Organizing with Square Cubes

 

When we moved to WillowBridge, the biggest thing we gave up (in terms of space) was storage. We did not have an attic. We didn’t have an abundance of storage closets. And while the building had a shed out back, and we were able to utilize the loft shelf inside, we didn’t have our own full storage in that way either. We sold and donated many things simply because we didn’t have a place to store them, unless we rented a storage unit, which we did not want to do. My parents graciously housed our long-term storage memories (childhood, etc.) in their attic, and we were grateful for that gift.

            But it wasn’t just attic space we lacked. It was interior storage, too. And that was when I learned about the gift of storage cubes. The building had a couple of wooden square storage shelves, and we borrowed one for our office. We purchased the cubes that fit inside, and I haven’t looked back. We left behind the wooden piece when we left WillowBridge, but we’ve since gotten one of our own, and these cubes in all their uses throughout our home have been a great fit for us.

            I don’t know if these are the exact ones we purchased, because it’s been about three and a half years since we chose them, but they’re similar, anyway. I like the sturdiness of these cubes. They do collapse for storage, so if you have one or two you aren’t using, they aren’t taking up a ton of space, but they also hold their shape nicely. I had purchased a couple of Dollar Tree versions earlier for other storage, and they were so flimsy that they didn’t hold their shape.

            Along the way, I also bought a set of these wooden tags to mark what is stored inside each cube. I just write on them with permanent marker. I’ve used both sides of some because I’ve changed what I’ve stored inside. I like how they look!

            Today I thought I would show you how we use these cubes. Maybe they could work for you too!

·         One cube holds some of my laundry supplies. The steamer, stain remover, dry cleaning bags – those sorts of things. We don’t have an enclosed cabinet to store things in our laundry space, so this allows the strangely shaped and somewhat unsightly things to hide out of sight. I can still easily access them.

·         I keep four of them in my bathroom on a metal shelf from IKEA. My vanity does have pretty good storage in it, but it’s not enough for all my supplies, so the cubes help! One holds my headbands and curling/flat irons, so I can easily find those tools and accessories while I’m getting ready. Another holds my hairdryer, diffuser, and hairbrush. One holds all my nail polish and other manicure supplies. And one holds my skin care and makeup – and my brushes, too. I can reach into any of those while I’m getting ready and find exactly what I need. But from a distance, the room looks tidy!

·         We also have some of these in our office to hold office supplies. One is dedicated to notebooks (empty and partially used). One holds cups of pens, pencils, and highlighters. (Those things multiply, don’t they?) One holds our big tape rolls and other mail-packing supplies. One holds envelopes and cards that I keep on hand in case I need to send something. I have one for my speaking props and table supplies. (Makes it easy to find when I’m ready serve at an event.) I have one for cardstock and folders. Another keeps track of all our games. (We don’t have a ton, but it neatly corrals the ones we do have.) And the last one holds my tablecloths. I typically only use them for my book tables at speaking events or if we have to put up a folding table here, outside, for holding food when hosting.

I love it that these cubes so neatly stash the stuff that has odd shape to it or that would just look like clutter if we had it sitting out. I love the polished look and the tags that remind me what I can find where. This works for us!