Wise Bread Picks
This article shares tips from the newest episode of Dealista, our podcast that'll help you get more for less.
Feeling the need to do some Spring Cleaning? Not sure where to stash all your stuff? These storage solutions are not only clever, but they are super affordable (many are free!). Check out our expert-recommended list for the easiest organization ever!
Those who are a bit creative will love these DIY designs for homemade storage solutions. Jamie Novak, author of the newly released book Stop Throwing Money Away, loves these first few tips:
1. Hook it. Using a piece of lattice from your local garden center (just $5) and a little paint to give it some color, you can make your own hanging storage. Just attach it to a wall or the back of a door, then use S-hooks from your hardware store to keep dog leashes, scarves, and little baskets in their place!
2. Make your own magnet board. A used cookie sheet wrapped in a fabric scrap can be secured to the wall for a quick way to organize notes, takeout menus, and more. Customize some cool buttons by gluing magnets to the backs – they’ll look adorable stuck to the board! (Total cost is less than $4.)
3. Reuse that wine box. Old wine boxes (with the insert still inside) can be procured from your local liquor store for free. Remove the insert and wrap the entire box in wrapping paper (leaving the top open). Then line the bottom with a garbage bag and some kitchen sponges (to soak up moisture). After replacing the wine box liner, you’ve got a clever way to store umbrellas the next time guests come visiting!
Not so crafty? No problem. Use these boxes as-is for a better way to store stuff:
4. Stack file boxes (or bankers boxes). Use them in any area of the house as easy storage for most everything. Just be sure to label the contents! (Thanks to Charlene Anderson of Anderson-Shea, Inc. who suggested buying a pack of 6 for under $10 on sale!)
5. According to Elizabeth D. Cooley, President of Compass Organizing, tiny tea tins are a classy way to store Q-tips, cotton balls, and band-aids in the bathroom. Use them in the kitchen for sweetener packets and matches OR reuse them as cute gift boxes.
6. Plastic shoe holders are great for everything (not just shoes). Over the back of a porch or garage door, they can hold sunscreen, gloves, and gardening tools. In a bathroom, they contain hairbrushes, styling products, and barrettes. In a kid’s room, they are perfect for Barbies, matchbox cars, and all those Pokemon cards! (A big thank you to Ellen R. Delap for this prize-winning tip!)
7. Ball jars are a hit for holding just about everything! Our own Myscha Theriault first turned us on to all the ways you can use these gems, and Stacey Platt, author of What's a Disorganized Person to Do? agrees that they are perfect for keeping bolts and nails together in the garage.
Tracy McCubbin of DClutterfly had so many tips, we couldn’t use them all! Here are our faves:
8. Soap boxes are super for keeping business cards and electronics cords under wraps. They are free and beautiful!
9. Shoe boxes are a time-tested solution for keeping lingerie in order. Use the lids, which will fit inside any dresser drawer.
10. Ziploc bags (or any other brand) are spectacular for storing computer/camera/and cell phone cords. Clearly label them to be sure you know what gets plugged in, where!
11. Bento Boxes are great for keeping jewelry organized. They can be found at Asian department stores and World Market outlets for very little.
12. Plant pots are great for keeping utensils collected on a kitchen counter. More affordable than the utensil caddies offered in stores, they can be painted to match your mood and décor!
Still need more tips? These were common solutions to everyday storage problems:
13. Check boxes are free with your check order and perfect for keeping your junk drawer tidy. (Plus, I love using them in my carry-on luggage to keep biz cards or power cords contained.)
14. When buying edible gifts (fruit, chocolate, etc.) look for containers that are reusable. Many will come in neat tins and crates that you can use year-round to keep clutter under control.
15. Ice cube trays are super for storing paper clips, tiny trinkets, and craft pieces. They can be found at dollar stores and garage sales for pennies.
Dealista is a collaboration between Wise Bread and Quick and Dirty Tips, the producer of popular podcasts such as Grammar Girl, Money Girl, Winning Investor, and Mighty Mommy.
If you enjoyed these tips you can find more in our show's archive.
