Do you have a few unused suitcases tucked away in the back of your closet gathering dust? Don’t let them go to waste – instead, turn them into something practical! Upcycling old suitcases into toy storage provides a unique, colorful, and creative way to store your kid’s toys. Read on to learn how you can make use of those forgotten suitcases – all without breaking your bank account!
1. Overview of Upcycling Old Suitcases
If you’re looking for a unique and creative way to store your child’s toys, consider upcycling old suitcases. Upcycling is a great way to make something old look new and to save the environment from additional waste.
Advantages of Upcycling Old Suitcases:
- Eliminates unnecessary waste.
- The suitcase provides a storage option that keeps all of your child’s toys organized and out of sight.
- It adds a unique decorative piece to any room in the house.
- Provides a unique storage solution for those more delicate toys.
- Easy to transport when cleaning or changing rooms.
Upcycling old suitcases can be a fun and creative activity for you and your children. All you need is some paint, fabric, and some imagination. You can decorate it with any theme you desire. Add stickers, cut-outs, and even photos of your children’s favorite characters.
For those upcycling pros, adding drawers and shelves can create a custom storage solution for your child that is both stylish and functional. The possibilities are endless and with the right supplies you can create something that your child will love.
2. Benefits of Using an Old Suitcase as Toy Storage
Many of us may have old suitcases in our attics or basements that we haven’t used in years. Instead of simply throwing them away, why not repurpose them into a great storage for children’s playthings? Here are some advantages of upcycling old suitcases into toy storage:
- They’re large enough for everything. Suitcases are typically quite spacious, which makes them the perfect tool to store a wide variety of items, such as action figures, puzzles, and stuffed animals.
- The lid helps to keep everything inside. old suitcases come with a lid, which is ideal for parents who want to ensure that their children’s toys are neatly tucked away when not in use.
- They’re easily moveable. Unlike your traditional toy box, suitcases are lightweight and portable, making them incredibly convenient when it comes to transporting your children’s belongings.
- You can personalize them. You can give your old suitcase a makeover to make it a more attractive and unique storage option. From painting and decoupage to embellishing with ribbons and fabric, you can customize a suitcase to suit your needs.
These are just a handful of advantages that come with upcycling old suitcases into toy storage. Whether you have a suitcase that needs to be used or you’re in search of something special to store your child’s toys, this may be the perfect solution.
3. Creative Ideas for Upcycling an Old Suitcase
Old suitcases have plenty of possibilities beyond their intended use for travel. With a few creative ideas, you can transform them into something new and useful for your home. If you or someone in your house has an old suitcase lying around, you can easily convert it into a storage for toys.
- Create a Shelf: You can cut a piece of wood to fit over the top of the suitcase and make it into a shelf. It is a perfect spot for books, stuffed animals, or any other items that you can think of.
- Turn It Into a Seat: Attach legs to the suitcase to make it into a seat or even a bench. It is a great way to display your suitcase and add another seating spot. You can even paint it to match your other furniture and décor.
- Use It for Toy Storage: Attach a few hooks to the inside walls of the suitcase and use it to store toys. This way, you can not only hide away mess, but also teach your kids to keep their space organized.
- Make Into a Planter: Drill a few holes in the side of your suitcase and turn it into a succulent planter. You can also make it into a window box for blooms or herbs.
These are just a few ideas for turning an old suitcase into toy storage. With your imagination and a few handy tools, you can surely find many more other ways!
4. Important Considerations for Turning an Old Suitcase into Toy Storage
Every parent knows the struggle of trying to contain all the toys scattered around the house. Repurposing an old suitcase is a great way to alleviate the stress of overflowing toy bins, while adding a decorative element that the whole family can enjoy. Keep reading to learn four of the most important considerations for turning any vintage suitcase into unique storage.
- Measure: Measure the interior of the suitcase and the sizes of the toys that will go into it, so you can be sure the suitcase will be large enough.
- Choosing Materials: Keep in mind the materials of the suitcase when choosing which toys to store. Soft materials like fabric stuffed animals work well, while hard toys like toy cars may not fit as well.
- Organization: Incorporate different organizers within the suitcase, like square storage boxes or small fabric containers with handles, to make the toys easier to sort by type and size.
- Labeling: Labeling the suitcase is especially helpful if you have children that can’t read yet. A great way to label it is by using small foam letter stickers, so you can switch up the names if the contents of the case change.
By taking into account the measurements of the suitcase and the size and shape of the toys you want to store, you can easily transform a vintage suitcase into an interesting piece that also helps contain your children’s toys.
5. 5 Quick Steps to Upcycle an Old Suitcase for Toy Storage
1. Gather Supplies
Start by gathering the supplies needed to upcycle the old suitcase. You’ll need a suitcase, scissors, tape measure, drill or hammer, some nails, and heavy-duty hinges or straps depending on the type of case you’re using. Additionally, you’ll need paint and brushes, sandpaper, and wallpaper if you plan to personalize the suitcase.
2. Clean and Repair
Once you’ve gathered all the supplies, it’s time to clean and repair the suitcase. Start by removing any broken pieces, rust, and dirt with a damp cloth. Pay close attention to the hinges, locks, and closures and make sure these are secure. Next, use a drill or sander to sand away any scratches.
3. Paint and Design
Now it’s time for the fun part—adding colorful paint and designs to the suitcase. Use a few coats of paint to brighten up the suitcase and add a touch of personality. Then, depending on the size of the suitcase, get creative in adding fun graphics or even attaching wallpaper on the outside.
4. Attach Hinges or Straps
Depending on the type of suitcase you are upcycling, you’ll want to attach hinges or straps to the inside of the case. This will make it easier to open and close and provide a secure way to store the toys inside.
5. Fill and Enjoy
The last step is to fill the suitcase with toys and enjoy your newly upcycled storage unit. Look for ways to make the suitcase even more playful by adding felt or fabric pockets and using creative labels so kids can easily choose which toys to play with. If you’re looking to get creative with your toy storage solutions, upcycling an old suitcase is an easy and fun way to do it. It adds character to your child’s room, and is also eco-friendly. So get searching for that old suitcase and get imaginative, and you’ll end up with a genuinely unique piece of furniture in no time!