A weekend and a few basic materials are enough to build storage bins that fit your space exactly, rather than settling for a close-enough size from a store.
Fabric-covered cardboard boxes
Sturdy cardboard boxes covered in leftover fabric, secured with fabric glue, make attractive, custom-sized bins for shelves or closets at almost no cost.
Wooden crates from scrap lumber
Simple wooden crates, even built from basic scrap lumber, offer a sturdier and more rustic storage option than most store-bought plastic bins.
Repurposed fabric bags
Old pillowcases or fabric remnants sewn into simple drawstring bags work well for storing off-season clothing or linens in a closet.
Painted tin cans for small items
A few painted tin cans, grouped together, make an easy no-sew organizer for desk supplies, craft tools, or kitchen utensils.
Cut-down cereal boxes as file organizers
Cereal boxes cut at an angle and covered in paper or fabric create sturdy magazine-file-style organizers for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.
DIY bins take a bit more time upfront than buying something off a shelf, but they can be sized exactly to your space and cost far less than most storage products.