Re-think Your Organization: Repurposing Household Items

Do you want to get more organized without breaking the bank on organizing supplies? In honor of Earth Day tomorrow, here are my top ten favorite organizing solutions using common household items.

1. Drawer Organizer – Muffin pans are a great way to organize small items like pins, paper clips, nails and screws, rubber bands, keys, earrings, hair accessories, etc.  Ice cube trays or egg cartons can also be used for the same purpose.
2.  Craft Caddy – Use soup cans or plastic cups to create a craft caddy to organize your paint brushes, markers, colored pencils, scissors, etc. Use your creative energy to decorate them.
3. Condiment Caddy – As BBQ season nears, use a cardboard container from soda or beer to hold silverware and condiments. It will make it easy to transport these items from the kitchen to your picnic table!
4. Cord Organizer – Once you finish a roll of toilet paper, you can re-purpose it to tame your cords. Just coil the excess cord and slide the toilet paper roll over to keep it neat.
5. Spices – Use small glass jars, such as baby food jars, to organize your spices. Use the same size jars and label the tops for easy organization in a shallow drawer.
6.  Small Toy Pieces – Reuse durable plastic containers from products, such as coffee, diaper wipes, or tennis balls to contain those pesky little toy pieces (Legos, Polly Pockets, marbles, etc.).
7. Plastic Grocery Bags – Use a tissue box to contain plastic grocery bags for reuse. It is a great way to contain them and easy to grab one when the need arises.
8. Charging Cords – Instead of tossing your old glasses case, use it to pack your charging cord(s) and/or headphones for travel.
9. Ball Caps – Use a sturdy hanger and attach ‘s’ hooks or ‘c’ hooks along the bottom part of the hanger (that you use for pants). Now hang a hat from each hook.
10. Necklaces – Remove the handle from a vintage rake (or bow rake) and attach it to the wall in your closet or bedroom. Hang your necklaces on this to keep them from getting tangled or misplaced.

Follow these tips or come up with some clever solutions of your own to save money and be eco-friendly while getting your home more organized!

Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.