Below is a list of basic items that work well for many organizing projects. I’m a fan of investing in versatile containers that can be used in many applications. Your organizing needs will change over time and versatile containers allow you to get the most out of your storage dollar.
Shelving
If you’re organizing a storage space, consider if you have enough shelving. Shelves allow you to make the most of your vertical space, and they can also be helpful for creating breathing room in a very full space that needs to be decluttered. Be sure to invest in shelves that are strong enough for the items you will be storing.
This type of shelving unit is super easy to set up. They’re light, making it possible for one person to set up and move these shelves into their designated spot.
Sterilite storage bins
Clear containers or white containers are the most versatile. White works well in many environments and colored storage containers can begin to look dated when color trends change. Here are some of my favorites:
Without lids:
- These baskets come in a variety of sizes. Click around the site to find the right size for your project. Please note that the provided link selects a 6-pack of the basket. However these are available as single items.
With lids:
White box with white lid:
- Sterilite 25-Quart ID Box (6-Pack)
Laundry Hamper
A tall laundry hamper is excellent for keeping clutter at bay in the laundry room or bedroom. I use one in my basement storage area to serve as a donation station. The hamper shown is available in both rectangular and round designs.
Modular Drawers
This style of drawer is versatile because you can stack them as high as your space allows. This Sterilite drawer is clear, making it easy to see what’s inside each drawer. Purchasing these in bulk (6-pack) decreases the price considerably.
Canvas Bins
Canvas bins are available in both open and closed configurations. The Container Store has a nice open canvas bin that can be used to contain a number of items. Be sure to click through the images that they provide to see some neat ideas for item storage.
If you want to want a closed solution, check out the storage boxes from Household Essentials. They come in three sizes and two styles.
Drawer Organizers
Tip: Using individual organizers allows you to configure your drawer and items exactly the way you want. There are a variety of styles and sizes available to suit your needs. For example, the Linus Drawer Organizers are available in a number of sizes. Here’s an example of how these might work in a desk drawer.
Interlocking bins will allow you configure the layout of your overall system, but interlock so that each bin is held in place. You can find these in a variety of colors. These bins from Madesmart come in both white and granite.
Lazy-Susan’s / Turntables
Love this 18” Lazy-Susan. Read through the reviews on Amazon and you’ll see that I’m not alone. 🙂 It’s so great for making items accessible in deep cabinets. I use two of these in my own pantry. If the 18″ size is a bit too large for your space, they’re available in smaller sizes. These units are also available in a stacked, 2-tier configuration. I use something similar to this to organize my spices.