Cleaning & Organizing Organizing

45 Storage Ideas You Can Use Anywhere in Your Home

Front view of pots and pans in an organizer inside of a kitchen cabinet

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Organization can feel like a moving target, especially if you're limited on space or have accumulated too much stuff over time. Fortunately, there are a range of versatile storage ideas for clothes, small closets, or tiny spaces that are inexpensive and effective.

Below, you'll find creative solutions that can help you declutter every room in your home. Simple choices like purchasing storage bins based on what you're storing, choosing containers of varying sizes instead of identical bins, and locating a storage space before boxing everything up can help you organize strategically and efficiently.

Read on for some of our favorite storage ideas you can use throughout your home.

  • 01 of 45

    Use Chalkboard Labels for Changing Storage Needs

    Bathroom and kitchen storage in plastic bins and lazy susans in linen closet.

    @neatbymeg / Instagram

    Labels are a professional home organizer's best friend, which might explain why there are so many types of labels and label makers to buy. Chalkboard labels are a great choice not only because of the stylish look, but also because they can be updated easily. If you expect the contents of your storage bin to fluctuate, such as back-to-school supplies to summer craft projects, consider chalkboard labels.

    Continue to 2 of 45 below
  • 02 of 45

    Hang Hats on the Wall

    Closet storage with hats hanging on the wall

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Whether you like ball caps or berets, it can be challenging to store a hat collection without damaging their shape. Hats are the perfect item to occupy some wall space in your closet. Not only will you protect them from getting flattened in a box, but you'll be surprised with how stylish they look on display.

    Continue to 3 of 45 below
  • 03 of 45

    Save Counter Space With a Dish Drying Cabinet

    Dish drying cabinet
    Doornob

    This trick is currently all the rage in northern Europe, where modern design always seems to be at the forefront of everyone's minds (think: IKEA). Install a dish drying rack in a cabinet above your sink to save space on the countertop.

    Continue to 4 of 45 below
  • 04 of 45

    Nest Your Tupperware Together

    Organize tupperware in a cabinet
    Polished Habitat

    Tupperware and food storage containers aren't that easy to store, but sorting them by size can help considerably. Nest your storage containers together to keep them streamlined and organized.

    If your collection of food storage containers is a little chaotic, take some time to sort through the pairs and discard the ones you don't use regularly. Limit your collection to three or four different sizes so that you can nest them together more efficiently.

    Continue to 5 of 45 below
  • 05 of 45

    Purchase Handbag Hangers for Purses

    Handbags on hangers in woman's closet

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Those with a love for handbags may baulk at the thought of stuffing their bags into a plastic bin under the bed. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to store purses, including specially designed handbag hangers that will help you keep your bags in perfect shape. If you also need help storing the contents of your bag, check out our favorite purse organizers too.

    Continue to 6 of 45 below
  • 06 of 45

    Create Pretend Pull-Out Drawers

    Long shallow bins to store kitchen accessories
    Everyday Organizing

    If you can't install pull-out storage, or don't want to deal with the hassle, bins are the perfect alternative. This solution allows you to see what's in the back of your cabinet without removing all of the items in the front. Simply slide out the bin, grab what you need, and slid it back.

    Continue to 7 of 45 below
  • 07 of 45

    Discover a Smarter Way to Organize Your Pans

    A smarter way to organize cooking pans and dishes
    iHeart Organizing

    Use wire racks in your cabinet to you store anything long and thin, like baking dishes, cutting boards, or even sauté pans. This is a much more effective storage solution than stacking, since you won't have to lift an entire set of goods out of the cupboard to access the one item you need.

    Continue to 8 of 45 below
  • 08 of 45

    Make a DIY Plastic Bag Dispenser

    Tissue box holder for grocery bags
    Polished Habitat

    The idea of repurposing an item rather than throwing it away is not a new concept, but when a good idea comes along, especially one so simple, it feels like a spark of genius. Save your empty tissue box to keep plastic bags organized and within easy reach.

    Continue to 9 of 45 below
  • 09 of 45

    Paint Pen Kitchen Organization

    Paint pen kitchen organization
    A Beautiful Mess

    Relocate the grains and spices you use often into clear storage containers. Label them using paint pens for an attractive display, then arrange the containers in alphabetical order to make items like flour, rice, or oats even easier to locate. This tip also helps you keep track of how much you have of an ingredient, so you'll never accidentally run out.

    Continue to 10 of 45 below
  • 10 of 45

    Make Above-Cabinet Storage Visible

    Above-cabinet storage baskets
    A Beautiful Mess

    The key to making storage on top of the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets work is visibility. If you can't see the items you've stored up high, you'll forget what's there until they've long expired. Swap your woven baskets for wire to fix the issue. Wire is also more durable and easier to clean, which is essential for exposed storage.

    Continue to 11 of 45 below
  • 11 of 45

    Recycle Boxes to Organize Your Freezer

    Cardboard boxes organize your freezer
    Queen Bee Coupons

    If you like to stock up and store things in your freezer, you know how quickly a mess can develop if you fail to institute some organization. A simple way to help you keep the freezer tidy is to cut the tops off of used cardboard boxes, label them, and fill them with frozen items for easy retrieval. This tip works especially well for pre-made freezer meals.

    Continue to 12 of 45 below
  • 12 of 45

    Build a DIY Trash Bag Roll

    Trash bag roll storage
    Simply Organized

    This clever hack will save you​ the frustration of wrestling a bag out of the box every time you take out your trash. Each bag holder is made with two curtain rod hangers and a short length of wood dowel, which you can find at any hardware store or home center.

    Continue to 13 of 45 below
  • 13 of 45

    Hang Your Measuring Spoons

    Hang your measuring spoons
    Tidy Mom

    No one enjoys digging through a kitchen drawer for the elusive quarter teaspoon, and this easy tip saves you the trouble. Pick up a few tiny adhesive hooks from your local hardware store, attach them to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door (such as the cabinet with your baking supplies), and hang your measuring spoons.

    Continue to 14 of 45 below
  • 14 of 45

    Separate Garbage, Compost, and Recycling

    Separate garbage, compost, and recycling bins

    Nadiia Fedorova / Getty Images

    Even your garbage deserves a little organization. To keep your trash and recycling separate and tidy, purchase a set of matching bins to store side-by-side. Designate a pull-out cabinet or drawer, if possible, to keep the sight (and smells) hidden. If you have plenty of space to work with, purchase an additional smaller bin for compost.

    Continue to 15 of 45 below
  • 15 of 45

    Store Medicines and Prescriptions in a Deep Drawer

    Deep drawer storage for bathroom products and medicines

    @neatbymeg / Instagram

    Tossing Band-Aids and cough syrup into a deep drawer make seem convenient, but that's hardly the case when your little one falls or catches a cold. Instead, use drawer dividers to sort your items into categories so they're easier to find, then arrange them upright to make the most of the drawer's depth.

    Continue to 16 of 45 below
  • 16 of 45

    Repurpose Your Mint Container

    DIY tic tac bobby pin holder
    Lovely Indeed

    Small items like bobby pins and Q-tips may be easy to store because of their size, but they're tough to keep organized. This mint dispenser idea is a brilliant way to corral a bunch of small items together to make them easy to find when needed.

    Continue to 17 of 45 below
  • 17 of 45

    Create a Discreet Charging Station

    Cell phone charging station
    Caught on a Whim

    If you don't care for the sight of cell phones and iPads crowding your counters, turn an old book into a hidden charging station. This is a helpful tip for those who like to keep their devices close, but also out of sight, especially from children and guests.

    Continue to 18 of 45 below
  • 18 of 45

    Sort Earrings With an Upcycled Organizer

    DIY cardboard earring storage
    Smart n Snazzy

    Skip the hassle of digging around for a matching set of earrings. This idea allows you to repurpose a cardboard box and organize and display your earrings in a cute and functional way. Punch a series of holes in the bottom of each box using a push pin. Hook the earrings through holes to hang them and use the matching half of the box to create a stand. 

    Continue to 19 of 45 below
  • 19 of 45

    Repurpose a Coke Crate to Store Your Ties

    Store ties in a soda crate
    Rain on a Tin Roof

    If you like the vintage aesthetic, you'll be thrilled to know there are many ways to give antique items a new purpose. An old soda crate, for instance, is the perfect storage compartment for ties and scarves. Simply roll up the fabric and place it in one of the slots.

    Continue to 20 of 45 below
  • 20 of 45

    Store Underwear in PVC Pipes

    Store undies in PVC piping
    Infarrantly Creative

    Keep your undies organized with a cubby-hole arrangement of PVC pipe sections. Cut the three-inch-diameter pipe into pieces that fit the height of your drawer, then sand the cut edges to make them smooth. Paint the pipes, if desired, and glue them together. This also works well for small accessories like scrunchies.

    Continue to 21 of 45 below
  • 21 of 45

    Label Toy Drawers With Pictures

    Photo labeled toy storage
    Family Ever After

    This idea is perfect for children who need a little extra help finding and putting away their toys. By labeling the drawers with pictures instead of words, even little ones who can't yet read will know exactly which toys go in which drawers.

    Continue to 22 of 45 below
  • 22 of 45

    Use a Shoe Organizer for Storing Stuffed Animals

    Over-the-door stuffed animal storage
    Mommo Design

    Over-the-door shoe organizers can certainly help you keep sandals and boots sorted, but this tool is far more versatile. For instance, this simple organizer can be repurposed to store your children's small toys and stuffed animals. Never again will your child's favorite fluffy friend go missing.

    Continue to 23 of 45 below
  • 23 of 45

    Create a Gallery Wall for Kids' Artwork

    Hang kids artwork on the wall
    Family Ever After

    Kids' artwork can pile up quickly. Hanging it rather than keeping it in a pile means less clutter. Regularly rotate new projects and artwork every few months (or weeks, depending on how artsy your kids are).

    Continue to 24 of 45 below
  • 24 of 45

    Use Large Paper Clips to Hold Cables

    Paper clips on the edge of desk to sort and store cables

    Luis Diaz Devesa / Getty Images

    Organizing electrical cords for all your devices and small appliances can be difficult, especially if you regularly unplug and plug in items. Threading cords through large paper clips that are fastened to the edge of your desk can make it easier to access the cable you need when you need it.

    Continue to 25 of 45 below
  • 25 of 45

    Sort Cords in a Recycled Shoebox

    Store chargers in a cardboard box
    Darkroom & Dearly

    Tech clutter happens to the best of us. Storing chargers and other electronic accessories can be a real pain, but this straightforward DIY tip can help you keep everyday tech accessories organized. All you need is some cardboard, wrapping paper, and (of course) labels.

    Continue to 26 of 45 below
  • 26 of 45

    Convert a Closet Into an Office Supply

    Closet for office supplies with printer, pens, files, and more

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Office spaces can be among the more difficult areas to organize in a home. If you find your desk often cluttered with miscellaneous files and pens and post-its, you might benefit from this organization tip. Claim a nearby closet for excess office supplies, especially those you don't use daily.

    Continue to 27 of 45 below
  • 27 of 45

    Make a DIY Twine Keeper

    Twine stored in sugar jar
    Whisker Graphics

    Balls of string, twine, and ribbon can become a jumbled mess when stored in a drawer. Instead, try storing them in a sugar dispenser. The jar protects your string and such from becoming tangled, and the nifty pour spout makes accessing the material simple.

    Continue to 28 of 45 below
  • 28 of 45

    Install a Pegboard for Tools and Craft Supplies

    Store little things on a pegboard
    Brit + Co

    A pegboard can store and organize various household products, such as garage tools and craft supplies like scissors and tape. The trick to hanging pegboard is to mount it over wood strips or blocks to create a small space between the pegboard and the wall. The space is necessary for adding hooks, brackets, and other hanging hardwood onto the pegboard.

    Continue to 29 of 45 below
  • 29 of 45

    Mount a Magazine File on the Kitchen Cabinet Door

    A magazine holder used for plastic wrap and foil

    Everyday Dishes

    Just like shoe organizers, magazine files can help you sort much more than paper. For instance, a clever way to store foil, plastic wrap, parchment, and wax paper is to hang a magazine file on a kitchen cabinet door. This will free up drawer space for your utensils, flatware, and other items.

    Continue to 30 of 45 below
  • 30 of 45

    Repurpose Deep Kitchen Drawers for Bread and Root Vegetables

    Pull-out bread drawer

    St. Charles of New York

    Bread and root vegetables are best kept in a cool, dry area of the kitchen. Store these items in a deep drawer to free up some counter space. Be sure to choose a drawer away from the oven, since the heat could make your food go bad quicker. Additionally, since root vegetables need air to stave off rot, consider replacing the drawer bottoms or sides with mesh.

    Continue to 31 of 45 below
  • 31 of 45

    Add Hooks Inside Bathroom Cabinet Doors

    Under sink storage

    Clean and Scentsible

    If you're lucky enough to have a bathroom drawer, it is usually the first spot to get crowded. To add some extra storage space, hang some hooks inside your bathroom cabinet doors. This tip works well for items premade with loops or holes for hanging, such as scrub brushes, scissors, shavers, scrunchie sponges, hair ties, and more.

    Continue to 32 of 45 below
  • 32 of 45

    Install a Magnetic Strip Hair and Nail Tools

    a magnetic strip in the bathroom for storing bobby pins, nail clippers, tweezers and more

    Darkroom & Dearly

    Accessories or tools made of iron, nickel, or cobalt are magnetic. Most hair and nail items are stainless steel, which contains iron. You can easily hang bobby pins, hair clips, barrettes, nail files, tweezers, and nail clippers on a magnetic strip inside a bathroom drawer to alleviate your bathroom storage woes.

    Continue to 33 of 45 below
  • 33 of 45

    Build a Dog Bed Trundle

    DIY dog trundle bed

    HGTV

    If the floor space in your bedroom feels cramped, consider building a dog bed trundle. You can make your own dog bed with an old crib mattress, or pick up a thin bed at your neighborhood department store, and construct a roll-out platform with a few simple products at your local hardware store.

    Continue to 34 of 45 below
  • 34 of 45

    Move Garage Storage to the Walls and Ceiling

    Garage storage overhead and on the walls

    @neatbymeg / Instagram

    Garages can feel like oversized junk drawers if you're not intentional about organizing. Instead of stacking boxes and bins on the floor, install some storage racks on the wall and ceiling. The wall mount rack is perfect for yard tools, scooters and bikes, and more. Store seasonal supplies and other items used less often overhead.

    Continue to 35 of 45 below
  • 35 of 45

    Transform Your Paper Towel Holder

    Paper towel stand ribbon organizer

    The Spruce / Antonis Achilleos

    A paper towel holder is another versatile organizer. Use one in the office for all your tapes—masking, packing, and duct tape. This giant spool also works well for storing rolls of ribbon or yarn for knitting, sewing, or crafting. Belts also have a way of multiplying, but coil them around this hand caddy for an easy grab when needed.

    Continue to 36 of 45 below
  • 36 of 45

    Use a Muffin Tin Storing Small Items

    This Vintage 60s Ovenex Muffin Tin was upgraded with a black handle for portability.

    Etsy

    Tool sheds, garages, and offices are riddled with miniature items like nails, screws, nuts, bolts, paper clips, push pins, and safety pins. Repurpose an old muffin tin or fishing tackle box that you don't use anymore for these tiny supplies.

    Continue to 37 of 45 below
  • 37 of 45

    Reuse Shoe Pocket Caddies for Pantry Goods

    How to organize a cleaning closet using shoe organizers.
    The 36th Avenue

    Shoe pocket caddies can be the perfect organizer for a wide range of goods. In the pantry, use them for kitchen utensils, garbage can liners, rubber bands, pencils, and scissors. Other uses include cleaning supplies like spray bottles and cans, sponges, and scrub brushes. Families with young children can also use these nifty organizers as a snack food caddy for granola bars, cookies, chips, and candy.

    Continue to 38 of 45 below
  • 38 of 45

    Kitchen Lid Rack for Purse Clutches

    Using a lid organizer to store clutches

    Fabulous Fashions for Sensible Style

    Purse clutches are slim and stylish, making them perfect for a night on the town. Unfortunately, they don't often come with loops or hooks for hanging. Instead of taking up a drawer, find some extra shelf space and vertically file your clutches in a pot and pan lid rack. This trick offers easy access when it's time for your next soiree.

    Continue to 39 of 45 below
  • 39 of 45

    Install for Shelves Near Garage or Mudroom Door

    Entryway storage from garage or courtyard for mudroom supplies

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    There are multiple supplies you might need access to on your way in and out of the garage or mudroom, and this organization tip is the perfect solution. Install some strong metal shelves to store heavy-duty trash bags, gloves and boots, dog leashes, and more. If you want to give the rack some aesthetic appeal, choose woven baskets over wire or plastic bins.

    Continue to 40 of 45 below
  • 40 of 45

    Hang Baskets Sideways for Towel Storage

    Using baskets mounted sideways to store towels and toiletries

    The Spruce

    If you have a pair of sturdy rectangular baskets being underutilized, turn them on their side and screw them into the wall along their bottoms for bathroom storage. Fill them with towels, washcloths, or toilet paper rolls for a cute, but clever, storage solution.

    Continue to 41 of 45 below
  • 41 of 45

    Reuse Empty Glass Jars

    Using empty jars for office supplies

    Jess Bailey / Unsplash

    Empty Mason jars make great storage for nails, clothespins, paperclips, pushpins, bobby pins, cotton swabs, and more. The clear glass makes it easy to find what you need quickly. Screw-top jars can be used for storage throughout the home, the garage, pantry, office, and bathroom.

    Continue to 42 of 45 below
  • 42 of 45

    Build a Bungee Cord Ball Caddy

    Using bungee cords to corral sports balls

    Ruggy DIY

    You can breathe new life into a crate or plywood box by turning it into a caddy for basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and more. Turn it on its side, string some bungee cords along the front, and grab a ball when needed. Pop it back in when you're done.

    Continue to 43 of 45 below
  • 43 of 45

    Use a Lazy Susan in the Fridge

    well-organized fridge

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    Lazy Susans make for great storage solutions in closets and cabinets, as well as the refrigerator. Particularly if you have a deep fridge, it can be a hassle to shuffle through foodstuffs in the front to reach supplies in the back. A rotating tray, however, makes it easy to grab what you need when you need it.

    Continue to 44 of 45 below
  • 44 of 45

    Use Carabiners for Hair Ties and Rubber Bands

    Using a carabiner to organize hair ties

    One Hundred Dollars a Month

    A carabiner is commonly used for rock climbing and linking together ropes and harnesses, but this handy metal clip is also fantastic for keeping together hair ties and holding onto keys, belts, and handbags. Attach the carabiner to your toiletries bag during travel and hang it on a Command hook inside your bathroom cabinet door at home.

    Continue to 45 of 45 below
  • 45 of 45

    Repurpose a Letter Organizer for Flip Flops

    Using letter holders to store flip flops

    Organization Obsessed

    Flip flops and sandals are awkward to hang on shoe racks, since they often slip out. Grab your slippers and file them away in a letter organizer vertically. Place them on a shelf in a closet or near a back door or garage door for easy access.

FAQ
  • How can I store more in a small space?

    There are lots of ways to make the most of small storage spaces, such as utilizing wall and ceiling space, installing pull-out drawers in your cabinets, and sorting goods into categories to streamline your storage solutions.

  • What is the most efficient way to store things?

    The best storage solution depends on the space available and the items being stored. For instance, small goods like Q-tips and nails are best stored in containers like Mason jars or even Tic Tac containers. Large, bulky items like yard tools, however, are better stored on a sturdy wall mount in the garage.


    However, there are popular organizers like over-the-door shoe organizers and magazine racks that can be used for storing a wide variety of items from tin foil to stuffed animals.