When I was doing some deep cleaning in my kids bedrooms last week I decided to research some non plastic options for storage containers. We have several of the plastic ones already and certainly don’t want to add to that number by buying more. So I decided to see what was out there that was non-plastic. Since I was looking for my kids rooms obviously some of these will be kinda kiddie looking.
I ended up purging so much stuff that I didn’t need to buy containers… I settled for thrift store baskets. But just in case anyone else has looked for options like these I thought I would list them here. I found most of them at Crate and Kids which has a lot of natural and greener options.
The picture below is the Kids Mini-Suitcases for Storage. They were what I likely would have bought… so cute!! They are cardboard and thread, so unless the thread is polyester (which it may be – it didn’t say) they are almost completely plastic free other than the handle, which looks plastic.
I absolutely adore these wood and wire storage baskets. They are clean, modern, and very attractive. I could use them virtually anywhere in the home from a kids bedroom to the racks and shelves in my kitchen.
I also liked the Metal Locker Baskets. Front side features three old school locker vents and an authentic looking locker number plate. I liked these so much that it made me look for old lockers (the real ones) on Craigslist and I actually found several so next time I need storage or shelves I may go that route.
Colorful Large Canvas Bins – I like these for under the bed or laying inside the closet. They have three roomy, divided sections ideal for organizing toys, laundry and other stuff. Imagine if you get your kids to sort their laundry before they brought it out! You can fold these and likely wash them too, so that is a plus. Here are some other canvas bins that would look good on shelves.
I thought these Kids Flea Market Wire Bins would be awesome for my boys and for our sports equipment. In fact I still might get these for the latter cause they are so cool. They would also work for toys and laundry. They are non-toxic, powder-coated and handmade.
Another oh so clever storage device for a play room or kids room is this nifty Turtle floor bin. It looks fantastic and sturdy and it has a lot of whimsical charm. Who needs a boring old toy box when you can have this turtle??
This awesome three tier Flea Market Bin can be used much the same…for small crafts items or or art supplies. Because it is portable it be carried and put away when not in use!
Shoes and other small items can be stored in these canvas shoes boxes. They even have windows so you can see what is in them. There may be a little plastic but these are much better than using plastic tubs.
They have quite a few more options too but I just highlighted my favorite. Do you find it hard to move away from plastic storage tubs? If not, how do you handle it?
WayBasics cubes are also a great solution. They are completely recycled & recyclable paper made into incredibly sturdy cubes, desks, tables, etc. The company is super green, and incredibly giving! Plus, they look great and they start at 20.00 so they’re super affordable too.
http://www.franklingoose.com/categories/Furniture&category=Way%20Basics%20No%20Tools%20Assembly
Thanks, Tiffany! We’re moving our two-year-old son in with our four-year-old son soon, and these are some great ideas for me to get their room a little more organized. I love the idea of lockers!
I thought I’d add Ikea, too–I purchased some storage boxes for kids toys on our bookshelf in our living room. They’re sturdy cardboard, covered with a rough fabric. They look nice and have stood the kids wear and tear for over a year now.
i like to use old pillow cases.
One of my goals this year is to reduce the amount of plastic my family touches. Thanks for the post, reposted to my FB.
Nice post! I have been looking for that kind of container to have my kids’ things properly organized. Keep posting!
We must be on the same wave link…first dry, itchy skin and now trying to organize the toys. Thanks for the post and I welcome any other ideas you have.
These are beautiful and certainly more aesthetic than
plastic. I would use these in some instances but I live in a rainforest area in
the Caribbean and the closeable plastic containers are essential for preventing
clothes and important documents getting damp as well as storage for items
during hurricane season. I’d love to read about a solution that is closeable
and watertight!
I am looking for something to grow hydroponics in. Plastic bins are all I have, but willing to try something different if you have a product that can handle constant moisture and won’t leak. I hate having to use plastic but for now there is no other alternative
What about a large metal watering bucket like what is used for cows and livestock? I’m getting really interested in aquaponics, but I want to do it as sustainably as possible in regards to the materials used.
Check out these amazing tips and tricks for organizing your entire home
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