There are a lot of stackable storage containers in all shapes and sizes. Credit: The Container Store
6. Use Stackable Storage for Drinks
If you’re on a tight budget and you can only buy one or two organizational bins for your project, I highly recommend focusing on stackable storage for your drinks. For example, a lot of you’ve probably seen those boxes that allow cans to roll forward when you pick one up. This is a huge lifesaver if you drink sparkling water or soda regularly.
The Container Store makes a lot of different fridge containers. Credit: The Container Store
Some companies also make storage containers that you can stack bottles of wine on top of one another. If you don’t like to keep her one in the door of the fridge, this can be a really great option to keep bottles of wine stacked vertically. (via The Container Store)
You can keep larger delicate ornaments in plastic Starbucks cups. Credit: Good House Keeping
5. Save Your Starbucks Cups For Large Ornaments
We already suggested using egg cartons for your smaller ornaments. But if you collect any large expensive glass ornaments like the ones made byChristopher Radko, you will not be able to fit them into such a small container. Sure, you could just wrap them in tissue paper, but there are certain ornaments that are so expensive and precious, it’s worth taking the extra steps to make sure they won’t break. It’s possible to up-cycle and protect your Christmas investments at the same time.
These cups are given out with cold drinks like Frappuccino’s. Credit: Shutterstock
If you get a lot of Starbucks cups to-go, try to hold onto them instead of putting them in the recycle bin. Hand wash them in the sink, and let them dry. Then, create a stack until January rolls around. Now, you have the perfect containers to fit your larger ornaments. (via Good Housekeeping)
Label the totes before putting them away in the attic or basement. Credit: Hardly Housewives
4. Limit Your Number of Storage Totes
A great way to stop yourself from going overboard with clutter is to limit the number of totes you have in your storage area. For some people, this is non-negotiable. If you only have a closet or attic in your apartment or condo, you really can’t continue to buy more tote boxes year after year. However, for homeowners, limited space doesn’t stop some people from expanding their collections wherever they can. If you don’t limit yourself, those boxes end up in the garage, attic, basement, and the outdoor shed. It can be ridiculous. (Yes, I know several people like this.)
Limit yourself to the number of storage totes you keep. Credit: Target
Instead of giving yourself carte blanche to have as many items as your heart desires, give yourself a limit with the number of totes. It might also be easier to identify the obvious Christmas items if you buy red and green totes from Walmart or Target. Go through all of your holiday decoration boxes and throw away or donate anything that you no longer use. Extra totes could either be used to store non-holiday items, or you could donate it to your local thrift store. Many thrift stores will appreciate having this free tote, since they need to move and store items on a regular basis. (via The Spruce)
This rolling cart is great for extra kitchen storage. Credit: Ikea
3. Use Utility Carts to Create Storage in a Small Space
Rolling utility carts are incredibly useful for almost every room in the house. Whether it’s art supplies, bathroom supplies, kitchen utensils/spices, crafting items, or toys, there are opportunities where you can use these to help organize your home in practically every room. The best part about them is that they move! If they are ever in the way, all you have to do is wheel them somewhere else temporarily while you clean or organize around the area where it was once standing.
These carts give tons of additional storage in this bathroom. Credit: Ikea
These carts are affordable- around $30 each. So it’s easy for anyone to buy them, and it’s much cheaper than buying a new piece of furniture. They also come in a lot of different colors. If you want to buy them, they are available at Ikea, but you can also find them at Michael’s Crafts or Hobby Lobby. (via Ikea)
Double-check the fridge before you buy more. Credit: Shutterstock
2. Check For Items Before You Buy Them
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is that they buy something at the store and that they already had at home. How many times have you checked your junk drawer for something, only to realize that you have 3 of the same object already there? (In my house, it’s scissors.) This happens a lot in the kitchen, and is usually more common if your fridge is disorganized. It can also happen if you have multiple people in the household buying groceries too. But if you want to avoid this, it’s as simple as opening your fridge and pantry to see what you have in stock before you go to the grocery store.
Make sure you don’t already have similar items in your closet. Credit: Shutterstock
Even if you are stopping by the grocery store after work, try to make it a habit of calling your family members to ask if they need anything. Also don’t be afraid to ask someone to double-check the fridge while you’re at the store. This can help you save money in the long run, andavoid food waste. When it comes to everything else in the house like clothes, shoes, and objects, do your best to search for those things before you buy them. It may take a good purge of your closet in order to get it done, but it’s truly worth it in the end. (via EPA)
Labeling each of your cords eliminates any confusion about which one it is. Credit: Shutterstock
1. Label Your Cords and Keep them Organized
Have you ever looked at your surge protector and realized that you have no idea which cord belongs to what electronic? The easy solution to that problem is to label each cord. You can do this with some colorful tape, bread tags, a label maker, and so much more. Once the cords are labeled, you should never have a mess of cords again.
These paperclips help organize cords on the side of a desk. Credit: Shutterstock
Another way to organize your cords is by using paper clips. As you can see in the photo above, these cords can wrap around the clips very easily, and they hold on to the side of the desk. Now you’ll never have to wonder where you put your headphones or your extra phone charger.
