I find that many people have a graveyard of items they had purchased for “organization.” My advice: don’t buy it until you know exactly where you need it! Below are some things I would recommend to *almost* anyone!
Note: these are affiliate links, so I receive a commission on purchases.
****The top section here is NEW! I care about you and your health. I recommend that if you have the space and a little bit of time, you start growing your own healthy greens at home, to ensure that you can continue to eat healthy no matter what.****
All You Need
Hydroponic System
This will sit on a table or countertop. Easy setup and low maintenance. Get your greens as fresh as they have ever been! No more “greens guilt” over produce rotting in your fridge starting the minute you get home from the grocery store.
Just Add Seeds
Grow Sprouts in Water
A very simple, affordable system. Get these jars with the special stand and lids, and watch the seeds turn into sprouts in a matter of days! Also good for those who have cats. Did you know that cats like to eat tender baby plants?
for Mason Jar Fans
Just the Accessories
If you already have a bunch of Ball, Atlas, or Mason jars, maybe you just need a little help turning them into growing centers! Note: these are for wide mouth jars.
Need a light?
Like the Sun
For those dark winter days, keep growing the fresh superfoods with whatever getup you set up!
I like this one because it stands on its own and you can adjust the height as your greens grow!
Sprouts in the USA
A Tasty Blend
This company has lots of products, and they also have easy instructions for spouting your own seeds, right on their web site. It’s like they WANT you to be able to eat healthy!
OK, back to the essentials for keeping your house in order:
Laundry: Keep it Simple
Rugged, Carry-able
There are some elaborate and expensive laundry systems out there. For anyone who doesn’t have a giant dedicated room for laundry, or who has to carry laundry up and down the stairs, I recommend getting a few of these! They are very sturdy; you can carry them on your hip without crushing them. Being plastic, they are easy to wipe clean, and the holes on the side keep the contents from getting overly smelly. Get one, or if you have a larger household, get 6! These can also be great for carrying items from room to room as you do a quick sort-and-reset to tidy up your home.
Pantry Storage
Clear and Stackable
I’m not a fan of “decanting” every little thing–I don’t have the time or attention span for that! But if you need to consolidate your pantry or other storage space, these containers will be great for organizing small items into broader categories–school snacks, smaller accessories for baking or pets, napkins & towels, etc. You’ll have your pantry (or pantry substitute) looking cohesive and coherent. If you are short on cupboards, these could even work stacked on the counter or floor.
Larger Storage
Clear and Ample
When you have things in storage, it helps a TON to be able to know what’s inside at a glance. So unless you are storing things in direct sunlight, why not have a clear container? Something in the 94 quart range will allow you to amply store things like linens, out of season clothes, boots, mementos, or your old journals since high school! *Watch out when buying online. A photo without a size reference can lead to disappointment when the item arrives.
If you don’t have a corner of the house to stack these, try an Under-bed version!
For Lids & Things
Keep them upright
Not for everyone, but if you have a cabinet that is large enough, this can hold your cutting boards, pot lids, baking trays, and more. the metal uprights can be placed at whatever intervals you choose! Be sure to measure the width of your cabinet (this rack is 12.6″ wide but can expand up to 21.5″), as well as the height of your cabinet (to make sure it is tall enough to fit the items you are thinking of storing).
For Cat Corners
Compromise is Key
Cats don’t always agree to use what we think is an ideal litter box for our decor. Some will even boycott the box if it’s not roomy enough, if it’s too “full” (ahem, scoop daily!!) or if it scares them in any other way. AIthough every situation is different, I choose this one as the “best for most” clients. The high wall will keep litter from being kicked out on the sides, but it doesn’t have a ceiling and door that might scare the more timid felines. And, after cleaning a lot of smelly plastic litter boxes at my own house, I highly favor a stainless steel.
Maximize Small Spaces
Under the Sink
Most of us could use more efficiency under the kitchen sink. Instead of reaching for something in the back (and knocking over everything in the front in the process), have everything where you can reach it. These could also work under bathroom sinks. Just be sure to measure first, and allow for room around the pipes and valves.
Another option, in white.