5 Organization Hacks Using Magazine Files

Clutter. It starts with one item and easily cascades into a full blown mess. With a lot more people living in smaller spaces these days, the challenge to keep your home clean and organized has become more apparent. Magazine files are great for organizing because they fit on all sorts of shelves (floating, book shelves, closet shelves, etc.), come in a variety of styles, and can be labelled for future reference.

Here are 5 hacks using magazine files for helping you stay on top of your clutter or tastefully hide it until you can deal with it:

1. ACTIVITY CONTAINER

Do you have a child that loves to start projects and leave them for another day? Use a magazine file to store all the pieces needed for that project. Just make sure you label it so your child can easily find it again!

2. CRAFT PROJECTS

I love to knit, and sometimes a piece involves multiple types of yarn, different sized needles, and occasionally, even embroidery thread. Having a small child means I can't leave projects like this out in the open. Again, use a magazine file to store the pieces when you're not working on it. If you're working on a much larger project, try a storage box instead!

3. TRIP PLANS

If you're like me, it takes a while to plan a trip because you want to get the best value for your money. Once you've paid for items and confirmed bookings print all of your confirmations and place them in a magazine file. Add in any guidebooks, notes, or small special items you may need so when it's time to pack you already know where all the pesky paperwork is! (Always have a paper copy when travelling. You never know when your phone may decide to die or get stolen.)

4. BILLS AND PAPERWORK

If you're a private person living in a small space, you probably don't want people to see your bills and any other paperwork you may have lying around. I love filing cabinets and bankers boxes. They definitely serve their purpose. However, if you like to pile up your bills and receipts till the end of the month a magazine file can discretely hide these items and still leave them easily accessible for you to add that unexpected item that came in the mail.

5. SEASONAL DECOR

I love my wreaths, seasonal floral arrangements, and candles, but they take up an awful lot of precious closet space. Living in a small space does not mean you can't have seasonal decor. It just may mean you may have to downsize your decor, literally. Have at least 4 magazine files, one for each season, and place the corresponding knick-knacks in each so you always know what you have and where it is.

I am actively trying to de-clutter our home, and I use most of these hacks to keep myself organized and my clutter out of sight. It helps me relax and actually enjoy myself in our space. I hope this gives you a few new ideas and I wish you well on your organizing endeavors!

- Elise