Containers on the Cheap!

For those who want to save money and the environment too, here is my list of practical containers that you can repurpose or recycle while you are getting organized...

• Shoeboxes
• Checkbook boxes
• Velveeta boxes
• Mini-quiche plastic trays
• Egg cartons
• Muffin tins
• Baby wipe containers
• Gladware or Ziploc brands of disposable plasticware
• Paper boxes from office supply store
• Baskets from gift baskets
• Salad greens containers (click photo to enlarge)
• Gourmet rice containers (like Texmati rice)
• Glass milk bottles (from Cathy in our comments)
• Canning jars and cardboard packing trays from Elfa brackets (from Allison Carter in our comments)
• Chocolate candy boxes with plastic tray inserts for earrings/jewelry (from Julia in our comments)
• Warehouse store packaging for snack crackers/cookies (from BuggabooBren in our comments- Hi Bren!)
• Notecard and stationery boxes, and clear, heavy, food-grade plastic containers with hinged or fitted lids (from Marie in our comments)
• Coffee mugs; and tissue boxes for holding and dispensing plastic grocery bags (from Sharon Lowenheim in our comments)
• Business card boxes (from Kim Oser in our comments)
• Prescription medication bottles for small items like cotton swabs (from Corkee in our comments)

There are many others out there. Here's basically what to look for in a recycled/repurposed container:

• Something that is nondescript so that you can use it without always thinking about what it was before. Hopefully you can remove the labels and other markings so that it fits nicely in with its new purpose and doesn't always remind you of queso dip or whatever it used to be.
• Square/rectangle shaped containers as opposed to round ones. Notice I do not have margarine tubs or Cool Whip containers on the list above. Round containers do not use the space as efficiently when stacked next to each other.
• Clear instead of opaque containers. Of course if you want to hide or cover what is inside, or do something decorative that is a different story. In general, clear is usually better for containers.
• Something sturdy, not flimsy. Make sure it will stand up to normal use.
• Something easy to care for and clean. Make sure it doesn't have lots of grooves and crevices if you will need to wash it frequently.

I hesitate somewhat as I publish this list, because what I have seen in practice is that people hoard these containers once they realize they are useful. Enforce a limit on the number of containers you keep and recycle/discard additional ones. You don't need to keep them all.

Another caveat-- if you would feel tremendously better by purchasing the "right" organizing container to use in a frequently accessed space, I highly recommend getting the right item instead of "making do" and always feeling crummy about it. If you like your organizing systems you are more likely to maintain them because you feel proud of what you created.

What are your favorite repurposed organizing containers? I will add to the list above and republish (with credit) based on what is given in the comments!

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Comments

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such containers are very convenient to everything, I always I have in my house and food with them or just keep sending stuff!