How to Use Baskets and Bins to Keep Your Home Organized

When it comes to home organization, one of the simplest and most versatile tools you can use is a basket or bin.

These everyday containers do more than just store items—they help define spaces, reduce clutter, and make it easier to find what you need.

Whether you’re organizing a small apartment or a large family home, baskets and bins can transform chaotic spaces into calm, functional areas.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to strategically use different types of baskets and bins in every room of your home. We’ll cover organizing tips by room, how to choose the right materials and sizes, and how to create a system that’s both stylish and practical.

Why Baskets and Bins Are So Effective for Organization

Baskets and bins are a favorite among professional organizers for several reasons. They’re:

Affordable and easy to find
Available in many shapes, sizes, and materials
Mobile and easy to move around the house
Simple to use—just toss things in!
Perfect for grouping similar items together
Capable of hiding visual clutter while still being accessible

More importantly, when used intentionally, they create boundaries for belongings and make cleanup quicker for everyone in the household.

Step 1: Choose the Right Baskets and Bins for Each Space

Not all baskets are created equal. The best choice depends on where you’re organizing and what you’re storing.

Common Types:

Woven baskets: Best for soft goods like blankets or toys; adds a natural, decorative look.
Plastic bins: Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and under-sink storage due to moisture resistance.
Fabric bins: Soft-sided, collapsible, and ideal for shelves or closets.
Wire baskets: Stylish and sturdy; good for pantries or offices.
Clear acrylic bins: Perfect for pantries and fridges where visibility is key.

Size and Shape:

Large baskets: Use for blankets, laundry, shoes, or bulkier items.
Medium baskets: Ideal for books, craft supplies, or toys.
Small bins: Use for organizing drawers, toiletries, and office items.

Measure your shelves or cabinets before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Step 2: Group Similar Items Together

The golden rule of home organization is “like with like.” Baskets help enforce this rule naturally. Grouping similar items together prevents clutter and helps you know exactly where to find (and return) things.

Examples:

Create a bin for cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink.
Use a basket in the entryway for each family member’s belongings.
Place a bin in your closet for belts or scarves.
Sort pantry snacks into categories: chips, nuts, bars, sweets.
Make a labeled art basket for kids’ craft supplies.

This kind of categorization streamlines tidying and reduces decision fatigue when putting things away.

Step 3: Label Everything

Labels take your organization system from “neat” to “intuitive.” You’ll no longer guess what goes where. This is especially helpful in shared spaces where multiple people need to maintain the system.

Ways to label:

Chalkboard labels or tags
Printable adhesive labels
Clip-on labels
Engraved wooden tags
Dry erase labels for flexible use

Label both the basket and the shelf it’s on for extra clarity.

Step 4: Use Baskets and Bins in Every Room

Baskets can help in every room of the house. Here’s how to use them effectively from the entryway to the bathroom.

Entryway or Mudroom:

Assign a bin to each family member for shoes or bags.
Use a tray basket for keys, sunglasses, and mail.
Store umbrellas or gloves in tall woven bins by the door.

Living Room:

Keep blankets in a large woven basket near the couch.
Store remote controls, chargers, and coasters in a small tray or bin on the coffee table.
Use a stylish lidded basket to store extra candles, board games, or seasonal décor.

Kitchen and Pantry:

Sort pantry items into clear, labeled bins.
Use stackable bins for snacks, baking ingredients, or canned goods.
Keep kitchen towels or pot holders in a soft-sided basket in a lower cabinet.

Bedroom:

Use shallow bins in drawers for socks, underwear, or jewelry.
Place baskets under the bed for seasonal clothing or linens.
Add a catch-all bin on your nightstand for books, lotion, or glasses.

Bathroom:

Group toiletries by category—face care, body care, hair products—in small plastic bins under the sink.
Keep toilet paper in a large woven basket next to the toilet.
Use a lidded bin to hide away feminine products or medicines.

Closets:

Label bins on top shelves with items like “Winter Hats” or “Beachwear.”
Use clear bins for accessories or shoes.
Keep one basket for items to donate or return.

Office or Desk Area:

Use drawer bins to separate paperclips, pens, and cords.
Label magazine holders for paperwork.
Add a “To File” bin to keep your desk surface clear.

Kids’ Rooms:

Use color-coded bins for toys by type—Legos, dolls, puzzles.
Create a “school basket” for homework, folders, and supplies.
Place a laundry basket with handles to encourage kids to help with chores.

Step 5: Avoid the Trap of Over-Binning

Too many baskets can become clutter themselves if not used with intention. Here’s how to avoid overdoing it:

Always assign a purpose to each basket.
Don’t use baskets to “hide” clutter you don’t want to deal with.
Empty and reorganize each bin every few months.
Resist the urge to fill every inch of shelf space.

The goal is visibility, accessibility, and ease—not overpacking every corner.

Step 6: Use Baskets for Daily Routines

Integrate bins into your daily habits to increase efficiency:

Have a “Drop Zone” basket for items you carry daily (keys, headphones, wallet).
Place a “Morning Basket” in the bathroom with your skincare and toothbrush.
Create a “Meal Prep Bin” in your pantry or fridge with weekly staples.
Use a laundry bin labeled “Stains” for clothes that need special treatment.

These small systems help you move through your day with less friction.

Step 7: Keep It Simple and Maintainable

The best organization system is the one you’ll actually use. Keep it simple by:

Limiting the number of categories.
Choosing containers that are easy to access.
Using bins without lids in high-traffic areas.
Making sure baskets are easy to lift and clean.

Every few months, revisit each area and do a quick reset. Discard or relocate items that no longer fit and reorganize bins that have lost their structure.

Final Thoughts: Contain the Chaos with Simple Tools

You don’t need a full renovation to create a calm, functional space. With a few well-placed baskets and bins, you can bring order to every room in your home. By grouping like items, labeling clearly, and maintaining a clean visual flow, you’ll build a system that saves you time and energy daily.

Start small. Pick one area—like your entryway or kitchen junk drawer—and try the bin method. Once you see how effective it is, you’ll want to use it everywhere. Home organization doesn’t need to be fancy—just thoughtful, consistent, and tailored to the way you live.