UHeart Organizing: One Utility Cart Used Six Ways!

As our family has grown and evolved over the years, I have noticed that our organizational needs and systems have changed and evolved with right along with us. That is why "versatility" is typically one of my primary requirements when I am looking to purchase any new storage. For example, while looking for the ideal playroom baskets, I considered how those baskets could continue to be beneficial once the boys outgrew the space (and they are now being used in a few new zones in our home years later). Whether linen closet bins or an entire piece of furniture, it is smart to think about future uses and stretch that storage dollar.

A few years ago IKEA released a small rolling cart and I am pretty sure it rocked the organizational world. It was a viral piece of storage because it was also a very versatile one. Just how versatile? That is where my gal pal Cassie comes in. She recently picked up one of these darling little workhorses and decided to show all of us a variety of ways it can act as a handy household helper.

Hello lovely iHeart readers! I'm thrilled to be back chatting all things organized and pretty with you. Today I'm sharing one of hardest-working things in my house... the rolling utility cart! Yep, you read that right. This simple, inexpensive cart can be so useful in countless spots around the house. It's like a portable tray, corralling all the misplaced or leftover things in a room. But also, handy for entertaining and practical decor.

I intended to share just a few of our favorite uses, but once I got going, I just couldn't stop!! #bloggerobsessed #iHeartthiscart Allow me to demonstrate!


BATHROOM

Stock the cart with bath time essentials like candles, soap and magazines, or store extra towels and toilet paper... then roll it out of sight when not in use. My daughter keeps all of her hair stuff and playtime makeup in one... and of course I keep it stocked with toilet paper to cut down on the, 'Moooooooommmmmmm, can you bring me a roll of toilet paper pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaase?!' #amothersworkisneverdone ;)

Sugarplum Tip: Use a large shell to hold bars of soap and poufs. Not only does it keep your counter clean, but it looks pretty.

BAR CART

We love to have friends over, and will usually set up a little drink station in the kitchen for guests to help themselves (see our kitchen here). Oftentimes though, the party is on the porch or in the backyard (see that here & here), so I just load up my trusty cart and let it follow us around. We have big plans to make this a rolling cocoa cart this winter (like this).

Sugarplum Tip: Stock the cart with everything you might need so you don't have to spend a lot of time running back-and-forth inside the house.

 Find more Bar Cart Styling Tips here

PANTRY

We lucked out with a generous pantry (see it here), but a utility cart is perfect for storing the overflow items like paper goods, snacks, and dishtowels. You could even stock it with all your oils and spices and keep it near the stove.

Sugarplum Tip: Fill the cart with mom-approved snacks and treats, or lunch-packing items, so the kids have a spot they can raid without supervision.

LAUNDRY ROOM

We're in the process of overhauling our laundry room (see the latest progress here), but until then I love having all my essentials within arm's reach. I load the cart with detergents, ironing supplies, and laundry bags, and when I need the extra room, I just roll the cart in the corner.

Sugarplum Tip: Having everyday items in plain sight makes it easier to know when they need replacing, so it cuts down on over-buying.

CRAFT/HOMEWORK STATION

This is probably my favorite use of the handy cart! We recently gave our Little Miss a new creative/homework station (see it here), but the problem is, she only spends about half her time there. She likes to rotate between the kitchen bar, breakfast room table, and my office. Even the coffee table. Now, we've got all her essentials in one portable spot, so she can take them wherever she's feeling inspired!

 See our Organized Craft Closet here

Sugarplum Tip: Corral art and homework supplies in one portable tray or cart so they don't end up spread out across your entire house. 

LIBRARY

And finally, tuck a few of your kid's books and a cozy throw in the cart, and encourage them to find quiet or secret spots around the house to read. My daughter is much more likely to read when she can see her favorite book, and the cart feels like she's going on an adventure. #whateverworks #amIright

 Tutorial for DIY Pom Pom Throw here

Sugarplum Tip: Add crayons and coloring books, or blocks and toy cars, for a traveling play area for smaller kids.

I could keep going and going with all the useful options for a little rolling utility cart! I have this one from Ikea, but you could also DIY one like this. What other ideas do you have for this multi-purpose cart?

Oh, and if you're a fan of the One Room Challenge, we just kicked-off the new round last week, so check it out here! Happy organizing, love bugs!

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Hi, I'm Cassie, a DIY and design-obsessed Texas girl, and lover of travel, fashion, sarcasm and Mexican food. When I'm not hanging with my sweet and funny family, you can find me kicking the '80s out of our home, one budget project at a time, on my blog Hi Sugarplum!