My Five Favorite Cheap Storage Solutions
There are a variety of organizational tools I recommend here, from high-quality shelving to renter-friendly options . While having dedicated storage space is crucial to keeping your home tidy and organized , some products on the market are a little expensive. Sometimes, of course, you need to spend a significant amount of money on something that will really help you tidy up your space, but most of the time there are inexpensive options that will do the job just as well. Here are some of my favorite organizing tools, all of which cost me less than $25.
Storage carts save money and space.
First of all, I got a new storage cart this week . You might not think that something so small—just 15 inches deep and less than five inches wide—would be useful, but it absolutely is. A few notes: It was incredibly easy to build. The parts were simple, they all fell into place logically, and I didn’t even need any tools. This took me about two and a half minutes. It comes with six different hooks, which really expands the storage options beyond the three-tier shelves. It’s important to note that it also had wheels, but unlike those I’ve seen on many DIY furniture models, they actually work . Small rollers do not get tangled or tangled. They are not sticky. They just… roll. Best? I bought it for $16.71 after seeing its price fluctuate between $17 and $21 while it was in my Amazon cart.
Since I’ve been admiring this for the past few hours, I’m stuck on what I want to do with it. It may be small, but it has great potential. I’m tempted to make a new cleaning cart that requires a rolling contraption like this one, but I’m also tempted to put it next to the toilet for extra bathroom storage . On the other hand, it will also fit easily in my closet, where it will help me organize all the accessories I struggle with: shoes and bags can sit on shelves, and scarves, necklaces and belts hang from hooks. Considering this price and knowing how versatile and easy it is, I think I should buy three more right now and just do it all.
Under-cabinet storage is key (and cheap)
Come to think of it, I probably won’t be making a cleaning cart out of my awesome tiered organizer—but that’s only because I’ve finally organized my cleaning supplies the way I like (and again, for under $25). I have similar under cabinet storage, but this product is actually better because you get two for $21.99.
I only had one before, but it cost about $17. Even though I only have one, it has made a huge difference in organizing my cleaning supplies, mainly due to the ability of the bottom shelf to slide out, meaning I don’t have to dig through a pile of carefully organized items to get to what I need. Again, there are hooks on the sides that are perfect for rags, so everything stays together.
Acrylic organizers for existing shelves.
I’ve mentioned this before, but acrylic organizers have done wonders for organizing my shelving. You can also buy wooden ones, but acrylic ones are usually cheaper. Look for something with built-in multi-level tiny steps, like this :
I use these little risers throughout my apartment to store my makeup, perfume, and in some cases small knick-knacks like candles and small jewelry. Besides the fact that they’re ridiculously cheap, the tiers make them perfect for storing fragile items since I don’t have to break any of the items in the front to get to the one in the back, and they don’t touch or rub against each other. I can see and reach what I have and everything stays safe. (However, if you’re worried about knocking something over on these fragile little objects, get museum gel , a sticky substance that can be placed under objects on flat surfaces to keep them in place.)
Cubic shelving for creating divisions
I’ve been a cube rack enthusiast for, I think, 12 years now. I’ve preached about this before, but I really support it for several reasons. Firstly, the shelves, divided into square compartments, make it very easy to organize your things into niches. If you have longer shelves or drawers, you may only have one for “shirts,” but shirts can refer to long-sleeve tops, T-shirts, going out tops, tank tops, button-downs, sweaters, and a variety of other types. With cube storage, you can drill down into more detailed categories, keeping everything in better order and making it easier to find what you need, when you need it.
The second reason is that in most cases they are cheap. Yes, you can find larger versions that sell for $80 to $90, but my apartment is full of these three-cube models , which usually cost around $25. (I know the price listed above is $25.92, so at least $25, but according to CamelCamelCamel’s price tracker , it used to go down to $17.99, and that’s close to the price I remember buying them most often. It’s a waiting game, that’s all.) I have them in the closet behind hanging clothes, in the kitchen (with their flat tops, they serve as extra work space), in the bathroom and in my living room. They’re compact, and buying them in small configurations makes them more versatile and adaptable, especially if you live in a small space. Cube shelves forever!
I’m still obsessed with my storage lamp (even though the price fluctuates).
Finally, since I bought the rechargeable lamp during October’s Prime Day , I’ve been continually amazed at its usefulness, but lately the price has gone up. I can’t tell you that this is something you can get for less than $25 or so, although it pains me to admit it. The one I have was $33 in the fall and is now $51.09. Kind of mean if you ask me, but I’m lucky I got it then because I use one level to store lotions and cozy stuff, another for my gaming stuff, and the top one as a display to take pictures of things I want to sell online , since the lighting from above illuminates my items well. Plus, it’s just a damn useful lamp on its own, with or without storage shelves underneath.
The good news is that competing brands and products are available at a lower price point, starting around $29 . Again, it’s not $25, but it’s close, and if you’re looking for stylish storage that doubles as functional decor, I recommend it.