32 Clever Ways to Use Photo Storage Boxes (That Have Nothing to Do With Photos)

Have you ever found a product that was designed for one thing but ended up being perfect for something completely different?

That's exactly how I feel about 4×6 photo storage boxes. I honestly don't think I've ever stored a single photo in one. Instead, I've filled them with everything from office supplies and craft materials to cords, hardware, games, and first aid supplies.

The best part is they're inexpensive, usually a little over a dollar each when you buy them in a multipack. They stack neatly, latch securely, and create a uniform system for all those little odds and ends that never seem to have a proper home. If you're tired of tiny items floating around drawers and bins, these little boxes might become one of your favorite organizing tools too.

Choosing the Right Photo Boxes

There are two brands I use most often: NovaLinks and Iris. They're nearly identical, with the biggest difference being where the latch is located. The NovaLinks boxes have the latch at the top, while the Iris boxes have it at the bottom.

Since the NovaLinks version is usually a little less expensive, that's typically the one I buy. Whichever brand you choose, I'd recommend sticking with the same one so all of your boxes match and stack together nicely.

You'll also find these boxes in both clear and colorful versions. The rainbow sets are fun and definitely have their place, especially if you like color coding, but I personally stick with clear boxes because I like the clean, uniform look.

Most of mine are the standard 4×6 size, although I also keep a few 5×7 boxes around for items that are just a little too large. The larger size has two latches instead of one and works well for bulkier supplies.

One feature I especially love is how securely these boxes close. Once they're latched, you can toss them into a tote bag or move them from room to room without worrying about everything spilling out.

My Favorite Ways to Store Them

The boxes themselves are great, but storing them well makes them even more functional.

One of my favorite options is placing them inside a canvas storage bin. They fit almost perfectly, making it easy to line several boxes up together. Add a label to the front of the bin, and you can pull out exactly what you need without digging through a pile of containers. If you also use bead storage boxes, those fit alongside these beautifully, creating one cohesive storage system.

Lately, I've also been storing them upright in an open-top bin from Target. I especially love this setup for our family's card games because every box is visible and easy to grab. We keep the bin right on a living room shelf, making it simple to pull out a game whenever we want one.

Of course, they also fit perfectly inside my favorite multi-purpose storage bins. Since I already use those bins throughout closets and shelving around my house, the photo boxes blend right in while keeping all those tiny items organized and contained.

Don't Skip the Labels

No matter how you store these boxes, make sure you label them.

Lately, my favorite labeling method has been what I call “lazy labeling.” I simply tear off a piece of freezer tape or masking tape and write directly on it with a Sharpie. It's quick, inexpensive, and incredibly easy to change later if the contents of the box change.

A traditional label maker works just as well, and if you enjoy using a Cricut or Silhouette machine, you can certainly make more decorative labels. Just remember to think about how you'll be storing the boxes. If they'll be stored vertically, place the label where it will be easy to read. If they'll sit flat, you'll want the label in a different spot.

32 Things You Can Store in Photo Boxes

One of the reasons I love these containers so much is their versatility. Once you start using them, you'll probably find even more ideas than the ones below.

1. Greeting cards, organized by occasion
2. Blank index cards
3. Flash cards
4. Receipts
5. Coupons
6. Pens or markers
7. Paper clips
8. Binder clips
9. Sticky notes
10. Zebra Mildliner highlighters
11. Sticky tack
12. A small labeling kit with freezer tape and a marker
13. Washi tape
14. Stickers
15. Temporary tattoos
16. Buttons
17. Ribbon rolls
18. Ribbon scraps
19. Crayons
20. Gift cards
21. Charging cords
22. Small charging bricks
23. SD cards
24. Flash drives
25. Wrapped candy
26. Cough drops
27. Card games
28. Bandages or a mini first aid kit
29. Sample-size beauty products
30. Glass cleaning wipes
31. Recipe cards
32. Command Strip backing pieces
33. Postage stamps
34. Small screws and nails
35. Spare furniture hardware and Allen wrenches
36. Ornament hooks
37. Gift tags
38. Kids' puzzles

One of my favorite ideas is using a separate box for children's puzzles. Simply place all the puzzle pieces inside the box, then attach a photo of the completed puzzle to the outside. Everything stays together, the pieces don't get lost, and kids can easily see what's inside.

Another great idea is creating one crayon box for each child. Instead of everyone digging through one giant container, each child gets their own set that's easy to grab and put away.

Why These Boxes Work So Well

There are plenty of storage containers on the market, but these hit a sweet spot that many others don't. They're affordable, durable, easy to stack, and just the right size for all those miscellaneous little items that tend to create clutter around the house.

Instead of opening a junk drawer full of loose paper clips, cords, batteries, and hardware, everything has its own clearly labeled container. When every small item has a designated home, it's much easier to find what you need and just as easy to put it away again.

Sometimes the simplest organizing products end up being the most useful. These little photo boxes are a perfect example. They may have been designed to hold photographs, but once you start using them throughout your home, you may never store a photo in one either.

DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links (which just means if you click the links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you). I only ever share products and things that I know, love, and would recommend to my best friend. Thank you for your support!