11 Surprisingly Practical Ways to Use Magazine File Organizers

I have found magazine files to be one of the most effective instruments in organizing my house. In a world that is becoming more and more paperless, a simple magazine file organizer has many surprising uses for everything but magazines.


Today I want to share with you 11 ideas for organizing with magazine files.


How to organize magazines

1. Magazines

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


The best way 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 cardstock.

Organizing cardstock

2. Cardstock

I recommend storing cardstock within poly envelopes or files to keep them from bending if you do not use them often enough. I put my magazine files horizontally, for easier access to their content.


3. Mail

Magazine holders could also be perfect for a command center or incoming mail center at your desk or in your kitchen.

And here are some more unconventional uses:

Ways to organize with magazine files

4. Cleaning products

Storing cleaning cloths and food wrap upright under the sink for easy access.


5. Food

Storing potatoes and onions in the pantry.


6. Boxed goods

Storing pasta and boxed goods upright for easy access.


7. Water bottles

Storing water bottles on a pantry shelf so you can see your selections and choose what size or type you need that day.

Ideas on organizing with magazine files

8. Accessories & appliances

Storing hair appliances and accessories under your bathroom sink for easy access.


9. Makeup

Storing large makeup palettes upright on your vanity.


10. Surge protector

Hiding a surge protector and modem under or on top of your desk.

How to use magazine file organizers

11. Clothes

Storing underwear and socks in your closet.


How to use magazine file organizers

As you can see, magazine files have many different uses. The main benefit of magazine files is their shape. These are perfect for narrow spaces if you have a selection of tall or long items you need to access easily.


There are some rules that I recommend following if you decide to bring magazine files as an organizational tool into your house:


First, as always, do not purchase more magazine files than you need. Pare down your items to what you really need before you purchase any organizing products. You can get affordable magazine files at Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, IKEA, The Container Store, and on Amazon.


Second, use suitable files. Inexpensive, lightweight organizers are perfect for lightweight items like yarn, while heavier, more durable organizers are perfect for heavier items like cutting boards or items you access frequently, like your command center.


Hopefully, these ways to organize your house with magazine files will prove helpful for you.


Do you have any other uses for magazine files in mind? What would you store in a magazine file at your house? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Happy organizing!

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  • Millie Millie on Jan 24, 2023

    I use these in my bathroom to hold extra hand soap, hand sanitizer and lotions. I also have one for hair products, deodorants and hand pack tissues toothpaste and extra toothbrushes for guests.

    I bought them at the Dollar Tree in beautiful colors.


  • Carolyn Servais Carolyn Servais on Jan 26, 2023

    Good ideas! I have used all kinds of holders for items but this article has some new ways. Carolyn

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