This project was built and designed by Marcus from Salty Woodworking. It’s a functional and money-making garage storage solution designed around standard plastic totes.
Garage organizers are always in demand—especially ones that keep things tidy and off the floor. With a simple 2×4 frame and stackable bins, this project is ideal for anyone looking to improve their workspace or build a product that sells well.
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Why a Tote Organizer Makes Sense
Plastic totes are common in almost every garage, but without an organized storage rack, they quickly pile up. Marcus’s design tackles that problem by creating clearly defined slots to slide totes in and out with ease.
This type of organizer also solves a business problem: how to make useful items that sell. With low material costs and a clean design, you can build and sell these units with strong margins—often doubling or tripling your investment per unit.
Tools and Materials Needed
Marcus keeps the tool list simple, which makes this build beginner-friendly. You’ll need a miter saw or handsaw, drill or impact driver, tape measure, square, and pencil.
For materials, standard 2×4 construction lumber works perfectly. Depending on availability, you’ll need around 22 boards and 15 plastic totes to complete the unit. Many home improvement stores carry suitable totes in bulk, or you can build custom spacing based on what your local store stocks.
Planning the Build
The first step is measuring and cutting all of your 2x4s. Using a stop block on your saw is a huge time-saver and ensures consistent lengths, especially when making repeat cuts.
Each shelf slot is sized to fit a single tote, so having those on hand during the build is helpful. Marcus also suggests marking out all cross-support locations ahead of time to avoid using a level during assembly. This small tip saves time and keeps everything aligned.
Frame Assembly and Layout
The frame is built using long vertical supports connected by shorter horizontal cross pieces. Wood glue is added at every joint before driving screws, which gives the frame extra rigidity.
Assembly starts on a flat surface by laying out one full side of the rack. Once one side is complete, it’s easy to mirror it and connect both sides using horizontal cross supports at each tote level.
If you plan to move the organizer frequently, Marcus recommends adding 45-degree braces at the corners. These help reduce racking and make the structure more durable over time.
Adjustments and Custom Features
One of the strengths of this build is how customizable it is. You can adjust the number of shelves, change the spacing, or even add casters to make the whole unit mobile.
Marcus also suggests adding a plywood sheet on top to turn the organizer into a dual-purpose work surface. This kind of flexibility adds value whether you’re building for yourself or for customers.
Profit Potential and Selling Tips
Tote organizers like this can be surprisingly profitable. With material costs around $100, Marcus estimates that each slot could sell for $20 to $30. A 15-slot unit could bring in $300 to $450, offering a strong margin for a few hours of work.
To sell your tote organizers, consider platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local garage sale groups. Highlight the benefits in your listings—like decluttering, vertical storage, and customization options—and include clean, well-lit photos of the finished product.
Being open to custom sizes can also help attract new customers. Offering delivery or installation for a small fee is another way to stand out in a competitive market.
Final Assembly and Results
Once the frame is complete, load it up with totes to test the fit and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing it all come together. The finished result is sturdy, practical, and looks great in any garage or basement.
Marcus notes that once you build one, it’s easy to replicate the process for batch production. If you’re looking to sell multiple organizers, you can set up a small assembly line to streamline cutting and assembly.
Plans and More from Marcus
For those who want to follow the build more closely, Marcus provides free plans that walk through each step. These include exact cut lists, spacing guidelines, and helpful build photos.
Whether you’re building for personal use or looking to turn your hobby into a source of income, this project is a great starting point. The materials are easy to find, and the finished product has strong market appeal.
Get Marcus’s plans here: https://www.saltywoodworking.net/projects/this-project-actually-sells/.