Andrea Dekker

Favorite IKEA Products

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One of my most Frequently Asked Questions is, “What are your favorite organizing products and tools?”

I’m not sure I have a single all-time favorite product {although I do love baskets} but this past weekend, Dave and I went to IKEA for the day. Now I remember why I LOVE that store — they have so many great storage solutions!

I wanted to buy everything in the store, but I have pretty good self control {and a really small car} so I didn’t! But I did see a TON of great storage pieces for extremely reasonable prices and I’ve put together a list of my top-10 favorites.

1. Magazine File — $1.99 for 5: I love these, not only because they are so ridiculously cheap, but also because they are an excellent way to conceal paper clutter. And even if you don’t have one piece of paper clutter in your home {right}, you can still use these to hold phone books, directories, school notebooks, small photo albums, etc, etc. Do I need to keep going? These are great!

2. Plastic Bags — $2.99 for 50: OK, so these are a tad more expensive than the plain zip-top bags you find at the grocery store, but aren’t they adorable! I love using these for craft projects or for giving food gifts. They are also great for special school lunches or as goodie bags for a birthday party. The possibilities are endless.

3. Storage Tins with Lid — $3.99 for 3: I love how versatile these storage tins are. They are pretty enough to sit out but small enough that I can hide them anywhere. I like using them as creative gift wrap {who wouldn’t love to receive a gift in one of these tins?} And they are cheaper than buying wrapping paper or expensive gift bags.

4. Fabric Storage Boxes — $9.99 for 6: These boxes solve a number of storage problems from the junk drawer to the bedroom closet. Personally, I like arranging them in my closet or my dresser drawers to store socks, undies, tank tops,etc. I would love to use them in my kitchen but our drawers aren’t deep enough.

5. IKEA PS Locker/Cabinet — $99: LOVE this! I am completely obsessed with the juicy red color of this cabinet. But even if you don’t like red {it comes in white too}, you can still visualize how cool this would look in a garage, in a child’s bedroom, playroom, or even just with a huge TV on top, right? And there is a TON of useful storage inside.

6. Ektorp Bromma Footstool — $149: If you are like me, you probably think that $149 is a little expensive for a footstool. However, this is MUCH more than just a foot stool; it’s an ottoman, a coffee table, AND a storage chest all in one. It also has a removable slipcover {multiple colors available} so you don’t have to worry about spills. And if you are patient enough, you might just find one like ours on Craigslist for a fraction of the price! LOVE it!

7. Cable Organizer — $10: How many cables and cords do you have cluttering up your counters right now? A bunch right? I hate the look of ratty cords hanging around, and this $10 cable organizer eliminates most, if not ALL our cords. The reason I like this organizer more than others is because is has a removable “lid” so you can easily access all your cords but still keep them hidden.

8. Metal Bin with Lid — $14.99: These 4-gallon metal bins are SO adorable. I love the colors! They are great for a child’s room, or any other project that needs a bit of color! I also love the lids. I see a lot of metal bins in stores, but they rarely come with lids…and I don’t like to see the clutter inside.

9. Dog Tail Hooks — $1.99: I love all types of hooks because they are a great space-save…but these hooks are just too cute! They are also made of rubber so there are no sharp edges and the colors are great.

10. 365+ Storage Containers — $1.99 – $4.99: OK, confession time; I have these storage containers ALL over our house! They are just so handy. I use them for chocolate chips, M&M’s, coconut, brown sugar, and other baking needs in my pantry. I use them to store sewing and craft supplies in our office. And I think I even have a few out in our shed!

What are your favorite IKEA products?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kellie says

    I would love these, my house house just feels so cluttered, all the time!
    I would use maybe a few for the kitchen….and a few for my Daughter’s room. she’s got plenty of smaller items that need a space to call their own 🙂 I am thinking hair bands/clips/head bands/flowers could fill 2 for sure!

    My Hubby has a lot of small tools that I keep in plastic bags, so I think I would give him a couple too!

  2. JD says

    Well, first I would use them to help us organize and pack up our apartment as we move into our first home next month. Then, once we get there, they’ll be able to help keep us organized- in the office, bedroom and kitchen and hopefully prevent that sprall of stuff as we settle in our new place!

  3. Ericka says

    Hi! I’ve enjoyed reading your site and have a subscription via e-mail now. I don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account (I maybe the only person left who isn’t on Facebook or tweeting on Twitter 🙂 I would love these containers to store some pantry items like flour, sugar, coffee, etc. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  4. Kathryn Littler-Fuller says

    So many uses for these cute containers, but I would use them in the kitchen for things that I don’t use on a regular basis, like brown sugar, coconut,etc. I also ‘like’ you on Facebook.

  7. Michelle H. says

    what a great giveaway!

    i would use the containers to organize my pantry so I could actually find something

  8. Linda says

    I would love to win these storage containers because want to use them to organize my closet. No matter how often I try to organize it, it never fails to start over flowing again. I think if I could orgainize it with storage containers, or maybe shoe box containers, it would look great and then there would be a place for things and things in there place. (is that the saying?) I also need to organize my pantry. I have so many packages that just seem to pile up. I currently put them in baskets, but then forget what in there..so maybe a clear container might be better.
    I have so many things to organize, that I can find multiple uses for containers.
    I liked you on facebook, followed you on twitter and also posted the giveaway and a link on facebook.
    Thanks so much,
    Linda

  10. Dac says

    Ok, so, I seriously need to start a savings fund for an organization trip to IKEA – hmmm….I would find these in the bathroom for pony tails and barrettes that run reckless in the drawers, in the office holding fasteners and paperclips and pushpins, in the boys room to capture all the little treasures from stones to marbles that pile up on their dresser, in the girls room for barbie shoes and house accessories . . . besides in the kitchen for choc. chips and baking soda . . . or the garage for washers and bolts and nuts . . . I think I better stop. Thanks for the opportunity!

  11. Abby Gaither says

    Oh!! I would use them for my son’s crafting supplies and my pantry!!! I love storage!!

  12. Heather says

    My craft supplies are out of control!! That’s what I need storage for right now.

  13. Rachelle says

    So many great uses for the little containers! I think I would start with hair accessories for the little one! Office supplies maybe? My kitchen could definitely use them for snacks and such. I am linked to you already on facebook and will post it now! Thanks!

  14. Amber Nichols says

    I’d love to use these containers to store cereal and crackers and to just get my pantry better organized.

    I clicked ‘Like’ on Facebook and subscribe to your email newsletter. I’m getting ready to post a link here from FB.

    Thanks for this contest and the organizing tips!

  16. Chelsea says

    I would use these great organisers in my pantry, my son’s study area and my living room. So many wonderful things!

  17. Julie says

    Some of them I would use to organize all of Brian’s electronic cords and small parts. Then I would use some of them for my own hobby stuff and just to organize all over the house. I may need to get more of them!!!

  19. Margaret says

    Those containers are so very cool! I’d store candy, my daughter’s cake decorating tips, raisins, pecans, wheat germ, sewing supplies, craft supplies, food for a picnic, dog treats. Lots of other things too.

    I subscribed via RSS.

    Fun!

  20. QuatroMama says

    Awesome post, Andrea! Love all these finds! Need to make an IKEA run pronto!

    Storage is a MAJOR necessity in our home w/ quads. The possibilities are endless – small toys, craft supplies, pantry, car kits, etc.

  23. BhamShopper says

    Wow – I am SO impressed at Ikea’s selection of organizational stuff for the price! Where I am we don’t have an Ikea (I think the nearest is Atlanta), and that makes me sad. 🙁

    I would love to have these to organize my bathroom – I have my hair and makeup stuff in the randomest places, wherever I can find a bag to put stuff, and therefore am always digging around trying to find stuff. These would make getting ready so much simpler and quicker.

    bhamshopper(at)gmail.com

  28. Becky says

    I signed up to follow you on Twitter, and I retweeted, the problem is that I use a different e-mail address for Twitter that I can not use here.

  29. Brielle says

    To organize all the computer pieces that my husband has laying around. (he fixes and rebuilds computers!)

  30. Becky says

    Clutter is the bane of my existence! I can never seem to keep ahead of it! Here is how I would use them:
    1. The magazine file 5 pack: I actually got a metal magazine file to put on my counter to store paper bags that I use for trash and such. It is overflowing. There are some good plastic bags and so on that I keep for the same purpose. I could also use these for additional scrapbook paper storage.
    2. The plastic bags are very cute. I can see more clutter organizers here. I feel compelled to keep the little salt and pepper containers that you get with take-out food. And the ketchup packets, and the crackers you get at Chili’s. I am an “out of sight-out of mind” type of person. At least these storage bags would look a tad more fashionable than a pile of salt and pepper things on top of my microwave.
    3. I am really liking those storage tins with lids. Just think, instead of running around disposing of receipts properly by figuring out what I should keep and throw away, and where I should store the ones I keep, I could designate a tin for each purpose, have them right on the counter where I set my purchases, and be done with the receipt process all at once! I think that would be wonderful! Not to mention those pesky bank deposit receipts. How long do you need to keep them? Until the tin overflows, I guess!
    4. Fabric storage boxes: yes, the junk drawer, but also see both 2 and 3 above. And I never have seen something that would be as perfect as that for keeping vitamin and pill bottles in one place on the counter or my desk! And/or in my drawers where my scrapbook supplies are currently not quite as organized as they should be.
    5. That Ikea locker cabinet is to die for! Red is my most favorite color! I LOVE that! It would look good anywhere in the house! How could it not? And I am forever looking for a convenient place to store the cases of vitamin water that are on sale. I am out of counter space and cabinet space. How perfect! If I won that I would never, ever, ask for anything else in my life ever again! I promise!
    6. The footstool would be perfect for a chair I have in my living room. And since we get take out all the time, what a perfect place to store those extra napkins and plastic ware! And maybe a Greenie or two for the dogs for dessert!
    7. Love the cable organizer! I have two computers, a printer, and 3 ham radios on my desk. I could use that cable organizer and 5 more like it! I have not seen one like that before!
    8. Those metal bins are great! I love bright colors and those fit the bill. Not real crazy about that green color but the others are fabulous! I know just what to put in all of those. We buy in bulk for the girls: Greenies, rawhide chews, Nubs, and all manner of treats. What a great way to store them! Right now they are scattered around in various cupboards and drawers. It’s hard to keep track of the time to reorder.
    9. Those dogtail hooks are cute! Keys, of course, but what a great place to hang my SanDisk flash drives! I have hooks in my office, but not nearly enough and not nearly as cute!
    10. Those storage containers look great! I use embroidery thread for my card making, I need a place to put my few spools of thread and needles, and another great way to keep vitamin and pill bottles organized. I think the question would be what couldn’t you do with those!

    Did I mention that red Ikea cabinet is to die for? Oh!

    Thank you for your consideration!

  31. Abby says

    Ohhh, neat!!!!!

    Hmmmmm, well, I’d use a couple to organize my cardmaking, another for my art supplies, a few to stand on my counter for pretzel sticks and chocolate:) I love the look of the bins, not only would they be handy around the house but a couple would help organize in the barn, color coordinated for easier use. I’d use one for fabric I keep for quilts or rag rugs.

    Gosh……the possibilities are endless!

  32. megan @ whatmegansmaking says

    I’d definitely use them for baking supplies. I’ve got random bags of m&m’s, chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc all over my cupboard and it’s a mess! I love storage containers 🙂

  33. Tamara Sz says

    I’d love to have these for my baking supplies! Right now, my baking cupboard is a mess!

  34. Florence says

    My pantry and my son’s odds and ends need organizing so these would be useful.

    Twitter follower: Just_Writing2

    RT: 9/6/10, 6:26 PM

    Thanks!

  35. Jen @ BigBinder says

    Oh I know exactly what I would use them for! I saw a big Lego organizer at Toys R Us but it was goofy looking, expensive, and kind of bulky. I have been looking all weekend for Lego storage solutions – and finally decided to go to the dollar store and get small containers to put each ‘guy’ in. So the 365+ storage containers are EXACTLY what I am looking for; and I need about that many (kidding…)

    I retweeted your post, I already follow you on Twitter, I liked you on Facebook and I already subscribed to your feed. Fun fun fun!! Love this contest.

  37. Kelli says

    I love those magazine files. I can see such potentials with those!

    If I won the containers, I see many of them going in my kitchen for chocolate chips, M&M’s etc… as you mentioned. However, I forsee one or two of them ending up in the kids “art box”. It seems perfect for crayons, scissors, glue sticks, etc….

    I already subscribe via Google Reader, Like on FB and Follow on Twitter. 🙂 (and thanks for allowing us to mention all those in one comment!)

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