Our Favorite Organizing Bins & Baskets

I have a great feeling about 2024! Last year truly did feel like a year that many people I know (personally, professionally, & from a distance) began their journey to bettering themselves and their homes. For most of these people I absolutely noticed a shift in their mindset about organization. Getting a bit more organized and adding some structure or new routines to your life doesn’t have to be a lengthy or stressful process. Something as simple as having the right tools makes all the difference. And this is exactly why I want to kick off the new year discussing our personal favorite organizing bins and baskets.

We think the most versatile type of organization storage is a simple plastic bin! Not only are plastic bins a great affordable option; they’re durable, too. If you’re looking to get your pantry, closets, bathrooms, etc. into shape, getting plastic bins with handles is what we’d recommend. They’re easily accessible, affordable, often sold in bulk, versatile, and should last as long as they’re needed. We love an option like these plastic bins because the handles add an extra layer of ease for daily use. Handled bins are also best when being used for toy storage (and we know many people are currently tackling the problem of ‘too many toys and too little room to put them’ post-holidays!)

When it comes to organizational bins for dry goods and pantry clutter there simply is no brand better than OXO. Their clear storage canisters not only prevent food waste because it keeps your food in plain sight, but they also make it much easier to know when you’re running low and need to add an item to the grocery list. OXO canisters like these are great for decanting any dry goods that you have in bags or boxes. Items such as pasta, beans, candy, or even your baking items such as flour and sugar are perfect in these canisters. Another plus is that their products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all have the same look. This means your pantry will not only be more functional and organized, but it will also look stunning.

Similarly to the OXO canisters, our organizers recommend clear bins such as the iDesign Linus stackable organizers for other kitchen and food storage. Bins from this line are great in both pantries and refrigerators. The Linus bins are also available in a wide variety of sizes and this shape is perfect for organization in the refrigerator or in your child’s snack/school lunch cabinet or drawer. (These specific organizers are also conveniently stackable!)

For organizing seasonal items (décor or clothing), larger pieces, and other items that aren’t used daily, weathertight totes are our favorite. It’s important to use weathertight products when storing items in places such as the garage or attic. Storage totes such as these personal favorites will protect your belongings from the elements and ensure everything stays as nice as it was when it was initially stored. Again, our experts suggest using totes that are clear for easy visual access to the items stored inside.

Our preferred storage within closets are baskets suitable for linens and fabric items. One favorite is from the Kiva line, available at The Container Store. This size is great for storing large items and accessories such as hats, scarves, blankets, and swimsuits. They’re also large enough that they can hold small handbags and purses. For a similar but more affordable option, we love this four piece set of baskets . Something like this is good for storing items in a variety of sizes all within a smaller space. We also love water hyacinth baskets for both their practicality and aesthetic. These baskets come in many different shapes/sizes and can be found in most home goods retailers.

No matter the location or type of organizational storage, you don’t want to forget to label them! Clear plastic bins don’t always require labels but can be marked with marker or custom vinyl labels if you’d like. For the woven or water hyacinth baskets you should purchase bin clips. This (8 pack) is a great option because chalk markers are also included! Using these labels is smart because you know you can easily change the labels in the future if it becomes necessary.

It’s also important that you remember to measure your spaces before you purchase any new organizational product. If you’re using “the eyeball method” when picking out new storage baskets, it’s easy to misjudge and end up with containers that don’t properly fit the space. Obviously, baskets or bins that are too large for the spot they’re needed won’t work and you’ll have to return or exchange them. On the other hand, you don’t want to settle for baskets that are too small for their intended home; this means you’re unnecessarily sacrificing storage space! Measure what the ideal size storage bin/basket would be before you head to the store so that you save yourself the extra trip and hassle that comes with making multiple returns.

I’ve shared our tried-and-true favorite organizational storage here, but it’s good to keep in mind that great product can now also be found in a large variety of retail stores (Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.) Product lines available at any of these places make organization easily accessible and possible with any budget. We’d also be happy to take a look at your pantry, closets, attic, playroom, etc. and give you custom and professional suggestions for what would best work in the space(s) you have. We understand that it’s tempting to go out and purchase a bunch of new organization bins when you’re overwhelmed with the amount of stuff in your home (especially this time of year!) but we’d hate to see you waste your money. Buying a ton of “storage solutions” is not truly a solution if the products aren’t suitable or optimal for your needs! Please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@sortedout.com if you want help determining which products are going to make the most difference in your home.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Tonia