Thrifty Project: Store 16 Totes In Less Than 21 Square Feet!

Thanks to my very handy hubby, I now have a great way to store all my totes so they take up less space in my basement. 16+ full-size storage totes in less than 21 square feet!

We just finished construction on our new (smaller) home, and downsizing has taken a toll on my organization. Our new house has a full unfinished basement which will be used for storage (and as a play area for the grandkids). It didn't take long for me to realize I had to find a way to get all my storage totes up off the floor and stacked where I could have access to any one of them without digging through the pile.

We had a pile of extra lumber on hand from several recent projects so I was able to have two of these storage shelves (each will hold 16 full size totes plus a little more) for only the cost of 2 sheets of OSB board! I've added a supply list below in case you'd like to build some of your own!

Here are two pics of one of the shelves empty -




Each shelf takes up approximately 80" x 36" of floor space, and each unit will hold 16+ full-size totes.

This pic shows the shelf full of totes - not completely organized yet mind you, but at least you can see how many totes it really will hold. Also, the first shelf was made using 2x4s for the shelves (but only because we had a lot of them on hand). We decided to use OSB for the second one he made, and I like it better. Plus it would be even cheaper to build if you had to go out and buy everything.



I also wanted to mention that these shelves are VERY sturdy! Make sure to use screws instead of nails when you're building the frame. It's fine to use nails to anchor the OSB (or whatever you want to use for your shelves), but use screws everywhere else for added durability.

Here's a supply list for each shelf (that will hold 16 totes):

6 - 2x4s that are 6 foot long (for the upright posts)
3 - 2x6s that are 36" long (for the bottom bracing between the front and back upright 2x4s)
9 - 2x4s that are 36" long (these create the supports where the shelves lay)
2 - 2x4s that are approximately 6 foot long for use as the back braces (angle cut on each end at 45 degrees to stabilize the entire unit)
2 sheets OSB (or plywood, but OSB is cheaper) - first cut to 80" long then ripped in half to make them 24" wide
2 1/2 inch wood screws

My husband is not a carpenter so this is not an exact science. It was simply his goal to build some shelves for his wife (me) using stuff we had on hand, that would be sturdy enough to hold a bunch of totes. He exceeded my expectations.

I will add a step-by-step tutorial if anyone is interested. This is not a difficult project at all if you can measure and cut straight, use a drill, and have a little help holding here and there. It took him about half a day to make the first one while he was creating the design, but the second one went together one evening after work.

I am thinking I need just ONE more to hold all these totes :-)

Can You Believe This $5 Cuteness?

Paparazzi has new cuteness available, and you can bet I ordered it all! Exceeding all my expectations... I am still amazed at how fast this $5 Paparazzi jewelry sells! If you're on the fence about joining Paparazzi as an Independent Consultant - don't wait - it's a ground floor opportunity all across the US, and I want you on my dynamic team! E-mail me for the scoop - - karenflys@aol.com or find me on Facebook - Karen's Paparazzi Shop

Here's more temptation for ya... and yes, each and everything is only $5 (plus sales tax of course :-)

New Paparazzi $5 Bling!

I happened upon it by accident... I was teaching a class for nurses, and during break time some of us walked down the hall - when I saw it... a table, a big table, literally covered in absolute cuteness! And every single piece of it was $5. Each. Every bracelet, $5. Every pair of earrings, $5. Every ring, $5. Every necklace/earring set, $5. And it was cute stuff. Real cute stuff.

After devouring the heap of cuteness, and selecting several pieces that screamed for me to take them home, I learned that this was a direct-selling opportunity... and it was fairly new across the US.... and most certainly new to my area. It was easy (and cheap) to sign up, and the investment was minimal ($40). I also loved the fact that I didn't have to order large amounts, there were no handling fees, no catalogs to buy, the inventory I can chose from changes frequently, and the profit earned by the Independent Consultant on sales is a whopping 45%! I was sold - signed up with Paparazzi that very day, and the rest is history!

Less than two months later I am thrilled to say I have a FAST growing team of Independent Consultants and working with more each day! I love my team and make it a point to help each and every member grow and be the best success they can be!

Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom looking for a simple way to supplement the household income. Maybe you're a fashionista with a network of friends who love to wear fresh bling every day! Or possibly a boutique owner with a desire to add a great line of affordable jewelry to your inventory. No matter your income goals - large or small - Paparazzi can help you reach them! Take it from a very busy nurse who got involved by accident... prepare to be amazed at the potential!

I wanted to showcase some of the Paparazzi $5 cuteness here - so if your interest is peaked at all, please send me a note at karenflys@aol.com or find me on Facebook: Karen's Paparazzi Shop and I'd be happy to share the details! No matter where you live, I'd love to have you on my team!!