Cutting Costs: Dresser Alternative

When we transitioned Nathan from the nursery to his "big boy room" we decided we'd keep his old dresser in the nursery, as it matched the crib. We were already having to buy a footboard and bedrail for the full-size bed we had in the Guest room, so I didn't want to splurge on a dresser, too. So I tried to think of another alternative.

At the time, I was using a 6-cube storage unit for his toys that I had got on sale for $12 at Target and I thought to myself...why couldn't I just get some baskets and use that? So, that's what I did! I really wanted to use those canvas baskets but I didn't want to spend $6+ each for them. I got lucky and found some colorful red/blue baskets at our local dollar store. They have nice handles and slide out of the cube slots very easily. Since Nathan's clothes are still small, I was able to use the top rack for two extra baskets for light-weight storage items.

The benefits? Putting his laundry away is sooo much easier now! I don't have to keep opening several dresser drawers. The other bonus is that when it's time to pick out socks, shoes or pants, I let Nathan go and grab his own. Yeah, he doesn't always match, but he has fun. And no one sees us at home anyway! (You gotta let your kid live a little!) The bottom two shelves hold extra books and coloring supplies. But the very best part of the storage unit is, I don't have a dresser in his "living space." So now, he has more room to play!

So in the end, instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a dresser that wouldn't match his bed set later, I spent $20 (plus tax) on a very useful shelving unit. The nice thing is, when we do go to get him a nice dresser, this storage unit will go into the pantry for more stockpiling! (I have TWO others full already!) :)

With economic times being tight right now, don't think you have to spend top dollar on things like dressers, if you can't find them used! There are alternatives that are just as good that will work for what you need them to! And that way, you can put the money you saved onto paying off your bills!!