If your house is in desperate need of organization, there are a number of cheap storage solutions you can use to get your clutter under control. It's not necessary to spend a lot in order to get your home in order.
Buy Storage and Organization Tools
Check out these online retailers that specialize in home storage solutions:
- The Container Store not only offers solutions for every storage need, from the kitchen to the garage, but the website also has helpful expert tips.
- ClosetMaid has a step-by-step process for helping you get everything you need. Start by getting ideas, and then make your own design, prepare your space, shop for your needs and install it all with the help of the online Select a Room tool for getting started.
- Storables includes green product ideas amongst their standard storage and organization help for bathrooms, kitchens, closets and more. Use the Custom Closet worksheet and catalog to create your own solution or visit with a consultant in-store for some free help.
- Stacks and Stacks offers not only indoor solutions for storage, but also garage and outdoor storage solutions, too. If you have a question about storage and organization, check out the Ask Our Organizer feature.
Remember to sign up for emails and newsletters for information on upcoming sales, deals and coupons at whatever website you visit. Check the clearance sections for the biggest savings.
Types of Cheap Storage Solutions
When you're on a tight budget, make wire shelving, plastic containers, and recycled storage options the basis of your organizing efforts.
Wire Shelving
Wire shelving is one of the simplest cheap storage solutions. Configure a shelving kit to fit the exact dimensions of your available space and install the shelves yourself using a few simple tools. If you wish, purchase coordinating baskets that help to further contain your clutter.
Most wire shelving comes in either a black or white finish. Black lends a modern look to the space, but white tends to be less obtrusive when compared to your existing décor.
Plastic Containers
You can find small containers with lids, as well as larger units that feature multiple drawers of various sizes. Whether you're trying to organize your child's toys or find a way to keep your office supplies neat and tidy, there's a plastic container available to fit your needs.Plastic storage containers are available in a variety of colors, but many people still dislike the look of this organizational option. If your containers are for a child's bedroom, try using stickers or rub-on letters to add pizzazz to plain storage. If you're organizing your living room or home office, sew a fabric cover to keep ugly containers neatly hidden away.
Recycled Storage
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and garage sales often have assorted shelves, boxes, or baskets that can be used to store items around your home. Look for old suitcases, jewelry boxes, hat boxes, laundry hampers, milk crates, and other similar items as well.
Another great way to find inexpensive storage solutions for your home is to take a second look at your trash. Instead of throwing the following items away, turn them into creative storage options:
- Baby food jars
- Empty tin cans
- Film canisters
- Prescription bottles
- Shoe boxes
- Checkboxes
- Cool Whip containers
- Large plastic ice cream buckets
Basic Organization Tips
Having a clear idea of what items you need to store and how much space you have available will make the task of getting organized much easier.
The following concepts are key to controlling clutter in your home:
- Only keep items that have a practical purpose or a strong sentimental meaning. Everything else is merely taking up space. If an item has no place in your home, sell it or donate it to someone who will find it useful.
- Make getting organized a group effort. You can't be expected to sort through your daughter's dolls or your husband's tools by yourself.
- Label everything. Don't rely on your memory to keep you organized!
- Consider your organizational efforts an ongoing process. Once you come up with a basic storage solution, reevaluate your plan in a few months. If your system isn't working, don't be afraid to try something else.
- Implement a "one in, one out" rule for your home. Once you've purged your home of unwanted and unnecessary belongings, don't allow a new item to enter the house unless it is a replacement for something you already own. If you treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, it's time to get rid of the heels that have been sitting in the back of your closet for the last five years.
Additional Information
For more affordable storage ideas and home organizing tips, check out the following helpful links:
Saving Money on Storage
Just because you need to get organized doesn't mean you need to spend a lot. Recycle what you have, buy a few cheap wire baskets or containers from a discount store and supplement with a few bigger solutions from a specialty store in order to get organized cheaply.
