Storage baskets, boxes, bins, tubs – lots of different names for essentially the same idea – a place to store your bits, keep organised and looking neat and tidy. I have some quick tips to use them throughout the house.
If you know me, read my blog or follow me on Instagram (@acton.life.and.home) you will know that storage is one of my favourite things! I love a storage solution and use different types them all over my house, out on display and hidden away in cupboards.
I love a bit of pretty storage too, especially if it is out on display. It makes an area look tidy as well as decorate the space. Pretty storage doesn’t always mean organisation – inside some of my storage is definitely like little boxes of chaos but at least all the items inside belong together! However most of the different storage options I use help to maintain some sense of order and if it’s pretty on the outside then it’s always a winner in my book!
If you are reading this then you most probably share my love for being organised and finding a storage solution. There are so many different options out there so I thought I would share some of the different ways I use baskets, boxes, bins and tubs around my home.
1. Baskets
I class baskets as the bigger wicker, rattan or seagrass baskets which are usually out on display. They come in so many different shapes and sizes that you are almost guaranteed to find one to fit your space. They are a good way to add some texture to a space while being a really practical hidden storage option.
I use them mainly for toy storage as I have a toddler who likes to travel around the house with toys! Instead of bringing them all back to one place we have baskets where they can be chucked into at the end of the day and poof…they disappear!
I currently have one on order for under the desk in my office space where I can put my laptop in or hide some other bits we use frequently for Jake (my 18 month old) when he is eating at the table.
We have one on the stairs for all the bits that need to be taken up stairs. We also some smaller ones in the wardrobe to store smaller items of clothes on the shelves.
They also make great decorative pieces too, pop in a faux plant or ornaments to make a feature.
2. Fabric bins
These are a really popular option especially if you have some of the cubed storage solutions. Generally, the fabric bins don’t have a top (hence bin) so they are great for getting in and out of quickly.
We have some grey fabric bins on the open shelves in our living room as they are deep enough to hide the contents but also keep it looking nice, we have the same baskets on our bedside tables as I am not a fan of having everything out on display.
Jake has a large cylinder shaped fabric bin in his room which acts as a laundry bin, the rope handles make it so easy to move up and down to the utility room (a few hundred times a week..!) I have also seen these used for storing things like wrapping paper which is a great idea!
I also have some fabric bins in the top of wardrobe where I keep things like handbags and seasonal accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves.
3. Plastic weave baskets
I have these in SO many of my cupboards! I have big versions in the kitchen to store and organise small appliances, Jake’s cups and bowls etc, squash and other drinks. I also have them in the utility room as storage in and on top of the cupboards and smaller versions tucked away in drawers. They are great because they are so durable and come either with or without lids so can be stacked if needed.
4. Gift boxes
I love using gift boxes as storage. They are pretty and come in all different shapes, sizes and colours. They can often be bought in sets as well which is great if you want to make a feature out of them and stack them on open shelves. I have some in the bedroom on the floor to keep some of the random bits I have (the female version of a man drawer!) and also on the shelves above my office space.
5. Plastic tubs
When we bought the large entertainment unit for the living room from IKEA it’s purpose was to mainly be toy storage for Jake so we bought a lot of the plastic tubs that IKEA make to fit in and on the shelves perfectly. They are a solid white colour so they also work on the open shelves.
We also have lots of the large clear plastic tubs to store larger items or things that are stored for most of the year i.e. Christmas decorations, decorating gear, memories.
6. Acrylic/Clear storage
I don’t have a lot of acrylic storage in my home, mainly because I don’t have the need for it, but it is so popular and a fantastic way to store different items, especially make-up, beauty and toiletries. I have a small version of an acrylic make-up organiser in the bathroom cupboard to organise and separate my lipsticks and smaller pieces from the larger pieces so they are easy to see and get to.
I am a big fan of clear storage for inside cupboards such as the kitchen cupboard. It makes it so much easier to see what is inside the tubs and baskets without having to fish around too much. Then i love a finishing touch of a label!
7. Drawer dividers We have storage inside even the smallest of drawers! The IKEA SKUBB range is great for separating out small items of clothing like underwear, socks, vest tops etc and dividing up large drawers into sections.
So there you have it, a whole blog post about different types of baskets, bins and tubs! A big thank-you to anyone who has made it to the end of this. I am always putting different storage ideas and hacks on my Instagram so I would love it if you came over and said Hi! (@acton.life.and.home)
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