apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

• Dollar Stores: The key to shopping at the dollar store is to keep it simple. Look for basic tupperware, metal containers, and boxes that you can buy in bulk.
• Big Box Retailers: Old standbys like IKEA, Target, and Costco stock low-priced containers that you can often buy in sets for less. IKEA's Lingo storage boxes are an Apartment Therapy favorite.
• Your Own Pantry: Instead of buying a new set, clean out and re-use aluminum and tin cans. They're stackable, and you can buy can covers for them if necessary. Mason and Ball jars are other good bets.
• Supply Stores: Be creative with your storage. Sets of inexpensive terra cotta pots from a garden supply store could hold office supplies. Heavy-duty boxes from a shipping supply store could look great stacked on a shelf. Stores that specialize in selling one type of thing often have goods in bulk at lower costs.
• Art and Craft Stores: Places like Michael's and Pearl Art & Craft sell unfinished wood boxes and simple glass containers for craft projects. Use these plain or painted, in a set, for small storage.

Add your sources for cheap matching containers in the comments below.

Photo: Risager licensed via Creative Commons