Most people think of cardboard tubes as just a packaging option, but they’re also great for storage. They’re strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly, which makes them perfect for organising everyday things around the house and important documents in the office.
As they come in a wide variety of sizes and are fully customisable, they can be used for everything from small tools and craft supplies to important documents and delicate artwork.
In this blog, we will explore 7 clever cardboard tube storage ideas that are practical, sustainable, and simple. Whether you want to tidy up your cables, protect important documents, or are looking for creative DIY hacks, these ideas will help you make the most out of a simple tube.
Why Choose Cardboard Tubes for Storage?
Cardboard tubes are a great storage option thanks to their combination of practicality and sustainability. Instead of using plastic or bulky cardboard boxes, tubes will provide you with a lightweight, reliable, and eco-friendly way to organise almost anything.
Here’s what makes them a great choice:
- Strong but lightweight – easy to handle while still protecting what’s inside.
- Versatile sizes – available in different diameters and lengths to suit small or large items.
- Customisable – simple to cut, label, or decorate so they fit your space perfectly.
- Eco-conscious – fully recyclable and often made from sustainable materials.
- Cost-effective – affordable compared to many other storage solutions.
7 Storage Ideas Using Cardboard Tubes
Idea 1: Keep Cables and Chargers Tangle-Free
Cardboard tubes are perfect for organising messy drawers filled with tangled cables. Place each lead into its own tube, and you will never have to waste time untangling cables again.
- Store phone chargers, USB cables, or headphones individually
- Label each tube so you know exactly what is being stored in each one
- Glue small tubes into a shoebox if you want to make a simple and affordable cable organiser
Idea 2: Organise Craft Supplies
For crafters, cardboard tubes make organising much simpler and creative. They help to keep materials organised while doubling up as part of the fun when you get to decorate them.
- Perfect for holding ribbons, yarn, brushes, knitting needles, or beads
- Decorate tubes with coloured paper or tape to match your craft room
- Label each tube by project or material to make grabbing supplies quicker
Idea 3: Tidy Up Your Desk and Stationery
Turn your everyday desk clutter into order with a DIY desk organiser made from cardboard tubes. They’re affordable, sustainable, and fully customisable.
- Use tubes to hold your pens, pencils, scissors, or paperclips
- Cut tubes to different heights and glue them together for a neat design
- Perfect for kids’ desks, home offices, or classrooms
Idea 4: Protect Wrapping Paper and Ribbons
You can keep your gift wrapping looking brand new by storing it properly in cardboard tubes. There’ll be no more torn or wasted paper when you need it most.
- Slide wrapping paper rolls into long tubes to keep them intact
- Wind ribbons or string neatly inside smaller tubes
- Store tubes upright in a corner for easy access
Idea 5: Safe Storage for Small Tools
or Hardware
Small items like screws and nails can get lost very easily. Storing them in small cardboard tubes will make keeping track of them much more manageable.
- Use sturdy tubes to store screws, bolts, or nails
- Label tubes clearly by size or type
- Stack them in drawers or shelves to clean up your workshop
Idea 6: Store Important Documents
or Artwork
Large sheets of paper can be easily damaged if not stored properly; tubes will help keep them safe and professional-looking.
- Store posters, technical drawings, certificates, or artwork
- Prevent any creases, dust, or moisture damage
- Choose heavy-duty tubes for delicate or fragile items
Idea 7: Eco-Friendly Bathroom and Kitchen Hacks
Cardboard tubes are often used for storage in offices, but they also work well in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Use them to store makeup brushes, cotton pads, or hair accessories
- Store your kitchen utensils, straws, or plastic bags in them
- Cut them and decorate them to match your home décor
Customising Your
Storage Tubes
Cardboard tubes can be extremely versatile, and most importantly, they don’t have to look basic. With a few customisations, they can double as décor as well as storage:
- Fabric wraps – cover tubes in fabric offcuts for a softer, homely look.
- Metallic finishes – spray paint in gold, silver, or copper to add a modern edge.
- Chalkboard labels – write directly on the surface so you can relabel whenever needed.
- Modular organisers – glue or bind tubes together to create stackable storage units.
- Sliding shelf inserts – design groups of tubes that fit neatly into existing shelving.
Smarter Storage,
Made Simple
From messy cables to important documents, cardboard tubes prove that storage doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. They’re strong, adaptable, sustainable, and most importantly, they help to keep everything organised without the extra bulk or waste.
They’re not just containers; they’re a flexible storage solution that can be tailored to your space, your style, and your needs.
Got a project or storage setup in mind?
Get in touch to see how we can help you find the right cardboard tubes for the job.