This is the time of year that many of us get into a organizing frenzy....my self included!
We are deluged 
with ad in the newspaper to buy every plastic storaga container known to man!!
Buying the plastic containers can be spendy....however once the investment is made you are done...and they will last for many years.
If you are on a quest to get organized and want to do this on a shoestring budget.....consider the following ideas:
Shoe boxes.....these can organize smaller items such as kids toys...Lego's, coloring crayons, craft supplies or even stationary...thank you cards or birthday cards. Shoe boxes fit nicely on shelves in the pantry or the closet!
Produce or Liquor Boxes....decide which size works best for your shelving unit. Many stores will save them for you if you ask! Produce boxes are very sturdy and will hold larger items...such as your holiday decor. You can even wrap the boxes in wrapping paper that coordinates to the holiday so that you will know which boxes are which. Fabrics, seasonal clothing, extra towels, home decor items etc fit nicely. The liquor or wine bottle boxes are nice for smaller items you want to protect such as ornaments. I suggest choosing one size as they will store better.
Medium sized trash can/wastebasket.....These are great to put in a closet or under a cupboard to hold cleaning supplies or sporting equipment.
Popcorn Tins....these are great for storing umbrellas or your shovels rakes etc in the garage! I also store rolls of wrapping paper in the popcorn tins....then it is all together in one place and there is less chance of it getting crushed or damaged.
Cereal Boxes...Here is a great tutorial to making magazine holders depending on the size you can get up to a years worth of magazines in each holder. Cover them with fabric, contact paper, paint or scrap booking paper to coordinate them to a rooms decor. I would also add that it is a great time to evaluate if you really need all those magazine subscriptions....with the Internet I know I have cut way back on my subscriptions!
Baskets....Baskets are great for storing the various TV remotes, craft projects, jewelry, bill paying supplies, fruit etc. They are both decorative as well as functional! Many of us got gifts that were wrapped in a basket...why not find a way to re-purpose that basket. I like to keep a basket at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom of the stairs....I don't get upstairs every day but I can grab the basket on my way up or down to put away whatever makes it way to another floor!
The one thing I do know is that when I am organized I do function better. I don't buy things I don't need because I know where items are.
It is not ok to throw everything into a laundry basket or a box and hide it in the garage.....you need to take the time to put everything away!
You will feel better....I promise. And soon things won't get out of control....you will automatically put things away when you are finished. I started my organizing quest using these ideas....but have since traded to storage containers as I was able to afford them. I have shoe box sized to sweater boxes to the larger sizes. I don't duplicate craft supplies any more....and when some thing is running low...I know and can replenish.
Please feel free to share your budget friendly organizing ideas here as well!
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