18 Creative Ways to Take Your Organization and Storage to the Next Level

If I have learned anything in my years of organizing, it is that I am much more likely to maintain a system that I love. If I can see beautiful paper poking through some acrylic drawer organizers, I am much less likely to let the drawer fall to the wayside. And not only am I more inspired when I use beautiful storage solutions, I also appreciate when our closets, nooks, cabinets and drawers all blend seamlessly throughout our home. So once you have gone through the motions of emptying, sorting, purging and storing your belongings, how do you be sure to fall head-over-heals excited about those changes and spaces?

I don't believe that upgrades have to be anything crazy or expensive.  There are small things that can be done that will ensure your projects shine.  I also don't believe that pretty paper makes or breaks an organizing project or will be the one thing that holds it together.  But if you have open shelving, why not glam them up a bit?  If you have a closet you utilize daily, why not give it a coat of paint?  I say, bring a little happiness into a generally boring area, and here are a few easy ways to do so.


TIP 1 - PAINT THAT CLOSET

organized coat closet

There is nothing wrong with white closets, in fact, sometimes white makes the most sense.  However, I always recommend putting a coat of paint over the drywall/primer combo that exists inside of most standard closets.  That finish won't last long, especially in a high traffic area, so a good coat of washable paint will always be a plus.  And if you are going to paint it anyway, why not make it a color you love?  Or one that plays off the remainder of your home?  Many closets open to main living areas, and that little extra love you give it will be enjoyed and appreciated daily.


TIP 2: LINE A DRAWER

organized bathroom

I selfishly love to line drawers with pretty patterns so that I don't just toss things back inside and cover them up.  It offers a happy little surprise whenever I go to brush my teeth or cook in the kitchen.  But there are also true benefits to shelf liner, such as protecting the surface of shelves and drawers from scratching, leaks and spills.  It also acts as a sound barrier (while putting away dishes after your kiddos go to bed), and can easily be washed (if using specific types and brands).

organized pantry

TIP 3: ADD A DECORATIVE LABEL

organized garden shed

Labels are a huge help in ensuring your organizing project becomes successful for the entire family, but why head straight to the label maker and white label tape?  There are so many wonderful ways to label items, no label maker needed.

organized craft cabinet

I love it when labels look professional and intentional.  Especially for bins, baskets and containers that are used frequently or are typically left out in the open.

spice jar labels

organized pantry

Consider using vinyl, printing on sticker or decal paper, utilizing iron-on transfer or even just hand writing onto a decorative tag or label holder.

organized shared closet

TIP 3: LABEL HOLDERS

True Fact - Everything looks better with a label holder.  

I look at label holders as if they are jewelry for my bins and shelves.  Just as I would accessorize my outfits with a pretty pink nail polish, a great pair of stud earrings or a gold pendant necklace, I give that same attention to my organizing projects.

organized charging station and school cabinet

I love the adhesive version from Martha Stewart at Staples (Pssssst! They are back in stock at Staples), however, I never shy away from the craft store options...

organized business cards

Or even scooping them up from architectural salvage shops...

organized charging station and school cabinet

As you can see above, they really add a little pizzazz to basic white shelving, while still serving a great purpose!


TIP 4: SPEAKING OF SHELVING...

I am still trying to find the benefits of wire shelving.  I know there must be something about it that is totally amazing, or it wouldn't have been the stock style installed throughout our house when it was built 14 years ago.  And in just about every other house in our neighborhood as well.... Not only do things fall between the cracks, items don't always sit level on those ridges.  I also believe they add additional visual clutter.  I know some people love them, so this is completely a personal preference, but I prefer a solid shelf any day of the week.

organized linen closet

And when budget and resources are a factor, foam core from the dollar store can fix many of those open wire shelving problems in a jiff.

foam core shelving liners

TIP 5: DECORATIVE PAPER AND FABRIC

Don't love your existing storage?  Don't toss it; just cover it with a pretty paper or fabric!  I have covered many things with the help of patterned fabric, gift wrap and scrapbook paper paired with decoupage or spray adhesive.

You can also cover craft store boxes...

diy ring and earring holder

Cardboard boxes...

fabric covered boxes

And even cereal boxes!

cereal box drawer dividers

The sky is the limit, and you are sure to get beautiful storage unlike any other.


TIP 6: CREATE COHESION

Whenever clutter can be contained, you instantly win.  Whenever clutter is contained in cohesive bins and baskets, your eyes win.  Utilizing bins in a similar finish, color and texture, or even options that compliment one another, reduces visual confusion and creates instant cohesion in your space.  This is especially important in smaller areas, such as closets and bookcases.

craft closet organization

When finding similar baskets is not an option, think of other ways to create cohesion.  This goes back to the fabric/paper treatment, or even adding similar style labels.


TIP 7: LINE A BOOKCASE

exercise equipment organization

Bookcases are one of my favorite organizational pieces, and just like a closet, a little wallpaper or paint goes a long way in a small area.  If everything on the shelving is concealed and simple, you can go a bit bold with your lining choice.  But if your objects are colorful and busy on their own, I recommend selecting something a little softer.  The paint and paper has the ability to take a $20 off-the-shelf department store bookcase and turn it into something unique and special.

organized coffee cabinet

Oh!  And ditto to cabinets, they appreciate the paint and paper treatment just as much!


TIP 8: MORE PAINT AND JEWELRY HARDWARE

painted hutch

Storage furniture doesn't have to be expensive, basic or boring.  Bookcases, credenzas, hutches and armoires can all be found at thrift stores and on Craigslist.  Pair those special finds with your favorite paint color and bam!  You have yourself beautiful storage that also makes a personal statement.

painted shoe cabinet

Heck, even swapping out the hardware will give an old and generic storage piece, a fresh new start. Those ooh la la gold ring pulls are still one of my favorite additions to our basic IKEA shoe cabinet.  A piece of furniture that can be found in the entryways of thousands of homes, is now unique to our home.

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I don't know if I was born with the organizing gene, or if it is truly these extra steps that motivate me with each project I take on.  I have always loved being creative, so grabbing a paint brush, crafting up some pretty labels and decorating cardboard boxes, are all tasks right up my ally.  Organizing can be a true chore, it is a lot of work both mentally and physically to empty out a space and make tough decisions about what to keep, and more importantly, what to let go of.  Although these crafty steps are not at all necessary when working on an organizing project, they do make it a bit sweeter.  And for me, loving the end result and taking pride in a project is a huge motivator in maintaining a space and revisiting it again and again down the road.

And that is always how I recommend you all take on your projects.  Find that sweet spot; a way to make it fun for you!  What are your passions and how can you tie those into your projects?  If you love to read, listen to a book on tape while you sort.  If you love to craft with your kiddos, get them involved in the fun.  And if your hobby and passion has nothing to do with organization in any way, maybe use it as a motivator or reward for finishing a project or maintaining it for "x" amount of days.


So what do you think?  Have I convinced you to have a little fun with your next organizing task?  I would love to hear about ways you excite and motivate yourself to complete a daunting project of any type.  Spill your secrets in the comments below.