Photo: Pottery Barn

Fact: Practical storage is the key to a clutter-free home.

But sometimes it’s hard to figure out the best type of bin for all of your different belongings. That’s where this list comes in!

Here are the top 11 uses for baskets, bins and boxes in your home:

1. Items on Top of Your Fridge

Once the area on top of your fridge is organized, your kitchen will look way different. For this area, check out these storage baskets with handles. They’re easy to grab and perfect for stashing things like coffee and tea, cooking oils, dishtowels and dried goods.

2. Liquor and Wine Bottles

You don’t need a bar cart to organize your cocktails! Use these bottle racks to keep your home bar in check. Tip: If you happen to be the lucky owner of a bar cart, you can still use these racks to get organized!

3. Toy Storage

Fact: If a toy doesn’t have a specific storage place, your children will be less likely to put it away. Designate a toy chest for loose toys. This 3 Sprouts Toy Chest keeps toys out of sight, out of mind.

4. Mail and Magazines

It’s a rookie move to use a mail organizer that takes up space on your kitchen counter. Don’t make that mistake! Instead, get an easy-to-install wire basket organizer that can hang on your wall. 

5. Hats, Gloves and Scarves

If you have a bench or table in your entryway like this one, add tapered, fabric bins that can stash hats, gloves and scarves all in one place. Tip: Add some small, breathable cloth sacks of dried lavender to keep moths at bay. 

6. Throw Blankets

Keep throw blankets and pillows in a wicker basket next to the couch. This will keep your living room from appearing messier than it is, and prevent you from having to neatly fold your blankets after each use.

7. Junk Drawer

Contrary to popular belief, a junk drawer has a purpose. It holds all of your “little stuff.” The secret to an organized junk drawer is these slim storage baskets. Use them to hold spare buttons, matches, rubber bands, safety pins and more.

8. Craft Supplies

It doesn’t take long for your crafting materials to start making their way out of the craft closet. Wrangle your craft supplies with a plastic, lightweight bin.

9. Pet Bed

You're probably not going to store your pet bed during the day, but in some cases you can package it up a little nicer! This basket bed is the perfect place for a little pet to rest. Of course, you can always make your own pet bed with a bit of fabric and an old suitcase!

10. Workout Gear

When looking for the perfect container to store your workout gear, make sure it's made of breathable material. Consider a flexible mesh bin or mesh hamper that can be easily tucked out of the way.

11. Laundry

We couldn’t create this list without including a tip for the classic laundry basket. To cut laundry duty in half, use this hamper – you won’t have to waste any time sorting! 

Photo: West Elm