How do we know which baskets to buy? Good question and one I’ve been asked a lot. These days there are literally hundreds to choose from….wicker, plastic, wire, cardboard, short, fat, wide, tall, expensive, not so expensive and the list goes on and on and on. Without seeing your space and knowing how you operate it would be hard for me to speculate on what would work for you and believe me when I say that just because it works for one person doesn’t mean it will work for another. However, now that I’ve gotten that disclaimer out of the way, I will tell you what works for me 🙂
I don’t believe it is necessary to spend a lot of money. Most of my baskets are in drawers, cupboards or closets so for these places I just use the plastic dollar store baskets. They come in all different sizes and colors. In addition, they are inexpensive and therefore it allows me to buy in bulk without necessarily having a home for them in mind when I make the purchase. I know that eventually I will find a home for it. I am constantly rotating my baskets….sometimes the functunality isn’t working or the size is wrong or I’m just bored (I’m a freak remember)…..anyway because I’ve purchased these baskets inexpensively I don’t have to feel quilty about it. As you get use to using baskets in every available spot in your home (he he) then I assure you it does get easier to know what works for you and what doesn’t. I guess what I’m saying is that is does take a little trial and error and just when you think you have it all figured out you will buy new items and all of a sudden the basket you had been using is now too small…..time for a change out. Believe it or not I only have about 6 extra baskets that I’m not using stored downstairs. There isn’t anything wrong with having a few extra…..as you organzie then you use up what you have and it will save you from having to interrupt your project to go buy some more. In fact, I highly recommend you keep some on hand for this reason alone.
For baskets that are more visible and therefore part of my decor I use wicker. Canadian Tire usually has sets of three that go on sale quite often. Right now I am using a wicker basket to hold my most frequently listened to CD’s, by the front door as my kids catchall basket and in my office for my “papers to be filed” basket.
Well I hope that is helpful….all this talk about baskets….I think I’d better go stock up!
ShariJoy says
If Penny comes to this site she can attest to the fact that I too am a basket fiend…….Love them!!! I purchased the debbie travis scented baskets form CT on sale for 9 bucks each only needed 4 so it was perfect!! in our hall closet on the upper shelf they fit perfectly no space left over… one for shari’s winter stuff… one for Dugs winter stuff.. one for Kali’s hats and sunnys… one for Kalis shoes all with lil tags so dug knows which basket is which!!! I should take a picture and blog my master piece basket colection!!
see you Garage sale’in in the AM??
ShariJoy says
the best part that I forgot to say is when you open the closet cuz there scented it just smells sooooooo nice and fresh!!
Jenny says
Well Jenny can attest that Shari does love her baskets. I too am a basket lover. I don’t like any basket though. I’m kind of picky, they all have to coordinate with each other. I don’t like mixing and unmatching.
org junkie says
So nice to know I’m not the only freak around that gets giddy over this stuff. Shari those baskets sound FANTASTIC! I’m loving the tags too!
mom of 2 says
As with plastic totes…I too love baskets. I especially love the lined baskets. They cost a little more, but when they are on the kitchen counter (as mine are) they look so nice. I’ve also got a lined one by the front door to hold ball caps, soccer balls and such in the winter and gloves, hats and scarves in the winter.
Honey says
OK, I really want to see pics of all your baskets. I am an unorganized person who desperately wants to be organized. I started using the Sterilite tubs (with lids/handles) on bookshelves for the toys and stuff. I have 2 little ones almost 2 and 3 1/2, and it is just so hard to get rid of their stuff especially knowing there may be more children ahead. So thanks for the push to weed out MORE. I hope you will share the baskets! I want baskets in the family room. We have a homemade long toybox, but baskets would be better!