The BEST Dollar Store Organization HACKS

If you love getting organized, but you don't want to spend a lot of money, you are going to love these dollar store organization HACKS! With a few dollars, and a couple of minutes, you can make you life much easier.

The dollar store has the best bins, hooks, and organizations... and don't be afraid to you common products in unconvential ways.

Check out this video for all my favourite products, tips, and tricks.

Do you have any organization HACKS to share? Do you have a favourite from this video? I have more tips and tricks, so if you are interested, let me know, and I'll get to work on another video.

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Organizing Kitchen Drawers... with CHEAP dollar store bins

Recently, I painted my lower kitchen cabinets. The process required me to empty my drawers, so it only made sense to take the opportunity to organize my drawers when I put them together. Today, I'm sharing my BEST tips and the DOLLAR STORE products I used. (I have a short video too!)

I had already organized my utensil drawer, but these four drawers (between my stove and refridgerator) were a mess!

The first step was to sort through the drawers and get rid of all the items I no longer used. Then, I figured out how I wanted to organize the items I had left, took some meaurements, and headed to the dollar store.

I used dollar store non-slip kitchen liner in all the drawers.

Then, I arranged dollar store bins in the drawers.

I put the items I use infrequently in the back, and the items I use most often in the front. I also focused on placing like items together.

This is my top drawer.

In the second drawer, I placed napkins, oven mitts, dish towels, etc..

I used the third drawer for baking supplies. Again, I focussed on using dollar store bins to put like items with like items.

Finally, I placed all my cookbooks in the bottom drawer. Easy peasy!

For a closer look at my organization hacks, take a look at this short (2 minute) video. And if you don't already, subscribe to my YouTube channel so that you don't miss out on any of my fantastic videos. 😀

Are your drawers in need of a bit of organizating? I hope you find these tips helpful. Have fun!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

6 Genius TIPS and DOLLAR STORE PRODUCTS for organizing under the KITCHEN sink

I love getting organized... but I never seem to have a lot of time or money to invest. So, I'm always on the look out for cheap dollar store solutions that work well. Today, I'm sharing the tips and dollar store products that REALLY worked for me.

Here's a peek at the BEFORE. Pretty bad, right?!?

And here's how I fixed it...

1) I emptied the cupboard, gave it a good cleaning, and covered the bottom with contact paper.

I used these wipes (from the dollar store for cleaning).

And I used this contact paper to cover the bottom of the cupboard. It is only $1.25 at the dollar store, and it makes the area easier to clean... and it looks better.

2) I assessed the space, and headed to the dollar store to get bins and baskets for the items I needed to organize. These two baskets were inexpensive, and worked well for storing items I don't use often in the back of the cupboard. I can just pull out the basket for easy access when I need them.

3) This tall and narrow container fit perfectly into a narrow space at the front of my cupboard. I used it for my dishwasher tabs so they are easy to grab every time I need them.

4) These stackable baskets are perfect for using the vertical space at the front of the cabinet. I purchased two, and filled them with the items I use most frequently.

I organized everything, and inserted my garbage can, and here's how it turned out. Pretty great for a little time and money, right?!?

5) I also put a couple of hooks on the door. They are easy to stick on, and they are perfect for hanging items like cleaning spray and scissors. I can now grab them quickly and easily any time I need them.

6) The dollar store towel racks are also great, and I hung one on the outside of my cupboard door. It's a perfect place for my dishcloth.

For a closer look at how I organized under my kitchen sink (and the inexpensive products I used), take a peak at this short (under 5 minutes) video.

What do you think? If you have a genius idea for organizing under the kitchen sink, let me know. I'm always looking for new, easy, and inexpensive ways to make my home more organized!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in my interior door painting tips and tricks here.

Top 10 Things to Buy at the DOLLAR STORE for Summer

I love summer... and it's a perfect time to pick up some great items from the dollar store. Today, I'm sharing my top 10 Dollarama finds, tips, tricks, and DIYs for summer. You're going to love these!

1) Garden stakes - These garden stakes are inexpensive, versatile, and sturdy. They are great for hanging solar lanterns. I also love them by a fire pit to hold all the necessary s'more supplies.

2) Organization tools - I love these chalkboard plant markers as bin labels. They are cheap and easy to use. The vacuum bags are great for storing items too. They are fantastic space savers!

3) Seasonal glassware - The dollar store always has fun seasonal glassware options. This year, I'm loving this little watering can for my tiered tray and this super-trendy iridescent glass.

4) Bird feeder - The dollar store has many options for feeding feathered friends, but I love this clear one. It attaches to a window, so it's perfect for birdwatching from inside the house.

5) Wasp deterent - I know this is a weird one, but I am a believer in this inexpensive item. Last year, we had a wasp nest under our porch, and after I put up this fake nest, the little pests disappeared. I was skeptical at first, but it really worked for me.

6) Summer lights - The dollar store has a large variety of fun summer lighting options. I love the solar lights and paper lanterns, but I also love this cheap option. The fairy lights are attached to a cork that can be inserted into an empty wine bottle. It's a fun option for a patio light.

7) Discounted name brand cosmetics and toiletries - The dollar store has a large variety of name brand cosmetics and toiletries at fantastic prices. My favourites right now are this Dove cream and this lip balm with SPF. Perfect for summer!

8) Galvanized buckets - The are many galvanized buckets optios , but this one is my favourite right now. It's flat on one side and has a fantastic rope hanger. I've already DIY'ed one for summer, but I bought extra ones for Fall and Christmas too!

9) Summer bags - There is a cheap bag for every style preference at the dollar store. I love this knit, ombre bag... but go to the dollar store and choose what YOU like. I guarantee you'll be able to find something to suit YOUR taste.

10) Plant pots - I love the large variety of planters available at the dollar store. There are tons of different colour, size and style options. I love the brightly coloured ones and the faux concrete options. They can be used for plants, but I transformed one of mine into a tabletop fire bowl. What do you think?!?

For a closer look at my dollar store finds (AND HOW I USED THEM), check out this YouTube video I made for you.

What do you think of my dollar store finds? I hope I've inspired you do pick up some inexpensive goodies and use them in creative ways.

 

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also like the summer DIYs and free summer print here.

BEST Ideas for Preserving and Organizing Special Pieces of Kids' Clothing

In my home, January is all about "getting organized", and sentimental items always pose a particular challenge for me. When it comes to kids, "special" pieces of kids clothing can be difficult to part with, so today, I am sharing some of my best ideas for preserving and organizing the clothes that kids have outgrown.

1) Keep a few special pieces... but be ruthless. Just keep the items that you can't bear to get rid of... the ones with sentimental value. For example, a Christening gown, the outfit they wore home from the hospital, their favourite t-shirt as a toddler, etc... Each one of my boys has ONE tote where I keep some school work, special toys, and a couple of pieces of clothing. When they leave home, they can take their tote with them.

2) Make Christmas ornaments - I love the idea of turning important items into Christmas ornaments. Consider: filling a clear bulb with a baby hat and bracelet, sewing an ornament from a piece of clothing or special blanket, or popping a piece of material into an embroidery frame.

3) Create unique artwork - Special items can easily be turned into unique artwork. Frame a jersey or stretch a special t-shirt and staple it over a piece of canvas. It's also a good idea to frame an outfit with a picture of the child wearing the clothing.

4) Upcycle old clothing into something new - Old clothes can easily be upcycled into something new. Consider making a no-sew tote bag, scrunchies, sachets, face masks, headbands, scarfs, eye pillows, stuffed animals or pillows. 

5) Sew a memory quilt - I don't have the sewing skills to make one, but I think it's a great idea. Maybe I'll put it on my "to do" list.

What do you do with those pieces of kids' clothing you can't bear to part with? Do you think you'll try any of these ideas? I hope I've given you a bit of inspiration today.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)