13 DIY Wire Storage Options That Actually Look Pretty

Modern Picnic The Large Luncher Purse Lunch Box ($189)

This purse lunch box doubles as a super cute accessory that features a rosy color to match your outfit and an insulated interior to keep your food cool.

Leak Proof Stainless Steel Lunchbox ($14, was $25)

With its streamlined design and small size, this stainless steel lunchbox will fit perfectly in your tote bag. The tight-fitting, handle-lock lid will prevent your fruit, pasta, or salad from spilling everywhere.

YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag ($109)

Fold it up or down depending on how much you plan on storing, this Yeti lunch bag keeps your warm lunch hot and your cold sandwiches cold.

Kate Spade New York Portable Soft Cooler Lunch Bag ($35)

This tote says stylish lunch all over it. The insulated lining helps keep your food and bev fresh for hours while it's easy to wipe clean.

Bento Lunch Box

Bento Lunch Box ($47)

This is not your grade school lunch bag. This compact lunch box is sleek and features three inner compartments for you to store your breakfast, lunch and even a snack.

JANSPORT Lunch Break Honey Lunch Box ($14, was $22)

The Lunch Break has an insulated interior to keep foods warm or cold plus an angled zip opening so it can lay flat so you can use it as a tray!

CALPAK Insulated Lunch Bag ($48)

Taking your lunch to work doesn't have to remind you of your elementary school days anymore because this insulated lunch bag is as stylish as it's functional! It has exterior pockets that'll safely house your drinks, utensils, and snacks all while being lightweight.

It's also water-resistant so accidental spills don't stand a chance against it. All you have to do is spot clean it by wiping it, but you can always secure your lunch by pulling the drawstrings to close it!

VLM Insulated Lunch Box ($12)

You may have been making no-cook meals, but this sturdy lunch box is for the days your leftovers are from a hearty meal. It has enough room to carry your lunch, drinks, fruit, and more because of the mesh pockets attached to it.

The premium PEVA material helps safeguard it from spills while the aluminium foil lining maintains the temperature of your food. To clean it, all you need is a wet cloth or baby wipe!

Unlike the prior lunch box, this one has a detachable shoulder strap so you can slide it on your shoulder as you're racing out your front door.

BentoHeaven Premium Bento Box ($30)

Pretty and well-designed, this Bento setup is completely leak-proof and also really cute (we love the bamboo). But our favorite aspect may be the free lunch notes that come along with the box. Whether you’re packing lunch for your kids, an S.O., or yourself, write a little note to put a smile on their face. Even if it’s your own!

BALORAY Lunch/Tote Bag ($10)

This lightweight tote bag is made with a waterproof and dirt-proof cotton and is roomy enough to fit your lunch as well as a whole day’s worth of snacks. The stylish stripes also allow it to be repurposed for an everyday tote or makeup bag.

MIER Adult Lunch Box Insulated ($24, was $35)

If you’re someone who likes to have both cold and hot food for lunch, this roomy insulated two-leveled lunch bag will help you keep those items separate. There’s a top “dry” section and a bottom leakproof compartment, and it also comes with a handy shoulder strap.

Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote ($30, was $32)

Keep it classy with this understated but refined lunch tote. We think polka dots make everything better.

Graben Stadium Approved Clear Lunch Bag ($17, was $22)

This lunch bag is great for bringing lunch to work during the week, and for packing all the kiddos' favorite snacks during the weekend. The heavy-duty strap provides support, and it's got plenty of space for lunch *and* dessert.

Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container ($15, was $30)

The perfect way to travel with salad, this container has separate compartments for all of your toppings. It also comes complete with a matching fork for a very stress-free lunch break.

Fulton Bag Co. Upright Lunch Bag ($16)

The crush-resistant Fulton Bag Co. Upright HardBody Lunch Box is sturdy and practical and keep food cold by the time lunchtime rolls around.

Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Lunch Box ($35)

For Herschel bag fans, this lunch box has a soft insulated main snack compartment that easily wipes clean of your favorite fare.

Hydro Flask 5 L Insulated Lunch Bag ($45)

Keep your lunch cold for hours with this sleek, modern lunch box from one of our favorite water bottle makers.

FIT Strong & Healthy 3 Compartment Glass Meal Prep Containers ($25)

Prep your lunch ahead of time with these 32 ounce picks that divide up your food and keep it contained. They're great for organizing your fridge and for maximizing space in your lunchbox.

HOMESPON Reusable Lunch Bag ($8)

Simple and stylish, the reusable lunch bag is also roomy enough to fit an entire's day worth of food and then some.

4 Tier Indian-Tiffin Stainless Steel Medium Lunch Box ($24)

Take a modern twist on a classic design with this tiered set inspired by century-old vessels from northern India. The interlocking tins are perfect for your multi-course lunch.

Tirrinia Insulated Lunch Box ($15, was $22)

Lunch boxes should be durable like this one! Designed by Tirrinia, it's made of 600D Oxford cloth and has thick foam padding as well as insulation in it. That alone tells us your food, snacks and water bottle will be securely kept in one place.

You can't detach the shoulder strap, but you don't need to. It has a rotatable and detachable buckle that helps you avoid any discomfort.

BUILT Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag ($9, was $10)

This colorful neoprene tote is compact, machine-washable, and insulated.

Fit & Fresh Laketown Lunch Box ($15)

Your sandwich boxes will fit nicely in this lightweight lunch bag. It also comes with a side bottle holder and compartment for utensils.

Sistema 1.1 Liter To Go Split Lunch Box ($9)

If you don't care about having a stylish lunch box, that's okay! This mini lunch box keeps things simple by offering a modular design that separates your sandwich from any fruit or snacks you want to eat at your desk.

LunchBots Large Trio Stainless Steel Lunch Container ($35, was $38)

Forget those soggy bread balls you get when you wrap your sandwich in plastic wrap — this box promises you the perfect sandwich every time. This metal lunchbox is a great container for smaller meals and snacks like crackers and cheese or celery and peanut butter.

Stanley The Legendary Classic Lunch Box ($55)

Stand out with a vintage lunch box roomy enough to hold lunch for two. There's even a metal bracket just inside the lid that can keep your full-size Stanley Vacuum Bottle or Mug secure.

LunchBots Duplex Insulated Lunch Bag ($27, was $30)

Gray and pink is a classic color combo and an insulated liner ensures everything stays cold. We also love that it’s big enough to carry your lunch as well as utensils and a bottle of water or two.

OmieBox Bento Box for Kids ($46)

This hard plastic box boasts a game-changing, vacuum insulated bowl that promises to keep cold yogurt cold and hot soups hot. There are also several leakproof compartments. Although, for those of us unwilling to give up our PB+J, the bowl can be removed for a sandwich spot.

Kipling New KICHIROU Lunch Bag ($71)

Those extra long work days require extra snacks. This bag comes in a variety of colors and is big enough to hold several shifts’ worth of snacking.

Loobu 52 Oz To Go Salad Container ($10)

If you're only taking salad to work for a week, you don't need to worry about looking at traditional lunch boxes. Instead, feast your eyes on this salad container!

You'll get a salad bowl, 3 compartment topping trays, dressing container, leak proof lid, and a spoon!

ECOlunchbox Three in One Classic Stainless Steel Food Container Set ($59)

This plastic-free stainless steel set of three containers fits perfectly together so you can take three dishes on the go. Basically, you can put a sammie (or other main course) in the largest container, and two sides in the smaller ones.

JarJackets Silicone Mason Jar Protector Sleeve ($25)

Pack these cute and yummy Mason jar lunches safely with these colorful protector sleeves.

Life Story To-Go Salad Bowl Container ($18)

You’ll never have to eat a soggy salad again with this incredible container. Not only does it keep your greens fresh, but it also comes with a separate container for dressing and a fork which both snap into the lid.

Igloo Luxe Lunch Tote Cooler Bag ($48 was $60)

This functional cooler bag is great for keeping your cold drinks and salads cold due to its MaxCold insulation. The exterior is also made of vegan leather so it's sustainable!

Nike Futura Sportswear Lunch Tote ($38)

Toss your heels under your desk and slip into your comfy sneakers before grabbing this sporty lunch tote for lunch in the park.

CORKCICLE Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox ($48, was $60)

Take this sleek lunchbox to work and your scheduled yoga sessions once you clock out!

ban.do Lunch Bag ($30)

This lunch bag is the perfect match for the person who can't stop making charcuterie boards. It has the cutest quilt design and contrasting blue zippers that make it easy to open and close.

We don't suggest stuffing this mini lunch bag though! It has just enough room for fruit, an oatmeal packet, yogurt, and a small sandwich!

Bentgo Prep Deluxe Multimeal Bag ($40)

For the busy girl who needs a ton of snack options in between breakfast and lunch, Bentgo's multimeal bag is a dream come true. It can hold up to five meals that you've packed in different Bentgo containers.

Your food will be insulated for up to 8 hours and you'll be able to store everything from napkins to utensils inside!

JanSport Big Break Insulated Lunch Bag ($22)

This lunch bag will probably remind you of one of the cute backpacks we've found for school and office, but that's the point! It's another spacious option that'll keep your food warm or cold, plus the exterior pocket will hold any extra lunch supplies you need.

Packed Party Bring On The Fun Insulated Confetti Cooler Bag ($42)

This pretty confetti cooler bag will remind you of the last-minute getaway you and your besties took before heading back to work. Aside from it's mermaid-inspired look, it's designed to stash your lunch without compromising it's temperature or taste.

So Soul Design Name Custom Insulated Lunch Bag ($19, was $50)

Customize your very own insulated lunch bag with this cute design! It has a waterproof lining that protects against any sauce that may leak from your lunch and it has drawstrings that make opening it super easy.

How To Organize Kitchen Cabinets

The most important thing to focus on when organizing your kitchen cabinets is maximizing space. That just means making the most of the space that you have, because no matter how big your cabinets are, if they're filled to the brim with items that don't have a dedicated spot, it's going to feel cluttered.

Focus on keeping similar items together, using up vertical space by stacking where you're able (like with bowls or glasses) and making sure that every object has a dedicated space.

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas

Use your cabinets to hold more than just kitchenware — display books and plants to bring some personality into your kitchen. You don't have to save all the fun for your bedroom and living room!

If you live in a small apartment, or just don't have cabinets, you can still take part in the fun. Use the space above your sink or your countertop to add your own shelves. This is a great option because when you're doing it yourself, you can customize the storage to your needs.

If you don't want to stack your plates (or you don't have the room for all the designs to have their own stacks), set them upright instead with a DIY plate rack. (via PMQ For Two)

Okay, so this one isn't technically cabinet organization, but it will definitely save you room in your cabinets. DIY this wine rack that will move your wine bottles from your cabinets onto the wall and add color to your room at the same time.

The Home Edit's organization tips are totally inspiring thanks to their efficiency and their color. Grabbing bins from somewhere like The Container Store or Target can help you contain your products so they don't end up spread across your shelf, and they also make it easier to stack your items since they won't fall over.

Don't underestimate the power of labels. When you buy your bins, tubs, and other organizers, write what you intend to store inside on all the containers and make sure that the corresponding product is always inside. That way, you'll have one bin of flour instead of multiple half-empty bags. Plus, it just looks prettier!

For a quick update on the system you already have, stack your plates so that like plates are together, with the biggest plates are on the bottom — this will ensure they sit together in a way that takes up the least amount of room.

Make sure all the rims of your glasses are touching when storing them in your cabinets, and when you're organizing mugs, face the handles toward each other so there's less empty space and more room for new mugs. Because let's be honest, we can always buy new mugs.

Don't forget to use up the space on top of your cabinets too! Grab some baskets to organize new bottles of olive oil, bags of coffee, or cleaning supplies that you get from the store. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

If you love to stay hydrated (ie: you have nine water bottles in your cabinet), then you should grab a product like this YouCopia UpSpace Bottle Organizer ($25+). It'll keep all your water bottle snug together so that you have more room for all your mugs. Speaking of...

The great thing about these Better Houseware Undershelf Cup & Mug Hooks ($10 for two) is that since they hook around the top of a shelf, they don't take up any room at the base.

One way to make sure you save room is to use up vertical space instead of horizontal space. That's why we love the Chrome Roll-Out Bakeware Organizer ($66), which stacks all your muffin tins and cookie sheets on their end. Trust us: this will save you tons of room.

Your fruit deserves a comfy spot to hang out in, so grab a Macrame Fruit Hammock ($30) that will keep fruit off the counter. Cute!

The great thing about a container like the Everything Organ Cabinet Depth Pantry Bin ($101+) is that it's clear because you know what you have at all times. You won't have to pull out the bins to see what's inside!

Use an Expandable Countertop Organizer ($38) in your cabinets — or use it on your counter to clear out your cabinets). We love that this pick's expandable because that means you can move it around to different areas, no matter how big the area is.

A pot organizer like this one from MUDEELA ($22) will keep all your pots and pans together, and you won't have to put up with the noise of when they're stacked on top of each other.

You can't forget about the spices! A rack like this Spice Rack($25) will keep all your spices together and make accessing them a whole lot easier.

Some mDesign Metal Pull-Out Baskets ($21) will create organization within your cabinet the way that cubes do. It's like a two-in-one storage space!

1. Talking About Money Can Expose Hidden Feelings

It's impossible to know how someone feels every second of the day, but we probably all think we have a good understanding of the people we're close to. But people are capable of hiding how they feel about something or burying their discomfort until certain situations 'expose' them. Why does it seem like money has a way of doing this?

Both Irwin and Dunlap agree that "money is taboo," leading people to avoid conversations about it. "Data tells us that we are more likely to talk about any other taboo topic—sex, politics, religion, even death—before we’ll talk about money," says Dunlap. West agrees and says, "Money is like that one friend who’s incredibly helpful but totally untrustworthy—everyone likes what they bring to the table, but no one wants to talk about them directly." Did you think of someone specific? It's okay because I did too!

The problem is that money can make "hidden insecurities come out, old sibling rivalries rear their heads," and more, according to West. "Even something like 'who paid for what' can suddenly become a life-or death conversation," she says. It's strange because Irwin says a Wells Fargo study shows that "many Americans across all ages are worried about money," proving we're all thinking about it, despite our avoidance issues.

2. And Money Can Also Create Unease In Conversations

"When we don’t have open conversations about money, we’re left to navigate it on our own, which can keep us feeling underpaid, overworked, or unsure about our financial situation," Dunlap points out. She feels "discussing money requires a huge amount of vulnerability" which "isn't easy for everyone." You may have seen how other topics are swept under the rug by family members or friends based on reasons they're not ready to talk about.

Though Irwin believes saying something like saying, "'Here's what's keeping me up at night' or 'here's what my goals are' could strengthen connections," Dunlap knows that "shame, comparison, or fear of judgement" can cause people to remain tight-lipped about their finances.

If you've experienced a weird moment because of money or had to be the unfortunate witness of an awkward conversation, my apologies. It's not fun no matter who's involved because, unfortunately, "money carries layers of emotions, like pride and insecurity, that turn simple conversations into potential minefields," says West.

Dunlap says there's a silver lining if people are willing to be open, however. "The key is respecting each person’s comfort level, and encouraging openness if they're willing to meet you there. It’s not going to be perfect at first, but by starting to share more about your own financial experiences, you can start to break the cycle of shame and fear around money. You might be surprised at how quickly others are willing to open up too."

3. Making Assumptions About Other’s Money Status And Financial Situation Can Lead To Disrespecting Boundaries

No one's saying you should never lend friends money, but being mindful about the decision is worth noting. West feels "it's complicated" while Dunlap believes the issue "can be tricky." There's a chance a low-key loan becomes an expectation that you should dish out money every time someone needs help, even if you're trying to maintain your own bills. "Lending money to a friend is like sharing your Netflix password—simple in theory, but one wrong move, and things get weird," West forewarns.

Dunlap also says, "When you lend money to someone close to you, there's always the chance that you won’t get it back. You want to be mentally prepared for that! Otherwise, it can strain your finances and your relationship. The emotional toll can be just as heavy, as unpaid loans can lead to resentment or awkwardness." It's not unusual to hear about certain friends being unreliable in more ways than one after you've let them borrow something. Unfortunately, Irwin indicates this happens because some people "don't expect to give something back that they've borrowed."

Because of this, Dunlap thinks "it's best to avoid loans if possible." Should you decide to move forward with helping out a friend who's in a bind, make sure you're both in agreement about repayment and what to expect moving forward. West says "having clear terms" or "gifting a small amount if you can afford it" is like "buying their friendship insurance." The latter is something Dunlap agrees with because it "helps prevent resentment if they can't pay you back as planned." Plus, she feels it also "keeps the loan within an amount you're okay with potentially losing."

4. Lending Money Is A Slippery Slope That Can Lead To Distrust And Resentment

It's amazing how money can lead to a friendship breakup if boundaries aren't created or respected. "Money is a sneaky little devil who can push everyone’s buttons. It can cause resentment if one person feels taken advantage of or someone’s 'casual loan' becomes an epic saga of unpaid IOUs," West says. Not only that, but Dunlap knows "money can strain relationships between friends and family by highlighting differences in how we value it, expect to use it, or feel about sharing it."

Friends and family members shouldn't take each other's kindness for granted, but human nature is fickle at times. That's not an indicator that someone you love is a "bad" person, but they may feel like you owe them your time and money. However, Irwin says this isn't "de facto that that person is entitled." Still, Dunlap is more than aware how this can play out. "For example, it can lead to resentment if one person is always the one picking up the tab, while another might feel uncomfortable or indebted because they’ve been helped financially," she says.

On the other hand, it can show up a little differently in families. She adds, "Issues like unequal inheritance or constant requests for financial help can lead to deep emotional tension. Money can also become a tool for power imbalances, where one person feels in control and the other feels dependent, and that can mess with trust and respect."

When certain negative patterns show up in relationships, it can make people decide to take a step back from being available. "And once distrust settles in, it’s hard to shake; nobody wants to be 'that friend' who’s forever dodging a Venmo request or getting side-eye from relatives at every family BBQ," West points out. How many times have you built up a wall with the people you love because of repeated unreliability or the expectation that you're supposed to help them whenever they ask? If you didn't hesitate to think of a moment, you're living proof that distrust can affect even the closest relationships.

Dunlap says, "When money becomes a main factor in a relationship, it can overshadow the connection, making it difficult to maintain genuine trust and understanding. You can avoid this by having open conversations with friends and family about your financial situation. Clear communication can help keep the focus on the relationship, not the money."

5. You Can Worry You're Not A Good Friend Or Family Member For Setting Money Boundaries

Worrying about how other people feel can keep us from setting boundaries. There's a difference between being an empath and a people pleaser, but it's easy to blur the lines. You can absolutely empathize with someone's hardship while knowing you're not in the position to lend the amount they may be looking for. I'm a huge fan of saying that two things can be true at once — because they can.

Irwin says you need to "address the conversation head on" if a friend does ask you for a loan. Your response may depend on if their ask was "emotionally-charged or "in an uncomfortable environment," but Irwin doesn't recommend ignoring it. If you're not in the space to respond, here's what she suggests saying in a "timely" fashion:

1. "Hey, I need time to think about this. Let me get back to you."
2. "We can help you, but here are our boundaries."
3. "We see and understand you, but we're unable to help because we're trying to pay off debt or save for _______."

Yes, Financial Boundaries Are Essential

Don't think you need to create financial boundaries for yourself and your friends? Think again. West says, "Establishing some ground rules is a lifesaver—think of it adding airbags to the friendship. Setting boundaries early on, like when you’re still in the happy, non-monetary part of the relationship, can protect both sides if things get sticky."

Here's how she advises you proceed with creating boundaries:

1. Keep it light and be honest; you’re not making a prenuptial agreement here, just letting them know you’d like to avoid “financial fireworks” later.
2. Say, “I’m your friend, not your ATM.” It’s funny but helps set the tone that your wallet isn’t a free-for-all.
3. Set a gift cap, such as, "I'm happy to chip in for brunch or a birthday, but let’s not get into home-loan territory.”
4. If you do lend, draw up a repayment plan. Think of it as adulting with a side of accountability to avoid “accidentally” becoming their financial fairy godmother.
5. Limit talk of big financial choices unless you’re genuinely invested together. After all, nobody needs to know how much their friend spends on avocado toast or scented candles, let alone home renos.
6. A little humor and some boundaries go a long way. You’ll save yourself a lot of awkwardness and keep the friendships intact, one “non-loaned” dollar at a time!

Tori says, "It's so important to have transparent conversations about money, set clear boundaries, and ensure that relationships are prioritized in any money exchange." Here are a few things you can try:

1. Communicate about your budget with a “gratitude sandwich.” Say you’re invited to an outing—a dinner, or a sports game—that isn’t within your budget right now. You can respond with the “gratitude sandwich.” The “pieces of bread” are positive, and the “meat” is the money thing you’re scared to say. Thank that person for the invite, let them know it’s not within budget right now, and then offer a cheaper alternative, reassuring them that you’d really love to see them. Offering an alternative reminds that person that declining their invitation isn’t about them, and you still care about them. In doing so, you prioritize your budget AND your relationship in the process.When in doubt, remember that no is a complete sentence. You don’t need to overcomplicate things, and sometimes a simple “no” is all you need.
2. Set expectations early. When planning trips with friends, discuss the budget and how costs will be split upfront. Having these conversations ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps avoid any misunderstandings. It creates a supportive, stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy the experience together without any added worries!

The Final Verdict:

Once you've weighed your options and considered what you need, you can decide to loan your friend money. However, Irwin wants you to consider being formal about it. "You can absolutely draft a promissory note or loan agreement so that your friend knows how serious you are about your boundaries. If you want, you can also put an interest rate on it," she says.

It's not to hurt your friend's feelings, but it is a boundary you can put in place so they think to themselves, "This is truly a loan because I'm borrowing money with the intent to pay it back," Irwin says. It could change the dynamics of your friendship, but it's more about being "purposeful about the language being used" so you and your friend can both move in the "right direction," according to Irwin.

If the idea of creating a 'loan agreement' sounds icky to you, Dunlap wants you to seriously consider it as "an extra bit of protection." She says all you need to do, again, is "try setting up a simple contract to outline repayment terms" because it "can help both of you stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings down the road."

Her ultimate piece of advice? "Only lend what you're comfortable giving and potentially losing, and keep open communication to maintain trust and respect in the relationship."