom here.)

5. Separate QB for easy access

Showing plastic crates piled on the table for use as a school classroom storage cube

Nobody said you have to put all your cubes in one place! Try to make small piles around the house so that children do not gather around them during busy times. Stacking them by tables and desks makes them more convenient.

Source: Thrasher Fifth Grade Rockstars

6. Turn trash bins into stash bins

White basket-style trash bins from IKEA turned into classroom cubes

These inexpensive trash bins from IKEA are stiff and easy to hang. For just a few dollars, they’re economical enough for a full collection of classroom cubes.

Source: Renee Fried / Pinterest

7. Close the strong plastic tote

The red plastic basket is hung from Tots command hook and used as DIY QB

Plastic tots are usually available in different colors and sizes. If you mount them on hooks, the kids can easily pull them down through the root and find what they are looking for.

Source: Preparation for the initial Gridiron / Pinterest

8. Tie a plastic basket to the wall

You can get a bunch of colored plastic baskets for very little money. To save space, mount them to the wall or try attaching them under a separate chair using a zip tie.

Source: Kindergarten Smorgasboard

9. See why teachers like Trofast

IKEA Trofast storage system used for student storage in the classroom

If you want to buy something that is pre-built, a trip to IKEA might be fine. The Trofast storage system is a perennial favorite of teachers because the bins come in bright colors and a variety of interchangeable shapes. Since they come from IKEA, they are also quite affordable.

Source: WeHeartTeaching / Instagram

10. Make a laundry basket dresser

Wooden dresser system with sliding plastic laundry basket labeled with letters

These smart dressers are similar to the IKEA Trofast system, but you can save some flour instead. Get the full instructions at the link below.

Source: Anna White

11. Build home made wall cubbies

The Aqua Blue numbered Wall Cube hangs near a table

If you have a few tools you can assemble these beautiful wall cubes at any time flat. Make it in any color you like.

Learn more: Remodelaholic

12. Convert tote bags to hanging storage

Colored numbered tote bags are hung on hooks and used as classroom storage

If you have a row of coat hooks but no classroom QBs, try hanging cheap totes from them instead. Kids can hide whatever they need inside and hang their coats on top.

Source: Teaching With Terhune

13. Put together a PVC frame for plastic totes

Storage system for plastic bins made from PVC pipes and fittings

PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and easy to operate. (Pro Tip: Many home improvement stores will cut the pipe for you!) Create a rack to hold a separate tote for each student.

Source: Formofit

14. Make a milk crate storage seat

Red milk crate with blue and green padded seat cover

Instead of classroom cubes lined up on the wall, why not give each student room to store the things they need in their seats? Find out how to do this popular craft at the link below.

Learn more: Music from B2Z

15. Light item stove in hanging organizer

Hanging clothes storage bins used for classroom cubes

Hanging closet organizers are easy to find and do not take up much space. Although they are best for lighter items than books.

Source: Play to Learn Preschool

16. A set of DIY rolling wooden cubes

Wooden classroom cubes on rotating wheels are surrounded by the tools used to make them

Making your own is usually less expensive than buying them. If you are going that route, try this plan for Student Cubes who have locking wheels. That way, you can easily move them around your classroom.

Source: Instructable Workshop

17. Use your shelves

Book shelves have turned into classroom cubes with baskets

Book shelves used in thrift stores or online outlets are quite easy to find. Make the most of them with baskets or bins for each student, and they will make perfectly good cubes.

Source: Fern Smith’s Classroom Ideas

18. Save money with cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes stacked with lids turned sideways to make bins for plastic baskets

This is not the most fancy option, but cardboard boxes with plastic baskets will definitely work in a pinch. Cover the boxes with wrapping paper or contact paper to arrange.

Source: Primary Teacher Forum / Pinterest

19. Convert existing shelves to cubes

Long slender shelving units converted into classroom cubes with room for backpacks

If you have a unit with adjustable shelves, this is an easy way to make room for coats, backpacks, books, and more. Remove a few shelves, add some glue hooks and you’re done!

Source: Eli Cherry

20. Upcycle the classroom QB in a plastic litter container

Rows and rows of cubs are piled up in square plastic litter containers

Got a cat? Store in your plastic litter containers and stack them for student cubes. The lid can even act as a “door”.

Source: Susan Bus / Pinterest

Share your ideas for Classroom Cubs in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Need more classroom storage ideas? Check out these teacher-approved options for each type of classroom.

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