Keeping your home tidy and organized can seem like an impossible task, especially if you’re on a budget. However, with a bit of creativity and effort, you can declutter your home without breaking the bank. Here are 30 inexpensive organization ideas to help you get your house in order.
Evaluate and Eliminate
Before organizing, take some time to purge unwanted items. Go through each room and get rid of anything you no longer need, use, or love.
Closets and Drawers
Go through all your closets and dresser drawers. Remove any clothes that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in over a year. Donate gently used items so someone else can enjoy them.
Paperwork
Sort through files, documents and receipts. Toss anything you don’t legally need to keep like old utility bills and bank statements.
Kitchen Cabinets
Clean out food items that have expired. Donate unopened nonperishables you won’t use. Discard old plastic containers and mismatched Tupperware.
Garage and Basement
Have a garage sale or donate tools, sports equipment, toys and other items your family has outgrown. Recycle or properly dispose of hazardous chemicals.
Books and Media
Give away books you’ve already read. Sell or donate DVDs, CDs and games you no longer use.
Sentimental Items
Keep special items like photos and memorabilia. Let go of things like ticket stubs or programs from events.
Furniture
Remove pieces that are broken or worn out. Sell quality furniture that no longer fits your space or style.
Repurpose and Reinvent
Before buying new organizational units, see what you already have that could be repurposed. Get creative and give these household items a new life.
Laundry Basket
Use a large plastic laundry basket to store and carry cleaning supplies from room to room.
Wine Rack
Install a wine rack in the bathroom to neatly store rolled towels and toilet paper.
Ice Cube Trays
Utilize old metal ice cube trays to sort and contain small items like jewelry or office supplies.
Jar or Canister
Decant bulk snacks and foods like pasta, rice and cereal into glass jars or containers. Use to store craft supplies like glitter, pom poms or googly eyes.
Plate Stand
Use a plate stand vertically in a cabinet to file baking sheets and cutting boards.
Shoe Organizer
Hang a fabric shoe organizer inside a closet and use the pockets to store scarves, belts, purses and hats.
Silverware Tray
Slide a silverware tray into a drawer to keep jewelry, hair accessories, makeup brushes and skincare products organized.
Shower Caddy
Mount a plastic shower caddy on the wall to hold cleaning or bath supplies. Use one in the kitchen to neatly store spices.
Section Off Spaces
Maximize cabinets, drawers, shelves and other storage areas by creating designated sections for different items.
Drawer Dividers
Use inexpensive plastic or wire dividers to separate clothing types like socks, underwear and t-shirts.
Magazine Holders
Corral loose items like batteries, light bulbs and office supplies in colorful magazine holders.
Tension Rods
Install tension rods in cupboards to stack cans, bottles or cleaning products.
Storage Crates
Designate crates or baskets for categories like arts and crafts, holiday decorations, sports equipment, toys and paperwork.
Shelf Risers
Raise the height between shelves with risers to make room for tall kitchen appliances or cleaning tools.
Optimize Existing Storage
Make the most of storage furniture you already have with tips like these.
Drawers
Place felt or rubber matting inside drawers under utensils to prevent sliding and rattling.
Shelves
Maximize vertical space by storing infrequently used items on top shelves.
Under the Bed
Slide plastic bins neatly under the bed to store extra linens and seasonal clothes.
Cabinet Doors
Affix tall, narrow wire bins to the insides of cabinet doors to store packaged foods and extra dishes.
Refrigerator
Invest in refrigerator organizers or bins to neatly arrange condiments, drinks and produce.
Closets
Double your hanging space with a second rod. Use over-the-door hooks on the back of doors to hang robes, purses and jackets.
Create Visible Storage
Display items attractively using open shelving units, wall hooks and other visible storage solutions.
Wall Hooks
Install wall hooks near your front door to hang jackets, bags and keys. Use in the pantry for utensils and pots and pans.
Ladder Shelf
Lean a small wooden ladder against a wall and arrange baskets or decorative tins on the steps to store bath towels, toys or extra toiletries.
Hanging Shelves
Mount floating ledges or wall-mounted shelving to attractively display plants, photos, collectibles and art.
Bookcase
Stand an old bookcase on its side to store shoes. Or use one traditionally to store books, family photos and other treasures.
Pegboard
Cover a wall with an inexpensive pegboard and customize with hooks to hang tools, jewelry, kitchen utensils or pottery.
Use Vertical Space
Take advantage of vertical real estate by stacking, hanging and building upwards.
Wall File
Screw a used file cabinet to the wall to store documents and paperwork off your desk.
Hanging Planters
Display greenery in style by hanging small planters containing succulents or air plants in windows and above kitchen sinks.
Wall-Mounted Bike Rack
Secure a bike rack vertically to save floor space in a garage or mudroom. Hang frequently used bike gear from hooks on the rack.
Shelving Units
Stack plastic shelving units to store infrequently used items like extra kitchenware. Or use a freestanding unit to display collections.
Hardware Organizer
Screw a metal hardware organizer directly to the wall or garage ceiling to neatly store tools.
Design Specific Zones
Conquer clutter in busy areas by creating specialized stations for certain tasks.
Entryway
Set up a drop zone with hooks, shelves and baskets for stowing shoes, keys, sunglasses and other items when entering your home.
Laundry Room
Sort laundry with a shelving unit divided into baskets, bins and cabinets for each family member. Store all laundry needs like detergent and tools in one central spot.
Kitchen
Corral cooking clutter like utensils, pots and pans in drawers or on racks near the stove. Keep dishware organized in designated cupboards.
Craft Area
Fill an old dresser with dividers, trays and jars to neatly arrange arts and crafts materials.
Workspace
Designate different parts of a desk or table for computer, office supplies, paperwork and bills. Store items conveniently within arm’s reach.
Label It
Clearly labeling bins, baskets and storage units makes it easier for everyone in the family to stay tidy.
Chalkboard Labels
Use chalkboard stickers and a chalk marker to label clear plastic bins and baskets. Easily wipe labels clean and rewrite as contents change.
Printed Labels
Print neat labels for cupboards, shelves, drawers and boxes indicating where everything should be kept.
Vinyl Labels
Stick vinyl labels right onto shelves, baskets and storage containers to indicate contents. Remove and reposition as needed.
Dymo Tape
Use an inexpensive handheld Dymo label maker to create reusable labels for boxes, shelves, folders and more. Easily update and change.
Stick to a Budget
Shop smart to find inexpensive organizational solutions that keep your home tidy.
Dollar Store
Dollar stores are treasure troves of budget bins, baskets and shelving. Shop end of season sales for deep discounts.
Discount Outlet
Big box discount outlets carry household organizational tools at affordable prices. Look for coupons and shop sales.
Thrift Store
Visit secondhand and resale stores to score storage items like baskets, shelving units and trunks at a fraction of retail price.
DIY Solutions
Make your own storage pieces simply and cheaply from items like crates, jars and repurposed furniture.
Generic Brands
Opt for store brand bins and baskets over higher priced name brands. Focus your spending on durable drawer dividers.
Maintain the System
Once you’ve organized an area, be diligent about keeping things tidy with simple daily habits.
- Put items back in their designated spots immediately after use.
- Do regular quick clean ups instead of letting messes build up.
- Go through your new organizational systems monthly and purge unused items.
- Rearrange and replace old storage units that are no longer working optimally.
- Update labels as needed when you switch around items.
- Slowly tackle disorganized areas over time so it doesn’t get overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about how to declutter your home on a budget:
What are some cheap storage solutions for a small space?
For small spaces, look for stackable containers and organizers that can be used vertically against walls or under beds and sofas. Foldable fabric cubes add storage without taking up much room.
Where can I donate used items in good condition?
Many charities like Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept gently used clothing, furniture, household items, books and toys. Women’s shelters also often take donations of professional clothing for job interviews.
How should I declutter paperwork and documents?
Sort through files and paperwork to purge anything you don’t legally need to keep like old utility bills and bank statements. Invest in filing cabinets or use storage binders to neatly organize and label important documents.
What’s the best way to organize my linen closet?
Use shelf dividers to neatly stack sheets, towels and other linens. Arrange items used most often on lower shelves for easy access. Store extra sheets and off-season items up high or in breathable underbed containers.
How can I make better use of closet space?
Maximize closet space by hanging a second rod for doubling hanging storage. Use over-the-door hooks on the back of closet doors to hang additional coats, bags and shoes. Store off-season items under the hanging rod in bins.
Final Tips
Decluttering and organizing your home doesn’t need to be expensive. With clever repurposing, DIY solutions and budget buys, you can keep your home tidy for very little money. Remember to start small and tackle one area at a time. Maintain organization by putting items back promptly and regularly purging unused items. Keep at it and you’ll achieve a clean, clutter-free living space while sticking to your budget.