How to Organize Your Growing Collection of Reusable Bags

Reusable shopping bags are a win for the environment and a staple in many Alberta households. From grocery totes and insulated cooler bags to foldable fabric ones tucked into purses and backpacks, it doesn’t take long for a small collection to turn into a cluttered pile. If you’re renting a townhome or condo and working with limited storage space, keeping reusable bags organized can make everyday life much easier. With a few simple strategies we’ve pulled together, you can keep them accessible without letting them take over your kitchen or entryway.

Declutter and Donate

The first step to organizing reusable bags is a quick declutter. Many people accumulate more bags than they actually need without realizing it. Take everything out and sort through your collection, checking for bags with torn seams, broken handles, or stains that won’t come out. If you notice bags you never use or promotional totes that are just taking up space, consider recycling, repurposing, or donating them. Use your worn reusable bags for dropping off donations at local animal shelters, food banks, and thrift stores. Keeping only the bags you regularly use will instantly make your storage area feel more manageable.

Choose a Dedicated Storage Spot

Once you’ve pared down your collection, choose one dedicated spot to store your reusable bags. Bags tend to get messy when they’re scattered across different cabinets, closets, or vehicles. Picking a single, convenient location helps create a habit of putting them away properly. In rental homes, common storage spots include a kitchen cabinet or pantry shelf, coat closet near the front door, or a laundry room shelf. In your vehicle, try folding a couple of bags into the driver-side door compartment so they’re readily available when running errands. 

Fold or Roll to Save Space

How you store your bags can make a big difference in how much space they take up. Folding or rolling reusable bags allows you to maximize storage while keeping everything tidy. Fabric bags often fold into compact rectangles, while others roll neatly into small bundles. Grouping similar types of bags together helps you quickly find what you need, whether it’s a sturdy grocery tote or an insulated bag for frozen items. Baskets, bins, or small containers can help keep everything organized and easy to access.

Hang Them Up Where Possible

If shelf or cabinet space is limited, vertical storage is a smart solution for renters. Over-the-door hooks, removable adhesive hooks inside pantry doors, or hanging organizers can make use of otherwise unused space. Hanging bags by their handles on the inside of a pantry door or closet keeps them visible and prevents them from being crushed. This approach works especially well in condos or townhomes where storage space is at a premium.

Keep a Few Bags on the Go

Another practical tip is to keep a few reusable bags outside of your main storage area. Storing foldable bags in your car, backpack, or purse helps prevent last-minute trips where bags are forgotten at home. This reduces how many bags you need to store indoors while making eco-friendly habits easier to maintain.

Create a Simple Routine

Creating a simple routine will help your organization system last. After unpacking groceries, return bags to their designated spot right away. If bags need cleaning, wash them promptly and put them away once they’re dry. In shared households, making sure everyone knows where the bags belong can prevent clutter from building up again over time.