DIY Galvanized Tote Organizer

I've been on an organizing frenzy in my office lately and while ready to purge anything I didn't need anymore, I ended up using a few of the pieces to create a great organizer!

I'm just about finished home school teaching and so was ready to clean out my office. 

As you read, please visit the bold blue links for more information and for the products I used for this project. 

I started out by trying to organize this room as it went from good to bad and back to good again.

I have one closet totally packed with Pre-K teaching supplies, 

and the rest of the room has closets filled with crafts. 

As I was trying to decide what I needed and didn't need anymore I ran across 2 metal desktop file bins that weren't being used. 

I originally bought these from Marshalls but you can find similar on Amazon. 

I was going to add these bins to my ever growing donation pile but as I carried them to the basement I had an idea! 

I held the 2 bins back to back in my arms and realized even before I reached the basement that together they would make a great tote! 

And so it began...

I cut a board the approximate height and width of the organizers then added about a 1/2" more to the top measurement. 

I screwed the bins to the wood on either side. 

On the top I wanted to add a handle for carrying so I searched my hardware stash for just the right piece. 

In order for this handle to stick into the wood I needed to be creative. 

I used a screw without a head that fit into the holes in the back of the handle. 

I cut the screw in half with bolt cutters and Crazy glued one into each of the handle holes. 

Next, I drilled two holes into the top of my board and filled them with Crazy Glue. 

I pounded the handle in to the holes and let the Crazy Glue dry. 

This handle wasn't going anywhere now! 

Finally, I stained the part of the board that showed and added a decorative distressed hook to the side. 

I'm really not sure what the hook will hold, maybe rubber bands or a cord wrap, but it was cute! 

On the handle I tied a burlap and lace bow and when I figure out what I'm going to use this for, I plan on sticking a label in the label holder. 

This organizer is way more useful as a tote and can be carried around with all the items you need to read or work outdoors. 

In the past I made a portable home office from a thrift store magazine rack. 

Please pin --->> 

This tote would also make a great gift! 

How great would this be filled with tools? 

Or let's be real... crafts! 

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Read More: Galvanized Trash to Treasures