Many thrifters have particular items they look for on thrifting outings. For my sister, these are quality garments, vintage Monet jewelry, and purses. She has curated impressive collections, and her closet is a wonderland of top designer pieces.
For me, it’s all things metal and mechanical, vintage suitcases and trunks, quality textiles that can be harvested for use in other projects, and natural baskets.
I ALWAYS look through the natural baskets for quality, well-constructed, woven baskets. Well-constructed, structurally sound baskets can be washed and sanitized, so don’t worry too much if they are dusty. I wash mine in my utility sink with hot, soapy water and about 1/4 cup of bleach. After a thorough rinse, I allow them plenty of time to dry, placing them in the warm sun whenever possible.
My husband’s typical response to my basket hauls sounds like this: “Good Lord, woman, don’t you already have enough baskets!?”
Well, that’s a tricky question to answer. How many baskets are enough?
Because of their versatility, aesthetic, and availability in a wide range of sizes and shapes, I can ALWAYS find a use for a good basket.
Case in point: we have a desk area in our kitchen. It has built-in cubbies. Though quite handy, these cubbies became drop zones for bits and bobs, cords, keys, unopened mail, coupons, you name it! What was designed to help organize clutter collected more clutter and looked messy. By adding natural baskets that fit neatly into the cubbies, clutter is hidden, and the cubbies look neat and tidy. Though these 3 baskets were purchased online specifically for the exact sizes required for a neat fit, most of my baskets are bought from charity shops.
Our laundry closet was fitted with a nice vertical stack of shelves to house soap, bleach, dryer sheets, starch, and unmatched socks. Though closed behind bifold doors, the assortment became visible once the doors were opened. A collection of mismatched baskets, roughly the same size and shape, organized the space and made it quite attractive.
The same solution was used in the closet of our primary bedroom.
The cubby space was likely designed for shoes for the home’s previous owner. However, we didn’t use this space effectively until we added an assortment of baskets. Now, each basket organizes ties, belts, T-shirts, and socks.
Finding a set of matching baskets is a real treat. This set of three baskets looks like it was designed for this space. They file away my assorted T-shirts by category: long-sleeve light colors, long-sleeve dark colors, and short sleeves. The T-shirts stay nicely folded and are filed rather than stacked.
This rather large basket became the solution for storing bulky sweaters.
Speaking of closets, look at my studio closet, where baskets are most dramatically effective.
Like most crafters, I have collected many materials and supplies. It is essential to organize these items and make them easily accessible. Thrifted natural baskets, cigar boxes, and vintage suitcases work well for this purpose, lined along the shallow shelves in my sewing closet.
This matching basket set works well in our mudroom. Items we don't use every day are stored on a shelf above our ready bench. Winter gloves and hats fill two baskets, while our dog's assorted accessories fill another. A whole lot of clutter is neatly stored away.
In some spaces, having many baskets is unnecessary. In my bathrooms, I store extra towels and soaps in a single basket or two, keeping them close at hand.
Though not purchased from a thrift store, these two large baskets were well worth their retail prices.
Quilts and afghan throws are rolled up for easy access on a cold evening.
This long, shallow basket works well on top of the media cabinet. It softens the television’s hard, cold edges and is a catch-all for remotes. The two small baskets, which house yoga blocks and stretch bands, fit nicely on the lower shelf.
Though most of my baskets are put to use hiding clutter in plain sight, I also use them to store items inside cupboards. Here, canning lids and cookie cutters stay organized beside a basket of potatoes.
While on your next charity shop and thrift store hunt, look through the basket selections for sturdy, well-made baskets that you can use to beautify and organize your home.
All photos by Paulette Rodriguez
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