How to Organize Every Room of the House with Storage Bins

Organize every room of the house with storage bins, pretty baskets, and storage tubs with these quick and easy organizing tips!

Aqua Storage Bins in an Organized Garage

Today we are talking about one of my very favorite things– storage bins! I’m a smidge obsessed with them and use them all over my home to organize everything!

Now, having pretty, matching bins does not necessarily equal organization. (Nor does not having pretty, matching bins necessarily equal disorganization.) However, I love that a lot of these options can help to decorate a space while maintaining some semblance of order at the same time when used effectively. Functional + beautiful is always a win in my book!

How to Organize Every Room of the House with Storage Bins

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Since I know that many of you share my love of storage containers, I thought I would share a list of my favorite types and how I use them in case you have any upcoming organization projects in the works! In no particular order, here are the types of storage bins I use most often:

1. Organizing with Baskets

I love baskets because they come in so many different shapes and sizes and can add warmth and texture to a room while keeping things neat and tidy. We use baskets in several places in our home, including in my office to store fabric, craft supplies, and small decor pieces…

IKEA BESTA Storage Unit with Storage Baskets for Organization, Storage Bins

baskets (similar) holding everything from fabric to craft supplies to decor items

…in our kitchen cabinets to hold small utensils that we need, but aren’t used all the time…

Organized Kitchen Cabinet, Using a Wicker Storage Basket to Hold Extra Utensils that Are Needed but Not Used Often

utensil basket in our kitchen

…and in our primary closet to hold extra toiletry items, nail polish, belts, and more.

Organized Primary Closet with Storage Baskets, Storages Bins, and Storage Totes

2. Get Organized with Fabric Bins

I use fabric bins all the time, particularly in our “cubed” storage units. I love that they come in tons of different colors and are big enough to hold a lot of small items, but small enough to keep an area from getting cluttered.

So I often will add an adhesive bookplate to the front of my fabric bins so I can insert a label and clearly see what is in each one.

Cube unit holding fabric bins and books in an organized home office

Round fabric storage bins are perfect for organizing taller items! We use them for Nerf guns in the playroom, I’ve used it to organize rolls of wrapping paper, and it also makes a great laundry hamper!

Organized Wrapping Paper in a Round Fabric Storage Bin

One more type of fabric bin that I love to use are fabric totes. HomeGoods/ TJ Maxx always carry a bunch of these in various sizes and colors, and I have used them to store everything from sweaters to bathing suits to clutches and wallets.

Fabric Storage Totes in an Organized Primary Closet

3. Plastic / Acrylic Storage Drawers for Organizing

I once saw plastic drawers on a list of “items you should never use to organize,” and I totally disagree! I love them!

Unlike plastic tubs that you have to unstack every time you want to use their contents, drawers are easily accessible when stacked and are perfect for organizing items under the sink, makeup, writing utensils and office supplies, toys, small pantry items and more.They are also easy to label, which is always a plus!

Acrylic Stacking Storage Drawers Used to Organize the Area Under the Kitchen Sink

acrylic storage drawers labeled with adhesive vinyl wording that I cut with my Cricut machine, keeping the area under our kitchen sink organized

We use these cute plastic drawer units to hide all of Donnie’s shaving gear in our primary bathroom— they come in all sorts of fun colors!

Mint Stacking Drawers to Organize a Primary Bathroom Vanity

We also use stacking plastic storage drawers to keep our hand-me-downs organized, which makes it easy to switch things out as the boys grow.

Plastic Stacking Storage Drawers Used to Organize Hand Me Downs

4. Organize with Plastic / Acrylic Stacking Pantry Bins

When we were first married, Donnie and I bought a bunch of inexpensive pantry bins, and they have been used for many, many purposes in the 15+ years since (and they’re still going strong after more than a decade and a half)!

Ours are white, so they can fit in just about anywhere, and they’re also stackable, so we can easily organize vertically. We’ve used these bins to hold the boys’ socks and undies, shoes, toys in the garage, workout equipment, supplies under the bathroom sink, and we’ve even actually used them for pantry storage!

Stacking Plastic Pantry Bins Used to Organize Clothes and Provide Vertical Storage

More recently, I have begun using stacking acrylic bins to maximize vertical space in various rooms of the house, from the bathroom to the kitchen and more!

Large Acrylic Stacking Bins Used to Organize the Bathroom Vanity

big acrylic stacking bins used to organize our guest bathroom vanity

Coffee Pods Organized in Acrylic Stacking Pantry Bins

small acrylic stacking bins used to organize the coffee station in our kitchen

5. Acrylic Storage Bins for Organization

Can you tell I have a thing for acrylic bins?! Besides the drawers and stacking bins I already mentioned, I also love the clear plastic square and rectangular storage bins for organizing just about any space, from the bathroom vanity to our living room entertainment unit to our refrigerator and more!

Clear Acrylic Storage Bins to Organize a Bathroom Vanity

Being able to see through the bins is a real plus because you can immediately tell what’s in them and grab what you need. I like to label them too, just because it looks pretty! 🙂 They come in all different sizes, so it’s not hard to find exactly what you need!

Square Acrylic Bins to Organize Bathroom Vanity Drawers

square acrylic bins to organize narrow but deep drawers

6. Get Organized with Plastic Storage Tubs

I know I just sang the praises of stacking drawers over storage tubs, but we certainly use our fair share of the tubs around here too! When we need to store larger items or have long term storage needs (like holiday decor, for example), I almost always reach for plastic storage tubs.

These containers are great because they are super sturdy and the lid helps keep out unwanted dust and bugs when storing in areas like a garage or basement. I always attach a label when possible!

Plastic Storage Tubs Organizing Christmas Decor

I also like to use the smaller version of these plastic bins to corral sets of toys on the boys playroom– games, craft sets, building sets, etc.

Plastic Storage Tubs Used to Organize Kids' Toys in a Playroom

In the garage, I use opaque storage tubs. (I found these ones at Target during back-to-school time.) They hide all of our stuff out of sight and keep the space looking tidy.

Aqua Storage Bins in an Organized Garage

7. Using Trash Cans to Get Organized

This may not be the most traditional type of storage bin, but I have been finding more and more uses for plain trash cans to store things, particularly items that are long and narrow!

Currently I am using a simple white plastic trash can to hold my gift wrap…

Use an Inexpensive Plastic Trash Can to Store Gift Wrap

…as well as my extra faux greenery!

Use an inexpensive plastic trash can to store extra faux greenery.

8. Y-Weave Plastic Bins for Organizing

I have sung the praises of y-weave bins over and over on the blog because they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, and you can use them to organize all over the house! We have a ton of them in our pantry and kitchen and use them in the boys’ playroom as well!

Organized Pantry with Y-Weave Storage Bins

y-weave storage bins in our kitchen pantry

y-weave bin used to organize toys in a playroom

y-weave bin holding Bionicles figures in the boys’ playroom

9. SKUBB Boxes for Drawer Organization

Oh yes, we even use bins in our drawers! I’ve started using IKEA’s SKUBB boxes since we moved into our current house, and I love how neat and tidy they keep our clothes– especially smaller items like socks and tank tops. They come in various sizes and colors, which is another perk.

IKEA SKUBB Boxes Used to Organize a Sock Drawer

SKUBB boxes used to organize my sock drawer

10. Organizing with Shoe Boxes

Finally, I couldn’t end this list without including shoe boxes! Shoe boxes are FREE and oh-so-versatile!

I like to use wrapping paper to pretty them up, and I have used them to organize under the sink and as drawer separators to keep everything neat and tidy. They could also work for storing small toys, collections, or office supplies.

Shoeboxes wrapped with pretty wrapping paper, used to organize the area under the sink in the bathroom

wrapped shoe boxes holding toiletries

Shoeboxes wrapped in pretty wrapping paper, used to organize a sock drawer

wrapped shoe box holding Donnie’s socks

Organizing with Storage Bins: Final Thoughts

Who knew I could use so many different types of bins in one house?! A lot of times, I think the key is finding the perfect container for the job, one that helps keep things neat and tidy without taking up a lot of space and being more of a hindrance than a help.

Being able to separate items by category is huge when maintaining organizational systems, and if the organizers just happen to be pretty, that’s a bonus! 🙂

Shop My Favorite Storage Bins

Storage Bin Organization: Frequently Asked Questions

To organize inside storage bins, use smaller bins within the larger bin to divide up the space and keep items corralled by category.

Here are a few ideas for making storage bins look nice:

  1. Wrap the storage bins in wrapping paper.
  2. Add embellishments with duct tape in pretty colors/patterns.
  3. Paint the storage bins.
  4. For clear storage bins, adhere decorative paper on the inside.
  5. Add matching labels. (I love vinyl labels.)

Here are a few ideas for things to do with empty storage bins:

  • Use empty storage bins in another area of your house that needs to be organized.
  • Save them for future organizing projects.
  • See if family members or friends can make use of your empty storage bins.
  • Donate them to a charity, thrift store, or shelter.
  • Sell your empty storage bins on Facebook or Craigslist.

Want to save this post to revisit later? Be sure to pin the image below so you can find it easily!

How to Organize Every Room with Storage Bins

What are your favorite storage bins to use in your house? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy organizing!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

57 Comments

  1. Suzi Whitford says:

    So well organized! 😉 Love all the ideas!

    1. You are the Organization Queen! This post came at exactly the right time and is just what I need to finally get organized. One of my problem areas is how to handle gift wrap. Love your solution to that, and all the rest. You are such an inspiration!

      1. justagirlabby says:

        Aw, thank you so much, Jill! I’m so glad it was helpful for you!! <3

        ~Abby =)

  2. I’m so obsessed with organization bins and boxes, so thanks for all the inspiration 🙂 There’s a container store opening up near me in a few months and I’m SO excited to buy all the containers!

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Oh I’m so jealous! We don’t have a Container Store and I’m tempted to take a road trip just to visit one! Have some extra container fun for me! 🙂

      ~Abby =)

  3. Sarah Eddins says:

    I am in LOVE with this post!! I see posts like this and get so inspired to get everything organized in nice storage bins, but I cannot seem to find a big chunk of time to actually work on it. Can you write a post on that? Ha!! Thanks for sharing what works for you!!

    1. justagirlabby says:

      It can be time consuming for sure! I usually just chip away at it a little at a time (or wait until I can’t stand it anymore and abandon everything else in my life until it’s finished, lol)! Hope you’re having a great week, Sarah!

      ~Abby =)

  4. Kathryn @ Making Your Money Matter says:

    I never realized how useful the bins are in the kitchen until recently-I use baskets for my small plastic tupperware and my lids and my favorite are the plastic bins in my refrigerator organizing the small snacks and fruit cups.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      YES! Corralling is my favorite! 🙂 Who knew that little bins could make such a big difference?! Hope you’re having a great week, Kathryn!

      ~Abby =)

  5. This is fun and I love the fabric bins. I keep seeing them at stores and wondering why I feel the urge to grab one and take it home. lol

    Very helpful post.
    Pam

  6. Abby, Thanks for such a wonderful post. How inspiring! So HAPPY to be a subscriber!

  7. I love all your organizing baskets, bins, boxes etc.!! You get me motivated. We too live in the ‘burgh and don’t know if you have heard, but Northway Mall on McKnight road in the North Hills is being redone and guess what is going in there? A Container Store!!!! Yay!!! I am planning a trip on opening day. 🙂

  8. I am inspired to get organizing this weekend! These are some great ideas. Thanks!

  9. Ahhh. Just looking at these pictures makes me feel calmer. Everything is so tidy and so lovely. Thank you for your ideas and for a visual of just how much nicer a home can be when it’s well organized.

  10. Christina says:

    I use a lot of containers in our house but there are few new ideas I picked up. And I love the pics!

  11. Daria of YourOrganizedLife.Org says:

    Great ideas Abby! Do you swap out your wall decor? I feel like my walls are so full after living in my house for 15 years.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Thanks, Darla! I do swap out wall decor a LOT (ask my husband, the one who hangs everything :)! I always think I’m going to like something forever and then I have another idea and have to change it out, lol. It’s a weakness, really! Hope you have a wonderful week!

      ~Abby =)

  12. How satisfying is to see baskets, I love them,I would like to basket everything now. Poundland here in the uk sells them for £1 the very basic plastic ones which are great for under sinks and other places where you can get away with ugly ones. The rest of them will need more investing, but when you think that by having just a frame on the wall with baskets on will still be cheaper then have cabinets installed in all the areas where you need storage makes sence to spend a bit more to make it look so pretty

  13. Melanie@SimpleMadePretty says:

    Wonderful suggestions! My favorite organizing containers are from the dollar store or woven baskets from Home Goods. I especially like how you lined your bathroom sink cabinet with wall paper! I must steal that idea!

  14. These are awesome ideas! For people with kids or who might have kids in their home at some point: make sure you keep your dishwasher/laundry pods in a sealable container!

    1. I completely agree!!!

  15. Glad to have found your blog through searching the Konmarie review. I am also happy to see I am not the only one who loves using plastic drawers to organize! Have a great weekend!

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Love them! 🙂 Thanks so much, Jen! Have a wonderful day!

      ~Abby =)

  16. Awesome ideas! Can’t wait to try them out in upcoming weekend. Yay!! 😀

    1. justagirlabby says:

      So glad they were helpful for you!

      ~Abby =)

  17. I want to achieve this level of organization some day. But you have to have money to spend, even at the dollar store which I don’t currently have. I also have a small living space so finding containers that work in the space I have is difficult. I love this post though and will definitely keep it and come back to it when I have a little more wiggle room and can actually store things away.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      I also love DIY organization methods! Like using cereal boxes, cardboard boxes, tin cans, etc! They can be a great way to organize without spending money! Pinterest has some awesome ideas. Have a great week, Kristy!

      ~Abby =)

      1. Laura Kay says:

        So true!! I’m broke too atm bc of a drunk driver hitting me head on @ 115mph & ending my career (but more time for crafts so YAY!!! Jk…just being positive. LOL!!) but cereal boxes, or any cardboard, works awesome!! Thanks for pointing that out!! You can use cardboard to divide shelves like you did with the socks, divide the pantry, etc. If you’re a little brave you can ask most businesses. I was HAPPY to save boxes for people when I was Inventory Manager & if you can spare a few dollars, you can paint or cover the bins you make in wrapping paper or fabric. You can even ask friends on Facebook if they have any extra fabric, wrapping paper, or paint they need to get rid of. Most people do. Ha!! Thrift stores have fabric & paper for pennies too! YouTube & Pinterest show you how to make adorable bins & organizers out of cardboard, boxes, cans, etc!!

        Btw, I LOVE navy, royal blue, & teal together. I find those colors to be SOOO calming!!! I like throwing gold, silver, pink, &/or coral in there for a pop or to break up my rooms but teal, aqua, mint, etc is the main color in my condo….even my patio. Loves it!! Thx for sharing your time, home, and ideas with us!

        1. justagirlabby says:

          Oh, Laura… I am so sorry to hear that. I’m sending so many hugs and prayers your way! <3

          ~Abby =)

  18. I am inspired to get organizing this weekend! These are some great ideas. Thanks!

  19. Awesome ideas! Can’t wait to try them out in upcoming weekend.- very nice

  20. I live the bins and containers but I struggle with two things: 1. Size my drawers and shelves are always just a little too small or a little too big. How do you get everything to fit so nicely? 2. Color. How do you have everything so color coordinated? I feel like I can never find bins in the colors I need. This is a frustration with IKEA especially.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      It can be tough to find the perfect match for sure! IKEA makes all of their pieces to go together, so if you have an IKEA storage unit + IKEA bins, they will usually be a perfect match. A lot of their stuff is European sizing though, which is slightly different from the US, so matching IKEA bins with US-sized storage pieces can sometimes be tricky. I measure everything in a space that I’m organizing and keep a list in my phone and a tape measure in my purse. Then I am the crazy lady at the store measuring every single piece. 🙂 Other than IKEA, my go-to in-person places are Target and HomeGoods. Occasionally I will go to The Container Store, which I LOVE, but it is about an hour away so I don’t get there often. Online I buy most of my bins through Amazon. (I like InterDesign brand on Amazon because they have a ton of shapes/sizes/colors.) I use aquas/blues/greens throughout my whole house, so I will often collect bins (and pretty much anything else ?) in that color if I find them and can think of a use for them. Once you familiarize yourself with the types of items each place offers, it makes it easier to know where to find your perfect piece. I love the y-weave bins and the wicker baskets from Target. I get clear/acrylic bins from Amazon. I like the soft bins and crates from HomeGoods, etc. I hope this helps!

      ~Abby =)

  21. I love this site already but I’m needing help with my bins. How do I decided what goes in each bin and how much I should put in a bin? Like I know there is electronics or cleaning supplies or lines but Do you do chargers in 1 bins and cables in another? I’m trying to purge but I know I need to decide in a space for what I’m keeping so I’m trying to decide what I designate each bin to so I can set a limit on what I keep. I hope that made sense lol. I’m a scatter brain ADD girl trying to train myself to focus and organize and scouter. Got rid of over half of my clothes on a positive but my house is still overwhelming me 🙁

    1. justagirlabby says:

      I typically just base it on what I need to store and what space I have available. If I have room to fit chargers and cables in a bin without them getting all tangled, I will usually do so in order to maximize my storage space. If stuffing them all in one will make them unruly and hard to find what I need, I will separate them. I usually just purge as much as possible first and then figure out bins once I see what I have left, if that makes sense. I hope this helps! Have a great week!

      ~Abby =)

  22. Elda Ortiz says:

    I love the colors you use…These are also my colors in my home…I sure need to get organized! Thank you for the pictures it will help me to get started. I love the labels, what labels do you use? I am going to start this weekend since I do have some containers to get me started.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Hi, Elda! The teal labels are adhesive vinyl labels that I cut with my Silhouette machine. I love them, too! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      ~Abby =)

  23. Those Y Weave boxes are going to be a game changer! They’re the perfect dimensions for our cabinets. Just ordered 10!

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Woohoo! I hope you love them as much as I do! Happy organizing! 🙂

      ~Abby =)

  24. Are the Sterilite containers you use in your IKEA playroom shelves the 6qt size that you have in the link? I’d like to get some, but the link on Amazon doesn’t give dimensions. I want to make sure I get the ones that fit! Thank you! Your blog is so inspiring!

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Hi, Esther! I’m so sorry– I did have the wrong ones linked! Mine are actually the 15 quart bins, and I’ve updated the links to direct to the correct ones. Hope you have a great day!

      ~Abby =)

  25. Hi Abby- My son loves Thomas the train, were your boys
    ever into Thomas or trains? I’m been going mad trying to organize all his trains. Do you have a good ideas or tips? Greatly appreciate any help!
    Katy

    1. justagirlabby says:

      My older son especially was so into Thomas! I used cute bins like these ones from IKEA to organize the trains: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70373360/ (if you need more space than that, I also love IKEA’s TROFAST system). And I would keep the big plastic train sets on a big storage piece like this one: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39031411/ . (I whitewashed ours.) The wooden tracks fit in the drawers of our train table, though TROFAST could work for those too. Have a great week!

      ~Abby =)

  26. Elda Ortiz says:

    Great storage containers! I am trying to figure out where to store our bags..Here in CA we have to either buy or bring our own grocery bags. I have a few in each of our vehicles but have several at home that take up space.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Could you put a hook on the wall in your garage and store them there? That way they could hang fairly flat and not take up much space and would still be easy to grab!

      ~Abby =)

  27. Carol Terney Federoff says:

    I love baskets.
    Is this REALLY your house? Okay…. I really need to stay motivated and keep up my decluttering and organizing goal! Beautiful.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Lol! It is my house, I promise! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week, Carol. Happy organizing! 🙂

      ~Abby =)

  28. I found this article very helpful. I’m not at the point yet where I can buy bins/baskets. It is great that you included the baskets that you used. Thanks

    1. justagirlabby says:

      So glad it was helpful for you, Rose! <3

      ~Abby =)

  29. Tina Reynolds says:

    Abby,
    I just happened onto this site while looking for something else. I love your organizing tips, everything looks so nice. I live in a humid climate and am finishing up ridding my house of mold. Our mold remediater had me get rid of ALL cardboard (I covered boxes with wrapping paper or fabric too!) boxes including shoe boxes. It was so hard as I had everything stacked perfectly. Just a tip to those who live in humid climates that are prone to mold in closets.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Ooo, great to know! Thanks so much for sharing, Tina!

      ~Abby =)

  30. Sara Gilliland says:

    Hi, Abby

    I loved your ideas, I am also addicted to baskets and storage drawers, I mostly use the acrylic bins of all sizes, but I have recently started with the woven baskets, my colors are beige, white & black to blend with my Dark blue and Dark brown house colors, I did get some great ideas from you for organizing my Kitchen, & Pantry , I am now trying to figure out the best way to organize my DVD’ s VHS’s & Video Games, I am thinking maybe some storage drawers, Acrylic maybe so that they can be seen inside, ? Not sure what kind would be best, as I don’t have enough shelf space for them, and right now they are in stackable storage bins. And ideas would be lovely.
    Your home is beautiful!

    Thank you, sara

  31. I also like seeing my things at home neatly inside baskets and organizers. I don’t know if it’s just a Virgo thing but I really like being organized with my things, knowing where things are when I need them.

    1. Abby Lawson says:

      YES! Love them!! Have a great week, Kathleen!

      ~Abby =)

  32. Gen Baker says:

    I bought a couple of china coffee cups storage container (usually used for moving and storing china), they are soft sided but have the heavy cardboard dividers for my most treasured or delicate ornaments. I wrapped them in white tissue paper and the felt that comes with the containers. The containers were placed inside of our plastic bins stored in the garage with all the decorations. I got mine at Amazon on sale for $12 each.

    1. Abby Lawson says:

      Love that idea! Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you’re having a great week!

      ~Abby =)

Comments are closed.