It's the Little Things

Often, it's the little things that bring joy.  Take, for instance, the IKEA RATIONELL VARIERA plastic bag dispenser. The fact that it costs only $1.99 is reason enough to be joyful, but it's also incredibly versatile. This small wonder attaches to the wall with either adhesive strips or screws and can be used for countless organization applications.  First, the obvious: it dispenses bags, just as advertised.  It holds LOTS and LOTS of bags, neatly and accessibly, but here (in no particular order) is a list of some other unexpected uses that I've found.

1. Store wrapping paper – It's the perfect size to hold wrapping paper rolls neatly. I have mine on the inside of a closet door. It works perfectly to keep the rolls in order. If you have the space, you could really go crazy and put categories of paper in each – Holiday, Birthday, All Occasion.

2. Organize toys – It's a creative way to keep tall skinny toys in order in a playroom, like the race track pieces shown in picture #2. Some other toys that fit perfectly: small plastic bats, kids' golf clubs, batons.

3. Create a light – A bedside lamp from a plastic bag dispenser? Yes! Check out "ikeahackers.com" (link below) for instructions on how to make this cool wall sconce.

4. Store craft supplies – Tame unruly balls of yarn, prevent unraveling, and create a yarn dispenser. No more tangled messes! The same principle applies to ribbons as well.

5. Hold plants – I originally saw this idea as a way to keep plants out of reach of cats, but it really does offer an imaginative way to clear pots off the flat surfaces of your home while still enjoying greenery. No cats required to enjoy this use.

Get free organizing tips from So Squared Away!

References:

1. gall-erry.blogspot.com

2. tpcraft.blogspot.com/2012/02/ikea-hack-for-hot-wheels-track.html

3. www.ikeahackers.net/2011/10/low-budget-bedside-lamp.html

4. www.ikeahackers.net/2007/07/crafty-trash-bag-holder.html

5. www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/03/protect-plants-from-cats-with-a-bag-holder/