19 Ways to Get Organized Fast With Containers
Make "toss and go" your mantra with bins, boxes and trays, for a home that looks neat in an instant
The right containers are essential to making any space look neat, even at a moment's notice — just toss things in and you're done. The following ideas for choosing the right basket, box or bin for the job will help you get your space looking sharp and make maintaining order a breeze. Of course, clearing the clutter before embarking on your quest to get organized will make things easier. Once you have your belongings pared down, you can assess what's left and check out this bounty of organizing ideas to help you decide where it all will go.
Related: Are You a Piler or a Filer?
Related: Are You a Piler or a Filer?
A wall of matching baskets and labels. Keep projects neat in the office, store movies and media in the family room or kids' toys in the playroom — no matter what you have to organize, this setup will make it look amazing.
Color-coded bins. When you have a large household, easy organization is key. Make things simple by assigning a color to each family member (including the dog) and match up bins or baskets accordingly.
Photo-labeled files. Another smart tip for families is to use photos to label frequently used file boxes for quick and easy access.
A wall organizer for small items. Keep little random things from crowding your desk by giving each item its own home in a wall organizer, like the one shown here.
Bonus for homes with kids: This type of organizer can keep sharp items like scissors out of reach of little hands.
Bonus for homes with kids: This type of organizer can keep sharp items like scissors out of reach of little hands.
A portable basket tote. Use a handled basket or sturdy canvas tote as a temporary home for "go-backs," items that need to be put away elsewhere. Just be sure to empty it daily.
Glass jars. If you have lots of small crafts supplies, this is a great way to keep them neat yet also visible. Labels can be very useful, but when you are trying to find a particular bead or shade of thread, nothing beats visual recognition.
See-through drawers. On the same note, wire bins or drawers like the ones shown here are perfect for storing colorful fabric or paper. This setup is also wonderful for kids' rooms, because it makes it easy for little ones to help themselves.
A single capacious bin. Sometimes all you need is one great big basket or bin to make a space feel neater. Place one in the living room to hold extra pillows, blankets and odds and ends.
Long and low baskets. Perfect for storing books and magazines when you've run out of shelf space, long, shallow baskets can slide beneath tables, couches and beds with ease.
Totes on hooks. Up the organizing power of wall hooks by adding a tote or two. Keep one in the bedroom for delicates or dry cleaning, and another by the front door for scarves and sunglasses.
Luggage on display. Have a gorgeous suitcase or duffel? Stop hiding it in the closet — put it to work instead holding off-season clothes or spare linens.
Outfit high shelves with bins. Items on high shelves have a tendency to teeter and topple. Keep things looking neat and make retrieval a breeze by lining top shelves with matching bins.
Tip: Labels are a must for storage on high shelves, since you don't want to have to pull each bin down to see what's in it.
Tip: Labels are a must for storage on high shelves, since you don't want to have to pull each bin down to see what's in it.
Lacquer boxes. These slick storage boxes are as useful as they are chic. Try using one to keep your wallet, watch and change neat on the dresser, or stash remotes in one on the coffee table.
Lined baskets. The lining will keep small items more stable, so this type of container is ideal when you need portability. Try storing bath products in a lined basket under the sink, then carry it out when you are ready to fill the tub.
Accessorize your kitchen cart. Open shelving that houses purely functional items can benefit from good-looking containers. Try open bins for napkins and small tools, and a wide basket for sheet pans and cutting boards.
Go big and small in a kids' space. Little open baskets are wonderful for keeping like items together. But there are times when you just need to create some order from chaos in five minutes flat — and that's where a big toy chest comes in. Just fill it up and close the lid.
Fabric Bucket Storage, Large
Choose the right size for the task. Before shopping for new storage containers, look closely at what you have to store. Large baskets, however beautiful, will not be helpful if you are trying to stash clothespins.
Important Note!
Keep it up. Any organizing system has the potential to simply turn into more clutter if it is not maintained. Use your baskets and bins as a sort of measuring tool: When one begins to bulge or overflow, let that be your cue to pare down.
Set a regular date on your calendar to remove clutter — because keeping things neat is much easier than creating order from utter chaos!
Keep it up. Any organizing system has the potential to simply turn into more clutter if it is not maintained. Use your baskets and bins as a sort of measuring tool: When one begins to bulge or overflow, let that be your cue to pare down.
Set a regular date on your calendar to remove clutter — because keeping things neat is much easier than creating order from utter chaos!
