Looking for simple affordable products that make life easier? Here are seven products that solve a problem for me and help organize my home.
I’m not sure what has gotten into me lately, but since I put Christmas away, I’ve been on an organizing tear.
I’m even surprising myself.
The other day I walked by the mirror in this room with my arms full of stuff I was moving from one closet to the other and I looked like a robin feathering its nest. I’ve systematically gone through each space and tried to find ideas and tips and products that are designed to create a place for everything and keep everything in its place.
I actually just found the simplest, easiest thing to (almost) double the size of the closet space). You just add them to a hanger and you can hang two hangers together. Some products like this really work so well (and even surprise me with how good they are).
And some?
Not so much.
I’ve returned all the ones that didn’t work and I thought I would share what IS working and what I’m using in the house and all the products that are making my life easier.
The thing that they all have in common is that they solve a problem for me.
Here are my favorites that made the cut.
7 organizing products that make my life easier.
1. Under the sink pull out organizer
Where do you keep your sponge?
I used to keep it on the edge of the sink. I even ordered cute sponges that matched my kitchen. The challenge is that all sponges start out cute and then it’s downhill from there (can you tell I’m watching skiing as I’m typing this)?
The sponges get so icky after a while that I didn’t want them on the sink. So I’d put them under the sink and they’d get lost and glumpy and mix in with everything else. I’d be kneeling down trying to find the sponge or a cleaner or the dish soap or these cute blue and white reusable dish towels and I’d get so frustrated.
And then I found this pull-out organizer.
I’ve used it for about nine months now and I love it just as much as the first day it was installed. It keeps everything organized under the sink because you just pull it out to use it and put everything right back where it goes.
Every time I pull it out it makes me so happy.
Truly.
You can see it here.
2. These food storage containers for the fridge
I eat so many fruits and vegetables (which are so expensive now) and I wanted to keep them fresh (and organized) in the fridge so they were ready at a moment’s notice. I want to bring them home from the grocery store, clean and wash them, and put them into a container so I have them ready. Then there are no excuses not to eat them. I tried so many different containers and other products that are designed to make life easier and I figured out three things about myself:
- I really, really like harder plastic for food storage containers. I think it cleans up better and holds up better over time and I like how clear and see-through it is.
- I am kind of picky about my plastic. I wanted to make sure I was using BPA-free plastic for food storage.
- I LOVE the snap-and-click with a container. You know. The whoosh when it seals and then the click when it clicks into place. It is SO satisfying.
These containers fit all that criteria.
I have two different sizes. These containers hold 3.2 cups.
These containers hold 4.7 cups.
3. These stackable clear organizers
I’ve showed y’all this area before. It’s a closet in the hallway with the linen closet on the other side.
We had bins with random letters on them that used to mean something, but now they were kind of organized, but the bins were really too big to keep everything in place. Stuff ended up getting jumbled up inside and then I recently added some things that I had cleaned out from the bedroom when we redid it.
It was a lot.
I tried a couple of things and landed with these stackable clear organizers. Here’s why I am all about them:
- They are stackable. I actually just ordered another set because I have more space to stack more.
- They are portable. You can organize them by task. For example, I have my nail stuff in one organizer and my self-tanner stuff in another.
- They are clear. I LOVE that they are clear so I can see everything at a glance.
- They are hard plastic (BPA free) and so sturdy.
- They are flexible. You can adjust how you use them in the space depending on the measurements of your shelves.
You can see it here.
4. These spinnable earring organizers
I literally feel like I’m earring shopping with these earring organizers.
They automatically extend your earring wardrobe because you can see everything with a spin.
The organizers are four-sided and have hooks to hang the earrings from. With earrings with backs, I don’t take the time to thread them through the holes. Instead, I just add them to the hooks with the space between the earring and the back.
5. These drawer organizers
I posted about these a while back and they were my best-seller for two weeks in a row.
These drawer organizers are amazing.
I’ve tried several different iterations of this product and these are by far the best value for the money. One of the best products that make life easier—they come in a set of 25 and there are four different sizes of containers so you have so many combinations and ways to set them up to fit any drawer. They have these little rubber feet on the bottom that completely hold them in place and prevent them from moving around and they even fit inside each other (you can see the small chalk bin and the small thumbtack bin actually fit inside the larger square bin).
With all the individual containers and compartments in the drawer, you can use something and put it right back in its own little container so it all stays neat.
6. These sweater and top organizers
With the bedroom makeover, I added these super inexpensive closet units on the wall.
Here’s a glimpse inside to see how I organized everything. I organized the shelves inside the cabinets with these amazing sweater/top organizers.
They are kind of game-changers.
I used to hang up my sweaters, but they get so stretched out, so I was looking for a solution to add the sweaters to the shelves in an organized way. I use this sweater folder to fold the sweaters and then I organize them according to color.
I can see them all at a glance now and it made so much more space in the closet for other hanging clothes.
You can see the organizers here.
7. These stackable shoe organizers (that I don’t use for shoes)
I was trying to find a solution for all the odds and ends in my closet.
And I found these stackable shoe organizers with these mini containers with doors.
I use them to store everything.
Here are just a few of the things I put in here:
- tights
- fuzzy socks
- patterned socks
- bathing suits
- scarves
- belts
- bathing suit cover-up
- zippered bags
- small purses
The possibilities are endless. I wasn’t sure when I ordered them that I would fill them up, but no worries on that. They are the perfect size for so many things.
And one last tip.
I’ve shared some of my favorite products here. Products I love. Products that are making my life easier.
But sometimes, a DIY solution is so much better.
Last year my husband surprised me with this DIY shoe storage solution.
It was better than any product that we could have purchased.
Sometimes there’s a handmade solution that’s even better.
I think it’s my new favorite thing.
Finding solutions to organizing challenges.
Here are just a few more of my favorite things:
- these coat hangers
- these drawer dividers
- this travel makeup bag
- these water bottle organizers
- these under-bed organizers
My mother always says, “A place for everything will keep everything in its place.”
And I never argue with my mother.
She’s always right. 🙂
If you like these ideas?
I’ve uploaded over 90 organizing products that I’ve either ordered or they are on my list.
You can see them all in my Amazon shop here.
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post
I have many of those items and love them all. I purchased Glass food containers instead of plastic and love them. I'm trying to use less plastic bags and these are wonderful for leftovers. It means no waste of leftover food because I can see everything; they stack; fabulous. The days of finding spoiled food stuck in the back are Over! I also use the long plastic drawers in the refrigerator, the ones that aren't deep so I can put in veggies, small jars, etc. When it's time to make a salad, just pull out the tray, put it on the counter and you're all set!!! I've been going a little organization crazy myself. What is it about January??????
I think it's when all the Christmas comes down and it's not cute anymore ---time to rearrange and organize! LOL! Happy day friend! KariAnne
One of my favorite topics. Organization and containers that make it work but look awesome too. I saw some things I haven't tried yet, so guess I will be shopping. Happy Monday.
Would you mind sharing where you purchased your white armoire/closet in the bedroom? It is perfect for what I need!
Of course! I got it at IKEA! Here's the link: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kleppstad-wardrobe-with-2-doors-white-00519634/
Hmmmm, an organizing bug bit me as well as I was taking down Christmas items to store. It seems that every area that my hand touches for any reason gets emptied out, sorted through, decluttered and reorganized. I’ve also been on a tear completing projects that I didn’t finish or get to before Christmas. My husband laughed at me when he found me in my workroom making Christmas themed aprons,,,,so I told him that I was getting a jump on next Christmas super early, lol! Cross your fingers for me that the bug that bit me sticks with me all year long! By the way, I’m thinking I’ll implement your shoe storage idea as soon as we’re finished with the small bathroom remodel that’s on hold as my husband recovers from the surgery on his hand. It’s a really good idea.
Kim, My bug shows up in January and then reappears in August when it's time to start again decorating for the holidays! LOL! happy day! KariAnne
I got the under the sink pullout organizers for my kitchen the last time I read about them. They really are a game changer! This time I will be getting the drawer organizers. Great tips!
Could you repost your dorm room decor? I'm trying to plan my son's dorm room and I thought your's was the best I could remember.
So many great items KariAnne. I need the two tier cabinet pullout organizer for sure.