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Tip Store: Storage

Uses for Old Napisan Containers

​I wash the smaller containers out and use them to store zip ties nd for the larger ones I store paint brushes and small paint rollers. Keeps them free from pests. 
Contributed by Suzanne King

Luxe for Less

​We are all looking for matching, pretty containers for our kitchens, bathrooms and other storage. A lot of manufacturers put a lot of effort into making their packaging unique, or at least pleasing. If you are able to remove the stickers, there are a lot of great bottles and containers out there that can be used to decant products into, three or four in a row for that luxe look. For example, Redken Teatree shampoo is a pretty triangle bottle, flour can be bought in one kilo tubs (on special for $2ish) and the tubs can be used to hold all of your baking and pantry staples.  Costco used to sell their vinegar in white five litre bottle/ square containers, which are great holding your larger pantry essentials. Just look around and see what you can use to match up and look pretty.
Contributed by Denise Scotford

Shoebox Tidying

​Following on from the idea of using tissue boxes as drawer organisers. I‘ve found shoe shops are happy to give away empty shoe boxes. These are useful for compartmentalising drawers, keeping contents contained and tidy. Smaller, kids shoe boxes increase the chances for detailed decluttering.
Contributed by Colleen Moir

Tent for Storage

Get a bit more storage by using a tent, temporarily. I've just been moving rooms around in our house, and the only way we could manage it was to put up our camping tent in the backyard and move boxes and packages into it then change the bedroom furniture etc. then bring everything back into the house in its new room. We didn't put valuable things outside, and had a deadline of a planned camping trip. It worked so well on the bedroom swap that I plan to do it again on the front room declutter, so I can get a cupboard into that room to put the stuff in! 
Contributed by Vanessa Reynolds, 29th November 2015

Caravan Storage

We spent 3 years in a caravan, saving for a house deposit. Fortunate enough to have a secure and sturdy annexe, stored all extra pantry items and laundry /bathroom items in large plastic crates, I lined these with the big bin liners, and listed all items on the lid. Was still able to bulk buy cheap items. i kept small manageable containers in the van, topped up all these small containers regularly from the large crates in the annexe. I bought a 2nd hand small freezer that also lived in the annexe. Good luck.
Contributed by Sharan Harwood, 26th November 2015

Buying in Bulk Storage Solution

We also have limited storage for food items, so I've paired up with my mum (who is also a great advocate for money saving) and we buy food in bulk, like local apples, and then halve the produce and the cost. We both save and there is no waste.
Contributed by Cindy Sutton, 26th November 2015   

​Fruit Tub Pantry Organisers

Approximate $ Savings: $40

​My pantry has deep shelves and I really wanted to get some plastic baskets to put loose items such as spread jars or dried fruit packets etc. in. However, trying to stick to the "no spend month" Cheapskates goal, I discovered a great alternative that not only organized my pantry and saved money, it will also save the environment. I purchase quite a bit of fruit from Aldi, a lot of which comes in deep, long, plastic tubs! They are uniform in size, have nice high sides, are see-through and light weight! Now my jam jars can easily be slid out of the way to get to the cereal containers at the back, all my dried fruit is in one spot and easily found, I even have one with my pre-school aged daughter's snacks stacked in ziplock bags for her slide out and "self serve". Oh, and these tubs also make great Barbie doll swimming pools or baths, planter boxes for dwarf carrots and herbs and organizers for my older girls' rock collections!
- Contributed by Meran Robinson, 15th February 2013

​The Gift Box Tray Rack

I love baking and have lots of trays, cooling racks etc. I keep all my baking trays, cake tins etc in the same cupboard as my pots and pans. I always stacked the pots and pans and cake tins as much as possible but every time I stacked the baking trays Murphy's law would mean that the one that I needed was in the middle or bottom of the stack, and the cupboard would always get messy. I decided I needed to do something and thought about the various options in the stores but didn't have the money to go out and buy space saving devices. So I looked in the shed and found a wooden box which had been a gift crate for some wine I was given at Christmas. The sides were made from nice timber and the back was just a plywood type material stapled on. I was able to pry the ply backing off and use the crate as a large square shape in my cupboard as book ends. The particular gift crate I had had two ply board dividers in (to hold the bottles of wine in place!) and I've actually used those to sort the trays (ordinary baking trays, muffin/cupcake trays and cooling racks). This simple idea has saved me so much time and stress because my cupboards are no longer cluttered. By tiding up the baking trays, I've found that I have more room for my pots and pans - so much so that I no longer stack big pans like woks. They all have a dedicated spot and I've even been able to move my rice cooker into this cupboard. Not bad for 15 minutes! Of course if you don't have a wooden box you can get creative with you might have scraps of timber you can use to create a U shape which you can use to store your trays etc. Just keep in mind lots of metal trays can become heavy so you need to use timber rather than thin plywood. Basically you're looking at a bookend type device for your baking trays. Also don't forget to check the height of your cupboard - if you find a suitable wooden box you may have to get the saw out and cut one of the sides off so that it fits in the space you have. And if you have a particular theme in your kitchen, you can always paint the timber and decorate it in your theme.
​- Contributed by Michelle Hickey, 26th May 2011

​Putting Blanket Bags to Good Use

Approximate $ Savings: $1 - $30

If you like to sew, save the plastic zip up bags that new sets of sheets, doonas and quilts etc come in. Not only can you reuse them for storage of doonas and quilts when you put them away for next season, you can also cut the double way zipper out of them for your sewing etc. I am making a toddler back pack with mine, so not only do I save buying a zipper, I am saving by being able to make my own backpack with a zipper that unzips both ways like a bought one!
​- Contributed by Natasha, Mendooran, 4th March 2010

​Doorknobs, for More Than Doors

​When we were young, we loved hanging our jackets on doorknobs. Competition was fierce for the best locations. My Dad, a carpenter, retaliated by buying a bunch of doorknobs and installing them on the entry wall. Now I have a family of my own and Dad made a similar rack for my front entrance, sourcing the doorknobs from his jobs. Hoodies and jackets prefer doorknobs to hooks, because doorknobs don't dent the fabric the way hooks do. And, the row of knobs added a unique touch to our entry room. - Contributed by Bev, Morrisett, 7th December 2009

​More Storage in Wardrobe

I needed to store my suitcase somewhere appropriate, and although my room is not small it was still taking up a lot of space. I decided to put my suitcase in my wardrobe, as it is just the right size and is ideal as my wardrobe does not have any shelves or draws, and I folded some clothes up and put them into the suitcase and my problem is solved.
​- Contributed by Jodie, Mornington, 24th October 2009

​Sorted and Organized Courtesy of Ice-cream Parlour

I was searching every where for affordable storage for my son's toys. I wanted small boxes so his Lego collections etc don't get mixed up so he will play with them more. I did get rid of a lot of his toys but I still needed storage and finally discovered my local ice cream parlour was selling the containers they use to display the ice-creams in the window for only 50 cents each and larger tubs with a lid for $1. I put them along his toy shelf and he can see which toy collection belongs in which box and it's easier for him to put things away too. I'm going back for more to help sort out my back shed, garage, laundry, pantry and my Mum's crafts. Woo hoo!!!!
​- Contributed by Chantelle, Craigie, 5th July 2009

​Bag Button Saves Space

Instead of purchasing space saver bags you can now purchase a product called a bagbutton which enables you to turn ordinary garbage bags into space saver bags. You simply attach it to a plastic bag, suck the air out with a vacuum cleaner, tie the bag off and then remove the bagbutton to use on another bag. Space Saver bags retail for around $15.00 EACH, but the bagbutton costs $14.95 (plus $5 P&H) and is reusable from www.bagbutton.com.au
​- Contributed by Sara, Toormina, 18th June 2008

​Clever, Cheaper Pantry Storage

Approximate $ Savings: $50

​Instead of storing your flour, sugar, breadcrumbs etc in brand new, clear jars from supermarkets or homeware shops try your local charity store. I really like all of my jars to match because they are on show on shelves so I used to wait fro friends and family to finish with their coffee jars and hope they would pass them on to me. One day I discovered my local charity have clean, empty coffee jars in all sizes for as little as 50 cents. They are clear so you can always see how much of something you have and they have sizes that will hold 2kg of sugar or flour right down to little ones that are perfect for spices. I have never had to pay full price for a container and they are reusable and transferable.
- Contributed by Joanne, North Lambton, 20th May 2008

​Better Drawer Tidies

For inexpensive drawer dividers just cut an empty 2 litre or 3 litre bottle of milk horizontally to fit the depth of your drawer. Washed and with labels removed, they look great. Because they are square/rectangular they fit nicely in the drawer and don't waste space. IKEA sell a set of 4 for $14.95, but yours come free with your milk!!
​- Contributed by Bernadette, Greensborough, 17th January 2008

​Magazine Holders

Approximate $ Savings: $6.00 and more each

For magazine holders, instead of buying rigid plastic ones from stationers, buy cardboard ones from discount shops, you can get many colours, plain and fancy. They can be used for magazines, newsletters that need to be kept, correspondence, phone books etc.
​- Contributed by Belinda, Hampton Park, 10th June 2007

​Keep Kids Rooms Tidy

A great way to keep kids room tidy is to buy drawers or shelves in bright colours, then place a coloured sticker to match on each toy. Your child can look at what colour sticker is on it to see which shelf or drawer it belongs in. It is a fun and easy way to clean up.
​- Contributed by Michelle, Maryborough, August 24th 2006

​Storage Hint

In an attempt to tidy up desk drawers, I made some clear storage containers for paper clips, elastic bands and other small items, by cutting the bottom off 1 litre fruit juice containers. They are see through and fit well in the draw base.
​- Contributed by Julie, East Ivanhoe, September 14th 2006

​Space Saver Storage

​Don't spend $14.95 or more for those underbed storage boxes. Store the family s off-season clothes in your suitcases. They take the same amount of storage space whether they re empty or full, so filling them up creates space in wardrobes and drawers.

​Old Kitchen Cabinets

​If you are lucky enough to get a hold of some old kitchen cabinets, install them in your craftroom, workshop or kids' play room. Put on a used, old or bargain countertop (or an old tabletop, plywood or old door) and you have a work area where you can store your stuff and a surface where you can work. Look out during hard rubbish collections for the best freebies!

​Using Empty Drawers

​Use empty dresser drawers to store the appropriate linen. For example, in our bedroom I store sheets and pillow cases in an empty drawer. In the dining room, placemats and napkins are in one drawer and tableclothes in another. They are always on hand and it saves space in the linen cupboard.

​Cereal & Detergent Boxes

​You can use these to store magazines, craft patterns and coupons waiting to be clipped. Just cut the corner off of one side of the cereal box and put magazines in it. You can cover with wrapping paper (recycled from carefully unwrapped Christmas presents - admit it!), kids' artwork, or the Sunday funnies.

​Camping Gear

​Store camping gear in an old ice chest, making sure the chest is totally dried out before using it for storage.

​Out of Season Clothes

​Store out-of-season clothes under the bed in the drawer from an old dresser that you no longer in use. Place the handles outward so it is easy to pull.

​Pizza Box Storage

​Store frequently used items such as knitting or coloring books in a pizza-box lid that you can slide right under an armchair with a skirt.

​Keep Track of All Those Photos

​To keep track of all those photos (especially all those new baby photos), immediately stamp them on the back with a date stamper as soon as I get them back from the developer. This way, you'll never forget what time frame the photo was taken.

​Priority Storage

​Prioritize storage by placing often-used items in the most convenient locations. Infrequently used items should be placed in less accessible spots (such as top shelves or in another room). This helps to save time looking for things you know you have and you'll save money by not just buying them again because you can't find them.

​Empty Film Canisters

​Empty film canisters are perfect for storing pins, buttons, tacks and other small items. Sort your things into these small organizing wonders, press on the top and stick a blank label around the outside. Then, label each canister to identify the contents. Finally, store these canisters in a box to keep them all together.

​Shallow Boxes As Dividers

​If you have a long, shallow desk drawer, chances are it's filled with an assortment of paper clips, pens, tacks, loose change, etc. Pick up a desk organizing tray (around $5 - $8 from office supply stores). But, if you'd rather save some money, there is a very cheap solution. Gather small shallow boxes - the type that jewelry or dinner mints often come in. Most people have these floating around the house. Empty out the desk drawer and line up these boxes inside, arranging them so that there are no open spaces. Voila! You now have the perfect sorting system for all of those loose desk items. By the way, before you put anything back into that drawer, toss out anything you no longer need or can no longer identify!

​Baby Food Jars Are Handy

​Clean out those little baby food jars, remove the labels, and you have the perfect storage containers for nails, screws, nuts, bolts, buttons, loose change, paper clips, elastic bands, and so much more! And the best thing is, they're see through, which means you can easily identify everything inside at a glance! Use them in the garage to store nails etc by screwing the lid to the underside of a shelf and then 'hanging' the jar - saves a lot of space and things are always in sight and on hand.

​Use Your Garage

​Use your garage and attic (that's what we call the ceiling space in our home). Keep your items in numbered boxes. Generate a list on your computer of what you have stored in each box under the relevent number. This way you'll always be able to quickly put your hand on that Grade 2 report, or Junior's first soccer boots.

​Think Behind!

​Please be careful with this tip, especially if you're not really a handyman. I have a friend who has a floor to ceiling cabinet built into a section of wall between the studs. Your interior walls are usually framed with pieces of lumber. If you remove the plasterboard (being very careful), you have all the space until you hit the back of the wall of the room on the other side. Line the space and you have a surprising amount of extra storage space. You can leave this space open or put doors on it. It is a great space for storing small items, like spices, cocoa, small jars and even canned goods if it's in a kitchen. In a familyroom or loungeroom it can be used for storing cassettes, small books or ornaments. In the laundry, use the space to store cleaning materials. Before you attempt this project, make sure that the space is free of wires or vents.

​Look Under!

​There are many low areas in our home that can be used for storage, such as under the bed. Many people feel uncomfortable with low storage - thinking the lower you go, the less sanitary the storage. If you feel that way, you can always buy storage containers made specifically to fit under the bed, that seal up tightly. Or see our hint about using old drawers!

​Look up!

​There is a lot of space that can be utilized for items in high places. In your kitchen you can often take advantage of the area above your cupboards by removing decorative paneling. Just make sure the area is clear and without vents. Store items you only use occasionally. Be sure and use a sturdy stepladder to reach them. Use decorated boxes to store things on top of wardrobes, free standing units such as bookshelves etc.

​Recycling Food Tins

Canned food tins (once opened) can be used to store household items that you just can't find a place for. Use them for storing pens, make-up,coins, jewellery, incense sticks etc. Decorate them by covering with glue and sticking on coloured paper, flowers, magazine cut outs etc.
​- Contributed by Shelly, East Brunswick, August 18th, 2006