Since my home is small, I store most things in the basement. I only keep 1 or 2 rolls of extra toilet paper in the bathroom. As I put the last roll on, I throw the empty roll in my hamper.  When I take it downstairs to do the laundry, the empty roll reminds me to bring more upstairs. I do the same with paper towel rolls and empty Kleenex boxes.

My son’s bedroom is in the basement. As I straighten up the house, I throw his shoes, hats, etc. in the hamper to be taken downstairs when I go.  Using my hamper as a dumb-waiter helps me keep the upstairs clutter free and saves me from making extra trips downstairs.