The Best Storage Solutions at IKEA, Starting at $12
Photo by Amy Bartlam; Styling by Kelly Dawson
There’s a reason IKEA is often the place people turn to when clutter has taken over their homes. The selection at this ubiquitous Swedish retailer is extensive, while the prices are reasonable. And as long as you’re not throwing these baskets or shelving units against walls or down stairs, they can last for years.
Whenever my dad comes to visit, he always says something along the lines of, “You’re so neat.” The truth is, there are two things that have really helped me stay organized through the years: Routine cleanouts, and products that keep everything streamlined. Here are the six best storage solutions at IKEA, including a few picks that’ll cost you less than lunch.
Issue: Stacks of blankets everywhere.
Solution: Woven baskets.
IKEA’s woven baskets are aesthetically pleasing and practical, since they can hold a considerable amount of stuff and have dual handles for carting items around. I like that the SANDJORD basket is wide and shallow, ideal for storing blankets in a living room or bedroom without much digging.
Issue: Piles of toys and hobby supplies.
Solution: Square bins.
When it comes to keeping toys and hobby supplies organized, I prefer tall sides that appear more orderly when set on a shelf or surface. And since the TROFAST box comes in a range of colors, you can use them to play with your room’s palette.
Issue: Produce spilling over countertops.
Solution: Pantry baskets.
I also love mesh bins — with lids this time! — to streamline my pantry, and I depend on these for corralling onions, potatoes, and a noodle collection that never seems to get smaller. By making space for these IKEA 365+ storage baskets on a shelf in my pantry, it also means I have a few more inches of countertop for prep, too.
Issue: Skincare products taking over a vanity.
Solution: Rolling cart.
In my many years of writing design stories, this RASKOG utility cart has been a steady mainstay everywhere from budget-friendly Apartment Therapy tours to more designer-led Domino transformations. Its slim profile and simple casters can roll into any room, but I especially like to see this in a small bathroom that has limited storage space. Another option? Using this cart as a kitchen spice rack.
Issue: A giant book collection.
Solution: A wide console.
I have lots of books (cough, English major, cough) and wasn’t quite sure how to store them when I first moved into my 800-square-foot apartment. I was also in the market for a console table for my living room, so I opted to combine the two design problems into one IKEA shelving superstar. The VIHALS bookcase is a trio of shelving units that look like one cohesive piece, making my living room appear cozier and pulled together.
Issue: A chair piled with laundry.
Solution: Swivel hooks.
Everyone has that one chair in their bedroom that gets covered in clean-enough clothes. To break that habit, I recommend installing this stylish KAMPIG three-arm swivel hook near or in your closet to hold items you don’t think are dirty enough for a hamper but could still benefit from airing out. It’s also a place where you can hang tomorrow’s clothes, to be very on top of your game.
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