I have two go-to types of storage containers, both of which are made by Sterilite.

* Ultra Basket. I have these in various sizes to accommodate different storage needs. I use one as a temporary catch-all for socks that are missing their partners; to corral baby diapering necessities; to keep my sons’ snacks on a shelf in the kitchen; and to hold cardstock and paper for making cards. These are great in every room of the house.

* CD/DVD Mini-crate. These are labeled as CD/DVD crates but I use them for everything! What I love about these is that they are stackable in every direction. It’s easy to see what’s inside so I don’t need to label them. I use them for storing travel-sized bath items; cake-decorating tools; bags of ground coffee; CDs and DVDs; craft supplies and so on. I get them for $1 at Walmart.

Whatever it is that I need to keep organized, I’ve found that these baskets in different sizes, and this crate are all I need to do good job.

What organizing tools do you turn to most often?

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Here are some items that have inspired me lately to think about how I can organize my home better:

* Book Buggy from Levenger. This is perfect for the room where you do a lot of reading. Store your favorite books on it and pull it near your favorite chair for hours of reading. It’s on the wheels to it’s easy to push back to the wall when you’re done! DIY idea: Install casters on a lightweight bookshelf.

* Cottage Locker from LL Bean. This is my absolute dream organizer for a mudroom. Individual cubbies make it easy to store and find coats, shoes and bags. DIY Idea: Install hooks on walls for hanging coats and hats. Place a low sturdy shoe cabinet beneath the hooks to have a place to sit while putting on your shoes.

* Creativity Wall System with Chalkboard Cabinets, from Pottery Barn Kids. The low shelves make it easy for kids to store and access their things. I love the chalkboard cabinets! DIY Idea: Convert any surface to a chalkboard with chalkboard paint, available at most home improvement stores.

* Trofast storage combination from Ikea. There is so much potential here. Organizing clean and folded clothes in the laundry is one.

* Mesh Wall Bureau, available at Amazon.com. This is one of the simplest ways to organize a desk or a mail/message center. Incoming papers, bills, mailing supplies, note paper, paper clips, scissors, pens and pencils can all find a home in this unit, which comes with wall-mounting hardware.

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Post from: Keeping the Castle