People might tell you not to sweat it, but small stuff really can get in the way of your clean and tidy house. And heck, let’s face the facts: when your small stuff is all over the place, it becomes big stuff! Let’s take a look at some pretty clever ways to keep those small items organized, so you can move onto bigger and better things.
1. Magnets
Whether it’s safety pins, straight pins, paper clips, bobby pins or steak knives, magnets have a way of keeping them together. Ever seen people store knives on a magnetic strip under a cabinet? And what about those magnetic boxes people use for paper clips? Try using another one in the bathroom for bobby pins. Sewing stores have magnetic trays that are great for holding onto needles, but they work great for lots of other things.
2. Ice Cube Trays
In the absence of adequate jewelry storage, ice cube trays come to your rescue. They fit nicely into drawers, and can hold dozens of rings or pairs of earrings.
3. PVC Projects
Cheap, plastic PVC pipe can easily be made into an array of organizing wonders. From tool holders, to drawer organizers, to shoe racks, check out how PVC can change your life.
4. Mason Jars
Mason jars are kind of a big thing nowadays. But look how cute they are when you give each kid their own for their toothbrush and toothpaste? No more fighting — at least over that stuff.
5. Magazine Holders
At a loss as to where to keep your foil, plastic wrap, and baggies? Use cheap dollar store magazine holders, and you’ll never have them fall out of an open cupboard again. They’re all kinds of wonderful for other things too.
6. Fruit Baskets
Hanging fruit baskets aren’t just for fruit! Hang one on your shower rod with an S-hook, and you can use it for bath toys and other shower goodies.
7. Muffin Tins
A plain old muffin tin is great for holding your small stuff. Office supplies, craft and sewing items, jewelry…
8. Binders
Binders aren’t just for school and office paperwork. Think outside the box a little and use therm for seed packets, small hardware items, cables, instruction manuals, and more!
9. Bean Bag Stuffing
Well if this isn’t clever I don’t know what is. How many stuffed animals does that one kid of yours have? Buy a beanbag — just the outside, not the filling — and stuff those stuffed animals right inside. They’ll be safe, cozy, and out of your hair.
10. Egg Cartons
Egg cartons can hold your K-cups, jewelry, and organize your entire junk drawer!
11. Toilet Paper Tubes
You could certainly paint this or add washi tape, but an organizer made out of toilet paper tubes can be used for office supplies, socks, cables, and much more.
12. Hooks
Plain old hooks, especially Command Hooks, are some of the most versatile organizing tools ever created. In the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and closet, they can whip your small stuff (and some of your big stuff) right into shape.
