Everyday objects often hide new lives within them. These humble jugs, once carriers of water or milk, now sit snugly in a red frame, transformed into drawers.

Their caps serve as colorful handles, and their labels whisper the names of tools, parts, and treasures stored inside.

It’s a dresser that feels almost like folk art, creative, practical, and deeply human.

With each pull, you’re reminded that order doesn’t always come from buying new; sometimes it comes from seeing old things with fresh eyes.

Materials Needed

• 20-25 empty plastic jugs (gallon or 5-liter size, cleaned and dried)
• Wooden or metal shelving frame (custom fit to jug dimensions)
• Hand saw or utility knife
• Sandpaper
• Permanent markers or adhesive labels
• Optional: paint

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Collect and clean your jugs thoroughly, removing labels and rinsing them out to prevent odors.

Step 2: Cut the top or side of each jug to create an open compartment, leaving the cap on to act as a pull handle.

You now sand the cut edges so they’re smooth and safe to touch.

Step 3: Build or repurpose a frame that can hold your jugs snugly side by side. Measure carefully so they don’t tip or wobble when pulled out.

Step 4: Slide the jugs into the compartments. The natural flat sides of the jugs will help them sit neatly against each other.

Step 5: Label each jug with its contents such as screws, cords, tape, or any small items you need easy access to.

Step 6: Give the frame a coat of paint if you want to brighten it up or match it to your workshop décor.

Tips:

I’ve seen this design used in garden sheds as seed organizers, and it works beautifully.

The different colored caps make it easy to group items such as red for tools, blue for hardware, green for garden supplies.

It’s proof that even the most ordinary materials can become extraordinary storage.