The Best Storage Bins

This article highlights the utility of storage baskets in maintaining a tidy and functional home environment, offering expert advice on selection and usage. It delves into a curated list of 21 top-rated storage baskets, emphasizing their stylish designs, practical features, durable materials, and space-saving capabilities. The selection process involved extensive research, prioritizing options that stack, nest, or collapse, and included insights from Liz Dahmen, an organization consultant. The article showcases a diverse range of baskets to suit various needs and aesthetic preferences. The GooBloo Blanket Basket, made from a blend of hogla plant fiber and plastic, is presented as an ideal solution for storing blankets and throws, notable for its natural look and durability. For those seeking to hide clutter on shelves, the West Elm Woven Seagrass Basket, handcrafted from sustainable natural seagrass, is recommended, available in multiple sizes and offering a neutral aesthetic with added texture. The Like-It Stacking Baskets with Lids are featured for their modular and stackable design, perfect for optimizing closet space, especially in both deep and shallow configurations, and made from plastic with ventilation. For a coordinated approach to home organization, the Birch Lane 3-Piece Seagrass Basket Set provides three varying sizes, each capable of holding significant weight, suitable for general storage or as decorative planters, though variations in handmade items are noted. The HAY Recycled Colour Crate is highlighted for small item storage, crafted from 100% recycled plastic, stackable, and available in multiple sizes and vibrant colors. Decorative options include the Anthropologie Tulip Baskets, which offer a handcrafted rattan design with a unique flower-shaped rim, and are suggested for towels, linens, or discreet clutter concealment, with a caution against moisture exposure. The StorageWorks Storage Baskets, made from breathable cotton with a metal frame, are presented as an excellent choice for closets due to their ability to prevent mustiness and their collapsibility. Space-saving solutions feature the Horpait Hanging Fruit Basket, a three-tiered jute basket ideal for produce storage, with detachable tiers for flexible use. The La Jolie Muse Locronan Chocolate Brown Storage Baskets are recognized for their elegant, fluted design in hard cardboard, mimicking leather, and are suitable for delicate items due to their padded interiors. For larger storage needs, the Goodpick Large Rope Basket, made from soft, non-scratchy cotton, offers durability for heavy bedding and clothes and is machine washable. The Esme L&H; Small Rope Basket with Lid, adorned with rainbow pom-poms, provides a decorative and functional way to hide clutter, suitable as a gift basket. The Hosroome Macrame Storage Basket Set introduces a boho aesthetic, using wood and cotton rope, for organizing toiletries. Specialized organizational tools include the Spectrum Diversified 2-Tier Organizer, a wall-mounted metal basket for mail and keys, and the Pottery Barn Tava Rattan Lidded Box, designed for bathroom toiletries with a discreet latched lid. The West Elm Lidded Basket, a statement piece crafted by Senegalese artists, is available in large and oversized options for hampers or decorative storage. The SmartStore Nordic Basket, made from post-consumer recycled plastic, is a budget-friendly option with ventilated holes and optional lids for stacking. The Terrain Leather Basket offers a luxurious, handcrafted leather design for books and magazines. Lastly, the Inci Home Decor Jute Wall-Hanging Storage Basket is presented as an alternative for limited counter space, made from moisture-absorbing jute and available in multiple sizes, while the Seville Classics Laundry Hamper Bin, made of water hyacinth wicker, offers a stylish way to conceal dirty laundry. The Container Store Long Underbed Bin, a rattan basket with a cotton liner, is recommended for under-bed storage to maintain a clutter-free look while allowing clothes to breathe, unlike plastic bins. The article concludes with a guide on how to shop for storage baskets like a professional, focusing on material suitability for different environments (e.g., woven for living rooms, wire/metal/plastic for damp areas, soft materials for children's rooms), style considerations to match home decor, and shape optimization for stacking or freestanding display. Expert advice from Liz Dahmen is incorporated, suggesting baskets for grouping similar, rather than identical, items to avoid excessive containers. It also clarifies that while baskets are excellent for linens and toys, solid containers are better for liquids and cords to prevent spills and snagging. Recommended retailers range from large online marketplaces to specialized stores offering unique, handcrafted options. #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #StorageBaskets #InteriorDesign #Decluttering #SustainableMaterials #SpaceSaving #HomeDecor #OrganizingTips

This article highlights the top storage containers recommended by Better Homes & Gardens editors, emphasizing their role in organizing homes and battling clutter. It features nine distinct categories of storage solutions, each chosen for its unique functionality and design, ranging from heavy-duty options to decorative baskets and specialized holiday storage. The recommendations are based on extensive research and, in many cases, personal testing by the editorial team. The article begins by stressing the importance of proper storage containers in tackling home organization. It quotes organizing expert Julie Morgenstern, author of "Organizing From the Inside Out," who advises consumers to first sort, purge, and group their belongings before purchasing containers to ensure they select the most suitable products for their needs. This preparatory step is crucial for an effective organizing project. Among the top picks is the Rubbermaid Storage Tote with Lid, lauded as the best overall for its sturdy construction and 14-gallon capacity, ideal for various items like sweaters, seasonal bedding, or decor. While functional and stackable, its industrial aesthetic suggests use in less visible areas like garages. For visibility, the IRIS USA Plastic Storage Container set is recommended, offering clear bins with secure lids for light to medium-weight items, ensuring easy identification of contents and protection from dust. For heavier items, the CX Storage Containers are presented as the best heavy-duty option. These 27-gallon plastic totes are designed for rugged use, featuring ergonomic handles and snap-lock lids that are weather- and water-resistant. Although not aesthetically pleasing, their durability and ability to be secured with zip ties make them perfect for workshops or garages. The article also addresses space-saving solutions with the storageLAB Underbed Storage Containers, a set of two zippered polyester-blend bags with a transparent top for easy viewing. These are ideal for seasonal clothing and bedding, offering smooth zippers and durable handles, and designed to fit under most beds. Decorative storage is covered by the Pottery Barn Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Lidded Baskets. These attractive baskets, available in various sizes, offer a stylish solution for visible storage, such as toys, books, or linens. While their lids are not airtight, they provide easy access and feature cut-out handles for portability. Further specialized options include Gongshi Vacuum Storage Bags for compressing out-of-season clothes and linens, a Keter Solana Storage Bench that doubles as outdoor seating and storage for gardening tools or outdoor accessories, and specialized containers for holiday items like the Treekeeper Gift Wrap Craft Station for wrapping paper and the Santa’s Bags Christmas Tree Storage Bag for artificial trees, the latter featuring wheels for easy transport. The article concludes by offering essential shopping tips, focusing on material, lid type, and size/capacity. It advises against clear containers for visible storage and highlights the pros and cons of different lid types (snap-tight vs. latching). Morgenstern's advice on measuring space and knowing exactly what needs to be stored before buying is reiterated to prevent common storage mistakes. Additionally, it addresses common questions regarding airtight containers, methods for keeping bugs out of storage bins, and preventing mold growth on clothes, emphasizing the importance of airtight containers, avoiding cardboard, and ensuring items are clean and dry before storage, ideally in climate-controlled environments. #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #HomeDecor #SpaceSaving #Decluttering #ProductReviews #HouseholdEssentials #StorageTips

Clear storage bins are widely regarded by professional organizers as a highly effective method for maintaining organization and easy identification of items within a home. These see-through plastic containers not only help sort belongings but also protect them from external factors such as moisture, dirt, dust, and pests. Unlike cardboard boxes, which are often considered an inferior storage solution due to their vulnerability to damage and inability to offer visibility, modern clear bins are typically made from non-toxic, BPA-free, and often recyclable materials, boasting impressive durability. Maximizing the utility of clear bins involves understanding which household items are best suited for this storage method. Seasonal and holiday decorations are ideal for clear bin storage. While color-coded bins might seem appealing for specific holidays, clear bins offer better visibility. It's recommended to use separate clear bins for individual holidays or seasons and label them accordingly. If there aren't enough items to fill a bin for a single holiday, combining decor from closely scheduled holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, is a practical approach. Fragile or sentimental items should be wrapped in protective materials like paper or bubble wrap or stored in smaller, compartmented organizers before being placed in bins. Off-season clothing and shoes can also benefit significantly from clear bin storage. To free up closet space, items like sweaters can be stored in the summer, and swimsuits in the winter. Utilizing vacuum-sealed bags before layering clothes horizontally in bins can reduce the number of bins needed. Clothes that children have yet to grow into or hand-me-downs can be organized and labeled by age, size range, and season. For shoes, ensuring they are clean and completely dry is crucial before placing them in bins, optionally using shoe bags for extra protection. However, delicate fabrics like leather and suede are not recommended for this storage method. Keeping toys tidy, especially small ones or those with multiple parts, becomes easier with clear bins. These containers allow for logical organization, such as dedicating separate bins for LEGOs, action figures, or large sets, and facilitate effortless clean-up. Labeled bins can be stacked on shelves in playrooms or bedrooms. For toy rotation, reserved toys can be stored out of sight in bins. Outdoor toys, often kept in garages or sheds, are prone to dirt and mildew; clear, lidded bins are perfect for keeping them clean and dry, provided they are thoroughly dried before storage. Similarly, gardening and yard supplies, particularly smaller items like seed packets, gloves, and hand tools, can be neatly stored in clear bins to prevent rust and make them easily accessible. Larger tools should be hung or stored vertically. Office, craft, or hobby supplies, which can accumulate significantly depending on the activity, are also excellent candidates for clear bin storage. Small bins are effective for tiny items like paintbrushes or binder clips, preventing them from getting lost. Assigning a bin to each hobby or craft, especially for ongoing projects, helps maintain their integrity. Art boxes can store past projects flat, and file boxes can keep paperwork sorted. Labeled bins can be stacked on accessible shelves. For electronics, while minimizing clutter by letting go of old devices is advisable, clear, lidded bins protect necessary ones from dust. Containers with individual compartments are suitable for small components like USB drives and charging ports. Household utility items, such as batteries and flashlights, can be organized into clear bins rather than being relegated to a 'junk drawer.' Categorizing these items into appropriately sized, labeled containers and stacking them on accessible shelves in closets or cabinets creates an orderly utility section. Pet gear, beyond food and treats, can also be organized in clear bins, including grooming tools, medications, outerwear, costumes, or backup toys. These should be labeled and placed in convenient locations like a mudroom or coat closet. Pantry goods benefit from decanting into clear, airtight containers, which not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also preserves food freshness and prevents spoilage. For small pantries or bulk purchases, clear bins can hold backstock until space becomes available, with items separated by type and managed using the FIFO (first in, first out) method. Party supplies like paper plates and napkins can also be organized this way. Excess toiletries, such as soap, razors, or toothbrushes, are suitable for clear bin storage, keeping them hidden yet accessible for replenishment. These can be labeled and stacked in discreet locations like under the sink or in a linen closet. Finally, bedding, towels, and linens can be efficiently organized in clear bins, possibly with vacuum bags for space-saving. Sheet sets can be sorted by size, towels by type, and dedicated bins for guest linens or seasonal sets. Obscure items like fabric tablecloths and duvet covers can also be stored to prevent misplacement among other linens. #ClearBins #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #StorageSolutions #ProfessionalOrganizerTips #SeasonalStorage #PantryOrganization #ToyStorage #OfficeOrganization

This blog post from Better Homes & Gardens provides an extensive guide to decluttering and organizing various spaces within a home, offering expert strategies and editor-approved tips. The article is categorized under 'Housekeeping' and focuses specifically on 'Storage & Organization,' presenting a compilation of resources designed to help individuals transform chaotic areas into calm, functional spaces. It covers a wide array of topics, from general organization advice to specific room-by-room solutions. The content is structured to address common organizational challenges in key areas of the home. Dedicated sections are provided for bathroom storage and organization, kitchen storage and organization, laundry room storage and organization, closet storage and organization, and garage storage and organization. Each of these sections likely contains detailed articles and guides, offering practical tips and product recommendations tailored to the unique needs of that particular space. For instance, the kitchen section might delve into pantry organization, spice rack ideas, and ways to utilize cabinet space efficiently, while the closet section could offer strategies for maximizing hanging space, organizing shoes, and storing seasonal clothing. Beyond specific rooms, the article also includes broader 'Organization Tips' that can be applied throughout the home. These tips may encompass various decluttering methods, such as the 'Core 4 Method' for simplifying organizing, the '1-3-5 Decluttering Hack' for incremental progress, and advice on handling sentimental items. The post emphasizes practical approaches, including DIY storage ideas for spaces like garages and clever tools for tasks such as holiday gift-wrapping. It also highlights emerging home storage trends that experts recommend trying, suggesting modern and efficient ways to maintain an organized living environment. Further, the article addresses specific problematic areas, such as linen closets, advising on what items should no longer be stored there and offering professional insights into optimal organization zones. It also tackles common decluttering mistakes, particularly those identified by professional organizers, and provides actionable solutions. The importance of maintaining a clutter-free environment is underscored by suggestions for what not to keep in visible areas like bathroom counters and kitchen counters, and what items to declutter before seasonal changes or events like vacations. The post also features a 30-day declutter challenge, encouraging readers to systematically take control of their homes. Unique insights, like the 'FIFO method' for organizing and surprising uses for everyday items like zip ties, are also presented. Additionally, the article covers the concept of 'Clutter Creep' and provides guidance on how to address it, alongside advice on how to let go of 'aspirational clutter.' Important safety considerations, such as proper disposal of hazardous materials like gasoline, and insights from Feng Shui experts on kitchen storage, are also included. The article also provides practical solutions for storing items in clear bins, organizing bedding, and maximizing vertical storage, offering a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to enhance their home's organization and functionality. #HomeOrganization #DeclutteringTips #StorageSolutions #HomeImprovement #Housekeeping #RoomOrganization #DIYStorage #ExpertAdvice #HomeDesign

This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of tips and strategies for effective storage and organization across various areas of the home, from the garage to the primary bedroom. It addresses common organizational challenges and provides practical solutions for maintaining a clutter-free and functional living space. The content emphasizes smart storage techniques, such as proper dish storage and pantry organization, alongside advice on selecting appropriate shelving and lighting to prevent closets from becoming disorderly. It also provides specific ideas for organizing children's spaces and showcases visual examples of efficient closet and hallway organizers. The article delves into various aspects of decluttering and organization, highlighting habits that contribute to a dirtier home and offering advice on items to discard from hall closets and attics. It also identifies timeless wardrobe pieces that should be retained, according to stylists, and innovative ways to reuse old newspapers for cleaning and gardening purposes. The guide tackles issues like small bathroom clutter, offering solutions to make these spaces feel less messy. It outlines simple, step-by-step processes for paring down clothing to achieve a clutter-free closet and provides ingenious methods for storing scarves, as recommended by professional organizers. Additionally, it suggests smart thrift store finds that can aid in home organization and presents creative ways to store and display mugs. Key mistakes in closet organization are identified, along with expert advice on how to avoid them. The article provides instructions on cleaning a toaster oven for optimal performance and offers small closet organization ideas to maximize storage capacity. It also guides readers on how to create a minimalist home that is both stylish and functional, and how to eliminate musty smells from closets. A crucial aspect covered is identifying items that should be removed from closets immediately, according to professional organizers, and a fall cleaning checklist that includes closets and gutters. It also points out common household items that contribute to a messy appearance, according to interior designers, and offers brilliant ideas for organizing small pantries and fridges. Furthermore, the guide presents practical laundry room shelving ideas that combine aesthetics with functionality and offers strategies for organizing the most frequently used rooms in the home to maintain order. It includes expert advice on arranging small bedrooms to create an illusion of greater space and Martha Stewart's top kitchen organizing tips to optimize space utilization. Quick cleaning routines for a home refresh are detailed, along with various bathroom shelf ideas for added storage and style. The article covers clothes storage ideas for closets and drawers, numerous ideas for creating efficient and beautiful walk-in closets, and instructions for cleaning vinyl records. Creative DIY projects, such as transforming an old chair into jewelry holders, are also featured. It addresses common mistakes in storing clothes without a closet and outlines kitchen organizing pitfalls to avoid. Guidance is provided on the best methods for sorting and storing clothes, whether by hanging or folding. The proper care and cleaning of wicker baskets are explained, alongside common food storage mistakes to avoid, according to food scientists. Specific tips on preventing avocados from browning and whether to refrigerate bananas are also included. The article suggests quick 10-minute organization tasks to promote a calmer home environment and identifies common entryway clutter mistakes and their fixes. It also highlights useful items to keep in a junk drawer. The guide offers insights into Martha Stewart's organizing rules for when one feels overwhelmed, identifies household items commonly stored incorrectly, and introduces the concepts of Swedish Death Cleaning and slow decluttering for easier home organization. Finally, it advises against storing shoes in the bedroom, identifies essential items to keep when decluttering, provides a one-hour-a-day fall cleaning schedule, and explains the "30 Bags in 30 Days" decluttering challenge. It also lists summer items not to discard, what to avoid storing in a junk drawer, items thrift stores typically reject, and the "10-10 decluttering method." The benefits of decluttering for pest control are discussed, alongside common factors that make bedrooms look messy, overlooked household storage spaces, and items to never store in the basement. It concludes with tips for decluttering a home office, clever uses for reusable grocery bags, strategies for decluttering without regret, and essential rules for organizing a small kitchen. #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #Decluttering #CleaningTips #InteriorDesign #ClosetOrganization #KitchenOrganization #BathroomStorage #SmallSpaceSolutions