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Organizing Tip: Use Baskets

040909basket-05.jpgWe like to make the organizing process as easy as possible. That means, implementing systems that are simple to follow--and maintain. It's effortless to toss like items in their allocated basket (all without having to open a cabinet or unzip a bag).

 
 

040909basket-02.jpgLabeling is important so you'll be able to find items when you need them and put them back when they're not in use. Because baskets cannot be traditionally labeled, this decorative tag with handwriting on the reverse is a great way to identify what's inside.

040909basket-03.jpgDVDs, CDs and electronics are kept tidy and neat with the use of baskets. Because these baskets don't have a lid, you can easily locate what you're looking for.

040909basket-04.jpgIf you don't have much of a pantry for dry storage, decorative baskets on the countertop keep your food looking organized.

Related Organizing Posts

[Images from almostbunnies]

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Comments (13)

I no. I really dislike this look. My friends and I call it "the mom-jeans solution". Especially the open topped baskets. If you are going to hide a mess you should at least put a lid on it.

posted by kevoncubine on April 8th 2009 at 6:38pm
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kevoncubine - if i tried to organize with open baskets it would definitely look like 90's momjeans. but when its just one basket artfully placed just so (by someone with more artistic eye than i have), i think its chic - however i'm not sure how much organizing is getting done.

posted by susang on April 8th 2009 at 6:54pm
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I love baskets- if you don't like looking into the open top, put them on shelves just above your eye level. I do this with all of my bath towels, rolled up on end.

I'm enamored with the first image- Is that a framed illustration from Angelina Ballerina? Perhaps Angelina's Birthday? Yay, children's book illustrations as art!

posted by shockthebourgeois on April 8th 2009 at 7:03pm
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I disagree, kevoncubine. Open baskets do not necessarily have to look messy. Even if baskets are your aesthetic cup of tea, comparing them to "mom-jeans" is pretty condescending.

Yes, of course, this means that I use them. I actually thought this was pretty much a no-brainer, if you like the look.

posted by saraannsmith on April 8th 2009 at 7:30pm
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Yes...I really like baskets and have quite a few. I find them interesting and useful. They hold a lot of my magazines and small collections when they're put away for seasonal rotation. I love the textural (sp?) and rustic look of them.

posted by junklover on April 8th 2009 at 7:36pm
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After fighting with my husband for 5 years about putting his shoes in the coat closet rather than under the credenza in the entry (exactly the same distance from the door), I am happy to try to get him to aim for a basket. It isn't the perfect solution but it is better than my alternative. I guess I am putting on the high waisted mom jeans!

posted by jfinteriors on April 8th 2009 at 8:19pm
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I'm not a big fan of baskets as a whole. But I do have one soft stripey seagrass basket to drop sandals in by the front door and I really love it.

posted by bigwavejen on April 8th 2009 at 10:21pm
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oh jeesh..mom jeans..hahaha..comparison..I know, I know...but I find myself 'sneaking' back baskets to put stuff in over time....uncovered, with nice vintage tea towel over it and all,but....there are super nice and cool baskets out there..made out of high tech looking material or 'low country' simple baskets..natural materials..just NOT plastic..like the HOT PINK plastic ones under my sink: )

posted by keeks on April 9th 2009 at 10:25am
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I like the convenience of baskets, but I can never get them to work in my household. I realize now that part of the problem has been not labeling the basket, but there's also the fact that it's too tempting to drop anything you don't feel like walking to its actual place in any nearby basket, and they are too tempting to children. At least young children, who love the exercise of taking everything out of a basket and putting it back, but mostly taking everything out. And leaving it lying around.

posted by yello.cape.cod on April 9th 2009 at 12:50pm
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Does anyone know what where i can find the glass, gasket bottles in the last picture? i live in hawaii and places to find things is limited, so online referrals would be really helpful! thanks!

posted by tlk715 on April 9th 2009 at 7:07pm
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shockthebourgeois-It looks like the framed illustration might be from The Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem which I love. They are little stories about mice. The detailed illustrations are wonderful!

posted by thelilaclady on April 16th 2009 at 12:14pm
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It is brambly bunch!!! love them too!!!

posted by keeks on April 16th 2009 at 12:37pm
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Storage baskets are looking really great. You may also look Ballard Designs. They've quality alternatives.

posted by lindsayfarnsworth69 on May 5th 2009 at 1:17pm
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