What You'll Need
You don't need to spend money to get your kitchen organized. I'm serious. Over the last few weeks, I've been sharing renter-friendly organization ideas, and a lot of you asked for budget-friendly — or better yet, free — options. So here are 11 ways to organize your kitchen using things you'd normally throw away.
- Empty rice and flour bags
- Old clothes (too worn to donate)
- Small cardboard boxes (snack boxes, shipping boxes)
- Large courier boxes
- Brown paper bags
- Chip or shuttle boxes
- Plastic zipper pouches (the kind kids' clothes come in)
- Empty glass jars (pickle, honey, etc.)
- Empty tin or plastic containers (ghee cans work great)
- Vinyl sheet in wood texture (optional — I had it lying around)
- Scissors and a cutter
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Rice Bag Baskets
Those empty rice and flour bags are surprisingly strong. Cut off the top, turn the bag upside down, and start folding the open edge downward. Keep folding until it forms a little basket. I cut a piece of brown paper to line the inside so it doesn't get dirty. Use these for storing onions and potatoes on your counter, or keep them in your fridge drawer to separate vegetables.
2. Old Cloth Cleaning Wipes
Got old clothes that can't be donated? Cut them into small squares. Doesn't matter if they're perfectly shaped. Keep them in a jar or box on your counter. Use one to wipe something down, wash it, and reuse it. Or toss it if it's too dirty. Either way, you're saving money on paper napkins.
3. Zipper Bag Organizer (from a Small Box)
Take a small rectangular cardboard box and open it up. Flip it inside out so the plain side faces out. Mark the middle points on the top, cut them, and fold the box closed. Cut a piece of cardboard half an inch smaller than the box's width and length. Place your zipper bags and freezer bags in there. Now you can grab one without the whole pile falling apart.
4. Napkin Dispenser (from Another Small Box)
Remember those plastic clips on baby wipe packets? Don't throw them away. Open a small box, flip it inside out, and mark where the clip should sit on the wider side. Cut that section out, close the box, and snap the clip in place. You've got a napkin dispenser. Use it for paper napkins or your old cloth wipes.
5. Large Courier Box Baskets
Open a big courier box completely. Cut the side edges from the top. Mark handles — I did mine at 1 by 3 inches — and cut them out with a cutter. Flip the box inside out so the plain side shows. Close it up. That's it. No covering with cloth or paper. I used these to organize spice packets and extra pantry stock. Looks clean and works great.
6. Brown Paper Bag Baskets
Cut the top corners of a brown paper bag and fold them inward. This makes the edges thicker and stronger. You've got another basket. I used one to hold kitchen towels. Easy to grab when you need one.
7. Chip and Shuttle Box Organizers
Empty chip boxes are perfect for small stuff. I put paper straws in one. Cut another box in half, shortened it, and used it for silicone muffin liners.
8. Mini Baskets from Small Boxes
Cut a small box in half, flip both pieces inside out, and close them. You get two small baskets. I used one for rubber bands, binder clips, chili flakes, and fennel. Poked two holes in it, hung it on the cabinet door. Works for coffee pouches and tea bags too.
9. Plastic Zipper Pouches
Those zipper pouches that kids' clothes come in? They're strong and have a hanger on top. I used a small one for snack clips and a large one for kitchen appliance manuals. Hung both on the cabinet door. Easy access, no money spent.
10. Glass Jar Makeover
Remove labels from empty pickle or honey jars and clean them. I had a vinyl sheet with a wood texture lying around — you can use brown paper or gift wrap instead. Cut circles slightly bigger than the lids, remove the backing paper, place the lid on top, and make cuts around the edge with scissors. Fold the pieces inward. Boom — wood-textured lids. I use these jars for dry fruits and nuts. They look as good as the wooden-lid jar I bought.
11. Tin or Plastic Container Makeover
Take an empty ghee can or any similar container. Cut a piece of vinyl sheet (or paper) to fit around it. Roll the container onto the sheet to stick it. Make cuts at the bottom, fold the extra inside. Do the same at the top. You've got a container that looks like wood. I use mine as a spatula holder on the counter.
What to Watch Out For
- When flipping boxes inside out, make sure the plain side is what shows. The printed side will be hidden.
- For the vinyl sheet trick, measure twice. You don't want to waste material.
- Plastic zipper pouches work best on cabinet doors where you can reach them easily.
These organizers cost me nothing. It just took a little time and willingness to look at trash differently. Which idea are you trying first?
