Cheap Storage Ideas
Organizing your home can give you a great sense of accomplishment and help make your life easier. You won't waste hours searching for the kids' sporting equipment or last year's Christmas decorations when you corral your belongings into neatly labeled storage containers. But purchasing storage boxes for a household can run into budget-busting amounts. And when you have everything boxed up, you may still face the problem of where to put the boxes. Fortunately, many inexpensive storage options exist.
Cardboard Boxes
Boxes are probably the most common storage option. Look for sturdy boxes with lids. Liquor stores often give away boxes. These feature sectioned dividers originally designed to separate liquor bottles, but they're also handy for storing glassware, candles, Christmas ornaments or anything else that needs separating.
Copy paper boxes from office supply stores are perfect storage containers for files, linens, books and many other items. These have lids, are fairly sturdy and stack easily. Shoe boxes are the perfect size for storing CDs or DVDs, while old cereal boxes work well for magazines. To make boxes look more attractive, cover them with contact paper or old wallpaper.
Baskets
You can find baskets at garage sales and thrift stores for less than $1 each. Baskets come in all shapes and sizes and are attractive enough to become part of your decor. Use baskets to organize linens, toys, craft supplies, jewelry, clothing and sporting goods. If you purchase a number of mismatched baskets, you can coordinate them by spraying them all with the same color spray paint.
Suitcases
Lightweight nylon roller bags have replaced bulky, hard-sided suitcases, but you can still find old luggage at thrift stores for very little money. These suitcases are sturdy and roomy, great for protecting fragile items or storing out-of-season clothing or blankets. Many are slim enough to slide under a bed, and the handles make them easy to move around. Some even have locks if you want to use them to store valuables.
Hidden Storage
Stash items you need to keep handy but don't use often under beds, sofas and chairs. Less-used items can be stored in the rafters of your garage or attic, where they'll be out of the way but still accessible. Install hooks on the backs of doors, and use these to hang tote bags full of toys or craft supplies.
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