As I mention in my email newsletter (are you
signed up?), I'm not one to shy away from a neighbor's trash. Ain't no shame in my game, especially when it saves vintage beasts like this from the landfill. I'm feeling the urge for an upcycled filing cabinet makeover that will have you rubber necking when there's loot at Curb le Chic. {{yeah, baby!}}

To be forthright, I did drive past this several days in a row as it was at a neighbor's house just down the street. I figured someone would pick it up for scrap metal, but there it sat. So, I also figured that I would have a crack at it and if it didn't go well I would add it to my scrap metal pile I already had waiting for a local scrapper to pick up in few days. Win-win, right? In addition, I love filing cabinets for different things...like my fabric stash. (
see HERE)
If you notice, the drawers are horribly bent up...like someone had a bad day. Know what I mean?

It looks as if the key is lost and entry is forced...just a bit. ahem. This vintage industrial style cabinets are hard to find and offer so much for storage. No need for heading to the trash.
DIY TIME
No worries though! Thankfully, I'm able to open the drawers and get an assessment. At first glance, I find a few treasures that lead me to believe this belongs to a (retired?) music teach of our local high school. Aside from a thousand paper clips, a few notes, and this loot, I also found two brand new neck ties with school logos that I gave to a couple of coaches. They were tickled to have them!

Initially, I thought I could salvage the drawers and add new fronts. Nope, nada. They are tacked on and I didn't need that kind of fuss. So, first I yank out the drawers, remove the hardware, and salvage what I can. Then, I need to remove the other part of the drawer guide. Since I thought you might want to do this too, I'm outlining how I got them out.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, bend out the tab at the front of the guide.
- Hit or pry the guide up out of the tabs with a hammer
- Pry the guide from the back towards the front with a hammer
- Recycle the pieces for scrap (a must!)
Next, I need to clean up the inside and out using a little sanding to remove rust and wear. There are a few dents here and there, but those don't bother me.

Of course, I pull out my
spray shelter and
DIY turn table to make my painting a breeze. You can see it in action in the video below.
NEXT STEPS
Last, it's time to add the finishing details. I haven't given away what my end goal is, but now is the time. Folks, I'm all about creating a rolling laundry cart out of this upcycled filing cabinet. woot! In order to do that I add locking casters to the bottom. Who doesn't love wheels on things, am I right?

Also, as I mention earlier, I salvage the hardware from my upcycle filing cabinet and adding it to my cart. The handles go on top for added function, while the label holders are on the front for "Light" and "Dark" separation.
Last, I add a bit of my favorite things...typography. Using my
DIY transfer tutorial I create a graphic and hand-paint it on.
THE REVEAL
Now, let's take a look at my upcycled filing cabinet turned a DIY portable laundry bin. Whatcha think?

So much for headed to the trash, right? yeeehaaawww!! In addition, I was even able to find these two collapsible embroidered bins at my local Home Hardware that fit perfectly. I love when things work out like that, don't you?

Likewise, I'm equally stoked that I was able to not only pull off the original drawer labels and handles, but that they also went on the new and improved upcycled filing cabinet. {{happy dance}}

Finally, I'm eager to offer this in
my online store. As much as I'd love to keep it, my one-butt laundry room does not afford me such luxuries. sigh...


In order to inspire others to look past the damaged and see the potential, do pin and share.

Up next, this sweet little find will get some much-needed love. Take a peek at it now
OVER HERE!

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Also, check out these other industrial makeovers like this upcycled filing cabinet:
