Want to know the absolute best organizing bins? The following hacks will keep your bins organized and tidy!
This post is all about the best organizing bins tips that everyone should know about.
For a long time, my collection of bins was more of a mess than a solution. I had bins everywhere — in closets, under beds, in the garage — but they were all random, mismatched, and totally unorganized. I would toss anything and everything into them thinking I was “putting things away,” but really, I was just hiding clutter without any real system. When I actually needed to find something, it meant opening and digging through bin after bin, wasting time and getting frustrated. Instead of feeling organized, I just felt overwhelmed by all the mystery containers taking up space.
Finally, I realized that bins could be a powerful organizing tool if I used them the right way. I sorted everything by category, labeled each bin clearly, and invested in bins that matched and stacked neatly. Now, everything has a designated home, and it’s so much easier to find what I’m looking for without a scavenger hunt. Whether it’s holiday decorations, kids’ toys, seasonal clothes, or craft supplies, I can quickly grab what I need without the stress. Organizing my bins the right way made every part of my home feel more streamlined and peaceful — and it finally feels like my storage is working for me, not against me.
Best Organizing Bins Tips
1. Always Start by Emptying Everything Out
Whenever I’m organizing bins, I start by dumping everything out completely. It’s tempting to just shuffle things around, but trust me—taking everything out gives you a fresh start. It’s amazing how many forgotten or unnecessary items I find at the bottom of bins. Once everything’s out, I wipe down the inside of the bin. Starting fresh makes it so much easier to rethink what actually belongs in there instead of piling clutter back in.
2. Sort Items Into Broad Categories First
Once I have everything out, I start grouping like with like: toys, seasonal clothes, craft supplies, holiday decorations—you name it. Broad categories make it easier to see what you have too much of and where natural groupings exist. I try not to overcomplicate it at this stage. If I get too nitpicky too early, I lose momentum. Broad categories first, finer sorting later. That’s my secret for not getting overwhelmed halfway through.
3. Purge What You Don’t Need Before Repacking
I’m ruthless during the sorting process. If something hasn’t been used in a year, is broken, or doesn’t serve a real purpose, it goes. I keep a trash bag and a donation box nearby. It’s hard to stay organized if you’re trying to manage stuff you don’t even want or need. I always remind myself: the less you own, the less you have to organize. That little mindset shift makes parting with things easier.
4. Use Bins That Fit the Space, Not Just What You Have
For a long time, I tried to make random old bins work just because I already had them. Big mistake. Now, before I buy or use a bin, I measure the space first—closets, shelves, under beds, wherever it’s going. Then I buy bins that maximize the space without overstuffing it. Having bins that actually fit makes everything look cleaner and prevents the dreaded "bin overflow" mess.
5. Label Everything Clearly
Labels are my saving grace. I used to think, “Oh, I’ll remember what’s in this bin.” Newsflash: I never did. Now I label every single bin, even if the contents seem obvious. I use a label maker for a clean look, but even simple masking tape and a Sharpie works. Clear labeling saves so much time when you’re hunting for holiday lights or beach gear months down the road.
6. Choose Clear Bins When Possible
When it’s an option, I love using clear bins. Being able to see inside without opening the lid is a huge time-saver. It’s especially handy for items you don’t need daily but want to access quickly—like art supplies, off-season clothes, or decorations. If clear bins don’t fit the aesthetic you want, I still recommend them for anything stored in garages, attics, or basements where function matters more than fashion.
7. Stack Bins Safely and Strategically
If you’re stacking bins, think about weight and access. Heavier bins always go on the bottom. Items I don’t need often (like winter coats in summer) go deeper into the stack. Things I grab more often (like kids’ sports gear) stay toward the top. It sounds simple, but stacking strategically saves my back, my time, and my sanity when I need something quickly.
8. Use Smaller Bins Inside Bigger Bins
For categories that get messy fast—like cords, craft supplies, or small toys—I use smaller bins inside my larger bins. It’s like creating “zones” within one bin. I even use inexpensive baskets or food storage containers if I have them lying around. This way, everything has a place, and I’m not digging through a pile of jumbled junk every time I open a bin.
9. Create a Master Inventory List for Long-Term Storage
When I store things long-term (like baby clothes, holiday decor, or camping gear), I create a master inventory list. I number each bin (Bin #1, Bin #2, etc.) and write down exactly what’s inside each one. I keep the master list in a folder in my laundry room and a photo of it on my phone. It’s a lifesaver when I’m trying to find the Christmas garland without opening seven bins first.
10. Choose Lids That Seal Well
A good lid makes a huge difference, especially if you’re storing bins in basements, attics, or garages. I look for bins with lids that snap tightly shut. It helps protect against dust, bugs, moisture—everything. Plus, tightly sealed bins stack more securely. I learned the hard way that a flimsy lid can collapse under the weight of another bin, causing a messy disaster.
11. Reserve Prime Spaces for High-Use Bins
I keep my most-used bins in the easiest-to-reach spots. That means kid art supplies are low enough for them to grab themselves, and everyday gear like reusable grocery bags stays in bins right by the garage door. Seasonal bins, backup supplies, and keepsakes go higher up or deeper into closets. Organizing bins based on how often you need them saves me so many headaches.
12. Keep a “Miscellaneous” Bin Under Control
I always end up with a handful of random things that don’t fit neatly into categories. Instead of fighting it, I allow one “Miscellaneous” bin—but only one. When it fills up, I force myself to re-sort it. Having a controlled space for the inevitable random items prevents clutter from creeping back into my organized bins and makes it easy to find that oddball thing when I need it.
13. Refresh and Reorganize Bins Seasonally
At the start of each season—spring, summer, fall, winter—I give my bins a refresh. It’s a great chance to purge what we’re not using, swap out seasonal items, and make sure everything’s still labeled and stored properly. These mini reorganization sessions take less than an hour but make a huge impact on keeping our home organized all year round. Plus, they prevent the bins from slowly becoming a black hole of forgotten stuff.
14. Be Honest About Sentimental Storage
I’m sentimental, but I’ve learned to be selective about what I store. Instead of keeping every old t-shirt or every piece of kids' artwork, I keep the truly meaningful items—and I limit it to one memory bin per family member. When I get tempted to keep everything, I ask myself, “Will I truly want to unpack and display this someday?” If the answer is no, I let it go. It’s not easy, but it keeps my storage bins manageable and filled with things that really matter.
This post is all about organizing bins tips!
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