Let’s say your wallet contains a meager collection of moola. And you live in a smallish apartment or house that others call “cozy”. Or you have limited storage space—as in zero. And you need to store some items that absolutely cannot be squeezed into already jam packed cabinets, shelves, closets, under-bed-spaces and every other possible nook and cranny. Forget storage containers. Not enough floor space. Forget additional shelves. Not enough wall space. Forget cartons. Too depressing–plus too Collyer brothers (if you don’t know who they are and you’re a bona fide member of the pack-rat kingdom, better read up on them before it’s too late).
Enter king size bags…Not the gray plastic, bursting at the seams variety rolled around in shopping carts by the homeless. And not the big brown kind toted home with groceries. No, I’m talking about large, king size gift bags–bags constructed of strong, heavy weight paper in graphic patterns and fresh colors.
The large gift bag I have in my bathroom contains bottles, extra combs, toothbrushes, toiletry travel containers, surplus cosmetics and items I’m not too thrilled to have on display. It fits perfectly into a narrow little corner floor space that could have been designed for it. With its clean, upbeat design, it visually lights up that area. For practicality and a neat look, I snipped off the carrying cords and closed the bag top with clips.
My kitchen gift bag (containing a super duper size package of paper napkins, paper plates and cups) is filled to overflowing, but since it’s on top of a tall cabinet, no one can see all the items jammed inside and sticking out the top. Sandwiched between the wall and glass jars, not enough of the bag is visible to make it particularly noticeable.
I found these gift bags at the dollar store. At a buck a shot for a storage container, they are a great buy. And they’re practical too. Their glossy, heavy weight surfaces make them easy to dust and wipe with damp cloths. And when they wear out, all it takes is a single dollar to cart home another change of pace design.
The strong graphic designs that I prefer seem to be produced mostly in China. With so many of that country’s factories closing left and right these days, especially the ones catering to overseas exports, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the manufacturers producing these tough, good looking bags keep on humming.
More inexpensive storage ideas: Straw Basket Storage in the Bathroom. And another great Dollar Store find: Cape Cod Memories in a Dollar Jar.
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