Organizing with Magnets

October 7, 2010

Take magnets beyond the refrigerator door by using them in clever ways to organize all sorts of items. With a few easy and creative placements around the home, you’ll wonder why you weren’t stuck on magnets from the start!

Magnetic Storage Solutions:

Keys: Whether you enter through the laundry room, garage or front door, consider hanging a magnetic strip by your main entryway as a storage station for keys. You can also try hanging multiple magnets of different sizes and shapes so each family member has a different magnet for keys.
Cutlery: Keep cutlery where only adults can reach by hanging a strong magnetic strip in your kitchen. Simply place cutlery against the magnet and it will attract to stay in place.

Tip: Bold, blocky magnetic strips have a great modern look of their own, but for a touch of color, try wrapping them in pretty paper or a thin fabric.

Pins and paperclips: Use smaller magnets (2-4” in length will do) to keep pins or paperclips in place. If you happen to drop a pin, use your magnet to search it out and attract the pin so no one gets hurt.

Making More Magnet-Friendly Surfaces:

Metal lining: Create all new storage areas by lining surfaces with metal sheeting. Just be sure to take measurements before you go shopping at your local home improvement store so you can have an associate cut the sheeting for you.

Idea: Try lining the inside of your medicine cabinet with metal sheeting. There are lots of great magnetic containers for storing items like hair ties and Bobby pins. Just stick them to the newly made metal surface for a storage solution that won’t take up any shelf space.

Tip: Declutter the exterior of your refrigerator by hanging metal boards (similar to bulletin boards) in the kitchen or office area. Use these boards as a surface for posting all the items you would have stuck on the refrigerator like schoolwork and reminders.

Magnetic paint: Create magnetic surfaces just about anywhere with magnetic paint. Magnetic paint can be found online if it’s not available at your local hardware or craft store.

Idea: Paint magnetic walls in kids rooms, play rooms or craft rooms. The newly magnetic surface will give children a place of their own to hang recent crafts and artwork.

Organizing with magnets is a smart and affordable way to keep items in order. Here’s to an organizational solution that’s sure to stick.

If you like this article, you might also like:

Home Made Simple TV Series
See this week's projects »

Squeeze more out of an orange.
Take your pick »

Recent Inspiration

Home Made Simple Marketplace

COME ON IN

Connect with friends to SELL, SHOP & IDEA SWAP

on facebook »

Inspiration Meets Conversation

Previous statement Next statement

Join our community for daily inspiration & advice for home.
Get solutions, deals, and cleaning tips directly from home experts.
Visit our channel for quick and easy how-to videos.
Sign up for our free emails & get the latest recipes, projects and special offers.
Subscribe to our feeds & receive automatic updates on your favorite content.