10 Organizing Tips Using Containers Under $3.00

My belief as a professional organizer is that it takes a lot less energy and saves a lot more time when things have a designated place to "live" and it is tons better when those things live in a container in their home.

I know everyone has containers in their home that won't cost them a single cent. All you need to do is recycle and repurpose those unused containers lying about. Let's see how many containers you already have that you can use.

Then we will see how many organizing ideas we can come up with to use those containers to create space and end clutter in your home. If we can't find something then make a trip to a local thrift store and look for containers you can use that cost less than $3.00. This will be fun; it will be like a treasure hunt looking for the best bargains but only if you absolutely have to.

1. The first thing that comes to mind is baskets. Baskets can be used in every room in your home. Those rectangle baskets fruit trays come on can be used in the entry way for shoes to be placed on. On place it in the garage for gardening shoes.

A child's Easter basket can be used by the back door to put items in that need to go back to the car to be returned. When shopping for an Easter basket look for one that you can repurpose.

Baskets are great as a landing place for mail, DVD's, children's school work, to contain paper in the office, or even for measuring cup in the kitchen. Spice packets are nicely contained in a little basket.

Use them in the bathroom for wash clothes, towels or tissue. Use them for toys, magazines, and catalogs.

If you don't have baskets in your home; after you decide how you could use them make a trip to the local thrift store. They sell a wide variety of baskets cheap. You can even spray paint them to match your décor.

2. The cardboard box checks come in can be used in the office to hold pens and pencils, paper clips, or scratch paper. If you want to make it fancy put colored contact paper on it. I don't recommend this as it takes time and is an expense. If you have it on hand and the time to do it, then go ahead and be creative. Or this could be a nice project to ask a child to do for you.

3. Hooks can be used in every room in the home. There are many decorative hooks that cost less than $3.00. We may not think of them as a container—but they contain items so why not? Uses include hanging umbrellas, hats, coats, leashes for pets, back packs, towels in the bathroom, purses, kitchen towels, cups, (each family member could be assigned a different color). Let your imagination run wild on where you can use hooks.

4. Plastic bowls you no longer need make great containers. In the kitchen they can hold lids, miscellaneous gadgets, measuring cups, poached egg cups, and medicine bottles. I use one in the garage to place a flashlight. I got tired of finding it in different places every time it was used so I put it in a tall plastic bowl so it is easy to spot as the designated place for the flashlight.

5. Remember plastic zip lock bags. There are so many uses for these little gems I will mention just a few: store games in them, (label the bag with a permanent pen so you know where to return the pieces), silver jewelry to slow down tarnishing or use to store out of season clothes, books that are being stored, or anything you need contained and kept dust free.

6. Little plastic tubs such as margarine containers can be used in craft rooms to hold beads or other small items. Label them so it makes it easy to find what you need.

7. A decorative plate in the bedroom can be used for loose change, perfume bottles or jewelry.

8. Ice cream buckets are great for children's toys. Be sure to label each bucket. When children are playing one bucket can be brought out at a time.

9. Shoe boxes have a plethora of uses. They can hold scarves, small bags, greeting cards, hair accessories, hats and gloves, receipts and extra office or craft supplies just to mention a few ideas they are used for.

10. An empty cereal box can be converted to a magazine holder. Cut the top and half of one side off, and if you want cover with decorative paper.

These 10 organizing ideas on how to use free containers just scratch the surface of what you have in your home that you can recycle and repurpose to keep your home organized and keep things in their designated places.