10 Favorite Products
A few of my favorite things… Some of these are specific products with links and some are just types of containers or tools I find myself depending on when I organize my own home and client homes.
Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans (aka Turntables) are organizing heroes. Magically move items from the back of the cabinet to the front with an effortless spin.
Copco brand, non-skid ones are my favorite type, because they are sturdy enough for heavy items and the grippy surface holds items in place while you spin.
2. Peel and Stick Labels
If you don’t want to fuss with a label maker, and you have decent handwriting, these are fabulous for labeling bins. The adhesive isn’t too sticky, so they easily peel off without leaving a residue. Swapping the label is easy. I have used this specific brand for large garage bins, and these ones for smaller bins inside.
3. Velvet Hangars
Slim velvet hangars are a perennial favorite among organizers for a reason… they save space and the velvet keeps your clothes from slipping. They are affordable and you can find them at Amazon, Target, Costco… all the places.
I am not brand loyal on these guys, I suggest picking one color and sticking to it for your whole home so each closet looks uniform and you can move hangars around as needed.
You can even purchase matching hangar clips that convert any hangar into a pant hangar. Store the extras on a single hangar and swap as needed.
I will admit, velvet hangars are not the most durable… they are prone to breakage. Some people also complain that they are too grippy and it takes more time to remove a shirt from them. (As opposed to a plastic or wooden hangar where you can just yank the shirt off.)
Now, I don’t mind replenishing my supply from time to time, and I would rather have grip than slip, but if you want a sturdier, smoother option, you could choose these slim wooden hangars recommended by Chris Loves Julia. Wooden hangars are also a nice option in coat closets where you want a sturdier option to hold up heavy coats.
4. Caddies
I love a little clear caddy to corral small items in a bathroom cabinet. The one pictured is from Amazon.
I also like storing all the items needed for a specific activity in one caddy, ie “nail painting,” or “kids hair before school.” You can pull it out, complete your task, then stick it back in a cabinet.
5. Tension Shelves
Tension shelves are shelves you can buy and install yourself without any tools or drilling. The width is adjustable and they hold in place through tension. Some models also include adhesive strips.
This product is similar to the one pictured in the pantry photo. It has a smooth surface and holds a decent amount of weight. (Those are BJ’s sized salsa jars and Costco rolls of saran wrap on top of it!)
Adding a shelf to a space doubles your surface area. A major problem solver in crowded cabinets.
This lightweight plastic one is super easy to install. I frequently use it under bathroom sinks.
The beauty of tension shelves is you can work around tricky obstacles like a plumbing U-bend under a sink.
6. Bowls and Baskets
This is a very general category, but I use baskets and bowls all the time to contain stuff on surfaces and on the floor.
They serve a functional purpose (giving a designated home to items.) But they also make your stuff look pretty by hiding it or making it look intentional.
I find ones I like at Home Goods, Target, Amazon, the thrift store, or Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel.
This Amazon option is similar to the “remote bowl” in the photo.
Another practical aspect of bowls and baskets is they have no lid so you can toss stuff in with one hand. Kids and adults are more likely to use a system that is easy.
This Amazon option is pretty for dropping keys on an entry table, or make-up on a dresser.
A large basket on the floor can hold blankets or stuffies.
7. Clear Plastic Lidded Bins
This type of clear bin is not fancy. But they are so practical. I don’t have a favorite brand. Whatever the client has on hand, or whatever is in stock at Target is fine.
You can usually find a shoebox sized plastic bins for around a dollar. Several of those babies plus labels is a recipe for organizing magic.
8. Clear Acrylic Bins
These are the fancier, sleeker plastic bins of the organizing world. I use these guys in spaces that have high visibility where looks matter to me. They look good and they let you see your stuff while keeping it contained. They come in lots of different sizes so you can usually find one that is the perfect fit for your space. They are usually pricier than a regular plastic container but you can find budget options at Amazon, Target, Walmart.
I don’t have a favorite brand, I usually just search for the specific size I need.
I do look for ones with straight edges not tapered. The tapered edge just wastes space.
Keep in mind that your stuff will only look super pretty in clear bins if you tidy everything up. If you just dump your stuff in the bin, it will not look not look like your Pinterest inspiration images. But it still counts as “organized.”
The bins pictured in the bathroom cabinet are from Target and very affordable. This and this.
9. Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are another favorite of professional organizers. These are spring-loaded so they stay in place through tension. You can pick a finish that matches your drawer so they look like custom built-ins but are really just a quick Amazon purchase. For deeper dresser drawers you can double them up for a deeper divider.
10. Fabric Bins
Most people are familiar with these cube shaped fabric bins. They are common in playrooms and kids rooms and they fit in cube shelving units.
I love them because they are budget friendly and come in lots of color options.
I always look for ones with a built-in pocket label.
Happy Organizing!
