Unconventional storage

My baby was in the NICU for several weeks after he was born. While he was there, he ate from disposable bottles. When he finally was able to come home and were were getting ready to leave, I realized we hadn't washed our bottles at home yet! And, I was concerned that he might not eat well from them since he was used to a different kind. So, I asked if we could bring home some of the disposable ones to hold us over and wound up with tons of these!


When you take the nipple off, you are left with a cute little container that has a lid that snaps shut. Once we were finished using them as bottles, I realized they would be GREAT storage containers for small things! So, I went in search of things to put in them, and found my craft box. It had all kinds of little baggies with things spilling out of them. Now they are contained in neat, labeled containers.


I also included some empty containers with blank labels in the box to make it easy to add things. I love that now I can open the box and instantly see what is inside instead of taking everything out.


I still have more containers, so I'll keep you posted if I find anything else to store in them during our organization quest.

Another idea I have been thinking about is covering cardboard boxes with fabric, wrapping paper, or even brown craft paper to use for storage on top of our bookshelves in the living room. I have been looking for baskets, but haven't found any that are quite right. I haven't measured yet, but I think that diaper boxes or printer paper boxes would work.

Here are a few creative storage ideas I have found on Pinterest. I would love to try some of these. They definitely inspired me to think outside of the box when it comes to organization.

Using a magazine/paper organizer for saran wrap, foil, etc. — this would be easy to slip in a pantry and free up drawer space

(Image originally from Chica and Jo)

Using CD packages for spools of ribbon — genius!

(Image originally from Grosgain)

Using a rake for necklaces — pretty and functional!

(image originally from Twig Home)

Bins for kitties — kidding with this last one, but since I have three cats this was too funny to not share

(image originally from The Ellen DeGeneres Show)

Have you used any unusual containers for storage in your home?

Unrelated side note: I am very supportive of breastfeeding and wanted to very badly. I worked with an amazing lactation consultant who is now a friend and tried EVERYTHING. Sadly, I was not able to produce enough to nurse my baby exclusively, hence the need for bottles.