Uses for Large Plastic Coffee JugsI buy the large coffee jugs, the 33 oz. size. They are made so well, they have a handle on the side, with a good tight seal lid. I just can't see throwing them away. I give them to neighbors that I know, one being an older gentleman that uses them for his screws, nails and other little tools.
Bin There Bin ThatWe use bins for everything! In the garage, the closets, the bathroom cupboards, craft supplies, electronics, the pantry etc. Then, we label them with the contents. Makes everything look so much better and it takes up less room because the bins are stackable.
Turn Dead Space into Storage SpaceI doubt anyone ever said that they have too much storage space! Yesterday, I was getting a little reorganized for the change of seasons, and had an idea to make some storage space in my small laundry room. I have front loading machines that sit about 6 to 8 inches away from the back wall to accommodate hoses and vents.
Save Large Clear Plastic Bags for Blanket StorageThe hot weather is here and it's time to get those winter blankets stored away for the summer months. To keep them from collecting dust, I use a large plastic container to store them in.
Outdoor Cushion Storage SolutionAfter purchasing a much needed patio sofa set, I had a dilemma with how to store those large cushions when not in use. The solution was zippered garment bags that I found at a big box store for $2.97 - I needed four.
Sponges for Keeping Jewelry SafeI buy my sponges 6 at a time from the dollar stores. But I don't like the size or the shape of the sponge part, so I cut them in half to make 12, allowing me to throw each one away on Sundays. The sponge part is sort of wasted but today I found another way to keep them useful.
Using A Wine Rack for StorageWhen I was at my sister's, she had two wine racks. In one, she stored bottled pop and water. In the other, she had all her balls of wool stored in each compartment. It looked nice and was easy for her to find the color she was looking for, as well as being tangle free.
The Frugal OrganizerBeing separated from my husband brought on many financial challenges. First, I had to find a place to live that I could afford. The apartment I found was very small but nice. The problem was I had so much craft "stuff". I couldn't afford a storage space so I became obsessed in finding places to hide things.
Grocery Bags For Stuffing Stored ItemsI have two carry cases for my new camera. As I use only one, I decided to pack the other, away. I didn't want it to become flattened or misshapen in storage, so I stuffed it. I found those ubiquitous grocery bags to be the ideal stuffing.
Choosing Storage ContainersI am a naturally untidy and disorganised person and this one tip makes a huge difference to the state of my cupboards shelves and drawers: Never impulse buy a storage container, whether it's for food, finances, crafts, shoes, nuts and bolts or toys.
Use Top Bunk for StorageIf you're not agile enough for a cabin bed, but you really could use the extra storage - consider sleeping in the bottom bunk of bunk beds, and storing your boxes up top. You can even dress the bunks up as a four poster, thus niftily disguising all the bits and pieces stashed overhead.
Store Desk Supplies in Vintage SuitcaseInside a shabby chic suitcase on or under my coffee table I keep notepads, stationary, pens, scissors, stamps, etc. When I need to use these things while watching TV or on phone, everything is right there and I don't have to get up and go to my desk search for things.
Spices as an Alternative to MothballsWhen most of our belongings went into storage for 12 months, I used peppercorns and cloves in all clothing containers and bay leaves in all my book boxes. Never had a problem and everything smelt nice when I unpacked.
Pillowcase as Chair CoverI usually use 2 pillow cases for our bed. Recently one wore out. What to do with the other? I came up with the idea of putting it on the back of my extra dining room chairs that are put away in storage.
Use Pillowcases for StorageI use pillow shams and pillowcases as dust covers for my nice leather purses stored in my closets. Also, I have stored Christmas sweaters and socks in them. Everything is clean, gathered, ready, and dust free.
Diagram for Re-Packing Stuff Back in BoxesAfter years of not being able to repack boxes of items I started to draw a sketch of the packing layout BEFORE I remove items for the first time. Otherwise I have more items than what I began with left over after repacking!
Bubble Mailer Envelopes for BreakablesUse bubble wrap for storing small breakable items. Cut the mailer into wide strips. Place the strips in between items as you place them in the storage box. This protects anything breakable.
Store Suitcases Inside Each OtherI place smaller cases inside larger one. Also flatten carry bags and store inside suitcases.
Kitchen Garbage Cans for StorageI read on here to use kitchen size garbage receptacles. It turned out to be a great tip! They are all over the house in corners, and they are wonderful make shift "closets."
Using Old Linens for StorageAfter my parents died, when going through the house, I'm finding old towels, sheets that are no longer good for sheets, stained tablecloths etc. I've donated what's appropriate to animal shelters, rescues, But I've always wondered what else the tablecloths could be used for.
Storing Window ClingsMy children and now my granddaughter love window clings. But when they were removed from the window they always folded and were more difficult if not impossible to reuse.
Tarnish Free SilverwareAfter using my good silverware, I vacuum seal it in large ziplock bag, then store the package in between the table linens.
Organizing a Storage BuildingMy husband has me save milk cartons and ice cream containers for him to use for various things. In order to keep them from cluttering his storage building, he threads them through a chain that runs from one end of the building to the other.
Use Garbage Bags for Storage and OrganizingI have been doing this for years and it has been such a big help. I don't go buy those costly shrink bags; I use regular garbage bags and pull the tie and even tape the end of the bag for great sealing purposes.
Repurposing a DresserWe have a wonderful old piece of furniture and no place to put it, so we decided to use it as the TV stand, but it would require some modification.
Use A Clipboard To Store PlacematsUse a clipboard for storing place mats. It will hold several and if you mount it to the wall, it could be a decorative item.
Storing Appliance ManualsI put all my kitchen manuals together at one end of one of my cabinets. I clip them all together with a large size clip so that they stay together and none of them get lost. That way they don't take up much space, and they are always handy whenever I need one.
Use Flat Boxes for Puzzles and PostersDuring my hiatus from having my own place, I had to store my puzzles that were put together. I didn't want them drawing moisture, so I stored them under a friend's guest bed.
Imaginative Wall Storage IdeasI store all my dry foods in glass bottles, often in quart sealers. I ran out of room, so I opened up a small blank wall by cutting into the drywall. This exposed the 2x4s. Between each blank space, I installed shelves made of 1x4s.
Use Clear Plastic Totes For Holiday StorageI decorate for so many things, that I've found using the clear totes to be very useful. I store them in different areas of the attic.
Reuse Old Suitcases for StorageThe chances are very good that you or a family member have an old suitcases in the attic, basement, or closet. The old hard-shell case has become the dinosaur of trave. Newer ones may be a little shabby, thus not usable for flight trips.
Store China in Ziplock BagsStore the good china in zip-lock bags. It prevents scratching and assures that they are clean when you want to use them.
Storing Seasonal ClothesSince I have the space, I keep my late fall and winter clothes on one side of the closet and the spring, summer, and early fall clothes on the other side.
Hang Storage Bags Under EavesI have some closets under the eaves upstairs. They are full of hooks, so I have put lots of things in plastic grocery bags, and hung them by the handles on the hooks.
Keeping Track of Storage LocationsI do pretty good at organizing, I have labeled bins in the garage, etc. But as I get older I have trouble remembering where I put items around the house, so I created a folder in my email called "Storage Locations".
Color Coordinated Totes for Storing Holiday ItemsI found that using different colored totes for different holidays. I use colors resembling the holiday. It makes looking for them in storage a lot easier.
Use Old Luggage for StorageInstead of spending money on expensive storage bins just place your linens, seasonal clothing, photo albums, extra books, etc. in your luggage and slide under the bed.
Pool Toy StorageA 5 gallon bucket with holes drilled in the bottom make a great pool toy keeper and carrier.
Reuse Sheet, Blanket, and Comforter BagsI always save the clear zippered bags that sheets, comforters, etc. come in to use for storing sweaters in the summer, children's puzzles, toys, heirloom baby clothes, or anything that comes to mind.
Use Ziplock Bags for Space Saving StorageZiplock bag come in some very large sizes now. I recently tried using a vacuum hose to suck the excess air out like the space bags that are advertised but are expensive.
Don't Let Stored Wood Furniture Get Too HotThis is just an additional tip on storing wood furniture. Store it in a dry, well ventilated area, but one that does not get too hot. The wood might dry out and crack.
Use Old Socks for PackingI was needing to pack some highly breakable items they are very sentimental to me and I didn't want them to break while I have to store them. I didn't have bubble wrap or newspaper but I did have a million old socks so I decided to use them for my packaging.
Don't Use Cardboard For Long Term StorageIf you are storing long-term, do not use cardboard boxes. Anything can happen to them, be it roof leakage or bugs or mice.
Keep Track of What is in StorageBefore we moved out of the country we stored tons of stuff in basements and with friends. To keep track of it all, we just took digital photos of each box before we sealed it up and wrote numbers on the boxes.
Store CDs and DVDs on a SpindleThrifty space saving tip for campers who don't want to give up their music and movie collections.
Tips For Storing CrystalWhen storing crystal dishes and glasses, never wrap them in newspaper. The newspaper will take the moisture out of them and make them break when handled.
Reuse Silica Desiccant Packets in PackagesWhen I've ordered something, most always the box has those "silica" packets. I re-use them. Some examples: in a photo box, where you've stored until "someday" you'll get around to them, or in my power tools carrying cases. Anywhere you might have moisture.
Keep a Photo of What's in the BoxI have a LOT of stuff stored in boxes and occasionally would spend hours looking for one small thing. So now when I pack boxes, I take a picture of the contents and make two copies, one for the outside of the box and one for a special folder I keep for that reason.
Use King Sized Pillowcases for Protecting Table LeavesI don't have covers for my dining room table leaves. Instead to protect them while storing them in the closet I slip them into king size pillow cases. They are the perfect length and protect against the scratching that may occur during storage.
3 Drawer Rolling Cart For StorageI'm a terminal pack rat. One of those people who is always buying stuff and then forgetting where I put it. Recently, I bought a 3 drawer rolling cart at KMart for $10. I use it for all my bought ahead health and beauty items.
Organization For Pack RatsI know that this sounds simplistic but if you are a pack rat (and who isn't?), try to root through your things on a regular basis. I put away items into a "safe" place and then I cannot find them. I am in a store and I "think" I need pens when I have dozens of them, if I only knew where.
Unusual Way to Store Extra Toilet PaperI visited a friend's house by the beach and saw the coolest way to store toilet paper rolls in their small bathroom. They had an old wooden oar which they leaned back between the toilet and the wall.
Storing a Large Area RugSave old belts to use when storing or moving large area rugs. Roll up the rug and wrap a couple of belts around it, using the belt buckles to secure the belt in place.
Storing Flutes or RecordersDo your children have recorders to learn music on or do you have ethnic flutes you want to store? Save any long clear plastic tubes from packaging and use them for flute cases!
Storage Solution for a Mobile HomeI live in a mobile home, so space is very limited. I don't have a shed, but if I did, storage there would also be limited. So, we take all of our things to be stored, put them in large plastic totes with a tight sealing lid, and store them under our trailer!
Creating Labels for Storage BoxesWhen you are storing items within a larger box (such as what reams of paper are housed in) for long-term storage, make the label of the contents on the computer, and then do a copy-and-paste two additional times so that you have 3 identical labels.
Towel Rack For Extra StorageIf you are low on storage, like me, you can take a towel rack or two and attach them to the back of your bedroom door to hold any extra blankets or comforters from your bed.
Organizing Plastic BagsInstead of wadded plastic bags stuffed higgledy-piggledy, she had taken each bag by the bottom and the handles and smoothed it to a thin, upright column. Then she had laid the brown paper sack on its side and placed each plastic bag inside, with the handles up.
Storing Grocery ItemsWhen stockpiling grocery items in your home, make sure to store them in an area that can be easily cleaned in case anything were to get cold or hot and ooze out or overflow.
Storing SuitcasesWhen packing my suitcases back into the closet after a trip, I put those fragrance paper inserts (stuck inside Sunday's store flyers) inside. When I open the suitcase the next time it smells so nice!.
Cereal Boxes for Magazine StorageMost cereal boxes can be converted into boxes to store magazines. Just remove the top flaps and cut the upper third of the box off at a diagonal angle. You can put contact paper on the outside of the box to make the box look better.
Get Rid of Monthly Storage FeesIf you have things in a storage unit, get into it and keep what you want. But sell or give the rest to the needy. Get out of paying those monthly storage fees!
Think Before You Buy More Storage BinsWhen you find yourself searching for and buying more storage bins and baskets, step back and question whether it's a good investment. Would you save money by cleaning out and donating unused items instead? Simplify to save money.
Old Dresser Drawers For Under Bed StorageOld dresser drawers under the bed make great storage, you can even put casters on the bottom if you like.
Labeling Your TotesUse Magic Marker to mark on your bags or totes to know what is in them. If you need to remove the Magic Marker, just use hair spray and a little elbow grease.
Storing Christmas Ornaments In LuggageI've been hunting mouse proof storage for my Christmas decorations and ornaments. This year I purchase several pieces of used hard-sided luggage at the local thrift store for a very low price. Sorry mice friends!
By Jonna Marsh
Storing Christmas LinensBefore you store away Christmas tablecloths, throw pillows, etc., toss in a new dryer sheet. The scent will keep the seasonal goodies from getting musty between now and next holiday season!
Extra Storage With Tote BagsI use colorful cloth or plastic tote bags as storage for many things: reusable plastic bags, bits of fabrics and trims, travel items, scarves and shawls, gloves and mittens. I hang the bags from cute racks or pegs so they look nice. Most of the bags are purchased from thrift stores or from department stores.
By Ann
Storing Gift Bags and RibbonTo store christmas gift bags and ribbon use a cardboard box (like one that reams of copy paper come in). Put the gift bags on the bottom and the ribbons on top. Mark the end of the box. This type of box is stackable.
By Jo Ann
Store Breakables in Liquor BoxesMy family used to run a restaurant/bar and we got TONS of beer boxes. By using the boxes with the dividers inside (used to keep the glass bottles from breaking) to store Christmas ornaments we had a thrifty yet extremely practical way to protect glass ornaments and other breakables!
Scan Your Important PapersIf you have access to a scanner, scan and file on disk all your important papers, such as birth certificates and medical documents that you would be hard pressed to reproduce in a short time.
Creative Storage IdeasHow about brainstorming on how to find more storage room? To start off, I hide stacks of magazines, books, or baskets of knitting, underneath floor-length tablecloths.
