Create Pretty Storage Solutions with Items You Already Have

Create Pretty Storage Solutions with Items You Already Have

clever storage ideasThere are several different reasons why we may tend to accumulate things and have clutter around the house. One big reason is that we don’t have a “home” for things we own. We bring them into our lives and home with no clear idea of where they will be stored. You may have decided to go full on Konmari on your house and declutter like crazy but that still leaves you with the things that spark joy. Those are the things you do not want to let go of, but what if you have no clear place to put them? Keep reading to learn how to create pretty storage solutions.

You may be tempted to purchase a plastic tote or another storage item the next time you need to store something. I want you to think beyond that, if for no other reason than to stop buying brand new plastic. Instead, look around to see what you already own. This solves three different problems – you saved money, you will not have brought yet another new item into your home, and you will have found a place to store items.

Make a list of the items you need to store. Most likely there will be a variety of things. Some will be big or bulky like clothing or stuffed toys. Others will be smaller and easier to store. Sort the items by size and kind so you can store like items together.

Have small things that need to be stored? Glass jars are a great way to store smaller items. Placing hair ties and clips in a glass jar, tying a pretty ribbon on it or putting a chalkboard label on it, and putting it on a shelf in your medicine cabinet or bathroom sink area is a great way to store the accessories and have something nice to look at. Having them in the glass jar will also help you find the right one the next time you need one.

Nuts, bolts, nails and screws simply are not attractive to most people. You can use the same idea as with your hair accessories, but use a pretty label to cover what is inside. Place the jar on a shelf to organize small items and keep them handy. You can use nice jars such as mason jars or ones that once carried pickles or spaghetti sauce, just paint the lids a pretty color.

Many homes have cereal boxes, shoe boxes, or Amazon Prime shipping boxes that they have to dispose of regularly. Rather than put them in the recycling bin, cut the corner off with a craft knife and cover each box with pretty wrapping paper or paint it. Use the covered boxes to store magazines, instruction manuals or warrantee information.

Got extra pots or planters laying around without plants in them? Wash them and paint them pretty colors and use them to store all kinds of things…kitchen utensils, office supplies, remote controls, your nail polish collection…the ideas are endless.

Paint an old dresser or shelving unit to breathe new life into it. Boxes and drawers can be painted and mounted on the walls for use as a display unit. If you do not enjoy painting, you can also glue nice fabric to the wood just make sure you use a quality glue for wood. One of these ideas would be good for a children’s room.

Do you have suitcases around that you use for travel and family vacations? Great, use them year round for storage. They can hold seasonal clothing, books, old photos and scrapbooks, etc. Stack them neatly in a closet instead of letting them sit empty until vacation time rolls around.

You may also want to keep old baskets rather than throwing them out. Wash them off, give them a coat of paint to coordinate with a room and then place it in the corner. This is a great idea for bathrooms. Roll washcloths or towels up and place them in the basket for easy reach.

Embellish an ice cube tray with ribbon or beads along the edges. You can then use the tray to store earrings or other jewelry items in a fun way. Think of other small items that you could put in an ice cube tray and you have ready-made storage from something you already own.

The goal with organization and storage is to keep things that you want to keep out of the way. Try to think outside of the box and come up with new ways to repurpose items you already have. You can use these ideas to help you along or perhaps ignite your own creativity to create pretty storage solutions with items you already own.

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