First came our daughter's birthday.

Followed by Christmas just ten days later.

And four days after Christmas, we celebrated our son's birthday.

December is truly a joyful season for us.  We have been blessed with more than we could ever ask for, all within two weeks.

But the kids, unfortunately, end up with more than they could have ever asked for, all within two weeks. And this year, with a baby, the toys are especially small and it's hard to keep up with how fast our little guy can pull his toys out.

So we thought we'd give stacked bulk bins a try.  

I wanted to build this set of bulk bins out of 1x12 boards, so it would be easy for you to make at home without a tablesaw (and the Rogue Engineer also put out some really awesome bulk bin plans here that use plywood). It did take a little thinking, especially since I was adamant about avoiding making angled rip cuts (not fun) to get the front trim board to meet up nicely with the sides.

So here's what we did -

I cut 1x12 boards (see cut list for the actual lengths) FIRST at 15 degrees off square.  Then I flipped the boards over and nipped the other corner off at 40 degrees off square. Cutting the 15 degrees off square cut first means less waste (just an itty bitty triangle piece is wasted).  TIP: When you make your first 15 degree cut, the leftover piece already has a 15 degree cut on it for you.  

The sides are longer than the dividers, to cover the 1x4 ends (it will all make sense here shortly).

Cutting the sides and dividers for this project was the hardest part (even though it wasn't really hard at all).  We ended up making three of these bulk bins, so I turned my first cuts into patterns and just replicated them.

To assemble, we just attached the bottoms to the sides and dividers, everything flush to the BACK.  The dividers do not make it all the way to the front so the 1x4 front board can sit inset.

Since we are just building with screws, we glued everything.  That, and my kids like to climb on stuff.  This is not cheap insurance.  This is proactive maintenance.

See how that 1x4 fits inset?  If we had cut the dividers the same as the sides, there's have been a weird little triangle hole on the ends.  Or we'd be ripping the bottom board front edge at a 15 degree angle.  

Then we just finished screwing the 1x4 to the sides and dividers, and added the top.  We also planked the back with 1x6 boards because we had some in our scrap pile but 1/4" plywood would have done the trick.

I used my favorite stain, Rustoleum Early American.  I just wipe a single coat on with a paper towel.  Almost too easy.

We applied Watco Lacquer over top, and it's time to show the toys who's boss.

I think they turned out pretty well!

And even someone as uncoordinated as me can toss a toy in the general direction, and somehow, it lands in one of the cubbies.

I'm pleased with how this plan turned out and am confident you'll love it too.  If you do build, please share pictures and your experience building too - we'd love to see your version too!

Have a great weekend!

XO Ana + Family