Using everyday items to organize

As a tribute to Earth week, I wanted to give everyone a few ideas on using recyclable items to organize. We don't always need the latest greatest organizational tool out there. Although I have to be reminded of that on every trip I take to The Container Store. I find uses for so many things that would typically end up in a landfill. Here is a list of 10 items you can use for organizing and rescue from the trash.

1. Spaghetti sauce jars are great for cotton balls and q-tips. Just be sure to wash them first :)

2. Baby food jars have so many uses; paint for art projects, safety pins, push pins, etc.

3. Oatmeal cylinder containers can be used for storing rolls of ribbon

4. Old lunch boxes can be used to store some small toys to keep in the car so you will always have something with you to entertain the kids.

5. Use old drawers from a dresser that you are about to toss as under the bed storage for clothes, purses, shoes, etc.

6. Empty cat litter containers have a variety of uses as well. It depends on which type there are buckets which can store outdoor items and keep them weather proof or the pour containers can be reused for dog food storage making it easy to pour.

7. What can you do with that empty plastic container from the snacks you purchased from Costco? They work great in the garage to store loose items like the extra wheels that come with the storage drawers that you don't need right now but maybe one day you will :)

8. Your old diaper bag can be used to keep emergency items needed in the car. Keep a flashlight, batteries, bottle of water, blanket, a set of extra clothes for the children, and any other items in the trunk of your car for those just in case times.

9. Shoe boxes can hold photos or other keepsakes safe in a cabinet for you until you can properly store them later.

10. Folders, even if they are very used, still have a purpose. Use them to clean off your pile from the kitchen counter. Label them "To Do", "To Call", "To File", "To Research", "To Recycle", etc. Then you can easily conquer that pile on folder at a time.

Be creative with your storage and be sure that whatever container you use is the right size for the job.

Happy organizing!