Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.
Fix My PC Now →Free scan · no reinstall
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A practical low-cost spice system needs three things: containers that fit your cabinet or drawer, labels you can read at a glance, and dividers that stop jars from sliding into a pile. One proven DIY arrangement uses small glass spice jars, printable labels, and tension rods as drawer separators. You can reproduce that layout with currently available supplies, reuse containers you already own, or adapt it to a shelf or cabinet after measuring your space.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The original project by Lauren at Bless’er House used a 24-count box of glass spice jars bought at a dollar store, then added printed labels and tension rods. It was published June 10, 2016, and updated February 4, 2022. That history matters: the arrangement is a useful example, not a promise that the same jar count, price, quality, or inventory exists today.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
What the dollar-store method actually involves
The arrangement is simple. Empty the existing spice area, transfer the spices you keep into matching glass jars, label each jar, and place adjustable tension rods across a drawer to create lanes. The rods act as movable dividers, so jars remain upright and can be grouped by size or use.
Lauren’s listed supplies were glass spice jars, kraft-paper labels, a computer, a printer, and tension rods. The method does not depend on that exact brand, jar pack, or drawer. Its useful principles are uniform containers, readable names, and a physical barrier that keeps the collection from shifting.
- Containers: small jars or tins with secure closures that fit the available height and depth.
- Labels: custom-printed, preprinted, or writable labels sized for the container.
- Organization hardware: tension rods for a drawer, or shelf risers and bins when a drawer is not available.
- Preparation tools: a computer and printer if you are making your own labels, plus a pen for temporary identification during sorting.
Do not treat the original 24-jar package as a current deal. Dollar-store stock and pricing change by store and date, and the 2022 update does not establish present availability.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Measure before buying anything
A tidy photograph can hide a fit problem. Measure the inside of the drawer, cabinet, or shelf rather than relying on exterior dimensions.
Record the usable space
- Measure the drawer’s interior width at the front, middle, and back. Record the narrowest measurement.
- Measure usable depth from the inside face to the point where the drawer stops. Leave room for your hand to grasp a jar.
- Measure vertical clearance with the drawer closed. Include runners, hinges, or an overhanging shelf.
- Measure the diameter or footprint of the jars you are considering, including the lid.
- If using tension rods, measure the span where each rod will sit and check the rod’s adjustment range.
Plan for removal, not just storage. A jar that technically fits but cannot be lifted without hitting its neighbor will make the system frustrating. If your drawer is shallow, choose shorter jars or lay them on their sides only when the label remains visible and the lid cannot loosen.
Choose the location with food quality in mind
Keep spices in a dry place away from heat and strong light. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Kerala’s Pink Book: Safe and Nutritious Food, Edition I (dated July 25, 2017) advises storing spices in clean, labelled, air-tight jars in a dry place. The Home Depot’s pantry guidance likewise recommends shade, airtight tins or small spice jars, nonporous containers, and labels.
That means a drawer beside a hot stove is not automatically a good location simply because it is convenient. A cooler drawer, cabinet, or shaded pantry shelf generally better matches that guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
Sort the existing collection first
Take every spice, seasoning blend, packet, and refill out before purchasing containers. Sorting first prevents you from buying jars for items you never use and reveals duplicate containers.
Make three groups
- Keep and refill: spices you use and can identify confidently.
- Check: unlabeled packets, duplicates, or items whose condition and age you need to verify before transferring.
- Remove from the active area: empty packets, spills, and products you do not plan to use.
Keep original packaging nearby until each transfer is complete. It provides the ingredient name and any blend information you need for an accurate label. Do not combine two containers merely because they have similar names; “chili powder,” for example, can mean different blends.
Select containers that suit your routine
Glass jars are the demonstrated choice because they are nonporous and let you see the contents. Small airtight tins or other nonporous, tightly closed containers can also work when they fit the space. The important properties are a clean interior, a secure closure, and enough capacity for the amount you use before a refill.
Glass jars
- Transparent sides make it easy to see remaining stock.
- A matching set creates a regular footprint for a drawer or shelf.
- Glass is nonporous, but it can break if a drawer is slammed or a jar is dropped.
Tins or opaque containers
- They protect contents from light when the storage location is exposed.
- You must rely on the label rather than visual identification.
- Check that the lid closes securely and that the material is suitable for dry spices.
Reuse what you already have
Reusing suitable jars lowers the initial cost and avoids unnecessary waste. Different footprints can still work on a shelf or in a bin, but they are harder to arrange in a tightly divided drawer. If you mix sizes, group the short jars together and reserve taller spaces for larger containers.
Clean and dry every jar before filling
- Wash jars and lids according to their care instructions.
- Rinse away all detergent.
- Allow every part to dry completely before adding spice. Pay attention to the threads and underside of the lid.
- Inspect for chips, cracks, damaged seals, or odors; set aside anything questionable.
- Transfer only dry spices into the dry container and close the lid immediately.
The original account mentions uncooked rice while addressing residual moisture. That is a personal anecdote, not a general drying standard. Air-drying clean containers fully is the safer, clearer procedure.
Design printable labels that remain readable
Custom labels are useful when your collection includes unusual blends, regional names, or a preferred language. A computer and ordinary printer are enough for a basic sheet; the label material determines how well it handles handling and cleaning.
Set up the label sheet
- Measure the flat label area on the jar. Include the curve: a label that is too wide may wrinkle or lift.
- Choose a template whose dimensions match the label stock, or create a simple grid with the measured width and height.
- Use a clear, high-contrast typeface large enough to read while standing over the drawer.
- Print one test page on plain paper. Cut out a sample and wrap it around a jar before printing the full sheet.
- Print the final labels, allow ink to dry, and cut them accurately.
Place the name so it faces the direction from which you view the jars. For a top-down drawer, a lid label is usually easiest to scan. For a shelf, a front label may work better. If a jar can be stored in either orientation, use the same placement on every container rather than mixing directions.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Choose among label formats
| Format | Best use | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Custom-printed | Consistent names, blends, and a uniform appearance | Exact dimensions, printer compatibility, adhesive, and whether the material tolerates your cleaning routine |
| Preprinted | Common spices when the printed vocabulary matches your pantry | That the list includes your specific names and that the label fits the jar |
| Writable | Small collections, changing blends, or handwritten refills | Pen compatibility, smudge resistance, and available writing area |
| Removable | Rentals, temporary sorting, or jars that will be reassigned | Whether the adhesive leaves residue or lifts in humidity |
| Water-resistant | Containers handled near a sink or wiped periodically | Whether the claim applies to the printed surface, adhesive, or both |
Current retail category pages show all of these formats, but individual listing attributes are seller or product claims rather than independent testing. Verify material, adhesive, dimensions, and availability at the time you buy.
Build a drawer with tension-rod dividers
- Place filled, closed jars in the empty drawer to test the arrangement without rods.
- Group jars by frequency of use, cuisine, or alphabetic order. Pick one rule and apply it consistently.
- Install a tension rod across the drawer at the edge of the first group. Adjust it until both ends press firmly against the sides without bowing the drawer.
- Add additional rods to create lanes. Keep each lane wide enough for a jar to be lifted vertically.
- Close and open the drawer several times. Check that rods stay in place, jars do not collide, and labels remain visible.
- Move a rod if any jar catches on it or if the drawer requires excessive force to close.
This is the arrangement demonstrated in the original project, not a universal fit claim. Rod diameter, drawer-wall material, and span vary by kitchen. If a rod slips, reduce the span, reposition it against a sturdier section, or use a purpose-built divider instead of forcing more tension.
Alternatives for shelves and cabinets
Cabinet shelf
Use a shallow bin or riser so the rear row is not hidden. Put frequently used spices at the front and keep labels facing outward. A non-slip liner can reduce sliding, but it does not replace an airtight lid.
Deep pantry shelf
Group jars in a pull-out basket or handled tray. Label the tray by category and the jars by name. Pull the whole tray forward rather than reaching behind several rows.
Very small collection
Keep the original containers if they are clean, closed, and legible. Add a single divider or narrow bin instead of decanting every item; the least expensive system is the one you will maintain.
Labeling and layout systems that stay usable
Alphabetical order makes a single large collection fast to search. Category order can be faster for a cook who reaches for the same group repeatedly. Possible categories include baking, herbs, hot spices, whole spices, and seasoning blends. Do not mix systems within one drawer without a clear boundary.
- Put daily-use spices in the easiest-to-reach lane.
- Keep duplicates together and mark one as a refill if you intentionally maintain a back-up.
- Write the full name of a blend rather than an abbreviation you may forget.
- Add a date or batch note only when it helps you rotate a homemade blend; do not overcrowd a small label.
- Leave one empty position or a small refill bin if your collection changes often.
Maintenance and safe storage
Wipe the outside of jars and the drawer periodically, keeping moisture out of the containers. Replace a label when it becomes unreadable rather than guessing at an unlabeled jar. Refill only after checking the remaining contents; topping new spice onto an old layer can hide stale or clumped material.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
Keep lids closed between uses and return jars to the same lane. Store the system away from direct sunlight and heat, following the Kerala food-storage instruction for clean, labelled, airtight jars and the pantry guidance to use shade, airtight closures, nonporous materials, and labels.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and practical fixes
Jars do not fit the drawer
Re-measure the narrowest point, including the lid. Choose shorter or narrower containers, or move the system to a shelf. Do not force a drawer closed around a jar.
Recommended Free Tools
Labels peel or smear
Check whether the label stock and adhesive match the surface and cleaning method. Replace with a writable or water-resistant format, and apply labels only to a clean, dry jar.
Tension rods slide
Confirm the rod’s adjustment range and the drawer span. Reposition it against the side walls, reduce the load pushing sideways, or use rigid dividers.
The drawer looks organized but is slow to use
Change the grouping rule. Put the most frequently used jars nearest your normal hand position and orient every label toward the viewing angle.
Spices clump after transfer
Moisture was likely present in the container or introduced during filling. Empty the affected jar, clean it, let it dry completely, and refill with dry contents. Keep the lid closed in the future.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A realistic budget plan
Start with what you own. The original project combined inexpensive jars, printed labels, and tension rods, but no current price or savings amount is established. Buy only the missing component after measuring.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Reuse suitable airtight jars and make temporary paper labels.
- Purchase containers only for the spices that need replacing or standardizing.
- Choose printable labels if your names or sizes are unusual; choose preprinted labels for a common, stable collection.
- Add rods or dividers after testing the jar arrangement, not before.
- Keep a small reserve of blank labels for future refills.
This staged approach prevents a low-cost project from becoming a drawer full of mismatched supplies that do not fit.
What this method can—and cannot—promise
The drawer-and-rod layout offers a clear, inexpensive way to make jars visible and prevent sliding. It does not establish a universal jar size, a guaranteed fit for every drawer, a current dollar-store price, or a measured improvement in cooking speed. Your result depends on the dimensions, closure quality, label material, and storage location you choose.
Use the method as a template: measure first, clean and dry completely, label for the way you view the jars, divide the space so containers can be removed, and keep the finished system dry, shaded, and away from heat.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I organize spices without buying new jars?
Yes. Reuse containers that are clean, completely dry, nonporous, and close securely. Standardize only when the existing mix makes the drawer difficult to scan.
Should spice labels go on the lids or the fronts?
Use the surface that faces you. Lids are easiest for a top-down drawer; front labels are usually better on a shelf.
Are tension rods suitable for every drawer?
No. Measure the drawer and the rod’s adjustment range, then test whether the rod remains stable while jars are removed. Use rigid dividers when the walls or span do not provide a secure fit.
What storage conditions help spices stay in good condition?
Keep them in clean, labeled, airtight containers in a dry, shaded location away from heat and strong light, consistent with the Kerala food-storage guide and pantry guidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
