DIY Storage Containers | Family Economics

By Trisha

My Name is Trisha Novotny and I have an addiction to storage containers. I admit that I enjoy wandering down the organization aisles at my local big box stores, however it can quickly become an expensive addiction buying high-priced containers. So, how can we, “organization junkies,” still find satisfaction in organizing our homes without spending all that money?

Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Baby Wipe Containers – These make perfect storage containers for items such as crayons, markers, small toys, make-up, first-aid kits, coupons and many other items that require a small enclosed container for storage. You can match your décor by covering the empty baby wipe containers with scrapbook paper or fabric. Just secure using an adhesive spray.

Paint Can – Use empty quart-size paint cans to store your art supplies in. You can cover them with decorative scrapbook paper by using an adhesive spray. Place markers, crayons, colored pencils, scissors and paintbrushes in your stylish cans and place on your desk or shelves for easy accessibility.  

Ice Cube Trays – Place an ice cube tray inside your desk to help contain your office supplies such as paper clips, pushpins, rubber bands, etc. You can also organize your jewelry by storing your rings, earrings and necklaces in these trays. This will also help ensure your jewelry won’t get tangled or lost. Dads will even find that ice cube trays are a great solution to organize all those nails, screws and miscellaneous tiny things he keeps in his workshop or tool shed.

Wet Wipe Containers and Plastic Bag Storage – The next time your children use the last wet wipe, be sure to save the empty cylinder container to place your plastic grocery bags in. You can even use fun contact paper to decorate the outside of the container to personalize. These are also perfect for road trips. Plastic bags will be ready when it’s time to clean out the accumulated garbage in the car or to toss wet bathing suits in after a summer swim.

Buckets – You can purchase inexpensive buckets at your local dollar stores, which are great for storing toys, books, and other items in your children’s bedroom or playroom. They can be personalized by using a plastic paint to match your home décor. Additionally, you can add adhesive labels to identify what items or toys belong in each bucket.Ziploc® Brand Bags – I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Ziploc® Brand bags are great when it comes to organizing my stuff. Click here to read 12 of my favorite ways to use them.

How do you organize your home?