A new use for...

I've spent more money on organizational and storage items for my apartment than I would like to think about.  Its maybe a sickness- there is just something about going to the Container Store and getting all matching jars for my pantry.  Again, a sickness I told you.

But you don't always have to shop at the Container Store to get storage and organizational tools.  I found this restaurant supply store online and with a little creativity you can organize on a budget!

These are just a few of my favorite regular kitchen supply items and how I would use them

a plain old cookie sheet can be used for lots more than baking

making a magnet board for your office or organizing a drawer

Living in New England its guaranteed to snow every year.  That means boots and dragging snow and salt into the house.  Place a lined cookie sheet next to the door as a dumping ground for your boots.

Who couldn't use more glass jars around their house?  I love these simple jars and I would use them in the kitchen pantry, in the linen closet to store small items, in the laundry room to collect loose change and other items left in pockets, in the office to store supplies (wouldn't rolls of tape look so much cooler stored in a glass jar rather than the ugly paper boxes they come in) and numerous other places.  Buying these in bulk is a great way to save money on them as well.

I've been a little obsessed with bakers twine lately.  I told my husband I wanted a twine sampler for Christmas and he thought I was on drugs.  Needless to say I didn't get it, but I really do still want it.  Using sugar dispensers would be a great way to store it so that its ready in a moments notice.

Acrylic risers are a great way to increase shelf in your pantry or closet.  I love how Martha used them in her medicine cabinet shown here

There are so many different wire baskets available at restaurant supply stores.  These can be used in any room in your house.  The handled ones might be my favorite.  I would use them to store extra toilet paper or in the pantry for potatoes or onions.

I am trying to use less paper products at home. I've made reusable rags and floor cleaning pads and on my to-do list is to make some napkins out of scrap fabric.  This acrylic napkin holder would be perfect for a pantry to organize any reusable rags or napkins.

This sugar packet holder is super cute and it would be perfect on a desk for supplies or on a dresser for jewelry.

While these plain white cups aren't as pretty as Martha's they do the same job.  I would line the drawer in some colorful fabric to make up for the colorless cups, and then go to town organizing all my jewelry.

I don't suggest buying candy in bulk if you have my self control, but these stackable dispensers are great.  In a pantry to hold nonperishable or packaged items or in a workroom/craft room to hold supplies, I would love a stack of these.

(Photos BHG, Martha Stewart, Good Housekeeping, Twine holder and Restaurant Equipment Solutions)