“What should I buy to get organized?” Perhaps nothing, at first! 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! During an organizing session, I will try use things that you have on hand first, and then can advise you on what else you might need. Below are some things I would recommend to *almost* anyone!
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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 when you can see what’s inside at a glance. 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 care about your organizing efforts, and they 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” 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 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.