I LOVE the idea of taking something and using it for a purpose other than what it was originally intended. It makes me so happy. I first saw this idea below back in February when my sweet friend Kim sent me this magazine. The magazine has an article about bargain storage and one of the suggestions was to take an old plate rack/holder, hang it on the wall or door and stock it with folders for sorting bills, mail and receipts, etc. I can also see it being used for the kid’s school papers. Take a look:
You can go here to read the full article at Better Homes & Gardens.
Isn’t that fantastic! So imagine my surprise then when I was going through all the 30 Day Organizational Challenge entries and discovered that one of the participants had actually done this! I noticed it immediately. Cindy from Life with Littles used this idea in her newly organized scrapbooking space to hold photo albums. She has kindly allowed me to share the picture with you here:
Too, too cute! I am definitely going to be keeping my eyes open at the thrift stores for one of these.
Have you been able to re-purpose something to come up with a creative organizing solution? I would love to hear about it.
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ohh, I like this. I am now thinking of where I could hang one…
thanks for sharing
Oh, I know I have one of those guys somewhere! Now to just remember where…
Love that idea!
I bought one of those at the dollar store – the “real” dollar store where everything is $1. You might check there!
Mama Says
I thought for sure the magazine was going to be Real Simple. They have a monthly feature called New Uses for Old Things. I’ve discovered some of the cleverest ideas there. You’d love it!
I absolutely love this idea. With no real mudroom and a tiny laundry space, finding a place to put all my children’s school papers and pieces of artwork has been a real struggle. It seems it just ends up in various piles in the living room. This sounds like a great way to deal with that neatly!
Oh yes, that is a wonderfully cute idea! I’m going to keep my eyes open for something like in my stores. =)
Oooh, I like this idea too! That is so cute.
This question is off subject from your organizing device. I have rubbermaid tubs filled with baby clothes from my daughter and son. I know I will have more kids but I am running out of storage space. I kept a few good things from my daughter’s wardrobe and some from my sons. I am finding it harder and harder to let go of their clothes. Is this an illness? haha I don’t want to lose control. Can you offer any organizing help or am I too far gone?? :o)
Oh, that’s clever, Baby. Clever. Too cute. I’m so glad I found you. Even if I do just 10% of what you suggest, I’ll be so organized compared to my level of org right now. :)
Morningsong, I’m going to post about handling kids clothes one of these days. It’s on my list I promise! Hopefully I can help :)
Laura
I LOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing this and showing the picture for us visual people ;)
makes me want to go take the plates off my racks!
That is a great idea! It would use up a narrow wall space so efficiently. I probably could find a few of those places around here!
Laura – cute idea. Thanks for including the original article as well as some other pictures. I found a plate rack at the dollar store a while back and picked it up (even though I didn’t have any plates to display–I am definitely my worst enemy when it comes to clutter. Ha).
Duckabush Blog
What a great idea – and BHG.com has so many others! What a great resource.