The wonderful thing about organizing is there are millions of ways to do it. The first thing you need to know is HOW do you like to store things? Are you the kind of person who likes to dump all the stuff in a bin, or do you like to take stuff out of the packaging and put it in pretty containers? If you want your pantry to look like a magazine and you hate coming home from Costco and putting it all away then maybe decanting is not the way to go. Take a few days to really think about what you want your space to look like, how you want it to function and how much work do you want to put into keeping it up. Getting inexpensive organizing containers to make it easier to take the plunge into organizing your house.
The second thing about organizing your space is getting the right bins and containers for the way you organize. This is what I want to focus on today. I also want to give you some inexpensive organizing container options, because let’s face it organizing can get very pricey very fast! Its ok to save up and do it right but its also ok to get a few inexpensive things now to get you motivated to start.
In my opinion from working with clients, I feel like most of you like the clean look of white or clear bins. White bins are fabulous for hiding boxes and bags that may look messy, clear or mesh bins are great because you can see what you have and if you need to get more. This will be the second decision you need to make when you are organizing your spaces. Magazine holders above are from Ikea 5.99 for two.
One of my favorite places to find opaque white bins is Ikea These plastic bins are used for recycling but are perfect for the pantry that wants that clean look with little visual clutter. Make sure you label label label because you can’t see in and you don’t want to be pulling out all the bins to look inside them. These bins are perfect for dumping that huge box of Costco gummies in the big one and putting the granola bars in the top one. it’s a good way to use vertical space.
Another fun inexpensive organizing container from Ikea are these huge bins that fit into a bookshelf. I have these in my son’s room to hide all the books and nick nacks they are so inexpensive 3.99 for a 13 x 13 square bin. however, it is made of fabric and cardboard so it is not super sturdy. Besides toys, I’ve used these in top shelves of pantries (if the shelves are deeper than 13 inches) for paper goods, picnic supplies, Christmas decor, small appliances it is a clean look for things that you might only get at once a year
These are my absolutely my favorite bins from Ikea are the ones that have lids. They are great for stacking if you have a small space, and currently, I’m storing my Grandbabies toys and blankets in them under my sofa table. its clean and organized and I can get out the boxes I want one at a time. they start at 3.99 for the small ones and go to 14.99 for the extra large one, cheaper than the Sterilite from Target and you can’t see what’s inside so you can store things in plain sight. The only drawback is the lid just sits on the top of the bin and doesn’t clamp on, easy to peek into but trick if you need to transport things, and you drop it. Just saying.
If you don’t live by an Ikea then Target is your next option, Target is getting on the organizing bandwagon with darling options that don’t cost an arm and a leg. These cute white basket weave options are just 5.99 and Target ships to your house so you don’t even have to go to the store to buy 100$ of extra stuff! LOL just kidding you don’t do that do you? I love these for kid closets that have shelves in them. They are also perfect for deep drawers they are only 5 inches tall so sock and undies will love having their own little bin! They do come in a few sizes and work will in pantries too.
If you are looking for drawer containers Target also offers this new deep drawer option. 17 inch deep is going to work great in a linen closet for sunblock and first aid things or in a craft room armour housing your ribbons and the glue gun. at only 9.99 they are half the price of the container stores. Not as lux and smooth opening as the container stores but hey if it’s in your linen closet whos looking anyway right? I think even your mother-in-law would be impressed!
Now if you want to go all fancy from the Container Store I’ve still got ya covered for inexpensive organing containers. They do have some affordable options for those of you on a tight budget. These cute little bins look a lot like the Ikea ones but don’t stack, however, their price is right!! They start at 1.99 to 5.99 and you can buy in bulk like I do and save even more! I love these for under the sinks in bathrooms for cleaning supplies and in the garage for all my hubbies odds and ends. the plastic is super sturdy and can hold up to lots of banging around. Small toys stored on bookshelves or in closets would work as well. Love the little size for all the little accessories that kids have.
And my most favorite Multi-Purpose bin from Container Store is this clear-ish tall bin. I have used this bin for magazines, 12×12 paper, deep freezers, diapers, books, office folders, pantries, yarn, craft supplies, blocks, stuffed animals, you name it I could probably use it for that. And the cost is the best part! 3.99 to 6.99 it definitely has given me the most bang for my buck!
So now that you know there are inexpensive organizing bins out there you have no excuse to go grab a few and organize a cupboard or heck your whole office if you have time! And if you live in the Salt Lake area you know that you can always email me at Thegltizypear@gmail.com and I’ll race right over to help ya out! I also do online consults and design plans.