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Saturday, July 26, 2008

Map Storage--Really Cheap! Holds 8 maps




I bought 4 of the 8 maps to start out our homeschool with and just didn't want to spend the $90 on a map holder. So I had the idea to use the metal cube organizers from target, like these ones: http://www.target.com/Whitmor-Set-Storage-Cubes-Black/dp/B000LRBSFI/ref=sc_ri_1/602-3618519-8739042

In store they were only $12 and there was 6 cubes in the box (they have many different kinds and I got the cheapest). Instead of using the wierd connectors they came with, I used cable ties that are by the auto department in walmart. You get a bag of 50 ties for $1.23 I used about 4 bags, but that many isn't necessary. I made it 2 cubes wide and one cube tall. I found out the hard way that it's easiest to do the bottom, then one side then the back and then the other side. Then put all the shelves together (connect 2 cubes together) and then connect them to the rest and then put the top on last. The more cable ties you put on the more weight and the sturdier the shelves are. It works great and it looks good. Every horizontal line on the cube I made into a shelf. I had enough cubes so that there is a spot for 8 maps and I am just one cube short to make another shelf (there's room for just one more shelf) to hold cards or anything you want. Total cost for my map holder was just under $20. I bought another box of cubes and did the same thing that was just once cube by one cube to use for my 2 year old's wooden knob puzzles too. Finally they're more organized!

9 comments:

Joyful Learner said...

You have so many wonderful ideas here! Thanks for sharing! Where did you buy the map puzzles though?

Julie said...

I bought the map puzzles at Montessori-n-such. Each puzzle came with 2 color maps. So I laminated both of the maps and taped one on foam board to use as pin maps and the other one I will be labeling with permanent marker to use a control.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is a clever idea, I have the same cubes for my laundry room and now, I can use them for our montessori room too! Thank you!!!

Momma Curls said...

BRILLIANT!! I was wondering how to store my maps, but can't afford the expensive storage racks. Love your ideas.

Melinda Loustalot said...

Wow! Times change, I guess. . these storage cubes are now $32.99 online. . Guess I'll drive on down to my Target and see if they've got a kindler, gentler price on the shelf.

Melinda Loustalot said...

Wow! Times change, I guess. . these storage cubes are now $32.99 online. . Guess I'll drive on down to my Target and see if they've got a kindler, gentler price on the shelf.

Unknown said...

What a cute idea on storing your puzzles. Thanks for sharing. Very clever!

Alison's Montessori said...

To inaugurate our new blog, we have decided to host our own giveaway. Our first prize will be this land and water form cabinet. It's a beautiful cabinet, which will be useful in any classroom. Montessori Land and Water Form Cabinet
check it out here!
http://alisonsmontessori.blogspot.com/

AlisonsMontessori Team

Randi Parkhurst said...

Fabulous! It has been an exhausting search for affordable shelving for paper. Thanks to you, my search is over! Thank you, thank you thank you!