i-spy: inexpensive organization solutions

success = i nursed our daughter back to health from the terrible stomach bug and kept the boys from getting sick.

failure = didn't have as much success keeping myself from getting sick.

what can you do? mommies can't win them all.

silver lining is i don't have the stomach bug. what i have is (what i think is - because mommy hasn't been to the dr yet) a terrible sinus infection.

anyway, with daddy / hubby home for the weekend and mommy under the weather, projects were left undone. instead of sharing a project today, instead i'm sharing awesome, inexpensive organization solutions i've spied over the last few weeks.

not only do i enjoy keeping a tidy and organized home, but i really love finding great org solutions for a small investment. i've done many projects in here with re-used materials, but sometimes if we have a bigger project we pull out the pocketbook and buy something. no problem - it's fun to do that. but when you're on a budget, it's nice to know there are still low-cost options available. i'm able to easily find great solutions for little money. so, if you are gearing up for some early spring cleaning, check these out before they are gone!

i'm a gluten, i admit it! after i discovered these cool $1 compartment organizers (4 in the set for $4) at the home depot, i went back to buy more. especially after hearing from many of you that your local home depot wasn't selling them....

call it me being a "cautious shopper". ha! i'll use any excuse :-)

i used these to organize the small things in our office as well as our daughter's doll house accessories. but because there are endless ways to use compartment organizers like these, i grabbed 2 more sets. while in the home depot, i discovered several more varieties that are just as awesome. they have an 11" 21-compartment organizer for $4... 

 a 9" 9-compartment organizer for only $3...

they even sell an 11" 20-compartment organizer for $8...and it's waterproof (which might be why it's a bit more costly)...

and if you have a lot of little things, here's a 14" 27-compartment organizer for $5...

the 14" organizer compartments are customizable as well...

apparently i'm part bear...notice my claw-like vanna white hand...

i love these compartment style organizers because while they keep your small things contained, they also keep them orderly. nothing worse than having all of those small things rolling around with each other. the point is to get organized and not frustrate yourself even more.

last week i popped into the $1 spot at my local target to find some great little org solutions. the $1 spot always seems to offer something organization-related, but the colors spoke to me this time and i was inspired to share.

i love these colorful plastic containers...

hard to tell but there is a stack of pink containers sitting to the left of the pretty blue color. great for organizing your drawers or small toys.

these are fabric bins that are great for holding practically anything, even toys like i did in our playroom...

i love the pattern on this accordion-style pocket folder...

there were many colors and patterns to choose from. and they had large and small sizes too. great for receipts, financial info, scrapbooking papers/stickers, school papers, or blogging project notes if you're a blogger. :-)

these medium-sized plastic buckets are great for holding small balls, toys, or pet supplies...

how cute is this...

it's a mini-version of the caddies i purchased in the $1 a few years ago. great for small office supplies, tiny craft supplies, crayons or pencils...so much more. 

on this target trip, i snagged 5 of these cute and colorful tin buckets...just $1 each...

you'll see soon how i used these in our home.

and on the same target trip, i discovered itso...

i couldn't wait to get the set home to organize our daughter's doll house accessories.

praying these clearance prices aren't a sign that the martha stewart line at staples is going bye-bye. someone tell me it isn't so!? if you've been wanting to purchase a few of her products but couldn't handle the hefty price tag, now might be a good time to buy. i found great prices at our local staples.

metal-rim tags for just $.50 (originally $2)...

adhesive brass bookplates for just $1 (originally $4.99)...

and 84-count removable color-coding labels for just $1 (originally $3.99)...

what a deal for beautiful office and home organization supplies!

there are so many places to discover great low-cost organization options --- the dollar store, michael's, grocery stores, hardware stores, office supply stores. you don't have to spend a fortune in your local container store...although i totally understand how fun it is to roam the aisles there.

when i find great deals as i'm out and about, i often snap a photo and share it on my facebook page. it's a great way to quickly share a find/deal with all of you. if you aren't a fan over there, i'd love to have you! and if you'd like to see more photos - some organization related and some personal - join me on instagram. i've been having fun on instagram lately sharing photos like these...

my valentine's gift from my hubby - a bunch of new la perla comfies. these are my absolute hands-down favorite lounge pants. you will become addicted if you buy!...

up late working with my favorite office-mate...

and i recently shared my excitement about a much-needed (!!) new purchase we made...

i'd love to have you follow me on instagram....i've enjoyed seeing a glimpse into your life too...because i do click through to see who you are and what you're up to. :-)

(i linked up with my uncommon slice of suburbia, not just a housewife, a bowl full of lemons, org junkie)