It seems as though my house is filled with “stuff”! I try to eliminate clutter but no matter how hard I work there’s always little piles of miscellaneous things everywhere! My dad once said “a house without messes is a house not lived in”…I think I’ll run with that one! But even though I try to remember that wise phrase, the piles of “junk” still drive me crazy and I’m always searching for ways to contain my family’s clutter! Because I enjoy collecting (part of my problem!) and recycling…I love to use found containers to hold our things and keep us as organized as possible! Some of my favorites are old serving dishes, trays, and baskets–they not only store items but make even the most ordinary utensils look lovely while keeping them within arms reach. If you don’t have lots of storage space in your home you might not be able to hide clutter in closets…my problem exactly since I hardly have any! (closets not clutter!) Maybe these things should be kept out in the open…organizing them in fun, creative, and unique ways! So go ahead and live it up in your home–just contain your clutter…pretty!
fun ideas for organizing “stuff”…
pretty patinas…
tarnished vases and bowls are so lovely…keep your bath and dressing rooms organized with these unexpected beauties…
for bracelets…
q-tips, jewels, and glosses!
in the kitchen…
i love to keep kitchen supplies at my fingertips! for me, it makes for quick assembly when entertaining and managing everyday tasks. a tray is perfect for organizing more containers filled with serving pieces, measuring spoons & even treats…
this wire silverware spinner is for more than just entertaining…i can house spreaders and utensils that we use all the time at easy reach…and it looks cute too! why keep entertaining pieces hidden away until you entertain? go ahead and enjoy them…everyday!
another cherished tray…
this sentimental favorite, signed by the entire first grade class, contains stacks of plates and glassware…along with some other stuff!
another little tarnished bowl holds collected corks…waiting to be used for a giggle project or two! and some old sewing machine drawers keep small platters and serving plates organized and at the ready…
a footed vase can hold more than flowers!
this cute container displaying wooden stir sticks and treat spoons can go from kitchen cupboard to coffee counter when you have guests in for a cup of joe and a treat!
speaking of coffee…i house the individual pods in this old serving dish! it too can go straight onto the counter and look sweet with no effort! plus, i can utilize this favorite dish that i would never serve in anymore due to its age.
a tisket a tasket…
this next storage idea may not be the prettiest of them all, but a simple basket on my back stair keeps water bottles and lunch bags handy for morning prep & after school activities!
for shoes too…
a row of fabric baskets are tucked under the kitchen island keeping shoes sorted and from tripping us up in a kitchen without lots of leg room!
workspace & office…
i like to spread out when working on giggle creations…lots of little jewels and trinkets need to be kept somewhat organized or i’d loose my mind! old trays, glasses, and even baking dishes have found new purpose…keeping trinkets in order!
a chipped ceramic quiche pan (that i almost threw out when cleaning out my cabinets) gets a new lease on life in my home…holding more baubles for giggle wind chimes!
little cordial glasses can keep the tiniest supplies safe and sound…
i also love this wood storage box for paper organizing…
whether old or new, boxes make perfect tools for keeping important papers in check! office supply stores offer great choices and are sized perfectly for modern storage. pretty folders are plentiful and look wonderful out in the open…hiding bills, mail, coupons, and whatever else you can think of!
(box & folders found at Target stores)
ball jars are wonderful for seemingly endless storage…this painted version holds pencils making it easy to move it wherever writing utensils are needed!
eliminate searching…
you always know where the sunglasses are if they’ve got a permanent home…a container on the counter keeps important things handy! works for car keys too!
before you finish your spring cleaning…you might want to hang on to one or two old containers that could be used to organize your “everyday junk”! the ideas are limitless…so get inspired and find your own ways to…