Dollar stores are a goldmine for affordable organization solutions, offering a wide range of items that can help tidy up your home without breaking the bank. From clever storage containers to space-saving tools, these budget-friendly finds can make a huge difference in maintaining a clean, clutter-free environment. Professional organizers often recommend dollar store products for their practicality and versatility. With a little creativity, you can use these simple hacks to create order in every room of your home. Here are 17 genius dollar store hacks that professional organizers swear by.
1. Use Clear Storage Bins for Easy Visibility
According to Real Simple, clear storage bins from dollar stores are an excellent way to keep your items organized while allowing you to see what’s inside. Using these bins for everything from seasonal clothing to office supplies can help prevent clutter from building up in closets or cabinets. When everything is neatly stored and clearly labeled, it’s easier to find what you need without having to dig through boxes. For added convenience, stackable bins allow for efficient use of vertical space.
Clear bins also work well in kitchens or bathrooms, where visibility is key. They help keep food, toiletries, or cleaning supplies organized and accessible, ensuring you don’t waste time searching for items. Professional organizers often recommend clear bins for their ability to create a visually neat space while also helping you stay on top of what you have. With affordable options from dollar stores, you can organize without spending a fortune.
2. Repurpose Shower Caddies for Kitchen Storage
Shower caddies aren’t just for the bathroom – they can also be a game-changer in the kitchen. Apartment Therapy suggests using these caddies to store cleaning supplies, condiments, or even pantry items like spices or oils. They help maximize cabinet space and can easily be pulled out when you need them. With adjustable dividers and built-in handles, shower caddies are perfect for keeping kitchen essentials organized and easily accessible.
You can also use shower caddies in the pantry to organize baking supplies, snacks, or canned goods. The portable nature of a shower caddy makes it easy to move items around when you’re cleaning or restocking. Plus, the compact design allows you to make use of every inch of cabinet or countertop space. This simple hack is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel more organized.
3. Use Over-the-Door Hooks for Extra Storage
Over-the-door hooks are another affordable find at dollar stores that offer immediate storage solutions. These hooks can be placed on the backs of doors in bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets to hang bags, hats, or towels. Martha Stewart recommends these hooks as an excellent way to add more hanging storage without drilling holes into the walls. They help maximize vertical space and keep items off the floor, creating a cleaner, more organized space.
You can even use over-the-door hooks in closets to hang scarves, belts, or accessories that would otherwise create clutter. This is especially useful in smaller rooms where wall space is limited. The versatility of over-the-door hooks allows you to create extra storage in nearly every room of the house. With such a simple and inexpensive solution, it’s easy to keep your space tidy and functional.
4. Use Plastic Shoe Organizers for Closet Storage
Plastic shoe organizers are often sold at dollar stores and can be repurposed for more than just shoes. According to Apartment Therapy, these organizers are ideal for storing accessories, scarves, cleaning products, or even craft supplies. The small pockets help keep everything neatly separated and easy to find, preventing your closet from becoming cluttered with miscellaneous items. You can hang the organizers on the inside of closet doors or place them in drawers for an extra layer of organization.
In addition to closet use, shoe organizers work well in bathrooms or laundry rooms to store toiletries, cleaning supplies, or small items that would otherwise get lost in a drawer. Their compact design makes them perfect for organizing under-sink areas or pantry shelves. With their ability to hold multiple items in a neat and accessible way, plastic shoe organizers offer versatile storage solutions throughout your home.
5. Create Drawer Dividers with Cardboard
Cardboard is an incredibly versatile material for creating custom drawer dividers, and it’s easy to find at dollar stores. Simply cut cardboard to fit your drawers, then use it to create sections for organizing small items like office supplies, makeup, or kitchen utensils. This low-cost solution is a quick way to keep drawers from becoming a jumbled mess. By dividing your drawer into sections, you’ll prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need.
Cardboard dividers can also be used in storage bins to help separate and organize items in a more compact space. The beauty of cardboard is that it’s customizable and can be cut to fit any drawer or container size. This affordable hack can make a significant impact on the organization of your home without the need for expensive pre-made dividers.
6. Use Tension Rods to Create Extra Space
Tension rods, available at most dollar stores, are a simple yet effective tool for creating extra storage in your home. They can be used in under-sink areas, where you can hang cleaning products, spray bottles, or even small kitchen items. Tension rods are adjustable, making them easy to install and reposition as needed. This solution helps maximize your space and keeps things off countertops, reducing clutter in busy areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Tension rods can also be used in cabinets to separate baking sheets, cutting boards, or pots and pans. By creating additional levels of storage, you can maximize your space without making any permanent changes. This hack helps keep your kitchen or bathroom organized while providing easy access to everyday items.
7. Turn Baskets into Functional Storage Solutions
Baskets are one of the most versatile storage solutions available at dollar stores. They help maintain a neat appearance while providing functional storage. You can use baskets in living rooms, bedrooms, or closets to corral items like blankets, toys, or magazines. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, baskets can blend seamlessly with your decor while helping you stay organized.
Baskets can also be used in the pantry to organize food items like potatoes, onions, or fruit. Their open design allows you to see the contents at a glance, making it easy to keep track of what you have. With the ability to store everything from towels to toys, baskets are a budget-friendly option for organizing your home.
8. Maximize Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Baskets
Wall-mounted baskets are a clever way to use vertical space for storage. These baskets can be mounted in hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms to hold everything from mail to toiletries. They help you keep smaller items organized and off countertops, providing an efficient use of vertical space. The baskets can be used to hold frequently accessed items, ensuring they stay within easy reach while maintaining a tidy space.
In kitchens, wall-mounted baskets can store produce, spices, or snack bags, freeing up space in cabinets and drawers. In bathrooms, they can hold toiletries or cleaning supplies, making them accessible without taking up valuable shelf space. Wall-mounted baskets are a simple, effective solution for organizing and decluttering high-traffic areas in your home.
9. Use Storage Bins to Keep Items Under Control
Storage bins are a must-have in any organized home, and dollar stores offer plenty of affordable options. You can store everything from seasonal decorations to kids’ toys in these bins. By categorizing your items and storing them in labeled bins, you can create an organized system that makes it easy to find what you need. Stackable bins help maximize your storage space and can be stored out of sight in closets or under beds.
For a more streamlined look, opt for bins with lids to keep dust and dirt out. You can also color-code the bins to make it easier to locate items. This budget-friendly solution is an efficient way to store away seasonal items, clothes, or toys while keeping everything neat and accessible.
10. Create Kitchen Storage with Plastic Bins
Plastic bins are an excellent choice for organizing your kitchen, as they can hold dry goods, snacks, or small kitchen gadgets. You can use clear plastic bins for pantry items like flour, sugar, or rice, allowing you to see when supplies are running low. The bins help create a uniform and tidy look, preventing food items from becoming a disorganized mess. They can also be used in kitchen cabinets to store pots, lids, or utensils, keeping everything neat and easy to access.
You can even use plastic bins in your fridge to store fruits, vegetables, or snacks, making it easier to locate what you need without rummaging through the shelves. With stackable options, plastic bins allow for easy organization and space-saving. Their durable design ensures they can withstand daily use, making them an investment in long-term organization.
11. Use Command Hooks for Lightweight Storage
Command hooks, which can be found at most dollar stores, are a fantastic option for creating extra storage in your home without the need for nails or screws. You can use these hooks to hang lightweight items like hats, bags, or keys in entryways or closets. They can also be used in bathrooms to hang towels or in kitchens to hold utensils. The adhesive backing makes them easy to install and remove without causing damage to walls or doors.
Command hooks are also a great solution for organizing office supplies or craft materials. Simply attach the hooks to the walls and hang containers, baskets, or organizers to store smaller items. This hack provides easy access to frequently used items while keeping your space neat and clutter-free.
12. Store Cleaning Supplies in a Caddy
A cleaning caddy from a dollar store is an ideal way to keep all your cleaning supplies in one place. You can store your cleaning solutions, scrubbers, and cloths in the caddy and easily carry it from room to room as you clean. This solution ensures that you have everything you need within arm’s reach, making cleaning tasks more efficient. By keeping all your supplies organized in one caddy, you reduce clutter and create a designated spot for everything.
A caddy is also useful for organizing your cleaning products in cabinets or closets. Instead of having bottles and cloths scattered throughout, you can store them in one convenient place. This simple tool helps maintain an organized cleaning area and makes it easier to tackle household chores without wasting time searching for products.
13. Use Dollar Store Bins for Bathroom Organization
In the bathroom, dollar store bins can be used to store toiletries, makeup, or other bathroom essentials. These bins are perfect for keeping your countertops clear and organized, making it easier to find items when you need them. You can store cotton balls, toothbrushes, or hair products in labeled bins for quick access. This simple organization method helps keep your bathroom tidy and functional.
Plastic bins can also be used to organize items under the sink, where clutter tends to build up. By sorting cleaning products, lotions, and other bathroom necessities into bins, you create a more streamlined and easy-to-maintain space. These bins are affordable and efficient, helping you make the most of your bathroom’s storage potential.
14. Create Custom Closet Dividers with Dollar Store Materials
Dollar store materials like foam board or cardboard can be used to create custom closet dividers. These dividers help separate different items like shoes, clothing, or accessories, preventing them from getting mixed up. You can measure and cut the materials to fit your closet or dresser drawers, ensuring a perfect fit. This inexpensive hack keeps your clothes and accessories organized, making it easier to find what you need.
Using dividers also helps keep your closet looking neat and free of clutter. Instead of clothes or shoes getting piled on top of one another, dividers create a system that promotes organization and easy access. This simple organizational hack is a game-changer in making your closet feel more spacious and tidy.
15. Use Dollar Store Shoe Racks for Closet Organization
Dollar store shoe racks are a great solution for organizing footwear in your closet. They are often compact and can be placed inside closets or at the entryway, helping to keep shoes neatly stored and off the floor. By using a shoe rack, you can avoid the pile of shoes that typically accumulates near the door, and you’ll be able to easily access your shoes when you need them. With multiple tiers, shoe racks can accommodate a large number of shoes without taking up too much space.
If you have a larger shoe collection, you can purchase multiple racks to create a customized shoe storage system. You can also use shoe racks in other areas of the home, such as the garage, laundry room, or mudroom, to store shoes, boots, or even cleaning supplies. This low-cost organizational tool is an easy way to keep your home tidy and free of shoe clutter.
16. Organize Cords with Binder Clips
Binder clips, available at most dollar stores, are a great way to manage and organize cords around the house. You can use them to keep phone chargers, extension cords, or cables neatly bundled and easy to access. Simply clip the cords together at the base and attach them to the edge of a desk, shelf, or side table. This simple hack prevents cords from tangling and makes it easy to identify the one you need when you’re looking for it.
In addition to their practical use, binder clips can be an inexpensive and space-saving solution for organizing cables in drawers or storage boxes. You can attach a few clips to the back of a desk to keep wires from hanging down, or use them in drawers to organize power strips and cords. This cheap, quick fix ensures you won’t have to deal with messy cords again.
17. Repurpose Plastic Jars for Small Item Storage
Plastic jars, often found at dollar stores, can be repurposed for storing small items around your home. These jars are perfect for organizing office supplies, like paper clips, thumbtacks, or rubber bands. You can also use them in the kitchen to store spices, nuts, or dried fruits. Their transparent design makes it easy to see what’s inside, which helps you avoid having to dig through a cluttered drawer or pantry.
These jars can also be used to store craft supplies, such as buttons, beads, or sewing materials. By grouping similar items together in these jars, you create a simple organizational system that works well in closets, cabinets, or drawers. Plastic jars are durable, affordable, and versatile, making them an ideal solution for many storage needs around the house.
