This $5 IKEA Hack Will Make Sure You Never Lose Your Socks Again

One thing I’ve always struggled with is where to store my socks. They currently share a dresser drawer with multiple other odds and ends and tend to get jumbled into the mess, especially if I’m feeling lazy and have thrown in single socks instead of pairing them up. Luckily, I just stumbled across an IKEA hack for them — and believe it or not, it uses a trash can. 

The hack relies on the VARIERA trash can, which is designed to go on the inside of a kitchen cabinet. All you have to do is stick the VARIERA on the inside of your closet door and toss your socks in once they’re paired up. It also comes with its own adhesive, so it’s truly a one-and-done buy. Even if you have single socks, it’ll be easier to find them once they have their own designated space — and they’re a lot easier to reach for, too. Just make sure the VARIERA doesn’t get in the way of any clothes inside the closet. 

This hack keeps things neat, and it’s super affordable, with the trash can costing just $5. At that price, you can use it in other places in the house, too. While it’s advertised as a trash can, the reviews show that lots of people have used it for other purposes: in the laundry room as a lint holder, for bag storage in the kitchen, as a catch-all in the car, and even as a place to keep craft accessories.

Reviewers on IKEA’s website generally love the product, but do have a couple of warnings to keep in mind.  One reviewer mentioned, “I wouldn’t recommend any heavy items in them though … as they were intended for plastic carrier bags, which are very lightweight.” Others mentioned that the built-in adhesive can be a bit fussy, with one reviewer saying, “The mounting tape that it came with didn’t last very long.” It might be a good idea to keep some Command strips on hand just in case. 

If you’re looking for another option with a little more color or don’t want to trek out to IKEA, Amazon has a similar bin in green. It’s a little pricier, but otherwise, pretty much the same as the VARIERA. 

All in all, this is an easy, quick hack that can help you keep your closet just a little bit neater.