7 stylish & sustainable storage ideas
Storage solutions can be a huge help within the home. Although it’s important that we don’t use them to store ‘stuff’ we don’t really need. But they can help us organise our collections in a way that’s useful. And when space is tight, storage can serve a double-duty function: making practical items a thing of beauty within our homes. Here are 10 storage ideas I use within my own home that you might find useful. Note: They are all plastic-free!
1. Glass pantry jars
You are more likely to use something when you can see it. Pantry goods that are tucked away at the back of the cupboard are more likely to be forgotten. When put on display they can act as an installation within your kitchen, too.
2. Bolga baskets
We love and use these sturdy African bolga baskets throughout our home. They are wide enough at the mouth to be able to access anything easily — so great if you’re carrying produce from the farmers markets (your lettuce won’t get squashed). They are also a favourite for picnics as you can carry many items within them. At home, we use them to store library books, as well as toys. Again, the wide opening means that children can see what’s within easily. The carry handle makes them easy to move around as needed, as well as pack away.
3. French market baskets
An old favourite. We have been using French-style market baskets for many years. They are made to last and great to carry on the shoulder when shopping for produce or at the grocery store. We love taking them to the beach because it doesn’t matter if they get sand inside — you can shake them out — and they will dry in the sun after you’ve carried wet swimmers home.
4. Jam jars
Instead of using plastic containers for food, we reuse glass jars, such as jam and pickle jars. Every day I leave home I put some tamari almonds (my favourite snack) in a small glass jar and bring it home to wash out and use again. We also use Bonne Mere jam jars to as a portable tea or coffee cup (after breaking too many glass coffee reusable cups).
5. Wire baskets
Wire baskets are infinitely useful within the home. We use them to store dry goods in the pantry (rice crackers for school lunch boxes, etc), towels in the bathroom (so they stay neat and orderly) and in my children’s wardrobes (for their socks and underwear which otherwise fall everywhere).
6. Ceramic bowls
Alongside our stove top we have a selection of ceramic bowls for various fresh produce that creates a beautiful display. I love the texture and nuance of ceramic and stoneware, and use pieces that bring my daily joy for everything such as storing tomatoes (so much tastier when at room temperature) to soap within the bathroom. Rather than buy a ceramic bowl for a specified function — such as soap — I prefer to use items that can easily move around my home.
7. Timber peg rails
How did we live without timber peg rails? They have been so useful in keeping our children organised. We use them in the hallway as a designated spot for the children to hang their school bags, hats and coats. This simple system has saved us a lot of time and energy, as each child knows exactly where to hang their things, and it creates a sense of flow and rhythm with our days.
If you’d like to learn the steps I take to declutter and organise my spaces, grab a copy of my free guide: The Clutter Cure —Your Guide to Decluttering & Staying Organised!