I discovered recently that shoe racks are kind of expensive. So I decided to see if I could make my own. Turns out I could. And now, you can too!

You will need:

cardboard boxes

packing tape

cutting tool

straight edge / ruler

Cat, for help (i.e. distraction) and moral support

Step 1: Select Your Boxes

First, start with a big pile of boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

*For the base, try to select a large, sturdy box, and preferably have 2 of them, or a second box of same dimensions.

You can pilfer boxes from your work or local green grocer, or maybe a recycling dumpster, or maybe from getting too many packages delivered to your home.

Step 2: Try Different Configurations

Stack the boxes in different ways, finding a configuration that works for you that you find visually stimulating.

It is important that you have a cat to help you.

Once you find a design you like, just tape the top boxes together to hold them in the desired shape. Do not attach to the base until after you've prepared it to bear weight.

Step 3: Prepare Your Base Box

This is where the second base box is necessary. Use it to reinforce the actual base box to create a firm foundation.

First, measure and then cut the top of the actual base box so it will be flush with the upper boxes but leave the bottom its original length, and cut the sides diagonally to meet. Take this entire piece you have cut off and turn it around and shove it back down inside the base box.

Second, take your extra base box and cut 2 good sized corners off. If a cat is helping you, make sure cat is not inside box when you cut it. Then, take these corner pieces and shove them inside the corners of the actual base box - this reinforces the base and makes it strong enough to support the upper boxes once the shoes/dirt/smells are piled up.

Cut one additional corner, but make this one smaller. Place this one in the center of the front opening of the base box, so it doesn't collapse forward.

Step 4: Tape Top Box Configuration to Base

Step 5: Fill With Shoes and Enjoy!

*note that in these images I did not have the additional corner piece that reinforces the center front of the base opening. I learned very quickly by necessity that this piece is quite important!