We’re always looking for ways to maximise the storage space in our homes – and it’s even more rewarding when we do so using an item that otherwise would have gone to waste.
That’s proven to be the case for book lover, Hope Tull, who took to TikTok to reveal how a common item can be used on your shelves instead of thrown into the recycling bin. After showcasing her idea in a video, it has since gone viral, with a staggering 4.6 million users of the social media platform tuning in for the advice.
The item in question? Egg cartons. “Haha so glad to have enough egg cartons I can rescue the Shatter Me series books by Tarereh Mafi] that was being used as leverage,” she penned in a caption alongside her clip.
Hope began by removing her books from her bookcase and adding two egg cartons to the back of a shelf. She then placed books standing on top of those cartons, allowing another row of books to be placed at a lower level beneath them – but importantly, on the same shelf.
The gap between to the two tiers of books was just enough to be able to make out the titles of each novel – efficiently doubling Hope’s storage space.
“Great way to reuse something rather than buying new!” one TikTok user declared. “Absolutely love this idea.” A second praised: “This is much smarter then buying those wooden risers. And cheap.”
A third added: “Finding your page has made my BookTok experience so much better!” A fourth said: “That’s genius. So much easier then the cut stacked boxes I’ve dealt with for years.”
Whilst a fifth detailed their own improvisation: “I’ve been doing this for years. Also I put lavender and penny gum branches inside. Keeps bugs away from my precious books and smells divine.” Hope responded: “Such a smart idea! I put a drop of peppermint but I’ll have to try and add those too!”
Elsewhere, meanwhile, others urged caution with one person commenting: “Librarian checking in here. You should try to leave an inch between your books and the bookshelf for airflow. It helps books not develop mould.”
Another concurred: “Be careful of mold with the books touching the shelf. I would put a little purifyer somwhere to avoid mould.”
Whilst a third person warned: “Egg cartons can sometimes harbour cockroach eggs. I suggest using something else. The idea is great, though.”
