Whenever I tell someone that I am an organizer, the first thing they say is, "oh, so you use all kinds of baskets to make closets look pretty, right?" Well, they're partially right, but that is not something I do very often. In fact, I am a huge proponent of the plastic bin.  I cannot tell you the number of times that I have been to Target to purchase these plastic bins. Of course, baskets are pretty and fun, but they are also expensive. The bins I like to use cost from $1 to $8, and vary in size from 6 quarts to 66 quarts.

I like using plastic bins for several reasons. First, as I have already mentioned, they are affordable. When someone hires me to help them organize, the last thing I want to tell them is they have to spend another several hundred dollars for "pretty" baskets or other fancy organizing containers. Second, they are clear, so you can see what is in them. Even though the bins should always be labeled with its contents, it is still helpful to be able to see what is inside. Another advantage of using plastic bins is that they are stackable. This is very helpful so as not to waste vertical space, as on a shelf or in a cabinet. Lastly, a bin can be used as a make-shift drawer in cabinets or on shelves. This way, when you are looking for an item, you do not have to reach to the back of the cabinet, knocking things down on the way, you simply slide the bin out of the cabinet as if it were a drawer.

So now that I have convinced you that the plastic bin is the way to go, I am sure you would like to know what to do with them. The possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas on how you can use them in virtually every room in your house.

In the bathroom

One shoebox size bin (6 quart) or 16 quart rectangular bin for each of the following categories:

1. Dental Care - toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, etc.
2. Skin Care - lotions, bath gels, etc.
3. Hair Care - shampoo, conditioners, sprays, gels, mousses, etc.
4. Hair Accessories - hair bands, bobby pins, barrettes, etc.
5. First Aid - bandages, cortisone, antibiotics, thermometer, etc.

In the kitchen pantry

One shoebox size bin (6 quart) or 16 quart rectangular bin for each of the following categories:

1. Spices
2. Seasoning packets
3. Drink mixes
4. Grains - rice, quinoa, etc.
5. Quick Snacks - granola bars, fruit snacks, etc.

In the bedroom closet

One 16 quart or 56 quart rectangular bin for each of the following categories:

1. Scarves
2. Belts
3. Hats/Caps
4. Purses

In the garage

16 quart or 56 or 66 quart rectangular bin for each of the following categories:

1. Sports Equipment (or a bin for each specific sport)
2. Gardening supplies
3. Automotive Supplies
4. Paint Supplies

(I also am a proponent of metal shelving units in the garage to store the bins on.)

In the laundry room

One shoebox size bin (6 quart) or 16 quart rectangular bin for each of the following categories:

1. Light bulbs
2. Batteries
3. Pet Supplies

In a craft room or closet

One shoebox size bin (6 quart) or 16 quart rectangular bin for each of the following categories:

1. Paint Supplies
2. Stickers
3. Pens/Pencils
4. Crayons/Colored Pencils
5. Tapes/Glues

You get the idea. When similar items are grouped together, put in a container, and assigned a "home", you will always be able to find what you are looking for. Certainly, there may be places in your home where you will want to use a "pretty" basket, like on a bookshelf. However, behind cabinet doors and closet doors, you have to admit - the plastic bin is most certainly, the ultimate organizing tool.