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How to Make a Paper Cart

Making your own cart to hold your paper requires just a few simple materials, many of which you can find at thrift stores or garage sales. By using recycled materials for the project, not only will you be environmentally responsible, but you'll save yourself some money, too. Best of all, you'll have the most creative paper cart in your office.

Things You'll Need

  • Used infant changing table
  • Desktop vertical files
  • Paint and brush
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Paper storage baskets
  • 3 canning jars with lids
  • Screw gun and 3 wood screws, 1/2-inch
  • 4 store-bought casters
  • Spray sealant
  • Hot-glue gun
  • Label maker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove the shine or any peeling, loose paint from the changing table. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris, and allow it to dry completely.

    • 2

      Paint the table in your desired color. You may need several coats to achieve optimal coverage.

    • 3

      Allow the paint to dry completely before spraying the entire surface with a clear spray sealant, which will protect the paint from scratching or peeling.

    • 4

      Flip the painted cart onto its top and attach casters to the bottoms of each leg using the screw gun.

    • 5

      Flip the table back upright. After determining where you want to place the desktop vertical filing system, secure the system in place using a hot glue gun. Make appropriate labels for each section, such as "Active," "To Be Filed," and "To Be Sent." Use the open area next to the desktop filer for larger paper items, such as manila envelopes.

    • 6

      Place the paper-storage baskets on the shelf of the table. Use them for holding items such as blank paper, blank envelopes, labels, pens, letter openers and stamps.

    • 7

      Use the canning jars to store small items that you could easily lose, such as paperclips and erasers. The clear glass will let you see at a glance what you have stored in each one. Use a hot-glue gun to attach the lids to the underside of the top shelf, use a hot glue gun to attach them. For added support, screw a 1/2-inch wood screw through the lids. Place your desk items into the jars, and fasten them onto the lids.