by Kimberley Heit

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 25, 2008

Plastic storage bins are an afforadable and versatile way to keep chaos from taking over your home. With a huge variety of styles, shapes and sizes you will find them useful for organizing chaos in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, outdoors and many areas in between.

Some suggestions on how to use plastic storage bins throughout the home are as follows:

-In the kitchen-

Plastic storage bins are an excellent way to organize food storage. Without a lid they are great for keeping packets of chips, pasta or biscuits standing upright and therefore easily visible. The type that have air circulation holes are great for storing potatoes in. The airtight variety help you store items like cooking ingredients safe from insects and moisture attack over long periods of time. If possible look for the stacking variety because these enable you to make the most efficient use of your storage space.

-In the bedroom-

Large plastic storage bins on wheels are a great way to store things neatly under the bed. Plastic storage bins also have nuemrous uses in the closet. The small sliding draw versions are great for keeping socks, lingerie, knitwear and accessories organized. Larger sliding draws can be used to store each pair of shoes separately and large airtight bins are a great way to store out of season clothing in the back of the closet.

-In the Bathroom-

Plastic storage bins make a great alternative to buying expensive beauty specific treatment bowls. For example, fill them with hot water and use them to give yourself a foot or hand soak or sit over them for a steam facial. They are also an excellent way to bring order to the chaos in bathroom cabinets. They are perfect for keeping beauty products, medicine and first aid items in order.

-Outdoors-

Use them to store items in your garden shed like-gloves, hammers, pruning scissors etc. If you use an airtight variety you won't have to worry about spiders getting into your gloves between uses! The pool shed is another place where plastic storage bins come in handy. They can help bring order to goggles, balls and other small pool toys or can safely stow away pool chemicals. Place large bins at entry points around the home to keep everyday clutter in order. For example, shoes that get left at the door and umbrellas.

-In general areas-

There are literally hundreds of other general uses for plastic storage bins around the home. The following are just a few examples to get you brainstorming:

-Keep important paperwork like birth certificates and passports free from dust and water damage.

-If you live in an area prone to hurricanes use a waterproof one to keep your emergency kit in.

-Easily store children's toys in them.

-Buy one's that fit under the seats in your car or in the corner of the boot to store maps, torches, first aid supplies and children's entertainment items for long car trips.

-Magazines and books can be safely stored in plastic storage bins.

-Protect items during moving or in storage- like photo albums. The locking variety keep your items free from water, dust and insects. They are great for storing items in the attic, under the stairs or the basement.

-Use them to keep the supplies for a hobby in order. For example, they are great for storing sewing supplies, art supplies or craft supplies in a safe and organized manner.

Hopefully this list has given you some great ideas on how to use plastic storage bins. Next time you're looking for storage consider the humble, cheap plastic storage bin as one of your first options!

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