According to Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of Shopsmart (the shopping magazine from Consumer Reports), you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get organized; many organizing finds and storage solutions can be found for less than $5! “Shoppers can find great bargains on a variety of storage items at dollar stores and other discount places.”
Here’s a few to consider:
A Charging Station (or Valet), $4 (or lower)-This simple item can usually be found in an “assorted lot” shop (think Big Lots) for a lot less than those available at a regular retailer. Placed in a centrally located part of the house, It’s a great way to keep track of phones and other gadgets when they need to be zapped.
Plastic Bins (and Crates) usually go for just $1 (or less!) and are one of the most versatile products ever for storage (toys, laundry items, painting supplies, books, magazines, you name it) and reducing clutter. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors and practically every dollar store has them. Please Note: If you have a certain set of shelves in mind to put the bins on, perhaps you may want to measure the shelves before buying.
A Plastic Tote Caddy ($1 or less) is another very handy and versatile item to have. They can literally be used as grab-and-go caddies for all kinds of household tasks (like cleaning) or as storage (like toiletries, for example).
Specialty Organizing
Looking for some specialized organizing products? Willing to spend a bit more?
Here are five recommended sites from Shopsmart:
www.organize.com -This site specializes in organizers for hat, accessories and shoes.
A wide selection of under-cabinet shelving (particularly products made for pots, pans and lids) is available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com.
www.containerstore.com has an awesome and tremendous selection of organizing products. Please Note: This site can be very pricey.
A great source for space-saving shelving, furniture, garage and attic organizers can be found at www.solutions.com.
Want cute and stylish desk accessories and other home office products? Check out www.seejanework.com.
Miscellaneous Organizing
When storing:
Sewing supplies-Store like items together (prevents messes and mix-ups)
Off-season clothing-Try to make some room in the basement (yours truly does this; the off-season clothes are contained in sturdy, cardboard boxes. So far, it’s working extremely well!). If needed, use a dehumidifier to help keep out dampness. Garments can also be enclosed in a loose canvas bag or in plastic bins with a cedar block to maintain their freshness (Yours truly doesn’t do any of these “extras.” The basement stays cool (even in high humidity!) and the boxes themselves do such a good job, so…..
Spices-Just store them in a drawer (Super easy to find exactly what you need, and no clutter!).
Shoes-Try using clear shoe boxes; not only can you stack them neatly away, but you can instantly see which pair you’ll want to use (or consider).
Source: Shopsmart (Consumer Reports)-Consumers Union, Inc.- Feb. 24, 2013
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