The Five Best Container Store Hacks That Will Save You Money

The Container Store is the ultimate destination for those who love to organize. It's easy to get obsessed with all the bins, baskets, and other storage items available for purchase. But there are a couple of downsides — first being that once you start buying containers of all types, it's hard to stop. You'll want to organize your entire house! Secondly, it gets expensive. Organizational containers and storage systems from The Container Store tend to be pricier than discount stores that sell storage solutions, such as the Dollar Tree, per Get Organized HQ. On the bright side, you'll be getting higher quality from The Container Store, and you will be able to use what you purchase for longer. 

If you love this store but want to save money, rest assured there are ways to get discounts and shop smarter to save a few bucks. In fact, anyone who regularly shops at The Container Store should know all of the hacks that will help you purchase more for your home DIY projects.

Shopping sales is an obvious money-saving tip for any type of store, but The Container Store has some impressive ones. Start by checking online — there is a "sales" section on the website, and they have an impressive selection of sale items at any given time. You will find several pages of items to browse, all at prices lower than average. It's also a good idea to check your local store. Every destination has a unique clearance section, as well as local sales that won't be advertised online. 

According to Credit.com, The Container Store also has a twice-annual sale on its main in-store brand, Elfa. Known as the Elfa Sale, this sale usually begins after Christmas and runs through mid-February, and then again in the late summer to early fall. Various items are available at discount prices during this period, and the Elfa sale is announced both online and in-store.

Get your money's worth by taking advantage of any free services your local Container Store is offering. There are regular events that include tips on free Elfa design ideas, as well as chances to interact with trained design experts right there in the store. They also have a website, Container Stories, with a regularly updated blog that includes tons of ideas that will save you hundreds that would otherwise be spent on a professional organizer to achieve the look. 

Looking for another way to save some money? Skip the shipping fees. All locations have free store pick-up, so you can order online from the comfort of your home and then visit the store when it's most convenient for you. There's no reason to spend upwards of $20 on shipping fees when you can just swing by without having to wait long and pick up in person. If you really want to get things shipped, The Container Store usually offers free shipping on items over $75, per Credit.com. 

The Container Store has a wonderful loyalty program called POP (Perfectly Organized Perks) Rewards. According to Offers.com, you can rack up points whenever you make a purchase, plus get a 15% discount on your first order after joining. Other perks include: 

• Receipt-free return freedom
• Birthday and anniversary discounts
• Special POP Rewards shopping days
• Invitations to local events 

You can also opt to apply for The Container Store credit card. They have special financing options if you need to buy a lot, and the charges are interest-free if you pay it back within six months if you owe $200 or less, and 12 months on purchases of $599 or more, per The Container Store. Discounts are also regularly available for card holders. The more you join up with The Container Store and all the special offers they put out there, the more likely you are to find the best deals and discounts. 

If you are looking to mega-organize your home and have some spare time, consider getting a job at The Container Store. According to Container Stories, all employees (both full-time and part-time) receive a 50% discount on Elfa products and a 40% discount on other products. Retail stores have been in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are understaffed, meaning it might be pretty easy to get a job working at your local store at any time. 

However, no matter the economic climate, most retailers like The Container Store hire extra workers during the summer months and over the holiday season. If you have the time for a seasonal job, it might be just the ticket for you to be able to purchase all the bins and baskets your heart desires. It should also be noted that The Container Store is well-known for its excellent training program. You never know — a money-saving motive might turn into a new career.

When it comes down to it, you don't need to purchase items from The Container Store to own things from there. Search popular second-hand sites like Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, or Craigslist to locate Elfa items or other pieces that were originally purchased from The Container Store. Not only will you save a bundle, but you will also be reducing your environmental footprint too by buying used instead of new. 

Is Christmas coming up, or perhaps your birthday? Consider asking your friends and family to give you gift cards from The Container Store that you can then use on whatever you want, whenever you want to, per The Container Store. You can save those gift cards until the perfect sale and spend literally nothing while still getting all the goods you want. The Container Store can be pricey, but there's always a way to save some money if you're willing to be patient and a little creative.