How to use baskets to help organize your home
If you were to ask any professional organiser what their number-one secret weapon tool they absolutely could not live without and the answer would definitely be baskets.
Baskets are the best easiest and fastest way to get any cluttered space more organized quickly. And, these days, baskets come in so many different styles and materials, you can really make them look like they’re part of the design of any room.
One bit of very important advice though – label label label.
So here’s a quick room-by-room guide for where to use and how to use baskets in your quest for a more organised space.
1. In the entryway
With people coming and going, the entryway is probably the busiest part of your home. Here is a great opportunity to corral and contain items before they clutter your home.
One basket for all the mail; one basket for your kids’ schoolwork; and a third for cool weather accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves….
Think creatively about this area. Perhaps also a basket for car keys and wallets or purses? Whatever works for you in this area is a definite step in the right direction.
2. In the kitchen
With so many different foods and cooking items and utensils needed in the kitchen, baskets are a natural organizing solution.
Clear baskets (or bins) should be used anywhere you have a deep pantry shelf to prevent items from getting pushed all the way to the back never to be seen again.
Decorative baskets can be used to organize oversized cutting boards or any other item you might be having trouble storing away in a cabinet.
And while technically not baskets, food stored in cupboards, utensils in drawers and the things you keep out on a kitchen bench can all be grouped together and stored more neatly in containers of some type that complement your décor and work functionally in the space.
3. Laundry baskets and baskets in the laundry
We’re all used to the humble laundry basket but there is call for more than just that one.
The main purpose in using baskets – or any storage container – is to help keep like items together.
Washing detergents; ironing supplies; cleaning materials, even those annoying single socks can all be kept in separate baskets that fit easily on laundry shelves, are hung decoratively on a laundry wall, or are out of sight in a cupboard.
4. Yep – even in the linen press
Sheets, towels, pillow slips, table cloths and all those other things hiding in your linen press easily and quickly get mixed up.
A simple solution to keeping your linen press organized is to invest in a few inexpensive baskets.
Grouping like items together into one basket and the same size sheet sets into different baskets will save you time and stress, and keep your linen press looking neat and tidy.
5. Bathroom baskets can be a game-changer
Storing, organizing and finding the many and varied items you have in your bathroom to keep you looking your best can be a real challenge.
The quick solution is to either add a couple of inexpensive shelves (possibly above the toilet) or to place hooks on the wall …. and to invest in some practical and decorative baskets or boxes that will immediately increase your storage options.
These can be great for items that are used regularly but which look cluttered and messy if left out on the sink. Also, below the sink, keeping like items together in strong plastic containers will prevent anything from leaking, and a basket filled with cleaning supplies makes doing that work that much easier.
If your household is a busy one – especially with teenagers using the bathroom – consider providing each member of the family with their own bathroom basket.
This solution lets everyone keep close at hand what they need and use, and also allows the baskets to be hung or stored out of site and so help to keep the bathroom uncluttered and organized.
6. Add baskets to your clothes closets
Baskets have always been one of my favourite solutions for keeping closets ordered and organized.
I’m a huge fan of having one basket for warm weather gear (swimming togs, wraps) and one basket for cold weather gear (gloves, hats, scarves).
Changing out that same size basket each season is a smart quick way to keep yourself organized and then things you need for that season always close at hand.
While great for seasonal change, baskets in closets also have many other purposes. T-shirts, undies, scarves, etc. can all be stored in baskets and make any area look immediately neater. Rolled ties, belts and scarves also store well in baskets as do purses and other accessories.
Baskets provide ready access to the clothing you have, increase and help maintain organized storage and at the same time look neat and compliment your particular style and décor.
7. Baskets are essential in any kid’s room
Kids need simple organization and practical routines – with the right baskets (or bins) you can provide both.
Baskets that provide storage for toys are the most obvious. These baskets help keep limits on the number of toys your child has – when they’re full it’s time to purge toys that are no longer used or age-appropriate – and also help make clean-up time a breeze (putting toys away needs to become a part of ‘play time’ too!).
Instead of using word labels for kids’ toys, take a picture of the type of item that goes in each basket and affix that picture to the front of the basket (maybe one for dolls, one for balls, one for crafts, etc.), alternatively work with your child to make labels or to attach a toy to the front of that basket of the type that belongs in it.
Put simply, baskets help create order and personal responsibility for children from their earliest age.
8. Finally – and obviously – the garage
Garages are usually the major storage location in any home. And garages tend to get out of control quickly.
Use larger strong plastic baskets or bins to keep like items together. One for electrical, one for tool attachments, one for plumbing supplies, one for holiday decorations etc.
Baskets in the garage for adults work exactly the same way as basket in kids’ room – they create limits, keep like things together, help you to quickly and easily find what you’re looking for, and promote and help maintain an ordered and tidy space.
Kids and adults aren’t that different – it’s just the size of their toys that differ!
This should give you an idea that baskets can be used creatively and practically in just about any area of your home. The great thing is they’re fairly inexpensive; they can add to the décor of your room, and you can customize them in any way you see fit.
Grab some baskets and get going!
SOURCE: www.realestate.com.au
