Whenever I shop, I’m on the hunt for the next hidden treasure — the diamond-in-the-rough piece that’ll meet my specific needs. This is especially true when it comes to organization. I’m a strong believer in the mirror-like relationship between one’s inner state and outer environment, so items that help keep my home tidy (and prevent my space from spiraling into chaos) are, in my opinion, crucial for helping my internal world stay balanced and calm.
I’ve found that Joann, the longtime fabric and crafts retailer, is an incredibly underrated destination for bargain home and organization finds. Its versatile options offer solutions for both day-to-day organization and long-term storage, with thoughtful designs that I’m convinced are consistently more affordable than much of what you’d find at competing retailers. (Even better, they’re having an up-to-60%-off sale on storage items specifically.)
Plus, I’m convinced that Joann’s products are often cuter than those from other sites, satisfying an itch I’m always looking for on Etsy or Amazon but often don’t quite find, especially at such an affordable price range. (I believe this is a reflection of the retailer’s roots in crafting, an inherently creative practice.)
Joann’s practical yet whimsical options are great for those with kids or who, like me, just prefer some fun infused into their everyday household items. Read on for some of my favorite organization picks, many of which are also heavily discounted.
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This 16-inch rolling cart is equipped with a telescoping handle and wheels for stress-free transport of any odds or ends and can store flat when it’s empty. The included lid ensures that the contents stay secure while in transit.
As you probably know, getting your artificial Christmas tree back into its shipping box for storage purposes is simply not going to happen, so you may be on the hunt for a better storage solution now that it’s time for the tree to come down. This thoughtfully designed rolling duffel from Santa’s Bags is about 4.5 feet long and promises to accommodate trees up to 9 feet with the help of the generous U-shaped zipper opening and interior compression straps. (“Fit my 7+ foot tree with room to spare!” commented an anonymous reviewer.)
The reviews section is absolutely overflowing with inspiring images of the kits, bits, bobs, odds and ends that customers have corralled with the help of this portable 14-inch carrying case, which is made in the US. With three removable compartmentalized trays and a top storage tray for larger loose items, it’s a thoughtfully designed storage solution for a variety of crafting needs. Reviewer Chrissie B, who uses it to store manicure supplies, attests to its longevity, having owned similar boxes for over 10 years. If you need more or less storage, you can also get these boxes in 16.5- or 11-inch sizes.)
This clever stacking box comes with customizable cardboard inserts for safely (and neatly) storing small holiday decor items like ornaments or (as reviewer Debbie did) pieces of a Christmas village display. The plastic container measures almost 20 inches at the widest point. The is equipped with a convenient carrying handle, which reviewer J Gliem described as “granny friendly.”
This steel-framed rolling storage cart is a thoughtful, flexible upgrade for your office or living space, designed with the reality that organization is not one-size-fits-all in mind. The craft cart’s six pull-out drawers offer ample room for notebooks, clothes, toys and various knickknacks, with a middle shelf for you to plop your printer, plants or any other items you want to keep close. Then, you can use its top work surface to write, craft, or simply to function as more organization space. The top extends from 28 inches all the way to 40 inches, giving you extra surface for cooking or project prep. Two of its four castors also lock for extra security.
This wheeled storage cart may look typical, but it’s anything but. In addition to its six-tiered drawers (which house lidded trays to keep important documents and projects safe from dust), its top tier has built-in slotted organization trays, so you can throw pens, notepads, chargers and anything else that gets heavy use right on top. T
he top trays are all indented, so you can trust that your items won’t accidentally slide off. Reviewers use the organizer for everything from storing cookie cutters to craft supplies.
These stackable pencil boxes feature snap-lock handles to keep pens, makeup, Band-Aids and other small items secure. Sold individually, they come in a variety of fun colors to add some personality to your storage; you’ll receive a random hue selection. Best of all? They’re exceptionally cheap.
The organizers are also available in slightly larger sizes for storing photographs, stickers and other supplies.
This crate-style storage bin is heavily trending right now, with retailers from West Elm to Amazon carrying lookalikes. The difference? Joann is selling these for $4 instead of West Elm’s $30. You can use the bins to store stationery, files, books and other supplies compactly, and easily collapse them when not in use. Sold individually, they’re available in 15 colors.
This rotating desk organizer will neatly house all your home supplies and then some. Reviewers especially appreciate that it has both deep and shallow storage nooks, making it accommodate longer supplies like pens and scissors as well as smaller items like clips and sticky notes that can get trapped at the bottom of typical office organizers.
I’m more than a little entranced by these adorable woven hyacinth baskets, which I think would be perfect not only for families but also for anyone who appreciates a little whimsy in their home. As functional as they are adorable, the baskets are perfect for tossing in blankets, towels, toys and even laundry. The whale version is larger, measuring 28 inches long, 15 inches wide and about 18 inches high, and includes a lidded top; the cat version is about 12 inches all around.
By the way, if you’re looking for a more traditional storage basket, check out this option from Joann.
This steel-framed rolling storage cart is a storage staple, with five spacious clear drawers, a tabletop workspace (which you can use for decor or extra organization) and lockable wheels for extra stability. According to reviewers, it’s sturdy enough to hold heavy tools and even rolls when on carpet.
The organizer is also available in a delightful rainbow version with 10 drawers.
You can use these storage boxes to organize anything from books and seasonal clothes to toys, first aid items and bedding; they’re designed to be the perfect size for shelves. They’re also stackable!
The bins are also available with pink and blue latches.
This large modular drawer fits easily on top of countertops or other storage, letting you easily grab what you need while keeping all your files, photos, stationery and baubles neatly housed.
These attractive clear storage bins come in a budget-friendly pack of three and sport cutout handles for easy transport. They’re the perfect size for storing snacks and fruit in your fridge or pantry, or can be used at your desk or bedside table for storing notepads and other doodads.
A gigantic storage bin with a snap closure and wheels for $7.50? Yes, please.
Originally designed as a sewing basket, this roomy, exceptionally cute storage piece is perfect for “cottagecore” aesthetic enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good ditzy floral print (me). Covered with buttery yellow floral fabric on the exterior, the organizer sports a metal latch closure and a removable clear tray for easy organization. Reviewers love it for housing everything from crafts supplies to makeup.
This lovely “Be Brave” box is perfect for holding all your grandkid’s treasures — or for housing your own knickknacks or office supplies, because we could all use a reminder to stand firm in ourselves no matter our age.