5 Ways To Use IKEA's Plastic Bag Dispenser "VARIERA"

do you have anything Are they more cumbersome to store around the house than plastic bags? If you're like us, you probably have the abominable (but necessary) “bag of bags” to grab a plastic bag when you go to the store. will have. Although it exists for all the right purposes, this solution is not only unaesthetic, but also not very convenient.

Enter IKEA's VARIERA Grocery Bag Dispenser. This is the solution to all of our bag storage problems that we've been craving. Very affordable at only $3.99, it makes up for in practicality what it lacks in price. The perfect solution to keep all your plastic bags in one place for easy access and help keep your kitchen organized. It can also be mounted inside a cabinet, allowing you to place it in a hidden location within easy reach.

What's even better is that there are other ways to use this nifty product around the house, and experts across social media will find you countless other uses for it. Here, we spoke to some people to find out more.

1.Socks/underwear

@interiorundco ♬ Originalton – Interior Unko

In this viral TikTok video by @interiorundco, a VARIERA plastic bag dispenser is repurposed as a closet organization solution for storing socks and underwear, and it works like a dream. You can stick the dispenser inside your cupboard, so you don't have to use unnecessary space to store your socks and underwear, and you'll never have to look for a particular pair of socks again. result!

2. For storing wrapping paper

Organized space with plastic bag dispenser to hold rolls of wrapping paper

(Image provided by IKEA)

Another item that is difficult to keep around the house is wrapping paper. The awkward size and shape of the rolls can make it feel impossible to find a practical storage system, but luckily, the VARIERA plastic bag dispenser can help with this too.

“My favorite hack with this item is using it to store rolls of wrapping paper,” says Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Di is Organized. 'Keep it inside the dispenser to prevent it from spreading or getting damaged. A convenient way to store and retrieve wrapping paper when wrapping gifts. ” Even if you're not a present wrapping pro, this will revolutionize your gift-giving.

3. For storing umbrellas

Bright entryway with brown front door

(Image credit: Nate Sheets. Design: Kobel + Co)

Another great way to use this handy product is to store umbrellas in your entryway, like Di does at her home. “I used it to store umbrellas neatly by placing them upright inside the dispenser,” he says Di. “This will keep your entryway clear of clutter and provide easy access when you need it.”

4. For storing handicraft supplies

Wine room transformed into kids craft room

(Image credit: Regan Baker Design)

If you're an avid craft enthusiast, you can use IKEA VARIERA to create an organizational system for storing all your knitting and crocheting supplies in your hobby room and always have access to them. The small hole makes it easy to grab the ball of yarn and cut the yarn without having to dig all the way to the bottom. “It can be used as a dispenser for yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks,” he says. It works similarly with ribbons.

5. Storage of plastic bags

Organized space with plastic bag dispenser on the wall

(Image provided by IKEA)

Finally, plastic bag dispensers can of course be used for their intended purpose. Grocery bag dispensers work wonders for organizing your kitchen or utility room, saving space and helping you live more sustainably.

However, if you use VARIERA to store plastic bags, you must always keep track of the number of plastic bags. Don't try to hoard things unnecessarily and be sure to recycle any extra items you no longer need.

“People store plastic bags thinking they know where they're going and shove them into a dispenser like this,” says Ben Soref, a professional organizer with House to Home Organizing. “However, even if you put it in, you don't use it much and it overflows. Containers are not the reason to store bags. why First of all it's you. ”

As Ben alludes, being organized isn't just about finding clever solutions to store clutter, but we believe multifunctional organizers like this are always worth a look. Now that you know all about how to use VARIERA, it might be time to buy her VARIERA (or five) for your home.

IKEA VARIERA plastic bag dispenser