Tackle Clutter on the Cheap With This Simple Organization Solution

By Emily | SEO Manager

Jun 07, 2019 @ 1:18 PM MDT

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finished wrapped boxes for kid's bags and equipment

Find your kiddo’s clutter all over the house? The same thing was happening to Hip2Save reader Melinda, so she created a cheap and simple organization system with zero-cost boxes and deeply discounted supplies.

plain food shipping boxes with bags and sports equipment

With my three kids participating in different activities, their belongings were getting scattered all over the house. To organize their bags for tennis, kung fu, and ballet, I created a box for each of them next to their hanging coat hooks.

wrapping cardboard boxed with decorative wrapping paper

I picked up boxes from Costco and covered them in Easter clearance wrapping paper purchased at 90% off. The paper is bright and cheerful without a hint of Easter.

The cost of their activities adds up, so I try to save in other ways! With some free boxes, inexpensive paper, and tape (also from Target 90% off after Christmas), I organized and saved at the same time!

wrapped boxes underneath jacket and bag hangers

Easy, smart, and appealing!

This tip is such a simple way to get your household in order. If you don’t have a Costco near you, check out other warehouse stores or even ALDI for boxes. Your local grocer may even let you have some of their corrugated boxes if you ask politely.

Thank you, Melinda, for sharing your organization tip that cost next to nothing to create!

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About the writer:

Emily obtained her Bachelor's degrees from Clarkson University with 5 years of content writing experience specializing in health, beauty, fashion, home, & living frugally. Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Join The Discussion

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Luna June 7, 2019 at 10:33 am MST

What price is considered great for wrapping paper and tape?

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Erin June 7, 2019 at 12:16 pm MST

After Christmas, I found an entire case of Scotch tape on an endcap that rang up for .10 each. That’s the best price I’ve ever gotten. I look for premium heavy-duty gift wrap for $1 a roll or less.

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Jill F June 7, 2019 at 10:49 am MST

That looks really good! Great way to keep their gear in one spot!

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Angelina189 June 7, 2019 at 11:09 am MST

I used spray glue and burlap on diaper boxes. They work great for extra storage above my kitchen cabinets.

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Amber (Hip Sidekick) June 7, 2019 at 11:41 am MST

Ooh! I love that idea too! Thanks for sharing!

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Amy June 7, 2019 at 11:10 am MST

I did this to create storage for my toddlers toys when we were selling our home. I saved our largest empty diaper boxes. Then covered them with canvas drop cloth I purchased from Harbor Freight using hot glue. I wrapped each box with a piece of lace ribbon from a Michael’s after Christmas sale. They looked fantastic and the fabric held up much better than paper. The whole project cost right around $10.

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Amber (Hip Sidekick) June 7, 2019 at 11:42 am MST

How neat! Thanks so much for taking the time to onlinement, Amy!

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Sara June 7, 2019 at 12:06 pm MST

I had to reread your onlinement. I originally read it as you paying for the drop cloth with hot glue.

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Amy June 7, 2019 at 12:34 pm MST

Sorry for the confusion! I should have punctuated that sentence better.

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Lynn June 7, 2019 at 11:14 am MST

This is great if you have all the supplies but for me, I do have to say for a few dollars I can always find large baskets to use. And reuse. Good idea though!

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Lynn June 7, 2019 at 11:14 am MST

*at my local thrift store

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Erin June 7, 2019 at 12:26 pm MST

Large baskets would look great in that space. Or even a double hook, since it looks like everything is already stored in bags. Cardboard boxes would never stay put in our house and the paper would likely rip in no time.

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LeeLee June 7, 2019 at 12:40 pm MST

Way to go Melinda! It looks great!

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Chris June 7, 2019 at 1:14 pm MST

Looks great but definitely do not see how wrapping paper can withstand a mud room – definitely couldn’t in my house

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Melinda June 7, 2019 at 5:44 pm MST

I done this several years ago to have a place to store wrapping paper and bows in a closet. After I wrapped my box, I then onlinepletely covered the boxes in clear tape that you would use to mail packages (can’t remember what the name of that tape is?!)

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jlg June 7, 2019 at 1:26 pm MST

They look exactly like the scout by bungalow collapsible storage boxes that retail for $60+ (except those have a matching lid.) LOVE those boxes & hesitantly pay the lowest price I can ever find them for which is $30.

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Sou June 7, 2019 at 1:52 pm MST

I did this for my pantry to hold the small appliances. I love it!

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mel June 7, 2019 at 3:02 pm MST

I’ve been reusing my Fab Fit Fun boxes. I just use a box cutter to cut off the top part. The box is already decorated seasonally and is pretty sturdy! I have one by the front door to hold all my husbands car washing supplies. Another box I keep in the laundry room for cleaning supplies.

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Trish June 8, 2019 at 8:09 am MST

Round laundry baskets from the dollar store.

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Lisa June 8, 2019 at 4:25 pm MST

I used twine and a hot glue gun for my little baskets I have. Then once I was done took an old brown shirt and put it inside the box with it hanging down around all edges. Hope that makes sense:) Just another idea and it doesn’t onlinee apart.

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