Not Baskets Or Bins: There's A Better Way To Organize Dish Cabinets Under $5

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It seems we're always looking for hacks to maximize storage space in small kitchens. Even better if it's in a way that's accessible and affordable. As it turns out, the trick is not baskets or bins: There's a better way to organize dish cabinets for under $5. All you have to do is pick up some Dollar Tree metal napkin holders, zip-tie them together at the bottom corners, and pop them into your cabinets to store your dishes. 

Our default mode may be to stack one dish on top of the next, but that often leaves vertical space unused. That's where this simple and affordable DIY comes in. At $1.25 per holder and $1.50 for a pack of zip ties, you can easily create a dish rack with two sections for only $4. Any type of zip tie will do, but if want to camouflage the fasteners and you're willing to spend a tiny bit more, seek out metallic versions like these silver Baomain Self-Locking Nylon Cable Zip Ties. If you've got more horizontal real estate in your cabinets, you can attach a couple more napkin holders together, adding even more slots for storage.

Since your dish organizer isn't secured to the cabinet's interior, it might not be the most stable for heavy dishes, so test your creation out starting with smaller salad- and saucer-sized plates first. If you want to use it as a permanent fixture, consider anchoring the rack with a top-rated super glue brand like clear-drying Gorilla Max. For a removable version, choose a strong, double-sided mounting tape heavy duty mounting tape like Alien Tape. 

Our default mode may be to stack one dish on top of the next, but that often leaves vertical space unused. That's where this simple and affordable DIY comes in. You can stow away larger platters — square, rectangular or oblong — and serving trays for whenever you're hosting a dinner party. This arrangement works especially well in lower cabinets, taking advantage of that vertical space left unused by flat-stacking. It's a good idea to secure the rack for stability in this spot, too, since platters and trays tend to be a bit top-heavy. And don't forget that under-utilized corner of your barware cabinet. If you have the space, flip the napkin holder vertically and stack lightweight cocktail napkins alongside snacking plates for entertaining in an instant.