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How to Turn a Tote Bag into a File Tote

January 16, 2009
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Portable file totes are a great way to store papers, but they’re generally very utilitarian. However, if you want a more attractive and inexpensive alternative, you might want to convert a straw handbag or basket into a personal file cabinet. The whole process took me about ten minutes and cost–no kidding–$2.50.

 What you’ll need:

  • A straw tote or basket that will accommodate letter or legal-sized manila file folders (I found the perfect straw tote at Target for $2.50.)
  • Some heavy cardboard
  • A scissors
  • Manila file folders–letter or legal size (I had letter size folders on hand)
What you’ll do:
Cut a couple of pieces of card board to fit inside your tote/basket. Cut them on the strong side so they fit snugly inside the tote/basket.

Slide your cardboard dividers inside your tote.

 

Fill manilla folders accordingly and place inside your tote/basket between the cardboard dividers.

Find a convenient place to hang your cute and handy file tote. (Mine is hanging in my craft room where it neatly holds decorative paper.)

[An alternative method to using cardboard dividers might be to wire hanging file folders to the inside sides of your tote–if it’s big enough. You could then slip your manila folders into the hangers.]

Original post can be found at Curbly.

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2 Comments leave one →
  1. diymaven permalink*
    January 31, 2009 7:58 am

    You’re welcome, Kate!

  2. Kate Kiernan permalink
    January 31, 2009 6:39 am

    Wonderful, I have three beach straw bags. For only a dollar I bought them. Still sitting in a bag after a year or maybe 2. But seeing your idea with dividers, I know what I can do with them.

    Thank-you

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