When people think of organization, most think about the supplies that come with it. A lot of these supplies are very costly, especially if you purchase them at specialty stores. But organization does not have to be this way!
1. Go without “supplies”
Have no fear! You can still organize your space without more plastic stuff! A basket or bin may be completely unnecessary to keep your items together and organized. If your stuff stands up by itself and doesn’t topple over it can likely remain as it is.
2. Use what you already have in your home
Often we have various items laying around that are great for organizing! Check your basement and the back of your closets for baskets, bins and dividers. You may find a bin that is already in use but there are very few items being stored in it. See if you can swap it out for something more size-appropriate.
3. Upcycle items into “organizers”
Do you have cardboard boxes lying around? They can be a great way to store items such as blankets, books, files etc. Want them to look nicer? Try covering them in fabric or scrapbooking paper to suit your aesthetic. Cracker and cereal boxes can be cut up and made into drawer organizers. Jars can store food, pens/toothbrushes etc. Cartons from food can be made into small baskets and drawer organizers. Get creative with what you would normally throw out!
4. Check online resources for sharing/selling items
There are a lot of great resources online for finding used (and sometimes new) items! If you are comfortable with it, check your local Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace pages. There is also an app called Bunz that is specifically geared towards trading items rather than exchanging money for goods. Just be sure to practice social distancing during this time, instead utilizing porch pickup and e-transfers instead of in-person and cash transactions. These can also be great options for getting rid of some stuff if you managed to declutter a bit before organizing!
5. Check thrift stores for organizing supplies
This may be difficult right now because thrift stores have closed their brick-and-mortar locations, although some may be operating through social media or online. Check your local favourite to see if they are offering such a thing!
Thrift stores will often have a great selection of baskets, bins, and office supplies that can be perfect for your project!
6. Check the dollar store
Dollar stores have an amazing selection of smaller organizing supplies! If you are in need of drawer organizers, make up organizers, small baskets, office organizers etc. then definitely check out your local dollar store! They are open during Covid-19. Hooray!
