Many organizing and storage solutions are available, but the simplest ones can sometimes make the most impact. One item that we frequently utilize at Out of Chaos is the plastic shoe box. These versatile containers are valuable tools for organizing and simplifying your home in various ways. And, compared to many organizing tools, they are very affordable. Read on to discover the versatility of the plastic shoe box.

What is a Plastic Shoe Box, and Why Is It So Great?

Simply put, a plastic shoe box is a transparent plastic container with a snap-tight lid. It is the same size as an average shoe box. The dimensions are about 35cm long by 20cm wide and 12cm deep, with a volume of between five and six litres. (The sizes vary depending on the manufacturer.)

Because of their size, they are perfect for organizing and storing smaller items. They are transparent, so you can see what is in them. The bins also stack when full and nest when empty, allowing you to maximize shelf/cupboard space.

Additionally, they are affordable, costing between $2.00 and $5.00 each. (The heavy-duty ones are more expensive.) Often, dollar and discount stores sell single boxes, while hardware stores like Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and Amazon sell them in packages, resulting in a lower cost per unit. Typically, Out of Chaos suggests buying one brand of shoe box and sticking with that brand because different brands sometimes stack poorly with each other.

Here are some ideas if you’re wondering how to use plastic shoe boxes to get your home in order.

Shoes

Many people use plastic shoe boxes to store shoes (obviously). They are the perfect size and transparent, so you can see which shoes are which. Because the bins are air-tight (or almost), ensure your shoes are clean and dry (inside and out) before putting them away. Storwell Storage has great tips on how to prepare shoes for long-term storage. Read more about how Out of Chaos organizes shoes – and see plastic shoe boxes in action!

Bedroom Storage and Organization

The bedroom is a great place to use plastic shoe boxes. Stack lidded boxes on closet shelving to corral accessories like:

• purses, satchels, and wallets
• belts
• scarves and sashes
• seasonal clothing like hats and mittens
• undergarments
• specialty clothing (cummerbunds, sporrans, military accoutrements, etc.)

In children’s bedrooms, use plastic shoe boxes to keep seasonal items (hats and mittens) organized. They are also an excellent choice for storing clothes your infant or toddler has yet to grow into. Plastic shoe boxes are ideal for storing diaper-changing equipment in one spot.

Where to Use Plastic Shoe Boxes in the Bathroom

These containers are great for organizing the bathroom because they are water and rust-resistant and stackable. Generally, they can fit in the cupboard beneath the sink, allowing you to take full advantage of that underutilized area. Here are some things you can store:

• Medications and related items (e.g., thermometer)
• First aid kit supplies
• Eyeglass cleaner and repair tools
• Extra toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, floss
• Menstrual hygiene products
• Manicure/pedicure supplies
• Soaps and skin care products
• Hair care items

Kitchen Storage and Organization

It’s challenging to effectively utilize the space in deep drawers, bottom cupboards, and corner cupboards in kitchens, but plastic shoe boxes can help. Use them to group and contain the following items, then stack the bins neatly on the cupboard shelves.

• Spice and seasoning packets
• Single-serve foods (e.g., drink boxes, granola bars, chip bags, etc.)
• Boxes of zipper-seal bags
• Elastics, bag clips, twist ties, etc.
• Food preparation equipment (e.g., measuring cups, spoons, etc.)
• Parts for kitchen appliances (e.g., mixer heads, dies for pasta maker, etc.)
• Coffee station paraphernalia (espresso maker parts, tea bags, coffee pods, etc.)
• Small condiment bottles, jars, and cans in cupboards and refrigerator

Unless specified, plastic shoe boxes are not meant for food storage, so I do not recommend storing food in direct contact with the plastic container. Also, they tend to become brittle when extremely cold, so avoid using them in the freezer. Invest in similar-sized bins specifically for the freezer.

Harmonize Your Home Office

Home offices tend to collect clutter. Use plastic shoe boxes to store office supplies, like pens, markers, and sticky notes. You can even give each “office worker” (i.e., your family members) their own bin without worrying about your scissors vanishing again. Another idea is to cut a slot in the bin lid and slip your receipts in to keep them from cluttering your desk.

These bins are perfect for sorting and storing your electronics. Assign everyone in your home their own container for the cables and chargers for their devices. You can keep the gaming equipment in order in your entertainment unit with labelled bins, too.

Toys and Games

Caregivers know that toys and games have a way of spreading all over the house. Plastic shoe boxes can help contain the chaos, yet kids can easily see and access their toys because the bins are transparent. Label the bins to make tidy time a breeze. Here are some toys you can store:

• Action figures and their accessories
• Dolls and their clothes (Get creative and turn the shoebox into a doll bed.)
• Blocks (wood, Lego, etc.)
• Matchbox cars
• Games and their pieces.
• Puzzles
• Trading cards
• Any toys with multiple parts

Crafts, Hobbies, and Holidays

Crafters and hobbyists will appreciate the versatility of plastic shoe boxes. They are excellent for sorting and storing beads, buttons, threads, and other small crafting and hobby supplies. Use plastic shoe boxes to transport your essentials to hobby and crafting events easily.

Plastic shoe boxes are great for sorting and storing holiday ornaments and festive items. Because you can easily stack and label them, it will be easier to decorate next year.

Entryway

Entryways get messy quickly – often because there is not enough or inefficient storage space. Plastic shoe boxes can come to the rescue. Use them to store:

• Seasonal items like hats, mitts, scarves. (Give each person their own box.)
• Pet supplies (poop bags, leashes, booties, toys, etc.)
• Shoe polish kit
• Extra shoe laces
• Seasonal car items (scraper, flashlight, extra batteries, etc.)
• N95 and cloth masks (for dust and medical reasons)

Gardening and Hardware

Gardeners can organize seeds, gardening tools, and small plant pots with plastic shoe boxes. You can also use them to sort and store various tools and hardware, such as:

• Parts for machinery and equipment
• Smaller clamps
• Various types of tape
• Paint brushes
• Chisels
• Scrapers
• Small tubes of caulking

If you’re storing heavy or sharp parts in the bins, or if you are storing them in extreme temperatures, invest in ones that are a little stronger.

The Secret Benefit of Plastic Shoe Boxes

You now understand why the Out of Chaos team loves plastic storage boxes for organizing and storing household items. But there is another reason we love them. It makes moving to a new home much more efficient. All you need to do is open the shoe box and stuff in some packing paper to keep the contents from rattling. Then, wrap each shoe box in paper and place it into a cardboard box. Then, when you get to your new home, simply remove the paper and put the plastic shoe box on the shelf. You’re instantly organized!

Although plastic shoe boxes may be humble and inexpensive, their potential to keep your home organized is almost unlimited. Using them to declutter cupboards and closets makes them indispensable tools for simplifying your life. To learn more about home organization made easy, contact the Out of Chaos team today.