THE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER’S TOP 10 LIST OF ORGANIZING PRODUCTS

Adjustable shelving systems aren’t just for closets! Use them in the laundry room, your home office, kid’s rooms and craft rooms. These systems enable you to maximize vertical space and create a fully customizable storage solution that can change over time as your needs change. My favorite? The Container Store’s Elfa line.

 2. HOOKS

I use hooks anywhere and everywhere throughout the home.  Use them in the mudroom to hang coats and keys, or in bedrooms to hang belts and scarves, or jewelry.  I especially love to use Command Hooks on the inside of doors (including cabinet doors) to add storage space when needed (and for swim ribbon organization!).

 3.  GLIDE OUT SHELVING

If I could install glide-out shelving in every bathroom and kitchen cabinet across America, I would! They make every inch of your lower cabinets and deep pantry shelves accessible. Check out my client’s pantry above. Can you imagine what is what like for her to access items in the back of the pantry before we installed these custom glide-outs?

In addition to custom options, there are many DIY glide-out shelf options on the market as well. They’re a terrific investment when it’s time to organize your kitchen or bathroom.

4.  OVER DOOR SHOE ORGANIZERS

I use over-the-door shoe organizers for practically everything EXCEPT shoe storage! They’re great for storing lots of small items and for taking advantage of vertical space.

Use them to store craft supplies, toiletries, office supplies, hair accessories, hats/gloves, etc.  I recommend the clear organizers so that your small items are easily visible.

5. DRAWER DIVIDERS

Drawer dividers are a must for organizing small things within a larger space. I routinely use them in dresser, kitchen, and desk drawers

6. DESK TOP FILE BOX & TICKLER FILE

The desk top file box/tickler file combo is one of the secrets to banishing those paper piles in your home.  Place it in a central location in your home and use it to corral their “active” papers.

7. BASKETS & BINS

Bins are the quintessential organizing product!   I use these in all shapes and sizes and for countless purposes.  Stacking baskets are even more awesome because they enable you to maximize vertical space (do you sense a theme here?)

8. DOOR RACK SYSTEMS

Adjustable door rack systems magically increase your storage space by utilizing that often-forgotten area on the back of your doors.  Not only have I installed these in client’s homes on the backs of doors, I’ve also used them on wall space in the basement stairway and in garages.  My “go to” door rack system is the Container Store’s Elfa Door and Rack System.

9. SLIM PROFILE HANGERS

Short on closet space? Non-slip felt hangers keep clothes in place with an ultra-slim profile that uses less space than conventional hangers. I love the ones that come with hooks that enable you to cascade hangers for even greater clothing storage capacity. Using the same hanger throughout your closet gives it a polished, uniform look that’s pure organizational Eye Candy.

10.  MAGAZINE FILES

Another great tool for banishing those pesky paper piles!  Use magazine files these to store magazines, catalogs, periodicals, manuals, etc.  Face the spine outward in order to eliminate visual clutter. You can also use them to keep binders (like your Houshold Binder) stored upright on a shelf.

BONUS PICK!

No list of essential organizing products would be complete without the Organizer’s Best Friend…the Label Maker!  Labels make returning items to their homes (an essential step in maintaining an organized space) a no brainer.

So there you have it!  Can you think of a way to incorporate any of these organizing products into your next home organizing project? What additional products are on YOUR must-have list for staying organized?