How to Use Cardboard to Make a Mail Organizer

Preparation

• 1

  Decide how many compartments you will need your mail organizer to have and how large they need to be. Decide by creating categories to meet your needs such as bills, correspondence, work, education, family, miscellaneous and outgoing. An even number of slots is easier to create.

• 2

  Choose two boxes. The first box will be used as the base of the mail organizer. It should be large enough to accommodate the number of compartments you have decided upon. The second box should be large enough to be cut into pieces to create compartments in the organizer.

• 3

  Choose a decor for your mail organizer. Paint, cloth and wallpaper can be used to cover the box. Each medium creates a different look and feel. Customize your exterior to match your preferences.

Instructions

• 4

  Tape the seams of the box to be used for the base. Be sure to reinforce the seams two to three times to ensure stability.

• 5

  Draw a line around the front and two sides of the box, 2 inches from the top. Use your box cutter to cut along this line. Leave the back uncut.

• 6

  Draw a line on the back side 2 inches from the top. Cut along this line, but only 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the thickness of the box. This will allow the lid to open and close freely. Reinforce the inside seam of the hinge with tape.

• 7

  Measure the inside dimensions of your organizer. Cut horizontal dividers that match the length and depth of your organizer. Cut vertical dividers that match the depth and height of your organizer. For example: If your organizer is going to have six compartments, make one horizontal divider and two vertical dividers.

• 8

  Decorate your mail organizer by painting, wallpapering or gluing cloth onto the exterior of the organizer and the dividers. The inside of the organizer can be decorated with the same medium, or you can alternate.

• 9

  Measure and mark compartments on each divider to match the height and length you want them to be. For example: If you want your compartments to be 6 inches high by 6 inches long, mark the vertical dividers in 6-inch intervals and horizontal dividers in 6-inch intervals.

• 10

  Cut halfway through the divider at each marked point to create grooves. Interlock the grooves of the horizontal and vertical dividers to create a grid. Hot glue the interlocking grooves to increase stability.

• 11

  Glue the grid into the base of the mail organizer. Place hot glue along the backside edges of the grid. While the glue is still hot, firmly press the grid into the base.