Most people say the words, "I have to get organized," with a tone of complete drudgery in their voice. It's viewed as a chore or something that needs to be tackled and fought through.
Believe it or not, organizing can be fun!
Being organized is about being able to find and use the things that you do have, rather than just having to get rid of things.
Another fallacy about organizing is that it's just about having pretty, matching containers to put all of your stuff into.
That's not the case at all, but you know what? It sure
can be soothing and make you happy when things do in fact match, look good together, and are attractive.
It's not necessary, in most cases, that you go out and spend a lot of money for storage to be visually appealing and efficient. Here are some ideas for inexpensive organizing makeovers that will take your
organizing projects from drab to fab.
1) Paint Cans: Metal paint cans are fabulous storage tools. They can be used as
utensil organizers, holders for kids craft supplies, a container for birthday candles and/or cupcake tins, and so much more. You can decorate them using stickers, paint pens, or by hot gluing decorative embellishments on the sides. These are especially fun for kids rooms.
2) Shoe Boxes: Another great option for fun, easy, and no-cost kids storage: decorate shoe (or boot) boxes. Make it a fun project to do with your children or grandkids. If they are involved in decorating the boxes, chances are they will be more interested in using them. You can
cover the boxes with contact paper which will not only be long-lasting but will help to reinforce the boxes as well. From there, the possibilities are endless. This idea works for kids AND adults alike!
3) Colored Containers: Having trouble locating the
Christmas or other winter holiday decorations among all of the brown cardboard boxes in your attic or basement? Not sure which one holds your scary Halloween witch or Jack O' Lantern? Right after each holiday, containers that are in colors appropriate for the holiday (orange for Halloween, red for Christmas, etc.) are usually available for a fraction of their original cost. Or, use the containers you have and color-code them with color-coding stickers!
4) Clear Mason Jars: Mason jars can immediately transform a pantry from drab to fab. Everything from rice to sugar, flour, pretzels, chocolate chips, salt, crackers, pasta, and all the rest of your dry goods can be stored in mason jars. With one glance, you will be able to see where everything is and even better, how much is left. No chance that you'll reach for a box of something you need and be unpleasantly surprised when there's only a tiny amount left.
5) Dollar-Store Finds: Does your bathroom look like a drug store? Is it filled to the brim with cosmetics, medications, hair supplies and other miscellaneous items? Containerize! In the short time it will take
you to sort things into like-categories, you can have a relaxing, orderly storage spot..one box for nail stuff, another for cosmetics, another for hair accessories and so on. Dollars stores are great resources for containers. They come in tons of colors, styles, and sizes...all for $1 each!
