Back to school season has officially begun for children and youngsters of all ages in many parts of the world. Educational opportunities aside, this can create a lot of unexpected clutter in the house that needs to be managed, and stray school bags are definitely the number one culprits. In this article, we will discuss a few backpack storage ideas to help you keep things neat and tidy.
1. Stackable File Boxes
Building your very own storage unit out of stackable file boxes is the easiest way to make use of the little space in your apartment while creating the ideal setting for backpacks. One such container goes for around 15 dollars a pop, but you won’t need to add much else to it. Simply purchase as many as you need, then stow away.
Nevertheless, if you live with friends, family, or a significant other, it’s always handy to label every person’s items accordingly. A hassle-free and cute way to do this is by hitting the local school supplies shop and buying a few packs of notebook nametags. For the thrifty version, you can also print your own on sticky paper with the help of fun online templates.
This DIY storage unit effortlessly fits in any corner of the house. What is more, it is also ideal for back to school season, as stackable file boxes, as their name implies, are mainly used for depositing paperwork. In this way, both adults and children will be able to keep assignments organized and in check at all times. Don’t be afraid to shoot for straight A’s with this nifty project.
2. Reclaimed Wood Hanger
Next on our list of crafty backpack storage ideas, we have the reclaimed wood hanger. It is a great way to teach sustainability at home, as it ingeniously employs scrap materials to create a beautiful and convenient end product. If executed correctly, it will not only save you some room in the apartment but also decorate the hallways in a rather unique manner.
All you need for this DIY project is an adequately sized piece of reclaimed wood left behind from past renovations and a few plastic, metal, or ceramic knobs. To keep in tune with the eco-friendly theme, we recommend the latter. Using a drill, make holes for the knobs, then screw the wooden board into the wall. Insert the knobs, and you’re done.
For an extra oomph, whip out the paints and decorate the panel. You can do this in any way you like. Use stencils to draw on flowers, butterflies, stars, or any other pattern that appeals to you. If you feel confident in your talent, do it freehand. Or, you can write out a motivational slogan that will energize you for a new day at school or work. It’s all up to you.
3. Backpack Nook
Is the hallway of your apartment more like a little nook where no furniture wants to fit? The backpack nook is the ideal solution to this. All you need are a few hooks that you can stick in the wall, and your entire family will now have an accessible place to deposit their bags for the day. You get bonus points for marking each person’s hook with their initial.
This fun and simple project can also be pursued if you live alone. Put in one hook for each type of bag you like to accessorize with. In this way, you will organize your backpacks, tote bags, bum bags, and more formal bags in a clean and resourceful way. Thus, when you’re in a hurry to get out the door, you will know exactly what to pick out.
4. The Landing Zone
If you’re familiar with military terms, then you already know what is traditionally understood through the term ‘landing zone’. The phrase refers to the area where aircrafts land, but in this case, we are alluding to something entirely different. Our project refers to a DIY storage unit where everyone’s bags and backpacks can settle at the end of a busy day.
When you live in a small apartment with your family or roommates, the hallways get plenty of traffic. Why not create a landing zone for backpacks in that crucial point of the house? You will need to purchase cubby shelves and wood crates for this. Depending on how many drawers you want to create, amounts may vary.
Paint and decorate the components however you see fit, then place the crates inside of the cubbies. In this way, you will have your own ornate boxes for backpack storage, as well as a handy surface on top where you can place books, folders, and other personal belongings.
5. Family Command Center
The family command center is hands down the most complex project on our list of backpack storage ideas, as it handles more than just school bags. Still, as these tend to cause quite the clutter, it’s important to organize them first and foremost. The easiest way to achieve this is by mounting a cubby shelf at counter height and attaching hooks on the bottom.
Backpacks hang from them without difficulties, while the baskets inside the cubby unit are the perfect storage space for smaller handbags, totes, and reusable grocery bags. The counter is ideal for personal belongings, and you will have a lot of space leftover on the walls to screw in a few boards. In this way, you will also keep track of mail, bills, and other daily duties.
The Bottom Line
Being clever about backpack storage is a great way to create some additional room in any small apartment, especially now that school has officially begun. Any of the five ideas mentioned above can come in handy for both children and adults, so why not give them a try today? Your home will appear much neater as a result, and you won’t have to worry about tidying it up as much.