DIY $10 Wooden Grooming Tote

Cheap Wooden Grooming Tote DIY

A long time ago I made a video showing you how to make your own wooden grooming tote. And the reason I did this was because I have always wanted a wooden grooming tote. And it was easy for me to make the tote, because I have all of the tools to make one. It was fairly simple to make, and I was really happy with how it turned out.

But now fast forward a year or two and I have found an even easier option for those who want a wooden grooming tote, but don’t have the equipment or the skills to make one.

This came about because I am on a streak of lots of homemade items and diy projects to keep me busy while I can’t ride or work with my own horses. And I have to stay busy, seriously. I can only watch so much TV or study for a certain amount of time before my brain turns to mush.

Road Trip

So I asked my husband if he would be willing to go to IKEA with me. Ok, I basically begged him because I don’t feel comfortable driving yet after surgery and even though we are lucky enough to have an IKEA within driving distance, it is still an hour’s drive away from us. And we had to go to town anyway for my 2 week post-op appointment, so this was the perfect time to check out IKEA.

But, nevertheless being the amazing man that my husband is, he agreed to take me to IKEA.

And I have never been in this store. I can see it from my work office, but even though I have always wanted to go, I have never gotten there, until today!

And let me just say, this store is amazing. If you have an IKEA in your town and you like doing little DIY decorating projects, this place is incredible. It’s so incredible that what was supposed to be a very cheap shopping trip ended up costing a lot more. We found a new sofa, so our $10.00 trip ended up costing about $1000.00. But, we have an awesome new sofa to lounge out on. And yes, that is my saddle in the corner! I love having my ‘real’ equestrian items as a part of my decor.

And then our former living room sofa made it’s way to our lower level family room. Which will be awesome this winter with our new wood burning insert.

And if my husband knew I was taking his picture, he would not be happy with me. But this is where he hangs out a lot, with our two dogs. Everyone looks cozy. But I digress. How about we discuss what I really went to IKEA for in the first place.

Cheap Is Always Good

While walking through the enormous store, I found this incredible little wooden tote. And that was no easy task. This Skogsta wooden box with a handle is basically a wood grooming tote, for $10.00! That is less than what it cost me to buy the wood to make the original grooming tote that I had made.

And not only was it cheaper, but the time I saved was substantial. After I brought my treasure home, it took me about 10 minutes to put it together.

And then another 10 minutes to attach my little name plate because I am not talented with tiny screws.

IKEA does not sell this tote online. You can find it online, for about $45.00 plus shipping, but if you have a store close to you it is worth it to just go to the store and buy it. Hmmmm…. maybe this is something I could do, be the middle man, and sell the totes with some customization for around $25.00? This might be a great little business opportunity. If you are always thinking of different ways to make an extra dollar, you’re welcome for the idea I just gave you.

The tote isn’t huge, but it is a good size to hold your grooming items. The finished size is 15 ¾x7 ¾x9 ” And here are some photos to show you what you can get into the tote.

So if you have had your heart set on having a wooden grooming tote, but didn’t want to spend close to $100.00 for a premade one, why not go to IKEA and buy this one? If you are going to go, here is the specifics of what this little tote is called:

SKOGSTA Box with handle, acacia; $9.99, Article Number: 402.979.66. I did find it on Walmart.com, and also on Amazon, but it was more expensive. Amazon was the cheapest at $39.00 with free shipping.

You could leave the tote as it is, or you can add some little extras to make the tote truly yours.

You can build and personalize this box in an afternoon, and then you will have a fantastic wooden tote to keep your most special grooming items in!