Fave Finds: Organizing on a Budget

I am on a warpath in my home. The war against clutter. I actually think I’m addicted to decluttering now. Is there a program for people that donate to Goodwill three times a week?

As I declutter, I’m questioning every single item in my home. I know Marie Kondo suggests the “spark joy” filter, but that’s a little too abstract for me.

I prefer to make my decluttering decisions based on my favorite home quote…

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris

Lately I’ve really been pressing myself to be honest about the things in my home that are useful. Just because the panini maker can make toasty sandwiches without using the stovetop, is it useful if I haven’t gotten it out of the cupboard in over a year? I think not.

The other useful items I’ve been putting to the test lately are organizers. Every bin, basket, rack, and sorter is undergoing scrutiny. Especially as I get rid of all the stuff I’ve been stashing in them.

If I’m not using an organizer on a daily basis (and not just to store junk), it’s out of here.

The organizing solutions I’m keeping are tried and true. They look great, get daily use, and keep my house organized. I think the best organizers are also easy on the budget. You shouldn’t have to spend a lot to keep your home neat.

Today I want to share with you the cute and budget-friendly organizing solutions that have made the cut in my home.

Funny Story: My 6-year old saw me creating the image for this post and he said, “Hey, we have all that stuff.” He added, “I know mommy…people can find the same stuff at the stores and get it for their homes.” I told him I was going to make it easy for you and include all the links to find all our favorites for your home.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission on purchases made after following an affiliate link. See my full disclosure here.

Now to be clear, these are not organizing solutions to hide stuff away under beds and in closets. These are everyday, useful organizers that are pretty enough to keep out in plain sight. In the list below, I’ll share some unique, unconventional ways I use some of these organizers.

1. Jute and Bamboo Baskets – I am not a basket person. Wicker and woven wood are not my style. So I’m always on the lookout for clean-lined modern basket alternatives. These jute baskets with bamboo rims are a perfect blend of simplicity and warmth. I like them for holding magazines and small kid books and toys.

2. Y Weave Baskets – These plastic baskets are super affordable and come in multiple sizes and colors. I used the medium white baskets in my pantry.

3. Gold Letter Sorter – I am very selective about what I allow to live on my kitchen island. This letter sorter is a pretty soft gold and keeps my mail from turning into an unruly pile. I only keep mail in here that I need to take action on.

4. Glass Drying Rack – This isn’t just for drying glasses. It can also be used to store and display mugs. I also think it’s a cute solution for craft room storage. It would be a great place to store spools of baker’s twine.

5. Storage Caddy – These divided caddies are super handy. I like to use them for organizing art supplies. They’re also great for putting out utensils and napkins for parties and pot lucks.

6. Chalkboard Vinyl – I always have a roll of this on hand. I first used it on my pantry door where we currently keep our weekly schedule and dinner menu on display. I’ve also used it to make labels and party signs.

7. Bamboo Tray – I love trays. They are the best way to keep your countertops and other surfaces clutter free. I used a large serving tray like this one to create a coffee bar on my kitchen counter.

8. Three-Ring Binders – For reference and planning papers, I keep everything organized in three-ring binders. I really like the Greenroom binders from Target. They always have fun, bold patterns.

9. Flatware Tray and Drawer Organizers – I always gravitate toward clear drawer organizers, but these with a bright pop of turquoise at the bottom are my favorite. I used these to organize my kitchen drawers.

10. Divided Turntable – I’ve dubbed this The Best Pantry Nut Storage Solution Ever. It is my favorite thing in our pantry. It would also work really well for art supplies or desktop organization.

11. Expanding File Rack – These are so versatile and shouldn’t be hidden away in an office (unless of course you need file storage). I used one of these racks to create vertical paper storage in my mudroom and I’m currently using another for books on the sofa table. It can hold 12-18 books depending on thickness so it’s a great way to keep everyone’s favorite reading books within reach.

12. Divided Pantry Bin – I can’t get enough of these bins. From sorting the kid’s snacks in the pantry to my tea and stevia in the kitchen cupboard, I love the versatility of these divided bins. They seem to be the perfect size for everything. I just ordered more for my fridge.

13. Trofast Cabinet and Bins – I manage all the toys in our house—from action figures to legos—with Trofast systems. I also use them to store and organize art and craft supplies for the kids.

I hope this roundup of organizers and ideas has you eager to tackle some decluttering in your home or to replace some organizing solutions that aren’t working well for you. Happy organizing!