10 Affordable Organizing Classics That Will Never Go Out of Style
What do you do when your organization options are so large you have to organize them? Our solution: Get back to basics.
Forget the the unitaskers and gimmicky systems. If you’re searching for storage solutions and organization tools that won’t go out of style, look no further than these affordable organizing classics so versatile and functional they’ll work in any apartment—and any decade.
We’ve made some picks to make shopping easy (and beautiful), but the point is that you can find these staples anywhere, any time (in any colorway!) and feel good about adding them to your home.
The Humble Cardboard Photo Storage Box
What to use them for: Storing photos is a given, but what about your stock of greeting cards, postcards, trading cards, recipes, or collection of mementos? No matter what you keep in them, these equally durable and minimal boxes will do the trick.
Always-Underestimated Accordion File Folders
What to use them for: Perfect for organizing all your tax documents, car papers, home documents, bills, or receipts, these expanding folders are also color coded or come with labels, so you can find the papers you’re searching for in a cinch.
An Endlessly Versatile Flatware Tray
What to use them for: Whether you store your kitchen utensils, craft supplies, writing utensils, or jewelry and accessories, an easy-to-clean flatware tray with at least five compartments is a must-have for anyone with a collection of anything.
The Sturdy Structure of Magazine File Organizers
What to use them for: Think of these guys as vertical file folders. Of course, they’re great for magazine storage, but they’ll also hold files, papers, books, or notebooks and journals. Many options are also great for storing tablets or other devices, especially if they’re equipped with an exterior cut-out for charging cables.
The Variably Versatile Spice Rack
What to use them for: One of the most versatile organizing options out there, a solid spice rack will do wonders in the kitchen for your canned items or dry goods, in the bathroom for nail polish or makeup, or wherever you want to show off a collection of action figures, or succulents, or…
The Hidden Magic of Underbed Bins
What to use them for: You know underbed storage is a sneaky way to store your out-of-season clothes. But a durable plastic or fabric organizer is also the perfect solution for all the shoes, linens, or towels you don’t use frequently.
An Everyone-Needs-One Lazy Susan
What to use them for: If it spins, it wins. Use this two-tiered turnstyle for storing condiments, perfume and cosmetic items, office supplies, or crafting items. If you want even more organizing options, opt for a lazy susan with raised sides and compartments.
The Multi-Talented Ottoman Storage Bench
What to use them for: No one will ever know your storage bench is doing double duty as an organizer. Use it in the bedroom for seasonal accessories, in the kids’ room for toy storage, or in the entryway for umbrellas, shoes, and slippers.
Read more: 7 of the Best Storage Benches Under $200
An Unpretentious Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
What to use them for: From storing shoes and socks to toys, gardening tools, hot hair tools, or even baby clothes (just roll ’em up!), an over-the-door shoe organizer makes it easy to grab what you need. To organize your wrapping paper collection, slice the bottom of two or three compartments (leave an intact row below) and use them like sleeves to keep your rolls upright.
The Timeless Reliability of Plastic Storage Bins
What to use them for: Pack anything seasonal in these stackable bins, like out-of-season clothes, decorations, or kitchen items. Locking, plastic bins are also great for personal items or documents you want to protect from potential basement flooding, and a clear option is ideal for quick storage-area searching in a hobby room.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Share them in the comments!