Organization & Storage Products For Your Home
Just in case you missed spring cleaning like I did, that’s okay! You’re just in time for what I call “pre-summer cleaning”. Pre-summer cleaning is when you do all the cleaning you should have during spring cleaning and you also prepare for the summer. That means, finally getting rid of all of those shorts that don’t actually fit and those shoes you never really wanted but still haven’t gotten rid of. I promise you don’t need items like that clouding your closet. Pre-summer cleaning is the perfect time to de-clutter, reorganize, and restructure your space so you can think more clearly and navigate your home with less headache. What’s the first step though?
REMOVE THE CLUTTER!
It’s time to remove the mess from your sight, and that doesn’t mean shove it into the closet or your drawers. This is the time to actually sift through your closets, your drawers, and your car if your wardrobe has ventured that far…
This is also a perfect time to remind yourself that you do not need another appliance to make your life easier. If you already have an air fryer or a crockpot, you’re set, but did you need that new machine? Probably not. Before it gets worse, look yourself in the mirror and decide that you will no longer buy items that you don’t need. What’s next?
Now that you’ve decided what needs to stay and what needs to go, organize what is staying and decide where it’s ‘home is.’
I, personally, am ruled by organization at times. When it comes to cleaning and removing clutter, I’ve learned that I like to coordinate my items. Sometimes I prefer to coordinate by season, by color, or by mood. Of course, this may be a bit much for someone who simply wants their items to be put away neatly, but the important part is knowing why you put certain items in specific places and why. For example, if you are “on the go” and need those clothes close by, put them toward the part of the closet that you go to first. This decreases your need to sort through your entire wardrobe, but it also helps you see the clothing you use the least.
But what if I don’t have anywhere to put my belongings? If you’re struggling with storage space, in your room, living room, kitchen, or otherwise, check out our affordable list for optimum organization.
Kitchen
$63 - Home Depot: 3 Tier Pinewood Basket and Drawer Kitchen Cart
This mini-island is great for storing dishes, food, towels, and more while keeping your kitchen open and clutter free. You can even use the top of the cart to cut vegetables or display a few of your favorite memories.
$29 - Mainstays Wire 6-Piece Organizing Set, Cabinet and Pantry Organizers, White
With these cabinet organizers, you can display everything! Stacking and hanging items are just a few ways to maximize your cupboard space.
$115 - Freestanding Utility Storage Cabinet
This multi-tiered storage unit is perfect for keeping everything you need in sight and within reach. The best part? It’s sturdy!
$22 - 2 Tier Space Saving Stackable Adjustable Cabinet Organizer
Another example of creating more space where there wasn’t any before. This is also the perfect way to hold cleaning supplies, extra paper towels, and even small appliances.
$11 - Undershelf Cup & Mug Hooks
If you’re like me, your cupboards are housing more and more mugs (because being cozy with personality is very important). These undershelf mug hooks keep your cups out of the way with ease.
$11 - Spice Gripper Clip
Where have these been all my life?! I need these so I can have my most used spices within easy reach.
Living Room
If you’re looking for a quick and dirty DIY project, look no further! A hidden table adds space without detracting from the room. Fun fact: my family did this when I was a bit younger and it turned out pretty cool. We put family pictures, photo albums, a couple lamps, books and cute trinkets on ours. It was fun to create together and a few of our guests thought the table was purchased from a store. Here’s a how-to video so you can build your own table.
$80 - Wicker Trunk
Using trunks, baskets, and vintage suitcases are clever ways to keep blankets, workout gear and more tucked away yet within reach. There might be really cool vintage trunks and suitcases at yard sales, or second-hand and discount furniture stores.
Finding or repurposing a sturdy bookcase can declutter your home with ease. The bookshelf can be used to hold guests' shoes near the front door, books, your pets toys, or even to hold your clothes. For example, if you don’t want a bulky dresser in your room, grab enough baskets for your clothing and make the bookcase a simple but unique part of your room. Be sure to factor in the size of baskets you will need and how much weight your bookcase can manage.
$8 - Cable Clips
Okay, this one might sound silly but hear me out…
You may not have known you needed these but they could be what takes your place to the next level. While having exposed cables is not the end of the world, it is something small and cosmetic that could be adding a bit more stress to the line of sight- after all, clutter is also in the eye of the beholder (yes, I made that up). Using cable clips will keep all your cables in one place, within reach, and can help you find the correct plug when it’s finally time to reach for it!
$80 - Sideboard or Buffet Tables
Depending on what’s in your living room, you might not need many of the other storage products above because this buffet table can store LOTS and it can even hold up your tv. If you’re struggling with a small space, the trick is to have multi-purpose furniture. A sideboard table creates shelf space where there wasn’t any, has drawers for smaller items, and cabinets for bigger ones.
Pro tip: No linen closet? Find one of these and house your sheets and towels discreetly!
Bedroom
$ 123 - Corner Shelving
When it comes to my room, I like items to be put away and out of the way. Corner shelving does just that. It also helps add dimension to your room if you can find the best combination of items for your shelves.
$20 - Closet Organizers
Whether you’re in college, moved back home, or are living on your own, closet organizers are like sliced bread…but for your closet. Having bins for hats, winter gear, hair supplies/appliances, and more keeps everything in a secure place. Slots to slide your shoes in helps gets rid of old shoe boxes that take up space. Cubbies that hang from the curtain rod can hold jeans, sweatpants, and pesky clothes that never sit right on the hanger.
$12 - Space-saving Hangers
Closet organizers can save more wardrobe space. When used vertically, Magic Closet Storage can save space and keep the clothes neatly separated and wrinkle-free. The storage organizer with 9 square holes design makes each piece of clothing ventilated at equal intervals without crowding.
DIY - Create space with more shelving or rods
Create space where there wasn’t any before. This DIY project will elevate your closet. Adding in shelving and rods knocks out three problems: no space, no organization and too much clutter. The best part is, there is no right answer because the layout is up to you! You can also pair a few of the other items with this idea to maximize space.
$130 - Nightstand with Swivel Top
Another great multi-functional idea! Finding ways for your furniture to have multiple uses will keep your home free of large furniture that you might not need and gives you the organization you do need. Finding a night stand or desk with multiple compartments will make your furniture work for you.