Surprisingly simple storage solutions

November 8, 10:55 AMCharlotte Interior Improvement ExaminerJenny Wagner

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Clutter is all around us, and it can quickly take over the entire home if you let it.  Instead of spending a lot of money on storage bins and other professional storage solutions, recycle what you have.  Everyday items can be easily transformed into surprisingly simple storage solutions.

Recycle any of the items listed here and use them to store simple objects around the home.

• Plastic pant hangers that you receive from retail stores are perfect for storing seasonal flags, decorative flags, and small garden flags.  Use a different hanger for holiday flags, everyday flags, and so on, so that they can be easily located.  The flags can be easily identified and located, and stay organized (and out of sight) in a hall closet.  (This item can also be used to store tablecloths, cloth napkins, table runners, and placemats)
   
• Baby wipes containers are the perfect size to store small items such as an emergency sewing kit, stamps and stickers, address labels, gift tags, manicure tools, etc.
   
• Coffee cans are an awesome container that can be recycled to store pens, pencils, rulers, and other small office or school supplies.  Keep crayons and markers organized, or even store batteries of all sizes in one convenient location.  (These can be covered with leftover wallpaper and made to look very cute too)
   
• Panty hose that have small snags and can no longer be worn can be recycled to hold all types of small items.  Use them to keep track of ping pong balls, clothespins, hair clips, tennis balls, and so on.  (Fill used panty hose with potpourri and tie it with an ribbon to make a quick sachet that can be put in dresser drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh)
   
• Shoeboxes....NEVER THROW SHOE BOXES AWAY!  There are so many different things that can be done with old shoe boxes - They can be recycled and used to hold old paperwork, organize greeting cards, store scarves and belts, hold CD's and computer games, store gift wrapping ribbon and paper....the possibilities are endless.  (Shoeboxes can also be covered with leftover wallpaper and made to look attractive enough to store on shelves and counters)
   
• Ice cube trays are just the right size to hold small items such as earrings and small jewelry, buttons or art supplies, screws and bolts, loose change, etc.  The trays are small enough to fit inside dresser or cabinet drawers too, so everything can be stored out of sight.
   
• Prescription bottles can be reused to hold items in any room of the house.  Use them to store buttons, sewing spools, loose change, garlic cloves, earrings, loose jewelry, and MUCH more. 
   
• Cigar boxes are like shoeboxes....they should never be thrown away.  Cigar boxes are the perfect size to slide right into cabinet drawers and can be used to hold all types of things.  Most spice containers can fit into a cigar box, meaning that you can transform an old cigar box into a spice organizer.  Use cigar boxes to hold batteries,playing cards, votive candles, serving utensils, art supplies, prescription bottles, and MUCH more.
   
• Berry baskets that you get when you buy fresh strawberries or blueberries, are very handy to have around the house.  Clean and recycle them and they can be used for a number of storage ideas.  They are great for storing cleaning sponges, soap pads, bar soap, or other items that need a little air to be stored.
   
• Kitty litter containers come with handles, and are GREAT for storing things in the shed or garage.  I like to use them to store bird seed, potting soil, Miracle Grow, etc.  They can also be washed and sanitized and made into handy storage bins for dog food or cat food.

There you have it!  Ten surprisingly simple storage solutions.  I'm willing to bet if you look around your home, you'll find other items that can be easily transformed into a convenient storage solution.  Want to share some simple storage solutions of your own?  Do so here! 

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