With these hardworking supplies on hand, taming clutter will be all the easier—and your home all the neater. Orderliness awaits.
1. Bins and Baskets: Clear plastic bins let you see what’s inside, perfect for a kid’s room or garage (with tight-fitting lids for long-term storage). Fabric bins or woven baskets create harmony in high-traffic areas such as the living room or bathroom; same for attractive totes, which can double as hampers.
2. Food Storage Containers: Airtight, food-safe jars and canisters are a must for decanting bulk purchases and nonperishables in the kitchen. Those made of glass keep the contents visible. Nesting sets are convenient for storing make-aheads and leftovers, and save space when not in use.
3. Labels: There’s a label to match every organizing need, including manila tags or peel-and-stick versions; a label maker quickly prints out IDs for spice jars, pantry containers and shelves, file folders, and other household items.
4. Hooks: Wall hooks keep stuff off the floor throughout the home, including the garage and basement. Cup hooks expand storage under shelves or cabinets; S hooks work with pegboards or towel bars. Adhesive hooks offer temporary storage, such as during the holidays.
5. Trays: Use these to group items for a cohesive effect, such as on a coffee table, dresser, or nightstand—and on kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and entry consoles (think small caddies for keys and loose change). A larger tray turns an ottoman or bench into a table, for extra storage.
6. Drawer Inserts: Virtually every drawer has its own solution, from mesh inserts for a desk or junk drawer; bamboo inserts for the kitchen; and fabric or Lucite for dressers and closet bins.
7. Shaker-Style Peg Rails: Mount these in a bathroom to hold robes and spare towels, in the entryway to keep jackets and backpacks off the floor, and in a utility room to hang brooms and dustpans.
8. Shelves: Make the most of unused wall space in practically any room with mounted shelves and ledges, choosing the size and style that serve the greatest need.
9. Tension Rods: They’re not just for curtains but also for organizing cabinets (horizontally to keep cutting boards upright, for example, or vertically to hang cleaning supplies under a kitchen sink).
10. Lazy Susans: Spices are just the beginning; this old-school spinner will keep other ingredients (in a pantry or refrigerator), toiletries, laundry provisions—you name it— within easy reach.