Once you have gone through the process of sorting, purging, and emerging from chaos, it is time to look for organizing products. With entire stores dedicated to selling organizing tools equipment, it is all too easy to spend hundreds of dollars on containers, baskets, and bins only to find that stylish does not mean they are functional. Here are some ideas that I recommend to save money on your organizing budget.

Repurpose

We help our clients “containerize” using items that they already have. For example, clean food cans, mason jars, and excess coffee mugs could be used to hold crayons, craft supplies, or cosmetics brushes. Use a pitcher or vase to hold utensils on the kitchen counter. Cereal boxes can be converted into magazine holders, document sorters, and drawer organizers. Toolboxes and small suitcases can be repurposed to contain craft supplies, toys, dinky cars, doll clothes, and more. There is no shortage of ideas when searching through the internet!

The advantage of repurposing is that it saves money because you reuse what you already have. And, you reduce the amount of material going into the recycling/waste stream. However, it is easy to accumulate too many cans, boxes, etc. and not follow through on your organizing projects.

Online Classifieds

Freecycle is a non-profit group who give (and receive) stuff for free in their own towns. They believe in keeping “good stuff” out of landfills. Neighbourhood Facebook groups others such as Nextdoor, can be a source of organizing tools and gadgets for free or very low cost. Other sites like MaxSold, kijiji, and Craigslist can be useful as well – especially for larger items like shelving systems and cabinets. The major disadvantage of these online sites is you may not find the items you need, when you need them.

Thrift Stores

During a visit to a thrift shop, I found baskets, shelf extenders, cabinets, and so much more – all at rock bottom prices. Many of the items were like new. In the image, the price of the boxes was about one-half of the price in a regular retail outlet. It was a treasure-trove of organizing goodness – at least it was this visit. Like online sites, thrift stores may not have the organizing tools and equipment you’re looking for. Alternatively, some organizing enthusiasts may feel the desire to purchase items “just in case”. This can lead to even more clutter.

Dollar Stores

Dollar stores have an excellent selection of baskets, bins, racks, hangers, shelves, drawer organizers, and more. Most items are stylish as well as functional too! They have consistent stock so you can return to the store and buy more of the same item should you need it. But, you usually cannot return items if you have purchased too many. Depending on the requirements, dollar store organizers may not be sturdy enough for your needs so think about durability before you buy.

Remember the Rules

Function First. Ensure your organizing equipment does the job you need it to do. A cardboard shoebox may not be pretty but it is inexpensive. If it doesn’t work, you can adjust your organizing system without worrying that you have overspent your budget.

Style Second. Once you are satisfied that your organizing system suits your needs, then purchase items that meet your standards for style and durability. Then, you will have a system that is not only effective but beautiful too.

To discuss solutions within your organizing budget, contact the Out of Chaos team, send us an email at info@outofchaos.ca or give us a call at 604-813-8189.