Book lover demonstrates how to cleverly use empty shoe boxes to upgrade limited space: “It’s so ingenious”

Most of us know this: We need more space for our ever-growing book collection, but we don’t have the budget or the space for another bookshelf.

Luckily, a TikToker came up with an ingenious solution for book storage using an item we probably all have at home: a shoebox.

The shovel

In her viral video, reading influencer “Veloured Books” (@booksbeloved) shows how to turn a simple shoebox into a sturdy mini bookshelf in seconds.

@booksbeloved DIY bookshelf for limited space and budget 🤍 made from a shoebox! Reduce, reuse, recycle! #diybookshelf #diyhomedecor #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #booktok #blackgirlbooktok #ikeafinds #lifehackstiktok ♬ Original sound – Missy Vicky 💞 – ★.𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲🥂

She starts by opening the lid of the shoebox as far as it will go. Then she turns the box on its side and fills the bottom with books.

For even more storage space, loved books cleverly stacks more books on top of the shoebox, stopping every few seconds to test the stability. The books facing outwards camouflage the shoebox.

“DIY bookshelf for limited space (or) budget,” reads the caption. “Made from a shoebox! Reduce, reuse, recycle!”

How it helps

This hack is space-saving. If you live in an apartment or are simply short on space, you can display your favorite books by repurposing a shoebox as a bookshelf without it taking up any space on the furniture. Plus, it’s basically free, assuming you have an unused shoebox.

Even better, it gives a second life to a shoebox that would otherwise end up in the trash. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over 23% of household waste is made up of cardboard and paper products. While cardboard is recyclable, reusing an existing box is even more environmentally friendly.

Every time you extend the life of an item, even something as simple as a shoebox, you’re helping to reduce the waste that clogs landfills and creates earth-warming methane. It may seem insignificant, but if we all used clever reuse tricks like this, we could significantly reduce the 292.4 million tons of waste the United States produces annually.

You can also recycle unwanted clothes and shoes and repurpose them by sending them to organizations like For Days or GotSneakers, and you may even get cash back or credit for doing so.

what do people say

TikTokers love this innovative bookshelf alternative.

“Best example of successful reuse! Well done!!!!” enthused one commenter.

“This is so awesome, oh my god,” agreed another.

“We love a green queen,” explained a third.

This just shows that creativity and sustainability often go hand in hand.

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