Unbound Avenue

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Bins, Baskets & Labels, Oh My!

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Ella Carter

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My Go-To Storage Systems That Don’t Look Ugly

If you’ve ever shoved clutter into a random drawer and whispered “out of sight, out of mind” like it’s a spell, same. But friend, what if your storage could actually look good and keep you organized?

No more neon plastic bins that scream “college dorm.” No more mismatched baskets that make your home feel more chaotic than calm. We’re talking storage that’s functional and cute—because you deserve both.

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1. Bins That Blend, Not Battle

Let’s start with the unsung hero of every tidy home: neutral bins. I swear by linen, jute, and woven textures in shades of cream, gray, or natural browns. They go with everything and instantly give that calm, curated vibe.

My favorites:

  • Foldable linen cubes for closet shelves
  • Woven baskets for blankets and toys (aka “the pretty clutter”)
  • White IKEA storage bins for under-bed magic

✨ Quick win: Matching bins = visual calm. It’s like spa-day for your eyeballs.

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2. Labels So Minimal They Could Be on Pinterest

You know that chaotic moment when you open a bin and find everything except what you’re looking for? Yeah, we don’t do that here.

Minimalist labels = life-changing. I use clear sticker labels with simple text (think: “Cords,” “Seasonal Decor,” “Snacks I Hide from My Kids”). Bonus: it satisfies that deep need for aesthetic order.

Tools I love:

  • Cricut machine for custom vinyl labels
  • Label maker with a clean sans-serif font
  • Pre-made Etsy labels if you want the lazy-girl hack

🔥 Pro tip: Label everything. Even the stuff you think you’ll remember (spoiler: you won’t).

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3. Open Shelving That’s Actually Pretty

Yes, open shelving can feel like a commitment—but when done right, it’s like giving your stuff a place to shine.

The trick? Mix practicality with style:

  • Stack matching bins on the bottom row
  • Add a few pretty things up top (plants, books, framed art)
  • Group items by color or category to avoid chaos

Great for:

  • Mudrooms (hello, grab-and-go baskets!)
  • Home offices (pretty + productive)
  • Bathrooms (rolled towels + labeled jars = spa-core)

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4. Systems You Can Actually Maintain

If a system’s too complicated, it’s not going to last. (Looking at you, 12-color-coded folders that gave me anxiety.)

Instead, I keep it simple:

  • One basket per person for shoes by the door
  • “In Progress” vs. “File Away” trays for paper clutter
  • Snack bins in the pantry labeled “Mom’s” and “Everyone Else’s” (because boundaries)

💡 Reminder: The best system is the one you’ll use without thinking about it.

Read: How to Create a Lifestyle That Feels Unbound

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Favorite Finds That Work Hard and Look Cute:

  • Set of 4 collapsible linen bins – Amazon
  • Minimalist pantry label set – Etsy
  • Metal + wood open shelf unit – Target
  • Woven storage baskets with handles – H&M Home

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Final Thought: Clutter Isn’t the Enemy. Chaos Is.

Storage isn’t just about hiding stuff—it’s about creating a system that makes your life easier and your home feel like a sanctuary. So let’s retire the ugly bins and bring in the chic. Because you deserve a home that works for you and looks good doing it.

Ready to makeover your mess?
Tell me: What’s your biggest storage struggle? Drop it in the comments—I’ve got a bin for that. 😉

Want more practical pretty things? Come hang out at Unbound Avenue, where we design spaces, systems, and lifestyles that let you feel totally unbound.

📌 Pin this for later when the clutter strikes again.

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