Welcome to the sixth post in my series about how to decide whether or not you need organizing products. Click here if you missed the intro. Today, I feature magazine files! In a world that is becoming more and more paperless, these have their surprising uses for everything BUT magazines!

You want to wait until the 6th step of organizing before you purchase organizing supplies. I have my free mini 7-step guide here!

Let’s jump into where and how to use magazine files in your spaces! Just click on the video above!

ORIGINAL FUNCTION

The purpose of a magazine holder is to hold magazines upright for easy access by title.

WHAT NOT TO DO

You do not want to purchase a bunch of magazine files just to hold a bunch of magazines that you will never read … especially if you have subscriptions as they will continue to accumulate.

BEST WAYS TO USE

The best ways to use these is to limit yourself to one holder and do the one-in-one-out rule to keep things from getting out of hand. These are also great for storing card-stock. I recommend storing them within poly envelopes or files to keep them from bending if you do not use them often enough. These can also be perfect for a mail or command center or incoming mail center at your desk or in your kitchen. Click here for my ultimate guide to organizing your paperwork.

UNCONVENTIONAL USES

For some unconventional uses, you can store cleaning cloths and food wrap upright under the sink for easy access.

Potatoes and onions can be stored in the pantry.

Pasta and boxed goods can be stored upright for easy access.

Water bottles can be stored on a pantry shelf, so you can see your selections and choose what size or type you need that day.

Hair appliances and accessories can be easily accessed under your bathroom sink.

You can store large makeup pallets upright on your vanity.

Under or on top of your desk, you can hide a surge protector & modem.

And you can store underwear and socks in your closet if you want to nix having to use a dresser. Click here if you missed my closet shelf divider post that helps to eliminate having to use a dresser as well.

HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU NEED MAGAZINE FILES

These are perfect for narrow spaces or if you have a selection of tall or long items you need to access easily. Here, we have this incoming mail center in this narrow space between the microwave and refrigerator.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY

First, as always, don’t purchase more magazine files than you need. Again, you will pare down your items to what you need before you purchase any organizing products. Inexpensive, lightweight organizers are perfect for lightweight items like yarn and heavier more durable organizers are perfect for heavier items like cutting boards or items you access frequently like your command center. Here are links to affordable options:

Walmart:

Snap-N-Store Heavy-Duty Fiberboard Magazine File with PVC Laminate
Decmode Contemporary 12 X 11 Inch Iron Geometrical-Patterned Magazine Holder

Target: not the least expensive but definitely the most affordable of the prettier options 

Fabric Magazine File Gray – Threshold™
Magazine File Holder – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Magazine File, White Wood – Threshold™
Magazine File, Black Wood – Threshold™
Magazine File, Dark Wood – Threshold™
Magazine File, Gold – Threshold™

Dollar Tree:

Teaching Tree Colorful Plastic Book Bins
Jot Designer Corrugated Cardboard File Holders

Ikea: hands down, Ikea has the best prices and a great selection

All Selections

The Container Store: these are the more affordable options available

Like-it Magazine Holders Pkg/2
Bigso Hexagold Stockholm Magazine File

Amazon: these are excellent and affordable options

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Magazine Files (found here):

Magazine Files (found here):

Magazine Files (found here):

Don’t forget to grab your FREE organizing resources here so that you can know if the use of magazine files will be good solutions for your spaces. I have a lot more organizing products coming up, so be sure to subscribe my YouTube channel and click the notification bell, so you can know the moment my next video is up and never miss another organizing video.

Happy Organizing!