
Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran
Newspaper as Packing Material
Pack delicate items. Wrap frames and figurines with several pieces of newspaper, and then crumple the remaining sections to fill extra space in the box.
Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran
Dental Floss as Picture Hanger
Hang a lightweight painting. Wrap one end of a strand of floss several times around one of a pair of screws or hooks attached to either side of the back of the frame. Wrap the other end around the remaining screw or hook, leaving some slack. Knot the ends and hang from a nail.
Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran
Clothespin as Refrigerator Magnet
Turn your fridge or stove hood into a memo board. Glue a magnet to the back of a pin and use it to hold reminders, invitations, and photos.
Levi Brown
Cereal Box as Drawer Organizer
If you're the flaky type, cereal boxes (including the single-serving minis) can corral desk-drawer chaos. Slice off the tops and the bottoms and fill them with loose odds and ends.
Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran
Clothespin as Cord Holder
Keep a retractable cord from rewinding too soon. Just clip the cord near the opening to prevent the cord from being sucked back in too quickly.
James Wojcik
Soda Bottle as Pasta Measurer
Said good-bye to soda? Fill the mouth of a dry 20-ounce bottle with uncooked spaghetti; the opening holds enough for a hearty single serving.
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Silverware Holder as Bathroom Drawer Organizer
Use a utensil tray in your bathroom drawer to keep small items like tweezers, nail clippers, and makeup brushes organized. Submitted by: Margaret2580
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Hanging Wash Bag as Cord Storage
Store chargers, power cords, and extra headphones in the clear pouches of a hanging jewelry organizer. You'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for and packing your tech is that much easier. Submitted by: jloper
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Magazine Files as Kitchen Storage
Corral boxes of waxed paper, aluminum foil and plastic wrap in a magazine file. Submitted by chels926
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Metal Magazine Rack as Towel Holder
Roll pool towels and store them vertically, so your kids can grab one before taking a swim.
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Luggage Tag as Decorating Aid
Avoid decorating mistakes. Tuck fabric, wallpaper, and paint swatches inside so you can ensure a perfect match.
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Paper Clips as Wrapping Paper Holder
Use paper clips to keep wrapping paper from unraveling.
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Cake Stand as Counter Organizer
Curb countertop clutter. Drop keys and bills on the stand instead.
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Tie Rack as Mail Organizer
Prioritize bills and mail in a rack positioned flat on a desk or countertop.
Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran
Cake Stand as Display Stand
Show off. Display small photos and mementos, which look more important on a platform.
James Baigrie
Shoe Box as Holiday Light Storage
Trim off the edges of a shoe box lid and wrap string lights around the flat cardboard. Then slide the whole thing inside the box. This will keep lights untangled and tidy during the off-season.
Aya Brackett
Accordion Folder as a Glove Compartment Organizer
Store your car insurance, registration, manuals, and maps in a neatly bound holder to avoid an avalanche of papers every time you reach in for your sunglasses. It's the first step to getting your car chaos under control.
James Wojcik
Clipboard as Place-Mat Holder
Hang a clipboard on the wall (or inside a cabinet) to clamp down on place mats—and that old “I can’t find them!” excuse from the person setting the table.
John Lawton
Apple Container as Ornament Storage
Store delicate tree decor where the fruit once went to protect items from bumps and bruises. (You can also use wine boxes or egg cartons.)
Monica Buck
Baking Sheet as a Memo Board
Set the baking sheet inside a 16-inch plate hanger mounted to the wall. Make sure the sheet is magnetic―so good ideas will stick.
James Wojcik
Rubber Band as Canister Measure
Stretch a rubber band around an opaque container. Each time you scoop out the flour or coffee, move the band down to mark the supply level. No need to lift the lid while making your grocery list—you can see how much is left in a snap.
Aya Brackett
Zippered Bed-Linen Bag as Art Supply Carrier
Stash supplies for scrapbooking, knitting, or sewing in one of these sturdy, transparent pouches so all of your materials and tools are in one place.
Monica Buck
Binder Clip as Linens Organizer
Store sets of napkins clipped together and they’ll always be ready to set the scene at dinnertime. You'll restore order to
your linen closet and save minutes searching for elusive matching colors.
Mark Lund
Business Card Organizer as Gift Card Holder
Reduce handbag clutter by catalogging the family’s club cards and gift cards according to store name. Your back will thank you for toting a lighter wallet around.
Mark Lund
Cassette Case as Cord Organizer
Neatly coil the cords of your small, tangle-prone cables and earbuds and tuck them into the empty plastic holder. If you have several, label each case with a sticker for clear identification. It'll be the end of crossed wires.
John Lawton
Cast-Iron Pan as Recipe Board
Hang a skillet on a kitchen wall and you’ll have a convenient magnetic spot to display recipes, important reminders, and anything else your brain is too, well, fried to remember.
Aimee Herring
Chip Clips as Clothes Hangers
Hold small coats in place on adult-size hangers. Use clips with rubberized grips to help items stay put. Not only will you have an organized coat closet, but you'll save money by not having to buy special kids' hangers.
Antonis Achilleos
Clothespin as Hanger
Use clips to prevent silky sleeveless shirts and dresses from slipping off the hanger. And you can say goodbye to wrinkled sundresses on the closet floor.
Monica Buck
Coaster as Drip Catcher
Catch the sticky stuff from bottles and jars in cupboards. No more shelves that require a full wipe-down after every spoonful of honey, slather of jam, or glug of olive oil.
Frances Janisch
Coat Rack as Jewelry Holder
Store your best-loved (and most frequently worn) necklaces and bracelets within easy reach on a wall-mounted coat rack. Bonus: they'll stay tangle-free when not decorating your neck.
Frances Janisch
Contact Lens Case as Pill Storage
Easily transport non-prescription pills without all the bottles. Pop it into your handbag and you'll have a headache remedy handy when the man in seat 7A drones on about his herniated disk. Plus you'll keep pills out of contact with everything else in your purse
Gemma Comas and James Merrell
Wine Corks as Cabinet Silencers
Silence cabinet doors that slam by slicing a cork into thin disks and sticking them onto the inside corners of cabinets to
muzzle the closing noise.
James Wojcik
Cupcake Carrier as Knickknack Organizer
For the 359 days of the year when you’re not hauling cupcakes, use the cups to store jewelry or craft supplies.
Andrew McCaul
Desk Organizer as Cupboard Divider
Sort cookie sheets, cutting boards, and jelly-roll pans in the kitchen for easy access (and no more cymbal-crashing sounds) in an overstuffed cabinet.
France Ruffenach
Dustpan as Toy Herder
Scoop up small toys―Lego blocks, jacks, Barbie shoes, plastic soldiers—with your dustpan and brush, so you can reclaim your living room for grown-ups.
John Lawton
Earrings as Pushpins
Face it: That long-lost earring is probably gallivanting with a wayward sock in Ye Olde Land of Misplaced Items. (What a stud!)
Let its lonely, abandoned mate rebound as a pretty thumbtack on a bulletin board.
Courtesy of reader Bailey Mulholland of Appleton, Wisconsin
Kirsten Strecker
Eyeglasses Case as Manicure Kit
An unused glasses case makes a convenient storage spot for nail files, clippers and other manicure essentials while on the go.
Sang An
Picture Frame as Key Holder
Framed hooks will keep keys organized―and looking decorative. Eliminate the glass and paint the backing or cover it with fabric or paper. Then attach the key hooks using an extra-strong glue.
Sang An
Picture Frame as Refrigerator Art
Your icebox images will pop once they’re no longer buried under lists and bills. Give them an edge by gluing magnet strips to the backs of small frames, elevating snapshots and postcards to art.
Sang An
Picture Frame as an Earring Organizer
Showcase your gold hoops, pearl drops, and chandeliers with this clever caddy. Here's how to make it:
Beatriz da Costa
Garden Hose Holder as Holiday Light Organizer
Coil strings of holiday lights round and round for knot-free hall decking. Your reward: You won’t blow a fuse trying to hang next year’s light show.
Antonis Achilleos
Berry Basket as Bathroom Storage
Corral bathroom essentials in an eco-friendly (but still pretty) caddy.
Jim Franco
Binder Clip as Cord Holder
Keep a windowblind cord out of reach of little hands (or paws). Just gather the cord up at a safe level and clasp.
Antonis Achilleos
Dish Rack as Art Supply Organizer
Organize coloring books in the main basket and corral crayons, pencils, and markers in the silverware holder.
Antonis Achilleos
File Folder Labels as Cord Identification
Attach adhesive file-folder labels with the names of the cords' owners (for example, phone, computer, fax, and lamp; or TV, DVD, VCR, and phone) near the plugs. This way, you can quickly ID which cord belongs to which machine—and you won't unplug the wrong one.
Mark Lund
Film Canister as Stamp Dispenser
Unspool stamps by cutting a slit in the side of a film canister and threading the end of the roll throught it.
William Abranowicz
High Chair as Mail Holder
Free up some counter space by using a clip-on high chair as mail catchall. Great solution for rounding up keys and stashing mail and permission slips.
James Baigrie
Jar as Knicknack Organizer
Superglue the lid to the underside of a cabinet and gather bits and pieces—thumbtacks, say, or nails—into the jar itself. Then screw the jar into the lid to whisk clutter up, up, and away.
Kathryn Barnard
Jewelry Box as Game Piece Storage
Store game pieces, play money, or other priceless rainy-afternoon distractions.
Antonis Achilleos
Jewelry Box as Drawer Organizer
Those little boxes are so sturdy and tidy that you hate to throw them out, so don't. Instead, clip them together to create a neat divided storage area for pens and pencils, lipsticks, plastic flatware—whatever it is that clutters your drawer.
Anna Williams
Nonskid Rug Pad as Trunk Mat
Prevent produce from bruising on the way home from the store. Give grocery bags traction in the trunk of a car by lining the compartment with a pad.
Burcu Avsar
Nonskid Rug Pad as Drawer Liner
Stop pens and paper clips from rolling to the back of a desk drawer with a layer of liner.
Kevin Kochey
Nonskid Rug Pad as Breakfast Tray Liner
Make glassware stay put on a serving tray, so breakfast in bed doesn't lead to mopping up orange juice in your pajamas.
James Baigrie
Paper Clip as Phone Book Marker
Find the number for your favorite restaurant faster by clipping its page in the phone book.
Aya Brackett
Paper Clip Dispenser as Bobby Pin Holder
Corral bobby pins and hair clips in a paper clip holder. The magnetic ring makes them easy to dispense.
James Wojick
Paper Plates as China Protectors
Prevent good china from chipping by layering paper plates between each piece of your formal dinnerware.
James Wojick
Paper Towel Tube as Cord Organizer
Corral unruly comptuer cables by running them through a spare tube.
Andrew McCaul
Pasta Maker as Paper Shredder
Run junk mail and private documents through the device and turn the crank.
Monica Buck
Pencil Eraser as Wall Protector
Anchor artwork against the wall. Cut erasers from a pair of pencils and glue them to the bottom corners of a frame for added stability.
Frances Janisch
Peppermint Tin as Tissue Holder
Fold a packet inside the tin to keep tissues dry and intact in your purse or beach bag.
Monica Buck
Photo Album as Business Card File
File frequently used business cards in a brag book (two will fit in each slot) for a purse-ready Rolodex.
Aya Brackett
Photo Album as Renovation Helper
Stash fabric swatches and paint chips in the album so you can make sure that lamp matches perfectly before you get it home.
David Prince
Photo Box as Jewelry Organizer
Organize delicate jewelry by placing necklace chains, charms, and small earrings in individual vellum envelopes inside the box.
Andrew Mccaul
Photo Tree as Recipe Holder
Orchestrate a multicourse meal by displaying all the recipes you need on a single stand so you never miss a beat (or an ingredient).
Mark Lund
Plastic Trays as Boot Holders
Contain rain-boot runoff by placing a tray near the entryway when wet weather descends.
Antonis Achilleos
Plastic Wrap as Box Handle
Carry unwieldy packages by twisting several feet of wrap into a sturdy rope, tying it around a box, and knotting the rest into a handle.
Anna Williams
Rocks as Coat Rack
Construct an outdoorsy coat rack. Use a polyuerthane-based glue (try Gorilla Glue) to attach rocks to old drawer knobs, then screw the knobs into a plank of wood and mount it on a wall at eye-level in an entryway.
Solutions Book
Rocks as Bookends
Keep books straight on a shelf. Add an earthy vibe to your reading collection by subbing in large smooth rocks for bookends.
Antonis Achilleos
Shoe Box as File Storage
Give unattractive filing cabinets the boot and store all bills and documents inside shoe boxes covered in decorative paper.
James Baigrie
Shoe Organizer as Gift Wrap Storage
Arrange gift wrapping supplies so you can easily locate bows, ribbons, scissors, and tape.
Formula Z/S
Shoe Organizer as Spice Rack
Organize the spice cabinet by transferring canisters to the pockets and mounting the holder inside the pantry.
Kirsten Strecker
Shower Curtain Rings as Scarf Storage
Sort and hang scarves by threading them through rings hung on a closet rod.
David Prince
Spice Containers as Office Supply Storage
Use these squat, clear-topped jars (sold at kitchen supply stores) to keep all those loose bits cluttering your desk drawer—stamps and Post-It notes, thumbtacks and rubber bands, safety pins and stickers—under control.
Anita Calero
Spring as Desktop Organizer
Neatly file bills, mail, and invitations between the coils on your desk.
Annie Schlechter
Step Stool as Shoe Organizer
Rest your soles. Store shoes on the tiers of a stool in the closet.
Beatriz Da Costa
Suitcase as Linen Storage
Keep off season linens and other decorations in a suitcase when you're not traveling.
Antonis Achilleos
Twist Tie as Wire Gatherer
Streamline tangled cords. Shorten a too-long one by looping the center and wrapping with a tie, or secure several cords together.
Aya Brackett
Velcro as Pet Bowl Securer
Keep Fido’s bowl from migrating away from its designated spot with a few pieces of Velcro on its bottom side.
Antonis Achilleos
Velcro as Toy Storage
Inspire housekeeping habits that will stick. Affix the rough sides of a few strips to the wall, and the soft sides to the backs of stuffed animals. The act of putting away toys will gain all-ages appeal.
Antonis Achilleos
Velcro as Remote Controller
Help the remote from getting swallowed up in the couch cushions by adding Velcro to the device and on the side of the TV.
James Baigrie
Velcro as Cushion Keeper
Stop a seat cushion from tumbling off a chair by adhering strips of Velcro to the bottom of the cushion and the top of the seat.
James Baigrie
Velcro as Pen Minder
Place a small piece of Velcro next to a desk calendar and on a pen so you’ll never have to search for one again.
Monica Buck
Window Box as Towel Storage
Roll several cloths and stack in the box in a guest bathroom so no one has to poke around in your cabinets hunting for them.
James Wojick
Wine Rack as Magazine File
Roll up the most recent issues and slide into the spots usually reserved for your favorite reserves.
James Wojick
Wire Hanger as Ribbon Dispenser
Dispense ribbon for wrapping gifts. Untwist the hanger—or pop out the cardboard-tube bottom of a hybrid hanger from the dry cleaner—and slide on spools for easy storage.
Rick Lew
Zippered Plastic Bag as Packing Material
Cushion precious cargo in a box. Before closing it all the way, slide a straw into the top, and inflate. Then remove the straw and completely seal the protective bubble.
Alexandra Rowley
Duct Tape as Luggage Tag
Make your suitcase easier to identify. Stick a few pieces of duct tape to the sides of the bag to avoid the usual "Is that mine?" routine at the baggage carousel.
James Wojick
Funnel as Twine Dispenser
Dispense yarn or twine at a craft station by placing the spool inside the funnel and pulling the end through the hole.
Alexandra Rowley
Packing Tape as Nut and Bolt Holder
Gather loose bolts and nails in the garage by sticking them to a length of tape and layering another piece of tape on top.
Alexandra Rowley
Painters Tape as Snack Sealant
Preserve family-size packages of snack foods. Painter's tape is best because it allows you to seal and reseal a cereal or chip bag without losing its tack.
Annie Schlechter
Basket as Summer Carryall
When you’re ready to hit the beach, just throw everything in a large handled basket and take off. Or, for backyard barbecues, line it with a plastic garbage bag, then fill it with ice and beverages.
Alexandra Rowley
Ice-Cube Tray as Jewelry Storage
Each ring, necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings gets its own cubby when you use an ice-cube tray to organize your baubles. Trays can be stacked in a drawer for a multitier alternative jewelry box.
Monica Buck
Butter Knife as Curtain Weight
A butter knife can perform the same job as those little weights that help unruly window treatments hang properly. Just slip the knife inside the opening created by the hem.
John Lawton
Knobs as File Pulls
Make hard-to-maneuver files easier to remove from high shelves with the help of pretty knobs (available at home stores). Punch a small hole in the file with the tip of a pair of sharp scissors, push in the knob, then secure it from the inside with a small screw and nut.
Mikkel Vang
Ladder as Newspaper Holder
Keep your papers in check―and mimic the look of the wooden racks in library reading rooms―with a painted ladder propped against the wall. Drape newspapers over the rungs and let them hang until you're ready to toss them into the recycling bin.
Mikkel Vang
Ladder as Accessory Display
Why keep pretty printed scarves and beloved beads tucked away? Dispatch a ladder to artfully display some of your favorite things―and to introduce color and patterns into a room.
Mikkel Vang
Ladder as Towel Rack
Instead of installing a typical metal rack to hold your towels, enlist a ladder made of bamboo (or some other wood that can withstand humidity) to do the job. No tools required.
Mikkel Vang
Ladder as Kitchen Shelving
All you need is a folding ladder and some lumber (pine or poplar, cut at least ¾ inch thick, works well and can be easily painted). Then follow these steps:
Formula Z/S
Lightbulb Carton as Photo Protector
Protect photographs when you send them via snail mail. Flatten the corrugated cardboard box, then slide photos of loved ones (the true lights of your life) inside. Grandma will appreciate the wrinkle-free snapshots.
Burcu Avsar
Lingerie Bag as Extra Storage
Stash swimsuits or sports bras in a mesh bag, thread a hanger through one of the holes, and hang in your closet. Finding all those little bits and pieces will be a cinch.