Create a bag of bags
This method is simple and also incredibly easy to maintain. Not to mention, it requires no additional organizing supplies. How's that for zero waste? After you've sorted through the bags you want to keep, put the largest tote to the side. Fold the rest and pile them into the one you left out. If you have too many to fit, consider paring down more or creating two filled bags. Once full, the bag can sit upright or hang virtually anywhere, such as a kitchen pantry, coat closet, or even your car trunk.
File-fold bags into a basket
Take any extra open basket or bin, preferably a rectangular design, and slide in folded reusable bags horizontally, much like you would t-shirts or jeans into a dresser drawer. If space is tight, take it as a sign to declutter. Label the container and place it on any shelf within sight so you remember to grab a few on your way out the door.
Divide bags using an organizer
Reusable shopping bag organizers are now on the market, and they look nearly identical to existing kitchen bakeware racks with dividers. If you have an extra one lying around, repurpose it for folded bags instead. Otherwise, you can put an old file sorter to use that's been collecting dust in your home office.
Contain bags in a file box
Speaking of file sorters, a vertical wall-mounted box can also be used for reusable bags. Depending on its width, some bags merely need to be flattened, rather than fully folded, to fit inside. This option is best for busy families. Attach the file box wherever it will remind you to take your bags with you on shopping adventures.
Hang bags near the entryway
Need only a few reusable bags handy? Dedicate a hook in an entry hall, coat closet, or mudroom to hang them. This is a great option for shopping bags that don't fold well, like ones made of mesh netting. This visual way to store reusable bags decreases the likelihood of forgetting them as you leave the house.
Use s hooks on shelving units
If you enter and exit the house via the garage and it's set up with shelving for organization, consider this effortless idea. Use inexpensive s hooks to hang bags off the side of a shelving unit. Or, if you want to really contain clutter, use the first method of creating a bag of bags, then dangle the large filled bag. As you're about to get into the car, grab the whole thing off the hook or just the few that you need. This also works well for larger insulated bags so they don't take up too much space inside the house.
Corral bags in the car
You can keep reusable grocery bags in your car on a permanent basis. Create a bag of bags and drape it over a hook on the back of the passenger seat. You can also purchase headset hangers if your car doesn't come equipped with a hook, or place reusable bags in a trunk organizer. If you tend to be forgetful, take comfort in the fact your bags will always be with you when you're en route to the store. That is, so long as you remember to organize them in the car after you've unpacked your new finds.
