Organize Your Home with 10 Items You Already Have

Jennifer Ross • May 18, 2025

The Spruce Goose organizers believe that if you don’t want to spend money to organize your living space, you don’t have to–there are ways to repurpose everyday household items that you probably already have.

Here’s a collection of creative and practical ways to use what you already own to bring order to your home.


1. Mason Jars or Glass Jars

Store pantry staples like spices, nuts, or grains. Add labels for a finished look.

In the bathroom, use them for cotton swabs or toothbrushes.

On your desk, they make great pen or pencil holders.


2. Ice Cube Trays or Egg Cartons

Organize small items like jewelry, office supplies, or craft materials such as beads and buttons. Put the trays or bottom half of cartons inside drawers so they don’t get knocked over.


3. Plastic Food Storage Containers that are Missing Lids

Arrange packets of seasonings or tea bags in a pantry or drawer for a tidy and easily accessible setup.

Use shallow ones of different sizes in the junk drawer to separate keys, pens, small pads of paper, tape, rubber bands, coins, etc.


4. Shoe Boxes

Create drawer dividers to organize small items like socks, underwear, scarves, or cords.

“File” small clothes into categories, such as children’s shirts, shorts, pants, and sweaters into appropriate sized boxes.

Store the greeting cards you must keep, the manuals you can’t let go of, small games (such as decks of cards), and many other collections. Just be sure to add a legible and attractive label to each side of the box.


5. Magazine Holders

Store canned goods in the pantry, cutting boards in the kitchen, or even rolls of parchment paper.

They also make great vertical storage solutions for your office.


6. Binder Clips

Manage unruly cords, seal chip bags, or hold papers together.

Label cords with binder clips to keep your electronics organized.


7. Tension Rods

Hang scarves or ties in the closet.

Install under a sink to hang spray bottles above the cabinet floor.


8. Toilet Paper Rolls

Corral cables, pens, or small craft items. Decorate the rolls for a fun, personalized touch.


9. Pringles Cans

Store long, thin items like spaghetti, paintbrushes, or straws. Decorate the outside and label.


10. Pizza Boxes

Use for children’s artwork, important papers, or photos. The slim design is easy to stack or store under furniture.


By thinking outside the box, you can uncover endless possibilities to organize your home with what you already have. These solutions are budget-friendly, sustainable, and often more fun than a trip to the store. 



Happy organizing!



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