Trade In The Flimsy Baskets: The Durable Vintage Find That Creates Instant Storage

It is worth noting that thrift stores don’t always carry the boxes, but surplus and army-navy stores almost always have a stash of these on the shelves. These are not one-size-fits-all, which is something that can actually make decorating with them quite versatile, depending on the shape and size you happen to find. Some older box models may be wider and flatter, almost looking like a briefcase with retaining clips for closure and a manufacturer’s stamp pressed right into the steel.

These may be a good fit for housing everything from magazine collections and scrapbooks to electronic charging cables and important paperwork. Many that you will come across will be roughly the size of a post office box slot, with a hinged lid that swings upward — a good fit for items like remote controls, coasters, craft supplies, or small keepsakes you want kept flat and protected from dust, moisture, or debris. They will even make a cool desk or countertop storage container, adding just the right amount of industrial edge to the space.