KIS - Organization - Containers

I feel that when it comes to organization you don't have to have a bunch of fancy and expensive bins and containers to get the job done and I happen to know a few other bloggers who feel the exact same way.  You shouldn't have to go broke just to neatly store your stuff.

Most of the items I use to keep things tidy are items I've had a long time and repurposed.  I have a few bins I've bought that have stored a multitude of things over the years.  A few things came from the dollar store.  There was a time when I was all about buying bins and storing my stuff all stacked and labeled.  But eventually I wised up and purged a ton of stuff, then sold most of the bins and containers in a yard sale for a fraction of what I originally paid.  What a waste of money that was.

Of course, having less stuff to begin with makes organizing and maintaining that organization much easier.  Once I cleared the clutter and got rid of everything I didn't need or want anymore I got busy and neatly put away what was left.  I still have a few empty containers out in the garage up high on a shelf.  If it turns out I won't be needing them I plan to donate them. 

There are certain things I think are worth investing in:

Sturdy totes with lids to safely store holiday décor.

Furniture or storage units for hobby and craft supplies, if you seriously do that hobby or craft.

A silverware tray.

Quilted zippered china storage bags.

Assorted containers with lids for organizing kids toys, books and puzzles.  Labeling them with a picture of what is inside is very helpful for toddlers and preschoolers.

Divided food storage containers to organize the junk drawer or your desk.

A bin or wash tub for holding cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink.

Plastic shoe boxes with lids (99¢ each) for storing toiletries, first aid supplies, arts supplies, gift bows, etc.

A day planner.

Coupon organizer, if you regularly use coupons.

Before making any new purchases on storage items I comb through what I already have on hand to see if it will fit the bill.  I used the meat tray that came in my refrigerator in our old house to store my cooking utensils and knives in the drawer so they don't rattle around.  My mom's old Tupperware bread saver which is almost 40 years old holds spice and gravy packets as well as ramen noodles in my pantry.

Saved jars and canning jars are wonderful for organizing beans, pasta, popcorn, etc.  I keep my buttons in an old applesauce jar.  I store homemade salad dressings in pint jars and old pesto jars.

I repurpose the zippered bags linens and bedding sets come in to store various items.  I keep my yarn in the one my bedspread came in.  I put my extra ribbon, lace and trim in the ones my living room curtains came in.

What are some nifty things you've used to store your stuff?

You may enjoy revisiting My Baking Box.