Reusable shopping bags are a more environmentally friendly choice but it can be a challenge to remember to bring them along.
While reusable shopping bags are a more environmentally friendly choice compared to single-use plastic bags, it can be a challenge to remember to bring them along when you go shopping, especially if they’re scattered around your home.
As a professional organizer, I have encountered numerous closets, cabinets, and car trunks filled with disorganized bags. Many clients have expressed that they don’t use reusable bags as much as they would like because they struggle to locate them or determine their condition.
By keeping reusable bags sorted and organized, you can easily find them and ensure they remain in good condition without becoming crumpled, stained, or torn.
In this article, you’ll discover various storage solutions for reusable shopping bags, enabling you to maximize their usage.
Clever Storage Ideas for Shopping Bags
7 Clever Storage Ideas for Shopping Bags
1. Bag of Bags: Take the largest tote bag and set it aside.
Fold the rest of the reusable bags and stack them inside the larger tote. If they don’t all fit, consider reducing the number of bags or using two filled bags.
You can place the filled bag upright in various locations such as the kitchen pantry, coat closet, or car trunk.
2. Basket with File-Fold Method: Use an open basket or bin with a rectangular shape.
Fold the reusable bags and place them horizontally in the basket, similar to how you would store T-shirts or jeans in a drawer. If you have limited space, take it as an opportunity to declutter.
Label the container and position it on a visible shelf so you remember to grab a few bags when heading out.
3. Bag Organizer or Repurposed File Sorter: Use a reusable shopping bag organizer or repurpose a kitchen bakeware rack or old file sorter to hold folded bags. These organizers have dividers that keep the bags neatly separated and easily accessible.
4. File Box Storage: A vertical wall-mounted file box can also serve as storage for reusable bags.
Depending on its width, some bags may only need to be flattened rather than fully folded to fit inside. This option works well for busy families.
Place the file box in a location that will serve as a reminder to take your bags with you when you go shopping.
5. Hooks Near the Entryway: Allocate a hook in the entry hall, coat closet, or mudroom specifically for hanging a few reusable bags.
This is particularly useful for bags that don’t fold easily, such as those made of mesh netting. By keeping them visible near the exit, you decrease the chances of forgetting them when leaving the house.
6. S Hooks on Shelving Units: If you have a garage with shelving for organization, use inexpensive S hooks to hang bags off the side of the shelves. Alternatively, you can create a bag of bags using the first method and hang the filled bag. This approach is also suitable for larger insulated bags to save space inside the house.
7. Car Storage: Keep reusable grocery bags permanently in your car.
Create a bag of bags and drape it over a hook on the back of the passenger seat. If your car doesn’t have a hook, you can purchase headset hangers or use a trunk organizer to store the bags.
By organizing them in the car, you ensure they are always with you when heading to the store, as long as you remember to put them back after unloading your purchases.
*The information is for reference only.
