How To Make a DIY Crate Organizer Using Dollar Store Supplies

Looking for a budget-friendly way to tidy up your desk?


This crate organizer is easy to make using affordable materials from Dollar Tree.


With just a few wooden crate bins, cork bulletin boards, and some glue, you can create a desk organizer with built-in storage.


Follow these simple steps to build your own!

This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Tools and Materials:

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Laying out wooden crate bins to design a DIY desk organizer

1. Arrange and Glue the Crates

Lay out your wooden crate bins to decide on your design.

Stacking and gluing Dollar Tree wooden crates

Start by hot gluing two bins together to create a pair.

Creating a budget-friendly crate organizer using simple materials

Next, glue and stack three bins to form the main structure.

Gluing together wooden crates to form the main organizer structure

Then, create another stacked section of crates to match the opposite side.

Using hot glue to secure stacked wooden bins for stability

2. Attach the Top Crates

Take the first pair of glued crates and insert them between the stacked crates, positioning them near the top.

Building a multi-layered crate organizer for desk supplies

Secure them with hot glue. This will create compartments for extra storage.

Gluing cork panels to reinforce the crate organizer’s frame

3. Add the Cork Bulletin Boards

Remove the handles from the cork bulletin boards so they fit flush against the crates.

Attaching cork boards to the sides to complete the structure

Turn the crate organizer onto its side and apply hot glue along the edge.

Organizing craft supplies and accessories

Place one cork board on top and press firmly to adhere. Flip it over and repeat on the other side.

Sliding smaller wooden bins into the larger crates for built-in drawers

4. Create Drawers with Small Crates

Use smaller wooden crate bins to make sliding drawers.

Create easy-pull drawer handles

Attach small block pieces to the center of each for easy pulling.


Then, slide them into the larger crates to create functional storage compartments.

A budget-friendly desk organizer made with Dollar Tree finds

5. Fill and Enjoy Your Organizer

Now that your desk organizer is complete, it's time to put it to use!


Store office supplies, craft materials, or small accessories inside the compartments and drawers.

The finished DIY crate organizer, perfect for home office storage!

DIY Crate Organizer Tutorial

And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you’ve made a stylish and functional crate organizer using budget-friendly supplies.


This is a great way to keep your desk tidy without spending a lot of money.

Declutter your workspace

Need More Wooden Desk Storage?

Check out this DIY Wood Desk Organizer and Mail Sorter for a stylish way to keep your workspace clutter-free!


Have you tried making your own desk organizer before? Let us know in the comments!

Cass Harris
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Gig69451122 Gig69451122 on Feb 26, 2025

    👏 Very clever 👍 That seems it could be constructed various ways. Two draws even. 🤷‍♀️

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