Those plastic containers you buy at stores that specialize in organization are great, but they can really put a dent in your wallet. Lately, I’ve been finding other containers that work just as well—without the high price tag.

Egg carton: Cut the lids off, slip them into a bathroom drawer or shelf and—voila!—you’ve got a jewelry organizer.

Plastic snack container: When we buy animal crackers at Costco, they come in a clear plastic container with a screw-on lid. After my son has polished off the last lion, I wash out the container and use it to store all of his little toys—trucks, cars and trains. I’ve painted each lid a different color.

Shoeboxes: These make great drawer organizers—think socks, belts and underwear—but they can also be used on a kitchen shelf for spices. I labeled the lids of all my spices with a label maker (masking tape and a marker could also do the trick), and then I put them all into a shoebox. Now, whenever I want to spice up a meal, I can slide the whole box out of my kitchen cabinet and easily see what’s inside. Often I leave the box out while I’m cooking then put it away with the dishes.

SEE ALSO:
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Posted by Betsy Stephens, Health and Relationships Editor

Photo by Klynslis

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