Organizing Hacks 101
Everyone loves a good organizing hack. It’s what saves you all the buying, returning, rebuying, and trying to figure out exactly how to handle the annoying space that isn’t just quite right, no matter what you do to organize it.
This is one of several Organizing Hack blogs that The Uncluttered Life® will regularly feature. Along our blogging, decluttering and organizing journey, we will be sure to share.
Some of our little organizing secrets:
Use vertical space - it’s extra room.
The best way to utilize vertical space is with risers, inserts and stacked shelves. Check out these bed risers on Amazon. They are inexpensive and allow you to raise your bed to accommodate under-bed storage. The set of 4-bed risers provides additional under-the-bed space and holds three-hundred pounds for each riser. Perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, and kids’ rooms, where a little extra space can go a long way. These bed risers are made of heavy-duty plastic, which can stand the weight of the heaviest of furniture in your home or office. When bed risers are used together, they can safely support a total of up to 1,300 pounds. Check for a proper fit, which provides added stability.
Spinning storage, like Lazy Susan organizers, are perfect for corner storage, especially in areas that are difficult to reach.
Think outside the pantry, although the pantry is a place to use them. These Lazy Susan organizers have a top, non-skid surface that works very well holding items that tend to slide around. We prefer the 12 inch non-skid turntable Lazy Susan Organizers. They’re great for pantry organization and storage, and work well in the kitchen, refrigerator, on the countertop and under the sink. They are especially good for storing spices and keeps them within reach in a cabinet. Always remember to measure your cabinets to make sure they’ll fit. If not, store spices in a pantry away from sunlight.
Stick to a color scheme when choosing organizing products.
It makes the appearance of your shelves, pantry, closets and other spaces so soothing on the eye. In fact, a light or bright color, such as white or yellow, makes it easier to see what’s in your pantry. The lighter color bounces light around, reflecting it back up under shelves. A light color also makes it easier to spot any dirt or spills right away.
Create a “put back” box or tote bag - everything that needs to be put away goes into this box or bag.
Carry your “put back” box or tote bag from room to room to put everything away that has become misplaced during the day. Look at this Errand Boy Extra Large Tote Bag from Scout. Even though it’s designed for carrying groceries and using in your trunk, it is so functional and attractive that it makes a perfect “put back” tote for your home. This large bag carries ridiculous amounts of stuff and folds flat, an extra bonus. The maximum capacity, breakaway zipper lets you fill it to the brim, or overfill it to use as an open-top tote. It comes in a multitude of colors to match your home’s decor. Check the Scout site for more details.
Back of door storage - Use as many storage hanger systems on the back of doors as you can.
It’s an entirely different style of storing things and makes access easy and affordable. It’s a great place for kids to store their things, since there is no folding or hanging involved. Use it for school supplies, small toys, or anything that fits in the storage pockets. These hanging back of door storage give you so much more storage space! We actually love this diaper caddy from Pottery Barn kids. The caddy looks great, and the neutral color goes with every decor.
Here’s a great one!
Use bookends to keep your folded clothes upright to prevent them from falling over and getting messy. Purchase clear ones on Amazon to create easy to stack piles, including books, so that nothing falls over. We’ve featured clear, sturdy bookends we like and use: MaxGear Bookends on Amazon. There are four to a pack and have pads on the bottom to prevent skidding. These bookends are durable and made from high-quality, clear acrylic material. They are built to withstand regular use without cracking, chipping, or breaking. The clear design complements any decoration, and allows these bookends to blend seamlessly into any office or home decoration, adding an elegant touch to bookshelves or desks.
Label the cords in your home, so you know which cords go to each device - keeps you from running all over the house looking for just the right cord.
Cable management is very inexpensive and makes a world of difference. Look at these from Nearockle. With these Nearockle cable labels, you get 24 to a pack. The cable labels are available in multicolor identification tags and can be used for USB cords and computer or phone chargers. At a glance, it’s easy to see where your cables belong and to which item.
Purchase furniture that does double duty.
Ottomans with storage are a great idea to add extra storage and space to a room. So, too, are beds with built-in drawers. Mirrors with hooks for jewelry or keys add a polished look. Hutches take advantage of vertical space. Coat racks double as another closet to hang coats and jackets. Shelves give you storage up high that can both be decorated and functional. Benches give you a place to store below it and often come with a seat that opens for additional storage. Coffee tables with hidden storage or that rise to meet the table are fantastic options. Carts serve as wine racks. Racks act as shoe storage when placed at the front door. Think outside the box. You can get double the storage space you have with creative furniture ideas. Read our next blog about decorganizing®” our version of decor and organizing, which is exactly the function this furniture serves.
Use dividers for underwear - stop folding your underwear.
It saves you so much time! This set of 6 Amazon Basics drawer organizers includes small, medium, and large sizes (2 of each). Made of strong yet breathable cloth, these dividers are collapsible for space-saving storage. These drawer dividers help keep items neatly contained, like underwear and socks, and even baby cloths and booties. Here is another option, and one of my favorites, Diommell storage containers. They are a 6 pack of foldable cloth storage boxes for closets, dressers, and drawers. Great for underwear, bras, socks, lingerie, and small foldable clothing. The color is beige.
Use space saving hangers.
We prefer velvet hangers that match. These matching hangers in black by Amazon Basics help keep suits, slacks, blazers, and folded pants supported and organized. They are made of a durable metal construction with a non-slip velvety texture surface that keeps items in place and prevents shifting and slippage. A slim profile maximizes space in your closet, hanging bar, or rolling clothes rack. These hangers also are available in styles with clips.
Use rolling paper towel holders to store rolls of trash bags. Genius!!
This is a great trick and can keep rolls of trash bags on hand all the time. It’s easy, functional, and fits under your sink, in your pantry or on the counter. Try one like this to create easy-to-reach trash bag storage.
These are just a few simple ideas that can make a world of difference. When choosing furniture remember to buy what makes storage sense.
Try to declutter before putting things away because, let’s face it, when you have less to organize, it’s easier and much less work to store things and find space in a kitchen, bedroom, or closet. In the meantime, have fun trying out some of our Storage Hack ideas. We will provide more options and other suggestions in a future blog.