How to Organize Every Room of the House With Baskets and Bins

Are you tired of looking at clutter everywhere you turn? I’ve spent years helping people transform their chaotic spaces into organized havens, and I’m here to tell you: that baskets and bins are your secret weapons for a tidier home.

As a person who loves to organize, I’ve learned that the key to maintaining an organized home isn’t about expensive storage systems – it’s about finding the right containers for your specific needs and creating systems that actually work for your lifestyle.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use baskets and bins to organize every room in your house, sharing the same strategies I use in my home. You’ll learn which containers work best for different spaces, how to maintain your new systems, and even how to repurpose items you already have at home.

White shelves with picture frames, baskets, books and other decorative items.

Getting Started: Storage Solution Basics

Before discussing room-by-room organization, let’s consider the different storage solutions available. I’ve tested countless options over the years, and here’s what you need to know about each.

Types of Storage Solutions

Woven Baskets

Perfect for visible storage in living spaces
Add warmth and texture to your decor
Great for blankets, toys, and magazines
Usually more expensive but worth it for high-visibility areas

Plastic Bins

Ideal for garage, basement, and closet storage
Water-resistant and durable
Stack easily
The most cost-effective option for large storage needs

Fabric Storage Boxes

Excellent for closet shelves and under-bed storage
Lightweight and collapsible when not in use
Perfect for seasonal clothing and bedding
Often come with convenient labels or windows

Wire Baskets

Allow visibility of contents
Provide good airflow
Work well in pantries and bathrooms
Easy to clean and maintain

Clear Storage Containers

Best for items you need to see
Perfect for pantry organization
Great for craft supplies and small items
Help prevent duplicate purchases

Two sofas and a table in the living room. There is a basket on the table and baskets on the bookshelves in the background.

How to Choose the Right Storage Solution

After organizing many homes, I’ve developed a simple system for selecting the perfect storage solution. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Where will this container live?

Visible areas deserve attractive solutions
Hidden spaces can use practical, budget-friendly options

2. What will you store in it?

Heavy items need sturdy containers
Frequently accessed items should be in easy-open containers
Moisture-prone areas need water-resistant solutions

3. What’s your budget?

Invest in visible storage pieces
Save on utility spaces like garages and closets
Consider repurposing existing items

4. How often will you access the items?

Daily use items need durable, easy-access solutions
Seasonal items can go in more affordable containers

A large woven basket with a blanket in it beside of a bed. A shelf above the bed with decorative items on it.

My Personal Storage Journey

One of my favorite organizing transformations has been our spare bedroom, which serves both as a welcoming guest room and a space to store cherished memories. Let me show you how I use strategic storage solutions to achieve this dual purpose.

Creating a Welcoming Guest Space

When friends and family visit, I want them to feel at home. The closet in our spare bedroom was the perfect opportunity to create an organized, hotel-like experience. Here’s what I did:

Three cream colored totes in the closet of my spare bedroom.

Added identical cream-colored fabric bins to the closet shelves:

Three matching medium-sized bins create a cohesive look
One bin designated for folded clothes
One for undergarments and socks
One for extra storage as needed

The matching cream bins were a deliberate choice. They create a clean, organized appearance while being practical and easy for guests to use. Their uniform size means they fit perfectly on the shelves, maximizing our storage space.

Stylish Memory Storage

In our Ikea shelving unit, I’ve created a beautiful display that combines both storage and decor:

Two gray storage boxes sitting on a shelf below a vase in my spare bedroom.

Two gray storage boxes integrate seamlessly with other decorative items:

Perfect size for storing photos and keepsakes
The contemporary gray color coordinates with our room’s aesthetic
Boxes blend naturally with other decorative pieces on the shelves

This arrangement proves that practical storage doesn’t have to sacrifice style. The gray boxes look intentional among the other decorative items, creating a curated display while keeping our memories organized and protected.

Bathroom Organization Revolution

In my bathroom, I’ve discovered that the right storage solutions can transform a cluttered space into a spa-like sanctuary. Let me share two game-changing systems I’ve implemented that make my morning routine smoother and keep emergency items easily accessible.

Two acrylic bins containing makeup sitting on my bathroom vanity.

Drawer Organization with Acrylic Bins

My bathroom drawers used to be a jumbled mess of skincare products and makeup. Now, with clear acrylic bins, everything has its place:

Small acrylic organizers separate skincare products
Makeup organized by category

The clear acrylic lets me see everything at a glance, and the separate compartments keep items from rolling around. My mornings run much smoother when I don’t have to hunt for things!

Smart Storage for Occasional Items

In my bathroom closet, I’ve implemented a system for items we don’t use daily but need quick access to when necessary:

A clear tote on my bathroom shelf that contains a heating pad and first aid kit.

A Large clear storage tote contains:

First aid supplies
Heating pad
Seasonal allergy medications

I chose a clear tote specifically so I can quickly spot what I need in an emergency – no rummaging through opaque containers when someone needs a bandage! The large size accommodates bulkier items like the heating pad while still fitting neatly on our closet shelf.

A blue bathroom vanity with two large baskets on the shelf.

Room-by-Room Organization Guide

Let’s explore how to use baskets and bins effectively in every room of your house.

1. Kitchen Organization

Transform your kitchen with these targeted storage solutions:

Cabinet and Pantry Solutions

Large clear bins for boxed snacks and breakfast items
Square plastic containers for baking supplies
Narrow bins for seasoning mixes
Pull-out plastic bins for under-sink cleaning supplies

Counter-top Solutions

Attractive woven basket for fruit
Sleek plastic bin for cooking utensils
Small decorative basket for kitchen towels

2. Living Room Storage

Keep your living space tidy with strategic basket placement:

Daily Items

Large woven basket for throw blankets
Decorative bins for remotes and small electronics
Magazine basket for current reading materials
Storage ottoman with bins inside for kids’ toys

Entertainment Area

Fabric bins for gaming equipment
Woven baskets for DVD and game storage
Small bins for cables and chargers

3. Bedroom Solutions

Create calm with concealed storage:

Closet Storage

Fabric bins for sweaters and accessories
Clear plastic boxes for seasonal clothing
Small baskets for socks and undergarments
Storage bins for shoes and boots

Under-Bed Area

Long, flat plastic bins for out-of-season clothes
Rolling storage bins for extra bedding
Clear containers for shoes
Fabric boxes for special occasion items

4. Home Office Organization

Keep work materials contained and accessible:

Desk Area

Small bins for office supplies
Decorative baskets for paper and files
Clear plastic containers for small items like paper clips
Fabric bins for technology and cords

Supply Storage

Large bins for paper stock
Clear containers for extra supplies
Small baskets for daily-use items
Stackable bins for archived files

5. Laundry Room Systems

Make laundry day easier with:

Supplies

Clear bins for detergent pods and supplies
Small plastic baskets for dryer sheets
Deep bins for stain removers and specialty items
Mesh baskets for lost socks

Sorting Solutions

Large, sturdy baskets for sorting clothes
Plastic bins for delicates
Roll-out bins for dirty laundry
Shallow baskets for clean folded items

6. Garage Storage

Keep items protected and organized:

Seasonal Items

Large weatherproof bins for holiday decorations
Clear stackable containers for camping gear
Heavy-duty bins for sports equipment
Covered totes for winter clothes

Activity-Based Storage

Ventilated bins for garden supplies
Sturdy baskets for automotive supplies
Clear bins for workshop items
Large totes for pet supplies

A child's closet organized with baskets and bins.

Special Storage Situations

Let’s tackle two common organizing challenges: small spaces and kids’ stuff. The right basket and bin solutions make these situations much more manageable.

1. Small Space Solutions

Living in a compact home doesn’t mean you can’t be organized. The key is choosing the right containers and using every inch wisely.

Maximizing Vertical Space with Bins

Use narrow, tall bins between washer and dryer
Install shelving with coordinated fabric bins above doors
Choose stackable plastic containers that lock together

Multi-functional Storage Baskets

Use attractive woven baskets that double as side tables
Select storage ottomans with removable bins inside
Choose under-bed bins with wheels for easy access

Space-Saving Techniques

Choose collapsible fabric bins when not in use
Use clear stacking bins to utilize the full closet height
Select nesting baskets that fit inside each other
Opt for bins with lids to stack vertically

2. Kid-Friendly Organization

Using the right storage solutions and teaching children to organize can be fun and effective.

Easy-Access Storage

Place lightweight fabric bins on low shelves
Use clear plastic bins so kids can see the contents
Select bins with handles for easy carrying
Choose stackable containers that children can manage

Toy Rotation System

Dedicate 4-5 clear bins for toy rotation
Label bins by category (blocks, cars, dolls)
Store “resting” toys in stackable bins up high
Use picture labels for easy identification

Quick Cleanup Solutions

Place large, open baskets in play areas
Use rolling bins for quick room cleanup
Designate color-coded bins for different toys
Select bins that fit toy shelf dimensions

Making Organization Fun

Let kids decorate their own storage bins
Use bright, colorful containers
Create a cleanup game with designated baskets
Set up “parking spots” (labeled areas) for bins

Cleaning supplies in a wire basket in a shelf under a sink.

Maintenance and Sustainability

The secret to long-lasting organization isn’t just about setting up systems – it’s about maintaining them. Let me share my proven strategies for keeping your basket and bin organization working smoothly year after year.

Keeping Systems Organized

Strong habits make all the difference in maintaining organized spaces. Here’s what works:

Daily Quick-Checks

Return bins to their designated spots each evening
Empty catch-all baskets daily
Wipe down bathroom and kitchen containers
Put items back in their assigned bins right after use

Weekly Reset

Straighten items within bins
Check that labels are still visible and accurate
Return wandering baskets to their proper rooms
Declutter any overfilled containers

Seasonal Updates

Swap out seasonal bins (holiday decor, clothing)
Clean all storage containers thoroughly
Reassess bin locations and purposes
Update labels as needed

Making Storage Solutions Last

Quality storage solutions are an investment. Here’s how to protect them:

Cleaning and Care

Wipe down plastic bins with an all-purpose cleaner
Vacuum woven baskets regularly
Hand wash fabric bins according to tags
Keep storage containers dry to prevent mold

When It’s Time to Replace

Replace cracked plastic containers immediately
Upgrade bins when lids no longer seal properly
Replace fabric bins if they lose shape
Switch out any containers that no longer serve their purpose

Updating Your Systems

Assess storage needs every six months
Upgrade bin sizes as collections grow
Add dividers to large bins when needed
Combine or separate bins based on changing needs

Six wooden crates being used for DIY storage in a living room.

DIY Storage Solutions

Save money and reduce waste with these creative solutions:

Transform Everyday Items

Cover shoe boxes with contact paper for drawer organizers
Paint wooden crates for stylish shelf storage
Decorate cardboard boxes with fabric for closet bins
Line old baskets with attractive fabric

Make Storage Work Harder

Add wheels to heavy storage bins for easy moving
Install handles on repurposed boxes
Add dividers to deep bins using cardboard
Create stackable systems with uniform container sizes

Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Systems:

Start small – don’t try to maintain everything at once
Build maintenance into your daily routine
Set calendar reminders for monthly reviews
Store bins properly to prevent damage

A Final Note on Sustainability: Before buying new storage solutions, look around your home for items you can repurpose. This is environmentally friendly and gives you storage solutions perfectly sized for your spaces and needs.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Shopping Guide

After testing countless products over the years, here are my tried-and-true recommendations for every area of your home:

Kitchen Storage Stars

OXO Good Grips POP Container - Airtight Food Storage - Big Square Medium 4.4 Qt Ideal for 5lbs of flour or sugar

OXO Pop Containers

Worth the investment for dry goods. Truly airtight for freshness. Available in multiple sizes.

mDesign Plastic Kitchen Organizer - Storage Holder Bin with Handles for Pantry, Cupboard, Cabinet, Fridge/Freezer, Shelves, Counter - Holds Canned Food, Snacks - Ligne Collection - 2 Pack - Clear

mDesign Plastic Bins with Handles

Perfect for snacks and packets. Clear plastic for easy viewing. Available on Amazon.

IDesign BPA-Free Plastic Pantry and Kitchen Storage, Freezer and Fridge Organizer Bin with Easy Grip Handles 16" x 4" x 3", Clear

InterDesign Linus Clear Bins

Great for under-sink storage. Wipes clean easily. Multiple sizes are available.

Closet and Bedroom Storage

Ikea Skubb Storage Box,drawer Organizer,multiuse SET OF 18, White

IKEA SKUBB boxes

Best budget-friendly option. Collapsible when not in use. Perfect for shelves and drawers.

Thicken & Sturdy Clear Shoe Storage Organizer with Magnetic Door, Stackable Boxes for Closet, Foldable Space-Saving Shoe Rack for Sneaker Boot Container, Plastic Shoe Cabinet Shoe Box 6 Pack, Whit...

Large Drop-Front Shoe Boxes

Worth splurging for shoes. Stack perfectly. Clear front for visibility

Bathroom Solutions

STORi Clear Plastic Vanity Makeup Organizer | Compact Rectangular 4-Compartment Holder for Brushes, Eyeshadow Palettes, & Beauty Supplies | Made in USA

STORi Clear Plastic Vanity Organizers

Perfect for makeup and skincare. Multiple sizes in one set. Wipes clean easily.

madesmart 2-Tier Organizer

Slides out for easy access. Built-in dividers. Durable plastic construction.

Living Room Storage

M4DECOR 12x12in Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets, Wicker Storage Baskets for Shelves, Woven Baskets for Storage, Square Wicker Storage Basket for Bedroom, Living Room, Nursery Room (4 Packs 12x12in)

Seagrass Baskets

An investment piece for visible areas. Extremely durable. Natural texture adds style.

OIAHOMY 108L Large Cotton Rope Basket, Rectangle Woven Baskets for Storage, Nursery Blanket Basket Living Room, Toy Basket with Handle, Baskets for Organizing-25 x16 x16 -Gradient Grey

Threshold Rope Baskets

Affordable alternative to high-end. Great for blankets and pillows. Neutral design.

Garage and Utility

Sterilite 4-Pack Stackable Storage Bin with Lid, Clear Plastic Design, 70 Quart

Sterilite 70 Quart Ultra Latch Boxes

Best for seasonal storage. Truly weatherproof. Sturdy latching lids.

IRIS USA 17 Qt. Plastic Drawer Storage Organizer Stacking Drawers, 4-Pack, Stackable Unit with Sliding Drawer for Clothes Bedroom Kitchen Under Sink Pantry Craft Room Bathroom Dorm Office, White

IRIS USA Stack & Pull Boxes

Perfect for heavy items. Front opening for easy access. Stackable design.

Budget-Friendly Favorites

Dollar Store Finds

Woven Plastic Storage Baskets, 6 Pack White Weave Bins Organizer, 10.1" x 7.55" x 4.1"

Room Essentials Y-Weave Baskets

Great for bathroom storage
Multiple colors available
Surprisingly durable

Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Clear Storage Bins

Perfect starter containers
Good quality for the price
Multiple size options

Pro Shopping Tips:

Sign up for store newsletters for sales alerts
Buy seasonal storage in off-seasons
Check dimensions carefully before purchasing
Start with one area and buy accordingly
Keep receipts for modular systems in case you want to expand

A shallow kitchen basket containing condiments and a plant.

Investment vS. DIY

Worth the Splurge

High-quality pantry containers
Durable laundry baskets
Decorative living room storage
Heavy-duty garage bins

Save with DIY

Office storage boxes
Drawer organizers
Seasonal storage
Gift wrap organization

Three shelves with wicker baskets on each shelf.

Conclusion

Creating an organized home with baskets and bins doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Start with one area that bothers you most and build from there. Remember these key points.

Quality matters where it counts:

Invest in frequently used items
Save on occasional-use storage
Choose clear bins for visibility

Start small but think big:

Begin with one one-room
Build your collection gradually
Keep systems simple at first

Be creative with solutions:

Repurpose what you have
Mix high and low-end pieces
Choose multi-functional items

Maintain your systems:

Label everything
Clean regularly
Adjust as needs change

Your Next Steps:

Assess your biggest pain point
Measure your spaces
Make a shopping list
Start with essential items
Build from there

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s creating systems that work for your life. Start with one drawer, one shelf, or one corner. Small changes add up to big results, and every organized space brings more peace to your home.