love all these ideas that were mentioned some of which i already do too. however I didn't see these mentioned.
I use the large oatmeal boxes for the empty plactic bags to keep by the cat box, or the kitchen .also the large oatmeal containers will hold 2 rolls of toliet paper for the bathroom and can be decorated.they are also good for knitting needles or crochet hooks i use the boxes that pies come in from the bakery to keep my redwork . empty spice jars or tins are good for old needles too. as mentioned baby jars can be used for all sorts of things, i had one friend who made xmas trees with them and put small lights in it as a gifts. and if anyone needs a sewing table and has a flat type door and two 2 drawer file cabinets it is great. out of all the sewing tables that is still one i liked to use. i wish i had room here for one. it was great with sewing machine at one end and just roll over a bit to use the serger. ceral boxes make great holders for magazines. that is all i can think of now that i didn't see here yet. thank you everyone for your ideas i always pick up more from this board which is great.