Whew. You're on the home stretch and have sorted, purged and decided where all your items will finally land. What's next is the easy part--storing and stowing. We took some pictures of containers we use at home for ideas to check out after the jump.
As you processed all of your belongings, some containers probably came out of the woodwork. When we organize clients, they initially believe two things. The first is that they don't have enough storage space and the second is that they don't have enough containers to store their items. But honestly, once you start going through your items you'll notice that you end up with empty containers (lots of them). It's also important to think outside of the box and use everyday items and re-purpose them for storage needs. A unique mug from your travels might be a fun way to spruce up your office (and remind you of good times). Most of the pictures below are taken from our space to give you ideas and starting points. Not all containers and storage systems work the same for everyone. That's why we love organizing--it's definitely not one size fits all.
The next best option for knowing what's inside your container is to label. We like the standard look from a label maker but we've posted about using decorative labels as well.
Repurposing items is our favorite way to store our belongings because the containers blend in with our decor. This was a glass soap dish and now it contains foreign change.
These decorative glass containers are perfect for storing keys and change on your landing strip when you come home. Every thrift store carries items like this and they are usually around $5 and under.
Glass containers like these once held baby food but they now work perfectly for storing our sewing materials and buttons.
Other containers we like
Let us know what containers you use to store your stuff
Related Organizing Posts
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i like that red dresser
view Lizzykewl's profile
Yes, I have six like the glass dish with the silver rim, picked up in a set from a thrift store. They sit in my cabinet looking pretty when they're not being: candy dishes, cooking-ingredient dishes, receipt holders, vases, change holders, or ice cream dishes.
I, like you, should probably polish the tarnished silver, though. ::grin::
view morfydd's profile
When I 'purged' and brutally tossed/gave away my little vintage goodies like these..I was doing a good thing!..now i have to throw loose change in NEW little ikea 1.00 plant pot..haha..USED to throw my little things in random little vintage dishes etc..i'm going scrounging again..thanks..
view keeks's profile
just went through my kitchen shelf of food storage containers and jeepers! found several i could just use for storage.. and a few odd-man-out lids i can safely toss.
view *heather leaf*'s profile
Oh, and I have a vintage milk glass pyrex casserole dish I could store some goodies in as well instead of it just sitting on a shelf and looking pretty. Thanks, AT!
view *heather leaf*'s profile
What do you do when you're good about purging almost everything BUT containers? They seem to be my weakness: bowls and mugs and glasses, tins, baskets, bags, boxes, crates, vintage suitcases... I'm really picky about which ones I get, but not as picky as with everything else, which generally means I have more containers than things to put in them. And I'm not sure how to better curate them!
view happify's profile
I store my change in a cute, little vintage depression glass ash try (or at least that's what it looks like). It's the irridessant blue/purple.
view Sleek's profile
"Clear containers are best for storing items when it's necessary to see what's inside."
What will they think of next! Who knew?
But why is foreign change something to be displayed? It's another little bitsy dish with crap in it. The best plan is to get rid of this sort of useless stuff. If you're not planning another overseas trip, donate it.
Lots of little containers, filled with odd bits, tend to multiply and you end up with more and more and more.
Corral all like items in one place--sewing supplies are a perfect example. You don't need eleventeen jars with buttons, seam rippers, pins, needles--you need a sewing box.
view Palmetto's profile
WHAT WAS USED FOR TO STORE THE RECORDS? I HAVE THE HARDEST TIME FINDING SOMETHING CUTE TO PUT MY RECORD COLLECTION IN (MILK CRATES ARE SO UGLY!!!!) ANY IDEAS??
view sealife's profile
sealife--if you've got the room, the Ikea Expedit is the perfect record storage furniture. If you don't have that many, the square baskets/containers that fit into the Expedit are decent.
view Palmetto's profile