Toolboxes are the unexpected organizers every home needs

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Of all the storage organizers I own, a toolbox is the last thing I thought I would own so many of. Over the past few years, I’ve seen countless videos of people transforming the DIY essential into sleek and functional storage beyond its intended use for items like tools, drill bits, screws, and the like. Since they’re built to house heavy-duty materials, they offer more durable storage than plastic storage options. Plus, they offer a surprisingly stylish and industrial look to a space, almost doubling as a piece of decor.

There are many genius ways to turn a toolbox into a home organizer, and transforming a toolbox into a jewelry box is one of the most popular options I’ve seen. All you have to do is add jewelry tray inserts to the toolbox, and you have a brand new jewelry box. Some people even glue mirrors underneath the toolbox top to get the full jewelry box effect. Another option, that is more straightforward, is to use them as desktop organizers for office supplies, such as pens, pencils, highlighters, and paper clips. Other genius toolbox storage hacks involve using them to organize journaling supplies, crafting materials, makeup, skincare, or first aid kit items. Personally, I’ve used them as a jewelry box and crafts/journaling supplies caddy.

Whether you want to use a toolbox for, well, tools, or you want to get creative and turn it into a unique storage organizer, there are so many options to choose from.

Mini toolbox with drawers

Mini toolboxes with drawers are one of the most popular options I’ve seen. When I went to pick one up at a hardware store, the sales associate raved about them, saying they make great gifts as well as storage. Out of all the options, I think these are the most versatile. Some are small enough to fit on a desk or vanity, easily acting as an organizational hub for office supplies or makeup. They’re also portable and lightweight, so they’re easy to move around. 

They’re also the type of toolboxes I see people turn into jewelry boxes the most. I have a two-drawer mini toolbox that I used to use on my desk for pens, charging cables, and camera supplies, but now I use it as a jewelry box. However, I didn’t add the extra tray inserts, as I’ve been keeping my small jewelry collection in small boxes. 

Mini 2-Drawer Steel Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonWorkpro Metal Mini Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonCheck price at WalmartHyper Tough Mini 2-Drawer Toolbox

Courtesy of Walmart

Check price at WalmartCostway Toolbox

Courtesy of Walmart

Check price at WalmartMulti-tier toolboxes

Multi-tier toolboxes with handles are typically larger than mini toolboxes, but are designed to be portable, too. They’re the type of box you can grab and go to take your supplies to any part of your house or even the backyard. The multiple tiers maximize storage and, when folded out, give you a full view of what’s inside without having to dig around. Some even come with dividers in the tiers, adding even more compartments to get you better organized. 

Multi-tier toolboxes are very popular for journalers and crafters. (I have two to organize all of my journaling and crafting supplies!) They might not be the best fit for use on a desk, but they can still be used to organize office supplies and can also be used to store makeup, nail polish, first aid materials, and more. However, they look great on a shelf, especially in eye-catching colors.

Vevor 3-Tier Metal Toolbox

Courtesy of Target

Check price at TargetToyo Steel 2-Tier Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonGototop 3-Tier Stainless Steel Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonSingle-compartment toolboxes

Single-compartment toolboxes might come with a small, removable tray on top, but other than that, the organization is limited to a single compartment. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. For DIYers, they’re ideal for keeping sets of items together, such as hardware, tools, or items for a particular project in mind.

When you’re using single-compartment toolboxes for additional storage, you can take note from the DIYers and use them to ensure kits stay together with all the pieces. Maybe it’s a manicure and pedicure set, washi tape, sewing supplies, or pottery tools. These toolboxes also make great jewelry boxes, specifically for smaller collections or watches. Whatever you use them for, single-compartment toolboxes offer a sleek, simple, and streamlined storage solution.

Workpro Portable Mini Metal Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonToyo Steel Mountain Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonNemtmcua Metal Toolbox

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonMini cabinet-style toolbox

You know the tall metal cabinets that are perfect for garage storage? A cabinet-style toolbox is similar, but on a much smaller scale. With a two-door design, these toolboxes open like a tiny cabinet, but you can easily place them on a shelf or on your desk. They might not be as portable as options with handles, but they’re a stellar pick for anyone looking to utilize small shelving and get the same look and feel of a full-size metal cabinet on a much smaller scale.

With a mini cabinet, you can use the shelving to your advantage, like you would with a regular storage cabinet. This makes them great for smaller items like perfume, skincare, or even vitamins.

Hyper Tough Mini Toolbox and Cabinet

Courtesy of Walmart

Check price at WalmartWhich toolbox should you get?

Your ideal toolbox for storage and organization depends on your use and how portable you need it to be. Mini toolboxes with drawers provide small and easily accessible storage that you can use on a desk, vanity, or shelf. They’re compact enough to move around, but don’t have a handle for easy portability. Cabinet-style toolboxes can be paired with mini toolboxes with drawers or used on their own, offering shelves instead of drawers, tiers, or a single large compartment. Multi-tier toolboxes are larger, have a handle that makes it easy to move around, and have a tiered design that gives you a full view of what’s inside when opened. Single-compartment toolboxes usually have handles, too, but offer versatile storage in one spacious area. 

Using a toolbox as additional storage beyond DIY projects is a clever and useful hack that can ultimately save you money in the long run by ensuring your valuables don’t get lost, and you don’t have to drop hundreds on an actual piece of storage furniture. Toolboxes are significantly more durable than plastic organizers, since they’re typically made of metal. They’re also visually appealing, with an industrial look and availability in fun colors. Whichever you choose, these versatile and heavy-duty organizers can keep your belongings safe in style.

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