Enough storage space is, of course, the Holy Grail of any household. But solutions to the problem are probably littering your closets and cupboards right now. Use monochromatic boxes, wooden crates, berry baskets, and empty jars to stash anything from mementos to old files, paper clips to dried spices.

Boxes

You don’t need to buy fancy fabric-covered storage boxes. Raid your closet for an attractive array of shoe boxes, which can hold photos, stationery, or old letters, then stack them on your bookshelves. Combine them with hat, shirt, or gift boxes in other sizes. Affix labels noting the contents; create consistency by using the same labels and ink color.
RS Tip: Use sturdy boxes in the same or complementary colors, with matching lids.

Wooden Crates

Take crates that once teemed with clementines or old flea-market finds originally used for wine bottles and convert them into storage for towels in the bathroom or T-shirts in the bedroom. (Don’t worry — they won’t look like the plastic milk crates that held your record collection in college.)
RS Tip: A single crate provides useful, efficient storage in tight spaces. Two or more together look like a piece of furniture.

Berry Baskets

To display things like cotton balls and extra soap in the guest bathroom, you could spend $30 on baskets made to look as if they had once held fresh raspberries — or you could just use baskets that actually did. Spray them with a mild disinfecting cleaner, such as Lysol, to ward off mold and critters.
RS Tip: Use at least two baskets to hold similar objects, rather than mixing one basket with another container, such as a porcelain bowl.

Glass Jars

For a clean, fresh look, use clear jars (and glasses) of various heights and shapes to hold office or sewing supplies.
RS Tip: Save jars with interesting textures or shapes, such as those from preserves, anchovies, and fancy mustards.