Frugal Storage

We have all been guilty of going out and buying plastic boxes and totes to store items in our homes. Big ones, little ones, you name it. Why not take a look around your home and see what you have on hand instead. Reusing items you already have saves our landfills and our wallets. Here's some examples:

Suitcases:

• Store blankets during the summer. Add a fabric softener sheet to help them stay smelling fresh.
• Keep out of season clothing in your old suitcases and store under your bed.
• Use as an end table ~ stack suitcases (firm ones work best) to the desired height.
• Store your tablecloths, cloth napkins, table runners, etc. in a suitcase and store it in the closet.

Oat Containers:

• These versatile containers can hold a variety of items, including yarns, loose buttons and craft supplies.
• Pack your silverware in them when moving or taking knives or other sharp utensils to picnics or camping.
• Make a slit in the top, decorate or paint and the kids have a new bank.
• Keep valuables, such as jewelry and coins. Place in the back of your cupboard.
• Use them as mailers. Sending a t-shirt to your college-age neice? Roll it up and put it in a clean and empty oats container. Seal with packaging tape and it's ready to send!

Baby Wipe Containers:

• They are great, sturdy containers that can house heavy objects such as nails and screws. Use a permanent marker to label on the outside.
• Perfect size for pens and pencils. Cut the top off and put in a deep desk drawer as a pencil holder.
• Let your daughter decorate one and use it to store all of her loose barrettes and hair clips.
• Use them as paint trays. They'll hold a nice amount of paint and you won't have to tote around the heavy can when doing touch up work.

With a little imagination, you can turn many of the items you already have into new, economical storage. Now...what can you do with that semi-broken laundry basket?