Learn how to recreate this diy backpack storage idea to keep your kids backpacks and shoes tidy and organized!
Hi friends,
This back to school season I really wanted to focus on organization and getting better system in place!
Last school year, one thing that kept annoying me was our lack of space for backpacks. We would hang them on the back of the barstool chairs or on the floor by the shoe bin.
The shoe bin was another annoyance! We shoved all 3 kids shoes into one basket and it was always a mess trying to find everyone a matching pair.
Since we don’t have a mudroom or anything, I finally decided that I wanted to create a diy backpack storage area! Heres exactly how I did it!
How to Create a DIY Backpack Storage Area
This backpack station is everything I wanted!
It has room for backpacks, shoes, a light jacket or umbrella, even a cork board for important school papers and reminders.
I looked through tons of backpack station and storage ideas.. So many in fact, I turned it into an entire post full of different ideas! I finally found the perfect idea and decided to recreate it myself but still make it my own.
Here’s what I did..
1. Get a cube organizer
First, you’ll need a cube organizer!
I got a 9-cube organizer since I need three sections for three kids. You may need a smaller or larger one depending on how many kids you have. For example, if you only have two kids, grab the 6-cube organizer, etc.
Now, I bought my cube organizer at Target from their new Brightroom brand that I believe replaced their Threshold brand. I was a bit nervous reading the reviews.. they said it wasn’t sturdy but I was on a budget so I bought it anyway.
The cube organizer isn’t 100% unshakable but it’s still pretty dang sturdy in my opinion. If you have a little extra to spend and want it to potentially last longer, the BH&G cube organizer has really good reviews specifically about how sturdy it is.
2. Half build the organizer
As you probably already can tell, all this backpack storage is, is a half-way built cube organizer!
If you’re building a new one, it’s super easy! Just follow the instructions minus adding in the top 3 shelves.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking to repurpose a cube organizer you already use, you’ll need to take it apart! You’ll need to basically rebuild the entire thing in order to remove the three shelves.
3. Add bins for shoes
This is probably my favorite part!
After having shoes all mixed up in a single bin for so long, this is such a needed and nice change!
Each kiddo gets their own cubby for their shoes. We took this time to purge out any old, worn or outgrown shoes too. Now, as we go thorough the year, they’ll only be able to keep as many shoes that will fit in their bin.
Such a great way to keep things semi minimalist!
Note: Make sure you’re checking and paying attention to bin sizes! Depending on what cube organizer you buy, you may need a smaller or larger bin. The standard bins are 13×13.. the smaller ones 11×10.5!
4. Screw in wall hooks
Wall Mounted Coat Hooks – White
Technically, you could use the shelf its self as a stand for the backpacks but I wanted to make sure there were hooks for them.
Knowing my kids, if they didn’t have hooks, backpacks would be sloppily thrown in their cubby and more than likely fall out all of the time.
Command hooks obviously aren’t strong enough to hold full, heavy backpacks so using real ones that screw into the wall is a must! I’d even use dry wall anchors just in case to keep them extra sturdy.
5. Add command hooks
I decided to add a command strip hook in each cubby.
This hook will be used for hanging umbrellas, light jackets or hats! Since these items won’t weigh much, I went with “heavy duty” command strip hooks that can hold up to 3lbs.
Another idea I might add later is using one of these hooks on the outside too. I think it would be awesome to hang clipboards with their afternoon routine checklist on the side!
6. Hang up a cork board
I thought about what I wanted to put above the backpack storage for a while and landed on a bulletin board!
We have a large, acrylic family calendar on the wall by our other door so we didn’t need a second one. Plus, that calendar is vertical so it would have looked a bit awkward anyway.
This is a 17×24 cork bulletin board and it fits perfectly!
I bought it because it was super cheap but unfortunately so is the quality. It’s pretty thin, pins even go through the back! It’s not a huge deal and still works so we’re keeping it for now.
When it inevitably wears out, I’ll be ordering this bulletin board instead since it has way better reviews!
7. Decorate a bit
Lastly, add your own touch!
I had these two items that have been floating so I gave them a good permeant home here. I like that I can add cute messages with the felt board throughout the year – super excited about that!
Also, I plan to decorate the top throughout the year as the seasons change to keep it fun and interesting!
Another great idea would be add some homework essentials for easy access and turn it into a backpack station/homework station combo!
If you need help getting ideas on what a homework station should include, be sure to check out this post for a list of everything you need and how to keep it organized.
Backpack Storage Links
I’ve received a couple questions about certain items so I wanted to quick answer them:
Backpacks
We also have these dinosaur pins on it!
We got this backpack from Target!
Decorations
Felt Letter BoardThe fake planter is a random find from Marshalls!
Backpack Storage on TikTok
@angiebecker_ Back to school organization – Backpack Storage! Finally a space for all of the kids school stuff!
This post was all about how to create a DIY backpack storage station at home!
Other posts you may like:
- 17 Clever Ideas For Backpack Storage At Home To Recreate!
- How To Create a Homework Station For Kids | Step-By-Step Guide!
- How to Set Up The Perfect Small Space Family Command Center!
