Guest Guru: Veronica Mayo – Be a Basketcase! 5 Tips for Organizing with Baskets

Be a Basketcase! 5 Tips for Organizing with Baskets

By Veronica May of Vemayca, LLC

There is one organizing accessory that is very under-estimated: Baskets. There are blue baskets, yellow baskets, baskets in every shape, size, and color, so no matter if you’re traditional or contemporary, you’ll find baskets that match your decorating style. Baskets are relatively inexpensive and I bet most of us have several tucked away, taking up valuable closet space. So why not use them to get organized? This post will be devoted to becoming ridiculously organized using baskets.

Bedroom Closet:

Baskets help keep closets organized and neat. I purchased my closet baskets at the most unlikely store: Babies R Us. They have a great selection in pretty and feminine colors. Baskets can hold a variety of items that you want to keep close at hand, but hidden away. I use my baskets to store hats, headbands, small purses, and even camisoles. I highly recommend labeling each basket.

Bedroom:

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary and kept be clutter- free and inviting. A few carefully placed baskets around the room will create a more tranquil space. For example, if your nightstand has a bottom shelf, consider a basket to store medications, magazines and books. I love baskets that have lids covered in fabric because they can be stacked and add a pop of color to your décor.

Linen Closet:

Linen closets get disorganized fast. I discovered the best way to keep everything in order is to place towels and sheet sets in baskets or plastic bins. Sheets that belong to my bed are labeled, “Queen Bed.” When it comes time to change the sheets, all the pieces are conveniently located in one container. I can’t tell you how much time this has saved me over the years. This same process works great for bath towels, wash clothes and hand towels. Overnight guests will also appreciate being able to find towels quickly (and be amazed at how organized you are too).

Home Office:

Keeping a home office organized is a challenge; it’s hard to keep all the office supplies neat and organized. Space is limited and paper seems to multiple overnight (I really don’t understand the paper thing, since I have made a real effort to go paperless). All my incoming mail is placed in a bright orange basket that was given to me as a gift (so this basket was free!). All the bills and junk mail stay in the basket until I am able to handle it by either: filing it, acting upon it or simply tossing it out. Baskets can also be used for keeping electronic cords organized and out of the way.

Guest Bathroom:

My mother gave me a wicker basket from the island of Madeira many years ago. I had a hard time figuring out what to do with it, until I got the idea to use if for organizing wash cloths on my bathroom counter. Whenever I see the basket, I think of my mother (which is always wonderful) and my guests appreciate having their wash cloths so accessible and beautifully displayed.

Other quick organizing solutions for small baskets: entry way to store keys and mail, living room to store remote controllers, bathroom to organize makeup, and in the kitchen to store cookbooks. You get the idea!

Where to find beautiful baskets: Garage sales are a great place to find interesting and inexpensive baskets. Not the right color? No problem, simply paint them to match your room. Old baskets can be relegated to the garage for improved storage and organization.

Veronica Mayo is a former American Airlines marketing executive. After leaving the corporate world, she launched Vemayca to design and sell her own line of luxurious and super soft cosmetic bags. The concept for the cosmetic bag with a removable liner was based on her extensive travels and her love of organization. Her favorite household appliance is her labeling machine. In addition to her duties as the President and Founder of Vemayca, LLC, Veronica enjoys writing about her travels, organizing and being an entrepreneur.