I say the same thing over and over again. People buy storage containers and organizing tools in order to help them get organized before they have actually organzied their stuff or have any idea what they will use them for. These containers and tools then just become more clutter to add to the piles. That being said, I went to the dollar store today and bought a bunch of cool organizing tools with no idea how I would even use them. I’m such a hypocrite, I know.

So, here are some great organizing tools you can get at the dollar store, and some ideas on how to use them.

First of all, I am so geeked about them pretty keepsake boxes I got today. They are pretty patterned hinged boxes with a spot to hold a picture on the top and a pretty ribbon to hold the lid shut. They were so nice, I had to buy two. After some thought I decided these are a great way for me to sort and store my scrapbooking pictures and memento’s, while they wait for me to find time to actually scrapbook them (which will probably be never, but I keep dreaming). I love the fact that they are the perfect size for pictures but also big enough to hold other treasures too. Just add some acid free tissue paper (to keep the pictures safe for years) and place a picture of whatever is inside on the top of the box and VOLIA, a pretty, organzied way to store your “someday” scrapbooking stuff, or even just to keep as a keepsake box.  We just got back from Mexico so I am filling a box with stuff from our trip that I want to scrapbook one day. Pictures, shells, a map that the waiter drew for us, brochures etc.  When I am out and about and find stickers or other other scrapbooking stuff I may want for my “someday” scrapbook, I’ll toss them in the box too. It will have a picture of Mexico on the top so I’ll easily know which box is which. I think I’m going to buy a few more! One for Abby’s first year pics and keepsakes, one for my wedding, one for my “Sister’s” scrapbook of the girls…. I am so excited!!! They are small enough so I can stack four or five on top of each other on my book shelf without looking cluttered… I am a genius, I know.

I also got drawer oraganizers. They come in all different sizes and snap together so you can design your own custom drawer organizer that fits your drawer perfectly. Just be sure to measure your drawer and then bring your measuring tape to the dollar store so you know exactly which ones and how many to buy. You’ll look like a dork, but who cares?

I bought more wonderful canisters with snap lids for chips, popcorn and treats for the kids. I LOVE these containers and they take up soooo much less space then the boxes and bags. They also allow you to buy treats from the bulk barn and keep them super fresh. And of course the most important thing is that they also look nice in your pantry all lined up. Just don’t put them in the dishwaher. My first set came out looking like shriveled plastic sculptures….and stunk up the kitchen bad.

I bought mesh laundry bags for wet, dirty dishclothes so my laundry sorter can stop smelling like ass and I also bought some stackable plastic bins which I used in my pantry for yet more treats. They take advantage of vertical space and have easy access to treats below.

Gotta go, kid crying. Fun never stops at Cassie’s house!