New Uses for Old Shoe Boxes - Creative DIY Ideas

_{Got a bunch of empty shoe boxes lying around that you don’t know what to do with? Instead of throwing them out, you can repurpose them into all kinds of useful or pretty things.}

Creative uses for shoe boxes - pictured shoe boxes in living room

Clever Things You Can Do With Old Shoe Boxes

Do you love cheap and easy DIY ideas? I sure do! And if you are like me, you may save all your shoeboxes after picking up a new pair of shoes. Are you thinking that there is something that you could be doing with those boxes?

Well, you are right, there are lots of fun and useful things that you can make with upcycled shoe boxes. Turns out, shoe boxes can be transformed into some of the best DIY ideas ever. Yes, yes, it is true!

Some of these ideas can even help to keep you organized, and save you money! From organizing ideas for the closet to the craft room, toys for your kids, or even for yourself, these DIY projects made with shoe boxes are some of the best around.

DIY Cord Organizer or Charging Station

Do you get tired of seeing all of the cords from your electronics or cellphones and tablets lying all over the place? You are not alone, and you can use one of those empty shoeboxes to help you solve this problem.

First, measure and cut holes to weave your cords through, and then secure a metal label holder to each slot to give the station a polished look. Then decorate the box as prettily as you would like, and now you have a DIY cord organizer and charging station.

Ribbon organizer

Do you have a bunch of rolls of ribbon around for craft projects or gift wrapping? If so, you might like this handy upcycled use for old shoe boxes.

It is time to wrangle up all those loose ribbons. Simply line your ribbon up inside the box and make small holes for you to pull the ribbon out of. Now you have all your ribbons untangled and in one handy box.

Desk Organizer

Have you considered decorating an old shoebox and transforming it into a cool desk organizer? Add some upcycled cans to hold your pens and pencils, and smaller boxes inside of the shoebox for small office supplies like paper clips or rubber bands.

You can even use peel-and-stick contact paper to decorate your box in a fun pattern that coordinates your office.

Drawer divider using a shoe box for knitted clothing

Drawer Dividers

Tired of mixing all your things in one drawer? Here’s an easy fix! Using your old shoe boxes doesn’t mean that you have to use them whole.

You can also cut them down to size to be used as drawer organizers around your home. Paint them or decoupage them if you would like and then use them to create some organization in your drawers.

Jewelry Organizer

Here is a use for old shoe boxes you probably haven’t thought of before. Take a shoebox lid and cover it with the fabric of your choice. Hang the shoebox lid on the wall and use push pins to hang all of your necklaces and bracelets.

Now you have a pretty little piece of decor and a place to organize your jewelry.

Shadow Boxes

Did you know that you could turn those old shoe boxes into shadow boxes that you can hang on the wall? Paint them, or decoupage them with the fabric of your choice.

Then let them dry and then arrange them on your walls. You can’t use them to display anything heavy, but you can use them for small items like knick-knacks or photographs.

Individual Picnic Boxes

Another great use for shoeboxes is to decorate them for individual picnic boxes for a ladies’ lunch, bridal shower, or even just a picnic in the park with the family.

You can paint the boxes and add stickers or writing to them, you can wrap them with pretty paper, and once they are finished, add then have yourself a delicious picnic lunch with friends or family.

And hey no worries if you spill a few food items in your new picnic baskets. You can just throw the whole thing in the trash and be guilt-free.

File Folder Box

You can also upcycle your old shoe boxes to work for you as a file folder box instead of purchasing one. You can use this file folder box to hold and organize important papers, recipes, receipts, or coupons.

Or you can even create dividers for each section to label out of another shoe box or shoe box top. Then feel free to set it on the counter or your desk and have everything you need close at hand.