21 Frugal Home Organization Hacks You’ll Want For Pretty Rooms
When it comes to thrifty home organization, I’ve learned that it’s not always about buying a bunch of expensive containers or gadgets. In fact, it’s never about buying gadgets.
Before you go hunting for organization hacks, we need to establish a basic rule. Remember to always store things where you use them. This means keeping coffee mugs next to the coffee maker, shoes by the back door, and so on. By doing this, you’ll save time and energy and avoid the need for extra storage solutions.
Storing items in plain sight can sometimes look a bit messy. That’s where a little creativity comes in. I’ve discovered that repurposing household items for storage is a game-changer. Things like thrift store baskets, lined shoeboxes with patterned paper, and mason jars can all be used to keep things organized and looking pretty.
Let’s dive into this (fun!) side of keeping your home clean and organized.
Frugal Kitchen Organization
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can also be one of the most challenging rooms to keep organized. With so many gadgets, appliances, and ingredients to store, it’s easy for things to get cluttered and chaotic. Here are a few of my favorite thrifty hacks for keeping the kitchen in order.
- Mason Jars. Mason jars are one of my go-to storage solutions for the kitchen. They’re inexpensive, durable, and versatile, making them perfect for storing everything from flour and sugar to nuts and snacks. Plus, they look great lined up on a shelf or countertop.
- Drawer Organizers. If your kitchen drawers are a jumbled mess of utensils and gadgets, try this simple hack: use boxes as drawer organizers. Just line the bottom of each drawer with a few boxes and use them to separate your utensils by type For example, you might have one box for spatulas and tongs, another for measuring cups and spoons, and another for can openers and peelers. This keeps everything separated and easy to find, without the need for expensive drawer dividers.
- Pots and Pans on Hooks or Pegboard. If you’re short on cabinet space, consider hanging your pots and pans on a pegboard instead. This is a great way to keep them organized and easily accessible, while also freeing up valuable storage space. Not only does this look great, but it also makes cooking a breeze. No more digging through cluttered cabinets to find the pan you need – everything is right at your fingertips!
But remember, decluttering is the best organization method of all.
DIY Household Hacks: Using DIY Household Hacks And Loving It!: 100 Proven Household Hacks To Save Money, Increase Productivity And Make Your Life … Become a Happier Person, Home Organization)Cotton Rope Laundry Hamper by YOUDENOVA, 58L – Woven Collapsible Laundry Basket – Clothes Storage Basket for Blankets, Laundry Room Organizing, Bedroom Storage, Clothes Hamper – BrownOrganized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home [A Home Organization Book]Joyberg 125Pcs Binder Clips Colored, Binder Clips Assorted Sizes, 6 Sizes Binder Paper Clips for Office Supplies/Home/School (Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green)The Home Organization Sidekick Journal: Tidy Your Home, Tidy Your LifeNETANY 6-pack 16 oz Overnight Oats Containers with Lids, Glass jars with Airtight Lids, Wide mouth Mason Salad jars, Glass Food Storage Containers for Snacks Yogurt Spice Sugar
Hacks for the Bathroom
The bathroom is another room that can quickly become cluttered and disorganized, especially if you’re sharing it with multiple people. But with a few simple hacks, you can keep your bathroom looking neat and tidy, without spending a fortune on fancy storage solutions.
- Use a Hanging Shoe Organizer for Toiletries. One of my favorite ways to organize toiletries is with a hanging shoe organizer. These inexpensive organizers have tons of pockets, making them perfect for storing everything from shampoo and conditioner to lotion and body wash. Simply hang the organizer on the back of your bathroom door, and fill each pocket with your favorite products. This keeps everything off the countertop and makes it easy to find what you need, even when you’re in a rush.
- I like this tip for shared kids’ bathrooms, but be careful not to just fill it up with stuff you don’t use!
- Store Cotton Balls and Q-tips in Glass Jars. Cotton balls and Q-tips are bathroom essentials, but they can quickly become a mess if they’re not stored properly. To keep them organized and easy to access, try storing them in clear glass jars. They look great lined up on a shelf or countertop. Plus, the clear glass makes it easy to see when you’re running low on supplies, so you can restock before you run out.
- Repurpose a Spice Rack for Hair Products. If you’re a fan of hair products, you know how quickly they can take over your bathroom. To keep them organized and easy to find, try repurposing a spice rack as a hair product organizer. Simply mount the spice rack on the wall near your vanity, and use it to store your favorite hair sprays, gels, and serums. The tiered shelves make it easy to see everything at a glance, and the compact size means it won’t take up too much space. You can even get creative with the labels, using chalkboard stickers or washi tape to add a fun, personalized touch.
Again, I use this with my older daughters, who have a lot of products to organize. For myself, I just declutter
Thrifty Bedroom Organization
If your space is cluttered and disorganized, it can be hard to feel truly at ease. Here are a few thrifty hacks to help you keep your bedroom looking its best.
- Use Baskets to Corral Clutter. Baskets are a bedroom organization staple, and for good reason. They’re versatile, affordable, and easy to find at any thrift store or garage sale. Plus, they instantly make any space look more put-together using baskets to store everything from extra blankets and pillows to out-of-season clothing and accessories. You can even use them to corral clutter on your nightstand or dresser, keeping everything neat and tidy.
- Hang Jewelry on a Corkboard Jewelry can be tricky to organize, especially if you have a lot of it. But with this simple hack, you can keep all your favorite pieces neat and tangle-free. Simply hang a corkboard on the wall near your dresser or vanity, and use pushpins to hang your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. This not only keeps them organized but also turns them into a beautiful display that doubles as wall art. If you want to take it a step further, try painting the corkboard in a fun color or pattern that matches your bedroom decor. You can even add some decorative hooks or knobs for extra storage and style.
Home Office Organization Hacks
If you’re one of the many people who work from home, you know how important it is to have a functional and organized home office. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy office supplies to make it happen. Here are a few thrifty hacks to help you get your workspace in order.
- Use Binder Clips to Organize Cords. Cords and cables can quickly turn into a tangled mess, making it hard to find what you need when you need it. To keep them organized and easy to access, try using binder clips to keep them in place. Simply clip the cords to the edge of your desk or to a bulletin board, and label each one with a piece of tape or a label maker. This keeps them off the floor and out of the way, while still keeping them easily accessible.
- Store Office Supplies in Jars and Cans. Jars and cans are a great way to store office supplies like pens, pencils, and paperclips. Not only are they inexpensive and easy to find, but they also add a fun, vintage vibe to your workspace using mason jars or old coffee cans to store your supplies and label each one with a chalkboard sticker or a piece of washi tape. You can even paint them in fun colors or patterns to match your office decor.
- Create a Mail Sorting Station with File Folders. If you’re tired of losing important documents in a pile of mail and papers, try creating a simple mail sorting station with a file folder. Hang a few file folders on the wall near your desk, and label each one with a category like “bills,” “to do,” and “to file.” Then, whenever you bring in the mail or receive an important document, simply slip it into the appropriate folder. This keeps your desk clear of clutter and ensures that you never lose track of an important piece of paper again.
Frugal Living Room Organization
The living room is where we relax, entertain, and spend time with family. But with all that activity, it can easily become a dumping ground for clutter. Here are a few thrifty hacks to help you reclaim your living space:
- Repurpose Furniture for Storage: That old trunk in the attic? It’s not just a piece of furniture, it’s a treasure chest of storage possibilities! Use it to store blankets, board games, or anything else that needs a home. Ottomans with hidden storage are another great option for stashing items out of sight.
- Baskets, Bins, and Beyond: Woven baskets and colorful bins aren’t just pretty to look at, they’re also functional storage solutions. Use them to corral magazines, remote controls, kids’ toys, or any other items that tend to accumulate. You can even label them for easy identification.
- Vertical Space is Your Friend: Don’t forget about the walls! Floating shelves are a budget-friendly way to add storage and display space without taking up valuable floor space. Use them to showcase books, photos, or decorative items. A pegboard can also be a versatile storage solution for everything from keys to headphones.
- Cable Management Magic: Cords and cables can quickly turn into an unsightly mess. Tame them with zip ties, cord covers, or even empty toilet paper rolls. This not only makes your living room look neater, but it also helps prevent tripping hazards.
- Get Creative with Storage: Think outside the box when it comes to storage solutions. An old ladder can be repurposed into a unique blanket rack. A vintage suitcase can become a quirky coffee table with hidden storage.
How to Organize Your Garage on a Budget
The garage often becomes a catch-all for everything from tools and gardening supplies to sporting equipment and holiday decorations.
- Pegboard Power: Pegboard is a garage organization staple for a reason. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and incredibly versatile. Use it to hang tools, gardening equipment, bikes, or anything else you need to keep off the floor.
- Clear Containers for Visibility: Transparent plastic bins are perfect for storing items like holiday decorations, sports equipment, or seasonal clothing. They allow you to easily see what’s inside without having to rummage through multiple boxes.
- Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools: Metal tools can easily get lost or misplaced in a cluttered garage. Keep them organized and within reach by attaching magnetic strips to the wall. This not only saves space but also makes it easy to grab the tool you need when you need it.
- Ceiling Storage for Bulky Items: Utilize the often-overlooked space above your head by installing overhead storage racks. This is a great way to store bulky items like ladders, seasonal decorations, or camping gear, freeing up valuable floor space.
- Labeling for Easy Access: Labels are your best friend when it comes to garage organization. Label everything from bins and shelves to toolboxes and drawers. This will save you time and frustration when searching for specific items.
- Designated Zones: Divide your garage into designated zones for different activities or categories of items. For example, you could have a gardening zone, a tool zone, a sports equipment zone, and a holiday decorations zone. This will help you maintain order and find things easily.
Tips for Saving Money While Organizing
At the end of the day, the key to a successful home organization is to be practical. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and gadgets, but the truth is, the simplest solutions are often the most effective.
When you’re organizing your home, always start by asking yourself what you really need. Do you really need that fancy label maker, or can you get by with a simple Sharpie and some masking tape? Do you need to buy a bunch of new storage containers, or can you repurpose something you already have?
Remember, the goal is to create a space that works for you and your family, not to impress anyone else. So don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box
With a little patience, persistence, and creativity, you can create a home that’s both functional and beautiful, without spending a fortune. So go forth and organize, my friends – your thrifty, clutter-free home awaits!