Organizing - Organizing Ideas

99 low-cost organizing tips

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99 low-cost organizing tips

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Getting and staying organized isn't easy. If you're struggling to conquer clutter once and for all, our simple 99 organizing tips should help get you started.

51 Don’t limit closet storage to hangers. Hang hooks on the door for frequently used items.
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52 Tackle that kitchen junk drawer problem head on. Today. Purge, edit and keep things in place with a drawer organizer.

53 Are you a piler, not filer? That’s fine, just keep piles of paperwork organized by using folders and write-on clips.

54 Recycle leftover gift-wrap ribbons by using them to tie up extra electrical and other cords in your utility closet.

55
Dedicated tie, belt and scarf holders are closet must-haves.

56
Upgrade your address book for a classic Rolodex. They’re retro-chic and easy to keep updated.

57
Buy a framed corkboard, hang it in the kitchen and pin up favourite recipes, clipped from magazines.

58
Make space by putting your CDs in organizers, by genre. Recycle the jewel cases or put them into storage in the attic.

59
Or, purge your CD clutter once and for all by having your CDs converted to digital files at riptopia.com. Sell or donate the used CDs.

60 Buy a hotel-style hairdryer that can be installed on the wall to save space, time and energy in a small bathroom.

61
A pot-lid holder puts the vertical space behind a cabinet door to good use.

62
A wrap-organizer does the same, creating the perfect spot for plastic wrap, aluminum foil and waxed paper.

63 Organize vanity essentials on a vintage tray. Très organized and très chic.

64
Use an extra wine rack to hold rolled-up magazines.

65
Use cutlery trays in your drawers, but to save even more time, stash everyday flatware in a countertop caddy.

66 Shrink-wrap out of season clothes, blankets and duvets to save space while storing.

67
You’ll never fit sheets back into those reusable vinyl zip pouches they were sold in, but you can stash cloth napkins in them. Use one pouch per set and label the quantity with a Sharpie.

68 Buy 10 pairs of the same gym socks, to minimize sorting.

69
Do the same for your hubby.

70
Do the same for his dress socks if he can get away with always wearing the same black ones during fall/winter at least.

71 Stash kids’ art supplies on a lazy Susan so everything is easily accessible.

72
Organize household bills in an accordion file with month-by-month pockets.

73
Hold onto paint chips, fabric swatches and brochures from your last redecorating session. You never know when you’ll need to reference them. Store them in an accordion file.

74 On your mudroom wall, hammer in two nails, then string wire between them. Provide clothes pegs and have your kids hang their wet mittens and gloves to dry overnight.

75 Banish tiny piles of coins and start saving in style. Get a designer piggy bank and keep it by the entranceway, laundry or kitchen—wherever you’d like to dump your change.

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

16 Comments

  • by
    peggycooper
    on 2008-08-27
    Reply to this comment

    Thanks ! That is a great list

  • by
    Dyan H
    on 2008-08-28
    Reply to this comment

    I just ordered your magazine via mail today so decided to check out your web site. What a treat I am in store for. I particularly liked the hint for storing sheet sets in the pillow case. What a great idea.

  • by
    dbpalfrey
    on 2008-09-07
    Reply to this comment

    I love to organize and I love this list. I was proud to say "I do that" to several of your suggestions. I really think storing plastic bags in an old kleenex box a great idea.

  • by
    Georgina McQuay
    on 2008-09-07
    Reply to this comment

    when after laundering pillow slips fold the pair together so you wont have to search for the other slip.

  • by
    fdibitch
    on 2008-09-15
    Reply to this comment

    omg like this is so useful! hehe

  • by
    Smiller
    on 2008-09-17
    Reply to this comment

    Hmmm. The only thing I see wrong with many of these ideas is that everything tends to end up in the open. I like things to be organized out of sight. However, I already use several of these methods and see a few new ones to try! Thanks!

  • by
    simone66
    on 2008-09-21
    Reply to this comment

    Great ideas! I gotta say, when I read #24 ... I felt pain...I just can't bring myself to rip out my gorgeous magazine pages! Instead, i wait till the pile is so high and give them away...it's not better. I just can't bring myself to defile the entire book! :)

  • by
    Joan Zamora
    on 2008-09-25
    Reply to this comment

    Tip #66 is a great idea for storing out-of -season items, but not for silk-filled duvets. According to the manufacturer in China, the silk fibres are broken by having all the air removed out of the storage bag. It's preferable to store silk dubets in an old pillow cotton pillowcase.

  • by
    claudee
    on 2008-10-22
    Reply to this comment

    wow,am very organized but folding two pillow cases together & also using pillow cases to store sheets great idea.thank u

  • by
    Savvy 40
    on 2008-12-17
    Reply to this comment

    One thing I can't stop raving about is my new KNIFAWAY storage solution for kitchen knives. Got it a our office Xmas exchange. It is meant to be mounted on the inside of a kitchen cupboard door. Talk about efficient use of space plus safety and convenience. I threw out my stupid knife block and now my knives are just as easy to access but they are out of sight and my counter is that much more uncluttered! Did I say how much I love it! They are so affordable too, I've found out where to get it via the web and I've ordered a bunch for stocking stuffers!

  • by
    Tobey
    on 2009-03-12
    Reply to this comment

    I love buying magazines to find new ideas on decorating and designing, I scan and copy to my computer any articles or pictures that I like, that way you do not destroy the magazine. When I have finished with the magazine I take it too my doctors office or the urgent care and leave them in the waiting room. Most doctors offices have outdated magazines and alot of the time the magazines go missing and there is never anything to read. Check with staff to make sure this ok, I did before hand and they love it when I bring in new magazines. Tobey McCool Oshawa

  • by
    emmasgrandma
    on 2009-03-22
    Reply to this comment

    instead of filing those paint chips, unscrew the light switch from the room it corresponds to and tuck it behind, not only helps you, but your future home buyer. Ann, Maple Ridge, B.C.

  • by
    emmasgrandma
    on 2009-03-22
    Reply to this comment

    instead of filing those paint chips, unscrew the light switch from the room it corresponds to and tuck it behind, not only helps you, but your future home buyer. Ann, Maple Ridge, B.C.

  • by
    Filer_Not_Piler
    on 2009-03-22
    Reply to this comment

    This list is totally gay. Just to be clear, I do not mean in the cool 'Queer Eye For The Straight Guy' way. I mean in the bad way.

  • by
    Diane210
    on 2009-07-15
    Reply to this comment

    Buy men's or boys socks all at once (about 6-10 pr) and purchase them all the same make, design and colour. There will be no (or less) orphaned socks after washing then.

  • by
    Heidi12
    on 2009-12-14
    Reply to this comment

    Hi Diane210 that was a really good idea! we can use it too!!! Heidi12 thanks

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