If You Think Organizing Costs Too Much, You’re Doing It Wrong (and 5 Cheap Organization Hacks)

Organizing doesn't have to be as expensive as you think.

So, when did organizing become synonymous with “buying lots of expensive bins and baskets”? I’m guessing social media is to thank. Then again, my mom bought lots of expensive baskets in the 90s so maybe it goes back further. Either way, the phrase “cheap organization” sounds like an oxymoron to most.

I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. With a little resourcefulness and a few mindset shifts, it is possible to have a well-organized home without dishing out the big bucks.

Don’t believe me? Read until the end to learn how cheap organization can be possible.

1. Address Your Mindset

   
   

   

   
   

This is probably the least interesting of these tips because it’s not a clever hack or shortcut. The foundation of finding cheap organization, however, is a mindset shift.

Before moving on, we must acknowledge that some of our standards for what organization should look like simply aren’t helpful.

For example, having an entire house filled with nothing but perfectly matching organization containers looks nice – but will inevitably be expensive. There are many other ways to make organization aesthetic that do not involve buying huge matching organizer sets.

Additionally, the goal of organizational bins and baskets behind closed drawers and cabinets should first be functional – not aesthetic.

It’s up to you at the end of the day, but making sure every single nook and cranny of my entire house is aesthetic isn’t my ultimate goal. As long as the organization serves its purpose in these spaces, I’m happy.

Society has set certain expectations for the aesthetics of our homes that may seem helpful but can actually be harmful when you take a closer look. I wrote a whole blog post about this topic. I’m coining the phrase “vanity organization culture” to describe it.

Take time to examine the underlying beliefs driving the way you think organization should be and see if those beliefs are actually beneficial for your current life season and circumstances. If not, set yourself free from them.

2. Think Outside the Basket

   
   

   

   
   

This is where things get more fun. Once you set yourself free from the very limited, traditional organization section of the store, a world of new opportunities opens.

It takes me a little longer to shop for organizing supplies these days, because I’ve learned to look through a lens that allows me to see organization opportunities any and everywhere. My non-conventional organization finds are often my most prized, because they make me feel clever.

You never know what organization possibilities might be lurking in the outdoor section, holiday section, or clearance kitchenware section of the store – places you’d never expect.

Here Are Some Examples:

One time, I was looking for some plastic bins that needed to fit a very specific space. I thought a magazine holder would work, but every single one I found was either too tall or too wide or too something.

In one of my scans for non-conventional possibilities throughout the store, I finally laid eyes on the solution – $2 ice cube bins in the clearance kitchenware aisle of Target. They were a perfect fit for what I needed – and yes, they made me feel very clever and resourceful.

Another unexpected find was on a Christmas aisle at Target (I promise I don’t do all – or even most – of my shopping at Target, but these two finds happened to be there). Since it was nearing the end of the season, prices were dropping and stuff was clearing out quickly.

I wanted a very specific container for my art supplies – the kind that has two compartments stacked on top of each other that connect at the lid. They needed to be a very specific size to fit a very specific spot. I wasn’t having any luck – the ones I found that were close weren’t the right size, and most weren’t even close to what I was needing.

Then, I found something that seemed like it was made for my specific purpose – exactly what I had imagined for my art supplies. They were actually containers for organizing ornaments. As a bonus, this meant they were significantly cheaper than anything remotely similar in the actual organization section since they were part of the holiday sale.

I had luck on the Aldi clearance aisle one time, too (see, a store besides Target!). I have a filtered water pitcher that sits on the counter. Since I didn’t want the counter to get hard water stains, I was on the hunt for some type of tray that would fit the pitcher without taking up too much space.

I searched many stores and even looked online, to no avail. One of my last stops one shopping day was Aldi – just because it was right next to other stores I was going to and I know that the most unexpected places often have the perfect organization solutions.

Lo and behold, the clearance aisle had a little silicone tray that happened to fit the water pitcher to a tee. I’m not even sure what its original purpose was, but it was only a few dollars.

Once you let go of conventional organization solutions, you’re going to find you have limitless options – and they’re often cheaper. Plus, the creativity you’ll get to use in the process will make you feel clever.

3. Become a Professional Basket Hunter

   
   

   

   
   

This hack builds on the last one. Part of becoming a professional basket hunter is developing the lens that allows you to see organization possibilities everywhere like I just talked about.

However, this tip involves taking it to another level. Now, you know you can find baskets anywhere – so you’re going to have to take the time to look everywhere.

Granted, this can make the whole process of gathering organizing supplies slower than if you were to march down the organization aisle of a department store. However, the payoff is worth it. You’ll be spending significantly less as a reward for your efforts.

If not a home store or organization aisle, where should you look? First of all, there are often good deals on Facebook Marketplace. I love skimming the aisles of Dollar Tree, too – they have some of the best finds that I never would’ve even thought to look for elsewhere. Sometimes, you’ll find steals at garage sales. Thrift stores also contain hidden gems.

Explore the unexpected places and watch your basket collection grow in ways you never thought possible.

4. Do It Yourself

Of course, the cheapest of all the options is to use materials already lying around your house and make your own organization solutions. All it takes is spending a Saturday afternoon on a DIY project to create a whole new organization system for your home.

Some Ideas to Get Your Creativity Flowing:

One time, I made magazine holders from cardboard boxes. To do this, first create a template using a magazine holder you already have. Then, tape a rectangular box as if you were going to ship it. Next, use a pencil to trace the template onto the box. After that, use an X-Acto knife to cut on the lines. Finally, wrap it in wrapping paper so no one will even know it was ever just a box.

The containers I got for my art supplies that were originally intended to store ornaments came with inserts to create square compartments for the ornaments. These could easily be put into drawers for storing things like socks or underwear, too. Since they were just made out of cardstock, it would be easy to create a homemade version, too.

An idea I found on Pinterest is to take a cardboard box, wrap it in jute cord, and use a pillowcase or piece of fabric as a liner for the inside. This creates the look of a jute basket without the cost.

You can also peel label stickers off glass jars to use them for storage. For example, the peanut butter I get comes in glass jars that would be perfect for storing other things once the peanut butter is gone.

If you have access to woodworking tools, there are even more options. I once wanted some floating shelves to put my spices on, but didn’t have money in the budget to buy new ones at the time. My dad is a carpenter and was able to make what I was wanting out of some scrap wood based on a design I drew.

5. Trade In Your Old Clutter for New Organizers

   
   

   

   
   

If you value organization, I’m going to assume decluttering is right up your alley, too. This final tip is a way to take the stuff you’re decluttering and turn it into new organizers.

How? You can do this by selling your clutter, then taking the cash and spending it on the new baskets or bins you want to organize your home.

This will allow you to purchase containers from the more expensive, dedicated organization sections of stores – or, you can stretch your dollars by shopping in unexpected places for discount options.

Now That You Know Cheap Organization is Possible, It’s Time to Get Started.

Whether you’re going to be resourceful with stuff you already have or get creative with non-conventional organization solutions at the store, now you know there are so many possibilities.

Break away from the limited, traditional options branded for organization and see how much you can save.

A well-organized home without hurting your wallet awaits!

Which of These Hacks Was Most Useful to You?

Tell me in the comments!