How to Create Pretty Storage Solutions with Items You Already Own

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How to Create Pretty Storage Solutions with Items You Already Own

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One of the main reasons you end up with clutter in your home is probably because you have run out of storage areas for the things you own. There are things you do not want to let go of, but you have no place to put them. Keep reading to learn how to create pretty storage solutions.

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You may be tempted to purchase a plastic tote or another storage item the next time you need to store something. Instead, look around to see what you already own. This will solve three problems – you will  save money, you will not bring a new item into your home and you will find a place to store items. I call that a win, win, win.

To get started, make a list of the items in your home you need to store. Most likely there will be a variety of things. Some will be big or bulky like clothing or stuffed toys. Others will be smaller and easier to store. Sort the items by size and type in order to store like items together.

Glass jars are a great item to store smaller items. Placing buttons in a glass jar, tying a pretty ribbon on it and putting it on a shelf near your sewing area is a great way to store the buttons and have something nice to look at. Having the buttons in the glass jar will also help you find the right button the next time you need one.

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Let’s face it – nuts, bolts, nails and screws simply are not attractive to most people. You can use the same idea as with the buttons, but use a pretty label to cover what is inside. Place the jar on a shelf to organize small items and keep them handy.

I use glass jars to store items in my pantry as well as a way to store leftover paint.  Using mason jars to store leftover paint is amazing as the jars seal really well, thusly, the paint does not dry out and you can see the color of the pain through the jars.

Most houses have cereal or other boxes that they have to dispose of regularly. Rather than toss the boxes, cut the corner off with a craft knife and cover each box with pretty wrapping paper or paint it. Use the covered boxes to store magazines, instruction manuals or warranty information. Larger boxes, like old suitcases, may not even need to be covered. You can store items in the suitcases and stack them next to the couch or chair to use as an end table. No one ever needs to be the wiser.

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Old suitcases do make interesting decor, but I use two large boxes under my kitchen sink to store under-the-sink stuff. I covered the boxes with a pretty contact paper and they fit perfectly under the sink. One is shorter than the other to accommodate my garbage disposal. I also laid peel and stick tile on the floor of my under-the-sink cabinet for added protection from leaks and the like, but that’s for another post. Just know that you can make any box prettier with contact or wallpaper or paint.

Paint an old dresser or shelving unit to breathe new life into it. Boxes and drawers can be painted and mounted on the walls for use as a display unit. If you do not enjoy painting, you can also glue nice fabric to the wood or staple it to keep it in place. One of these ideas would be good for a children’s room.

You may also want to keep old baskets rather than throwing them out. Wash them off, give them a coat of paint to coordinate with a room and then place it in the corner. This is a great idea for bathrooms. Roll washcloths or towels up and place them in the basket for easy reach. Who hasn’t used a basket for storage? No one…right? Well step it a notch and paint that basket to match your decor and store blankets, extra pillows and the like in your bedroom or family room, or toys in a child’s room. The possibilities are endless.

Embellish an ice cube tray with ribbon or beads along the edges. You can then use the tray to store earrings or other jewelry items in a fun way. Think of other small items that you could put in an ice cube tray and you have ready-made storage from something you already own. I will admit, this idea was suggested by a friend of mine who is also obsessed with organization. However, I have never used an ice tray for storage. But I can see where it could be useful for very small items.

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The goal with organization and storage is to keep things that you want to keep in an organized manner. Try to think outside of the box and come up with new ways to repurpose items you already have. You can use these ideas to help you along or perhaps ignite your own creativity to create pretty storage solutions with items you already own.

Always remember that it is your home and your style. Do not try to organized your home in a style that will suit someone else. It must be a system and a style that works for you and your family.

Happy organizing.