Home Organization Using What You Have
Using what you have is a concept I’ve adopted in my late college years. When I realized that I’d be living in a big girl apartment of my own this time next year, I started planning. I began trying out some of the organization hacks I discovered on Pinterest, and I was hooked. The unforeseen benefits that came with being organized made a noticeable difference in my productivity, mood, and overall quality of life. I decided to make a commitment to myself: I would form the habit of organization.
About an hour later, I realized it wasn’t that simple. I had $28.47 in my checking account and couldn’t afford the modern acrylic containers or stackable storage cubes that I were featured extensively on my Pinterest board. It was this moment that I realized my expectations were higher than my budget. I was humbled, but I wasn’t giving up. That’s when things got innovative.
Listed in this post are the makeshift storage tactics I used to reach my goal of becoming an organized individual. Not only did I save a ton of money, but I also put some of my extra items to use— and helped the environment.
Thank you, trail mix.
Personally, trail mix is one of those snacks that doesn’t last long. I eat it like candy. Luckily, its large plastic containers can serve as a variety of storage purposes (cotton balls, dry food products, etc). Taking off its label leaves it with a clean look. Currently, I’m using this container to store my markers and paint pens.
Laundry room appreciation.
When tackling the mess that resided under my bathroom sink, the biggest issue was dealing with the fact that it was just too much stuff. I dug up an old over-the-door shoe organizer, and I hung it inside of the laundry room door. With 24 pockets and total concealment from the hallway, its opportunities were endless. I stuffed it with extra sponges, Clorox bins, rags, and more. The result was a huge clearing of space. I was able to roll up my extra linens and store them neatly in an accessible location. Never underestimate the potential of a laundry room.
Repurposed product packaging— a double whammy.
It doesn’t get much more granola than this. By repurposing cardboard packaging that encloses the common household items you purchase, there’s no doubt that you’re contributing to the “Go Green” movement. Check out the following visuals for some inspiration.
Small, rectangular boxes are great for storing makeup and toiletries. And, yes— this is an insert from my tampon box.
Jewelry boxes are the perfect solution for storing the small but important items in your drawers.
Hampers are helpers.
The laundry hamper that I’d bought from Ross my freshman year wound up being too small, so it became a blanket basket. Blankets are relatively appealing to the eye, so I decided their storage didn’t necessarily need to be concealed. Instead, I dispersed them by neatly placing them in living areas that matched (folding over couches, at the bottom of my bed, etc.) The outliers were then neatly folded and tucked into the bottom shelf of our upstairs hallway table.
With the laundry hamper now empty, I was able to find a home for all of the random items I had piled up to ship home for various reasons. I neatly rolled my clothes in layers on the bottom and placed a large makeup bag containing my video games on top. Using a clothespin and scrap paper, I attached a label to the hamper and placed on the top shelf of my closet. Problem solved. A visual of my closet organization will be posted in “Adulting” with some more detail— coming soon!
Toothbrush placement just got cheaper.
There’s a wide variety of toothbrush holders on the market that can offer an aesthetic touch to any bathroom theme. I opted this design asset for other decor that I already had on hand. I prefer a clean counter space. Instead, I designated the top drawer to storing my dental hygiene products, including my toothbrush. By placing a cloth down and laying the toothbrush flat on top, I created a sanitary, convenient, and free storage solution. I cycle out and wash the cloths (which are old kitchen towels that I had kept over the years) weekly.
Time to get innovative.
These resourceful solutions touch only the surface of what can be done to optimize and organize your space without spending the money. By brainstorming potential applications for the various useless items around your house, you may surprise yourself with the benefits that you come up with— and the positive impact that they can have on your life.