Tips for Reusing Items as Organizers

Organization Everywhere 
There are so many items that can get overlooked as valuable organizers. Just remember, if it used to hold something, chances are it can be put to use again.

Pocket Shoe Organizers: Not just for shoes, these handy, over-the-door organizers are perfect for more than just the bedroom closet.

• What can it hold? Try stashing plastic shopping bags, garbage bags, oven mitts or potholders—each in its own pocket! It also makes a convenient holder for toilet paper rolls, hand towels and washcloths.
• Where can it go? The pantry door is a perfect spot to keep all kinds of useful items at your fingertips. You can also put it to use organizing items in a bathroom linen closet or over the bathroom door.

Cardboard six-pack holder: Once your six-pack holder is done keeping your soda safe, it can make another useful stop on the way to recycling. Start by covering it with decorative paper, shelf liner or wallpaper to add reinforcement and give it a new and improved look.

• What can it hold? Use it to tote condiments, plastic utensils and napkins to a spring picnic, backyard dinner with the family or barbecue party. Or use it to keep light bulbs from rolling around, for carrying coffee cups, water bottles or any time you need an instant caddy.
• Where can it go? If you’re having a get-together with multiple tables, put a cardboard caddy on each table so everyone has what they need to enjoy the meal. Keep a few caddies folded up in your pantry for use whenever you need one.

 Paint or Coffee Can Cubbies: Unused silver paint cans are easy to find at home improvement stores for a small cost or you can easily clean out used coffee cans with Dawn ^® dish liquid. Recover or paint your cans for a brand new look and add decorative labels or chalkboard paint so you always know what’s inside.

• What can it hold? Turn your cans on their sides and use them as holders for mail, catalogs and paperwork. They're also great for craft storage and small toys.
• Where can it go? Some desks have built in shelving that offer the perfect place for your cubbies or just install simple shelving over your workspace.

Bins & Baskets: Whether cute and colorful or big and roomy, waste bins and baskets make great organizers.

• What can it hold? Use a small and stylish plastic wastebasket to hold wet umbrellas and use a large plastic can for organizing sports equipment. They also make great recycling sorters or can be used to hold poster tubes and wrapping paper.
• Where can it go? Place a small bin by the door for collecting umbrellas, and a large one in the garage, basement or on the patio for sports equipment. Use several medium-sized bins as recycling sorters in a mudroom or in a roomy kitchen pantry. Keep a tall basket in your craft area or closet to hold wrapping paper or poster tubes. If it’s going to be out in the open, dress it up by covering it in leftover wallpaper or use spray paint made for plastics to change the color.

Organize More 
Here are few more recycled crafts tips for reusing useful containers to organize:

• Trays: They’re not just for serving! Collect and contain items all over your home with trays of all shapes and sizes. Organize loose items on a coffee table such as remotes, magazines or catalogs and keep small items like keys and change together in an entryway or on a bedside table. You can even use a large four-sided tray for collecting wet shoes or rain boots by the door or in a mudroom.

• Jars, Mugs and Glasses: Use these small containers as quick fixes for holding small items on your desk like pens, pencils, thumbtacks, rubber bands and paperclips. Or put them to use in the bathroom to hold cotton swabs, cotton balls, tweezers, make up brushes or toothbrushes.

• Shoeboxes: They’re the perfect size for storing all kinds of items, from accessories and stationery, to photos and craft supplies. Stop and think before you pitch them and make them look as good as they work by covering the box and lid with wrapping paper or wallpaper to match your home décor. Add labels to identify what’s inside.

• Suitcases: If you don’t travel on a regular basis, don’t let all that empty space inside your suitcases go to waste! They’re perfect for storing out-of-season clothes, shoes and accessories and can often fit easily at the bottom of a closet or under the bed. If you have some nice, old leather cases you can use them as storage out in the open at the end of the bed or as a side table. They could even become a stylish way to store a collection of books or magazines.

• Office Extras: Make organizing your recyclables easier by repurposing stackable trays often found in home offices.

Before you run out to the store to pick up boxes, bins or containers, look around your own home for ideas—you just may find the home organization solution you need.