Skip Buying Fancy Storage Systems And Try These DIY Alternatives Instead

Organizing your home not only makes it look better, but it also saves you from constantly having to search for things. However, you don't have to spend a ton of money on a luxury storage system to declutter your house. Although we love the look and quality of designer bins, like the KonMari line by Marie Kondo, we've found some DIY alternatives that do the same trick for less money. 

Items of all types and sizes can be stored in repurposed old shoeboxes, laptop and phone boxes, cardboard boxes, tins, and other containers from expensive chocolates, mints, etc. For your kitchen storage, upcycled jars and washed-out food containers can hold all types of dry pantry items. In addition, you can easily weave your own basket or find cheap dollar store bins for DIY bathroom storage. Like Kondo's genius Hikidashi boxes, small recycled boxes can be stored away in drawers and cabinets, out of sight in a neatly organized layout, and they'll make it easier to access items as needed. 

However, don't just use any old recycled box. Opt for one that's sturdy and free of company logos and text. Your home will look much better without the bright orange Nike shoebox sitting around. Plus, decorating the bins makes it easier to label them. Covering the boxes with a white wrapping paper will keep them looking modern and stylish, while a label maker or neat handwriting on top will help remind you what's inside.  

While upcycled boxes work well for storage in many parts of the house, the kitchen area requires its own food-safe storage solutions. Many experts recommend using clear, food-grade storage containers to store food and pantry items like oatmeal, pasta, cereal, nuts, etc. These containers eliminate the need for packaging and labels, which can make your kitchen look more cluttered than it really is. Plus, the clear transparency of the bins makes it easier to see what's inside and when you're running low on something.

Most stores and retailers sell plastic storage bins, jars, and other glass or plastic containers. But, you can save money by simply washing out glass food containers (such as jam, jelly, and pickle jars), removing their labels, and upcycling them for storage purposes. Using a label maker can make it easy to identify items at a glance. In addition, you don't need to purchase a pricey magnetic spice rack for your kitchen. You can easily make your own handy spice rack with a simple Dollar Tree baking sheet.

The humid environment of a bathroom also requires its own unique storage solutions. Find a breathable container with holes, as these will increase ventilation and help prevent mold and mildew. For example, these plastic woven baskets from Dollar Tree are an affordable alternative to a fancy storage system. They're the perfect size to store on the counter, on shelves, or hidden away in the bathroom vanity. You can use them to store everything from towels to small items such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, medical items, and more.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on fancy storage bins, consider learning how to weave your own basket. It's fairly easy and makes for a fun project. There are many free tutorials on how to weave a basket, like this one by Textile Indie on YouTube, and most supplies are available online and in most large grocery and craft stores. 

You can also reuse food containers and other upcycled bins as cheap DIY alternatives for bathroom storage. Command hooks are another useful item you can use to organize your bathroom. Attach them to walls for drying towels and clothes, or place some clear hooks on the inside of your bathroom cabinets to hang bins for toiletries and other essentials.