10 Ways I Organize with Thrift Store Items

Take this list on your next thrifting adventure.

Feb 05, 2025

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At the beginning of January, on the very last day of our 2 week holiday break, I had the sudden and insistent urge to organize our pantry.

I suppose that having 2 weeks off sent me into a bit of a panic before going back to work. “WAIT,” my brain yelled. “We must do one more productive thing before time runs out!”

Because we live in the country and I love to cook, our walk-in pantry is always overflowing. We keep back ups of all our staples, plus lots of whole grains, dried beans, spices, and canned goods.

So when I decided to finally get our out-of-control pantry in order, the first stop was the thrift store for baskets.

The haul was very exciting for all the animals.

Each of these baskets cost about $1. It made me realize how much of my home is organized with secondhand items, so I thought I’d put together a list. It might inspire you to look for some of these things at your local thrift store too.

Personally, I like to keep a thrift store shopping list on the Notes app on my phone, just things I need around the house that I can keep an eye out for. I find this much easier and more efficient than trying to think of a use for items I come across, and results in less waste since everything has a specific purpose.

1. Baskets

Obviously, baskets are at the top of my list. I have them everywhere. Small ones are great for wrangling pill bottles, spices, sample packets, and other little cupboard or pantry items. Large floor baskets keep blankets and quilts.

I got a basket to use as an “inbox” for our kitchen counter, so it would stop getting so cluttered. Duke realized that this is a way to always be at the top of our to-do list.

2. Picnic baskets

I use lidded picnic baskets for things like hand laundry. It keeps the mess out of sight, and the animals (mostly) out of it. I throw some cedar blocks in there to protect any wool.

3. Large swingtop jars

Big swingtop jars are my favorite, but large mason jars are plentiful and useful.

4. Old crocks

Sometimes you can find old crocks like these, which I use to house large utensils. I also sometimes buy fancy french mustard in crocks so I can reuse them when the delicious dijon is gone.

5. Cookie jars

This art deco cookie jar houses dog treats. I just put the whole bag of treats in here to keep them extra fresh, but it looks nicer than a bag and keeps the cats from chewing on it.

6. Trinket boxes

I love to look for old ceramic trinket boxes. I found this one at a Goodwill and keep a lighter for candles inside and a few other things I use daily.

This one (not vintage) is kept near the front door and also houses dog treats so I can grab some on the way out.

7. Silver trays

Trays are infinitely useful and instantly make surfaces feel tidier. I like to look for small silver or pewter ones.

8. Wine glasses

Pretty wine glasses can hold pens, tools, moisturizer, or chapstick. This one on my desk holds a few lip balms and glosses.

9. Old canisters

I often find old kitchen canisters with lids, which can be reused for the pantry of cupboard. This little glass one isn’t in perfect condition, but looks nicer than a plastic bag.

10. Small bowls

I guess this is partially a decorative item, but I look for small bowls to place around the house for keeping small items together. I particularly like footed bowls of all kinds.

And here’s the (mostly) organized pantry, where we can actually find things without digging through a pile of unlabeled plastic bags. I breathe a sigh of relief every time I enter it.