If organizing your apartment sounds like a snore, make it more fun by using unusual organizing tools and accessories. Apartment organizing doesn’t have to mean plastic bins and label makers. Get creative and try organizing with tools that suit your personal style.

Try different containers
Apartment home organizing is not limited to giant plastic containers shoved under the bed. There are many more organizing tools available than most people imagine; you can even work with what you already have at home. Instead of a plastic tub, try using decorative wicker baskets that enhance your décor, and instead of buying custom containers, save money by looking at the items you already have in your pantry. An old ice cube bin is great for containing small items. Over-the-door shoe organizers are handy for storing bras or socks. Use a vintage mixing bowl on your kitchen counter to hold bags of potato chips. The key is to examine the size and shape of the items you are trying to organize and figure out what containers could possibly hold them. Anything goes as long as it helps you stay organized.

Shop unexpected stores
Another secret to finding unique organizing tools is to try shopping at new places other than your usual storage stores or home decor departments. Branch out and visit some different shops for organizing ideas. If you stray from the expected departments or retailers, you’ll discover numerous apartment organizing solutions that may work better for you than the standard items you typically see on the market.

Pet stores have oodles of containers. How cool would it be to stash your hair accessories in a fish bowl? Hardware and tack stores are also a staple for finding eclectic organizing tools.  Who knew that feed troughs make excellent toy boxes? Terracotta pots also work wonderfully for storing office supplies like paper clips and pens. Next, hit the beauty supply merchant for tiny tools like ponytail holders to corral your loose cables. Kitchen shops are stocked with containers that are often perfect for use in other rooms. Dishpans make fantastic “drawers” when you use them to store small items on a closet shelf. Divided silverware trays come in handy in the bathroom to organize first aid supplies.

Experiment with a new location
In addition to searching for unusual organizing accessories, you might find inspiration by changing up your routine. The next time you perform a routine task, notice if your current organization set up is efficient or could use a change. Don’t default to storing items in the standards spots, for instance, but consider organizing items based on where you personally use them. If you always put on and take off your shoes by the door, hang a shoe rack in your coat closet, instead of your bedroom closet. Try hanging your bike from the ceiling in your foyer, so it’ll be handy when you head out the door to work. And if you like to read during your bubble bath, set up a library in the loo.

Organizing tips from professionals are excellent, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things. Use materials you like and consider your own personal habits to create unique organizing tools that suit your lifestyle. You might get so good at it that you could start your own creative organizing business!