People Who Organize Homes Swear by These Clever Things That Declutter Every Room in Your Home

Mary Jo Contello, a Certified Professional Organizer at Organized by MJ, recommends this collapsible laundry basket. She says it’s “space-saving when not in use,” and “it can hang on a wall or fit between a washer/dryer.” Its large size is perfect for heavy loads of laundry. Comfort grip handles let you easily carry it from place to place.

Contello likes that this slim storage cart can “fit between a washer and dryer and hold supplies. [It] can also fit between a stacking unit and a wall (great for small spaces).” With four tiers, it makes the most of your vertical space. Each tier has a different height, so you can store bottles and boxes of any size.

If you have lots of outdoor supplies, “this [camping chair rack] helps keep them together and not thrown all over the garage,” says Contello. Made of thick metal, it won't deform or warp easily. Large hooks can hold even the heaviest bags. A shelf on top provides a convenient spot for things that are otherwise hard to store.

“Keep the sports stuff together” with this rolling storage cart, says Contello. Its five elastic straps stretch to fit balls of every size. Reach between them for easy access. If you buy more than one, you can stack them on top of each other. Its four strong casters can hold heavy stuff. It comes with well-written instructions to help you put it together. It’s also available in a larger version that’s great for storing baseball bats and other bigger accessories.

“This is a versatile drawer organizer, fantastic for managing kitchen tools, office supplies, or even cosmetics,” says Maria Anderson, a cleaning and organizing expert at Henfield Storage. “What I love about it is the adjustable design that fits drawers of different sizes and makes sure to maintain order without taking up extra space.” Its nonslip ends hold tight to flat surfaces. Wide bases keep them stable, even when you rummage around.

“These under-bed storage bags are perfect to maximize unused space,” says Anderson. “Items like seasonal clothes, extra bedding, or shoes can be stored and kept out of sight with these bags. Using them, you can easily keep any space clean and reduce clutter.” Their transparent lids make it easy to see what's inside. It’s also easy to carry them from room to room with their reinforced handles.

"These are transparent, stackable bins that come with handles, making all the difference,” says Anderson. “You can easily pull them out and check items in a single glance. Be it toys, pantry items, or bathroom supplies, these bins are great for keeping everything accessible and tidy.” Since they’re so spacious, they’re great for bulky clothes and linens.

“One thing I always recommend to my clients is clear bins for their pantry to corral individually wrapped snacks,” says Amélie Saint-Jacques, a professional organizer and Certified KonMari® Consultant at Amelie Organizes LLC. “You can see exactly what you have on hand (no more reaching into an empty cardboard box that your kid left there!)” You can either stack them on top of each other or store them side by side.

“I also very much like organizing racks for pots and pans,” says Saint-Jacques. “You will no longer have to reach under a precarious pile of pans to get the one you want!” This particular rack is made of a strong, sturdy alloy steel. It holds up to 50 pounds at a time. With four slots, it can carry your whole cookware collection.

Saint-Jacques recommends these baking pan organizers “for cutting boards and baking sheets. [They] help keep all items accessible.” They’re made of rustproof wire, so they’ll last for years in your kitchen. Their space-saving design is great at keeping countertops clean. You’ll receive two organizers with your purchase.

“I'm a big fan of tiered bleacher stands in cabinets and pantries to keep canned goods and spices visible and prevent them from getting lost at the back of a shelf,” says Saint-Jacques. These space-saving shelves have three tiers, with the highest in the back. This adds visibility and makes it easy to see what you have — and what you need to restock. Plus, they expand to fit your pantry.

Saint-Jacques “also [likes] in-drawer knife blocks because they not only help prevent dulling of the blades, they also help keep you safe as you reach into a drawer!” This one is made of sleek bamboo, which looks elegant in any kitchen. It fits five large knives and six smaller ones, or sixteen short knives. It's also water-resistant, so it's okay if you spill.

“In bathrooms, I recommend organizers for makeup and toiletries,” says Saint-Jacques. This one has seven clear compartments, so you can organize by category. Its sturdy acrylic material is easy to wash. Just use soap and water, and it'll look as good as new. It's a great choice for makeup artists and amateurs alike.

“Not only does this [plastic storage organizer] keep things neatly arranged on your countertop, it also helps set a limit so that you don't overbuy,” says Saint-Jacques. Its five compartments are spacious, but they also keep your collection (and your spending) at a healthy level. Handles on the sides make it easy to pick up and hold. Saint-Jacques isn’t the only fan — this organizer has racked up an impressive overall score of 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon.

“For closets, if there's one single thing you should do to make [them] look nicer, it's to get matching hangers,” says Saint-Jacques. These hangers from Zober are coated in nonslip velvet, so they’ll do a great job when it comes to holding slippery straps and fabrics in place. They swivel 360 degrees and can hold up to 10 pounds at a time.

“I also recommend getting shoes off the floor,” says Saint-Jacques, “either with a rack or clear bins.” This one has three tiers, and it holds up to 12 pairs of shoes. You can also buy more than one and stack them for extra storage. Just clip them in place for a hassle-free installation. Made of strong metal, they'll hold even the heaviest boots.

“For kids, get a shadow box frame to display artwork,” recommends Saint-Jacques. This one holds up to 100 masterpieces at once. Its front-loading design lets you swap out the picture inside. Built-in keyholes let you hang them vertically or horizontally. Their two-inch molding makes art class creations look sophisticated and chic.

“These [project sorters] are fantastic for sorting and gathering all those papers that arrive in your life and may be important or relevant for a while!” says Kelly Brask, certified professional organizer and owner of Kelly Brask Organizing. “College fliers, weekly store ads, things you need to discuss with your significant other, you name it.” They come with 10 color-coded dividers. Their clever elastic cord keeps documents safely inside.

“Pick a color [that] suits you and fill this [shoe organizer] with shoes, dolls, wrapping supplies, cords, or whatever else you need to gather in one place,” says Brask. It has 24 storage pockets and holds up to 12 pairs of shoes. Simply hang it over your door — there's nothing you’ll need to assemble. Its strong nonwoven fabric won’t rip or tear.

“This label maker allows you to choose from dozens of fonts and even insert clip art,” says Brask. “You create the labels on an app on your phone (hello spell check!) and send them to be printed via Bluetooth. Simple to do and impressive results.” Choose from over 60 frames and over 450 symbols for labels with personality.

According to Brask, “these cubes make packing (and traveling) so much easier! You can use one for swim/exercise wear, one for PJs and your clothes for the first morning, or however you like to categorize your outfits.” Mesh panels let you see inside without unzipping. They come in four different sizes and a few fun colors to stylishly fit all your stuff.

Janet Bernstein, CPO and owner of The Organizing Professionals, recommends this productivity notepad. “Motivate yourself by writing it down!” she says. “It’s easy to lose momentum when each room in our home needs decluttering. Stay motivated by setting weekly goals.” It has an hourly schedule to help you take charge of your time. With 52 pages, you’ll have plenty of room to write.

“Space bags have been around forever, but they really do work,” says Bernstein. “Cut the clutter by storing off-season clothing in these.” When you buy, you'll receive 20 bags and an included hand pump. They reduce the volume of your clothes by up to 80%. This helps you fit more sweaters and sheets in your closet.

“I love these zipper pouches for everything!” says Katie McCann, a professional organizer, move manager, and founder of Haven. “Puzzles, supplies, tools, toys, essentially anything that needs to be contained in categories can be corralled in these pouches. The different sizes also provide a lot of versatility.” Their mesh material gives you a clear picture of what’s inside. Each pack comes with 18 bags, so you’ll always have enough for your stuff.

“These leather trays are great to keep on nightstands or entryway tables,” says McCann. She recommends them “for keys, change, chapstick or clearing out pockets and corralling these items.” They're made of premium faux leather with contrast stitching. They can also make a great gift for anyone with an eye for design.

“These under-sink organizers are great to maximize the height and depth under a bathroom or kitchen sink,” says McCann. With two tiers, they double the amount of storage space. Eight movable dividers let you organize your stuff. They're made of premium acrylic and held up by aluminum support rods.

“This is one of the only shower caddies I've found that stays in place due to the suction at the bottom,” advises McCann. It's made of sturdy aluminum, and it's rustproof. Three tiers work to hold your shampoo, conditioner, and soap in place. With a strong hook, it grips your showerhead, even when everything else is slippery.

“These clear dividers allow for structure to create a system for sweaters or sweatshirts on a high closet shelf,” says Ben Soreff, a partner at House to Home Organizing. “Plus, they work wonders for storing purses and bags. Structure is super important when it comes to creating an organized system.” Because they’re clear, they help you find what you’re looking for at a glance. Each package comes with four dividers.

"Turntables work well in the kitchen and linen closet for medical/health/beauty,” says Soreff. “However, these have high walls and are a must. Low turntables mean that everything will fall over. The high walls are perfect for oils and spices or even vitamins.” Their solid bases won't leak, so they’re also great for the bathroom. Plus, they rotate 360 degrees.

“Fabric storage bins are great for keeping various items on shelves or in closets,” says Brian Davis, home organizer and CEO of handyrubbish. When you're not using them, collapse them down to save space. Their sturdy handles let you move them around, and their fabric is strong enough to hold heavy clothes.

“Drawers have a tendency to become a crazy black hole, so I'm always turning to bamboo organizers,” says Cary Prince, founder of Cary Prince Organizing. “I love that these Purawood drawer organizers are expandable (plus, they look great).” Each organizer has nine compartments for all your flatware. Their bamboo material is water-resistant and looks beautiful in any kitchen.

"Royal Craft Wood organizer sets are perfect for bathrooms, desk drawers, or even jewelry — I find endless uses for them,” says Prince. They keep notepads, Post-Its, and other papers easily accessible, and can also be used for jewelry or hair ties. Rearrange them in any formation, so they'll fit into your drawers. Covered in a protective sealant, they're completely water-resistant.

Kathi Burns, CPO and owner of Organized and Energized, uses this wire caddy to help keep track of her “client’s papers” and keep them organized. “The beauty of this product is [that] the footprint is only 8.5-by-11 on the desktop,” says Burns. “So space effective and easy to use." It’s made of heavy-duty wire and has eight spacious compartments. You can also buy them in a convenient pack of six.

“When I organize papers, I always use Freedom Filer — it is the best [filing] system in the world that I have found after researching for years,” says Burns. You can organize it by month, category, or color — and even use all three at once. You also have the option to write out your categories by hand.

"No one needs cable clutter, but as we start to rely on more and more devices, these organizers are a must,” state Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, founders of The Declutter Hub. Magnetic clamps keep them shut. You can peel them off any flat surface, and they won't leave any residue. They’re especially helpful for the cords and chargers that tend to slip off your desk.

Spelman and Jansen both believe that having a mop and broom mount handy is a must, especially in small kitchens. “It means mops have a chance to dry out easily and [it] keeps things close to the wall and neatly organized,” they add. This version has six hooks and five slots to store tools of all sizes. Nonslip rubber grips are perfect for long handles. It holds up to 35 pounds at once.

“Keep [small] items organized and declutter your space with a handy bedside caddy,” says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer and brand ambassador for Modular Closets. “This small-but-useful organizer hangs over your bed frame or railing to keep your essentials organized.” It's made of durable canvas and metal, and it has adjustable straps. Not only does it come in multiple colors, but you can also buy it in a pack of two.

Giaquinto recommends having a tray near your front door to house all of your must-have essentials, like keys and your wallet. That way, you’ll know where everything is before heading out the door. “This creates a habit that you use every single day. It is a lifesaver for never rushing again!" says Giaquinto. This particular valet tray is made of a stylish faux leather, with metal buttons that help make it easy to assemble.

“Use a freestanding clothing rack,” says Giaquinto, “for extra space to hang your clothes.” It’s especially useful if “your closet is too small to hold all of your clothes,” since you won’t “let your garments start piling up on the floor or cluttering up your nightstand.” This one has a 400-pound weight capacity. You can adjust the height of each rod to hold suits, slacks, shirts, and anything else you need.

“Do you want to create your own coffee bar in your kitchen?” asks Giaquinto. “Keep it organized with this counter coffee bar organizer on Amazon! It's an affordable and aesthetically pleasing way to store coffee grounds, coffee beans, syrups, etc.” With two tiers, it uses your vertical space. It comes with instructions, accessories, and pre-drilled holes, so it’s easy to put together.

“Floating shelves are a contemporary and practical way to organize and display items and maximize a room's storage capabilities,” says Giaquinto. “I really like these floating shelves on Amazon. They are a budget-friendly way to save floor space and display houseplants, pictures, souvenirs from trips, etc.” When you buy, you’ll get a set of three shelves. Each one holds up to 25 pounds at a time.

Giaquinto says this storage ottoman is “stylish, comfy, and offers ample storage space.” Great for media, knick-knacks, or activities, it performs double-duty and is great to have when guests are over. Its front pocket is perfect for papers and TV remotes. Dustproof and waterproof, it’s unbelievably easy to clean.

“Double [hanging] closet rods maximize the storage in your closet,” says Diane Greenhalgh, owner of Tiny to the Max. “It's an ideal organizing solution for people who want flexibility in a small closet and for increasing accessibility for shorter individuals like me, children, and people in wheelchairs who may struggle with reaching higher rods.” They come in a pack of two, so you can share them with multiple members of your household.

“When organizing bathrooms,” says Greenhalgh, “a corner shower caddy is your best friend. It offers ample storage for your shampoos, conditioners, and body washes without taking up significant space or requiring an elaborate shower renovation.” She loves that it “even has hooks for your loofas and such.” Made of rustproof metal, it’s sure to last a long time.

“Compact and foldable, this lap desk with storage is designed to make the most of your space, even if that space is your lap,” says Greenhalgh. “Whether you're a work-from-home pro or a student cramming for exams, the desk offers a stable spot for your laptop or tablet. [It’s] ideal for small homes in need of flexibility, people who need a change of scenery, or kids who love being around their parents.” When the work day is over, simply fold it flat and stow it away

“Corner dish shelves are a great option for those looking to maximize their kitchen cabinet storage,” says Greenhalgh. “I like using them to stack plates so you don’t have to lift a pile to get to the size you want while making use of all the vertical space on your shelf. It’s also nice enough to put on an open shelf or a counter if you prefer your dishes out and accessible.” With three tiers, it’s perfect for plates and bowls. Plus, its chrome finish is always chic.

“I love this basket for pantry backstock items,” says Jolynn Hansen, an interior designer, home organizer, and the founder of Tidy x Lofty Designs. “It is large enough to hold 2 full chip boxes from Costco, but short enough to tuck under most bottom pantry shelves. Bonus? It looks pretty.” It’s made of a woven cotton rope with a convenient handle on each side.

Hansen “[loves] incorporating these [soda can organizers] into either the pantry or the fridge.” She says they’re “great for soda cans, sparkling water, juice cans, and more!” Each organizer holds 12 cans at once. Cans will roll forward on their own, so you can simply grab one and go. Since they’re transparent, you’ll see when you need to stock up.

Hansen is a big fan of stackable water bottle organizers like this one. “[They help] to free up space by stacking multiple rows high, and you don't have to worry about bottles tipping over in the cabinet,” she says. Their four tiers can hold up to 12 water bottles at once. That way, you can keep your whole family hydrated.

According to Hansen, “these sheet organizer boxes can make your life a breeze!” Calling them the “make or break item for hall and bathroom closets,” she says she “[uses] these for sheets AND for extra towels. They come with labels to easily mark the rooms, and they keep your closet looking nice and tidy.” Handles on their lids make them easy to transport, and clear windows let you see what’s inside.