My Top Organized Living Essentials

My go-to products, hold the plastic.

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Asked and Answered: My Top Home Organizing Essentials

My new book, Organized Living, is weeks away from publication, so it seemed like a fun time to share a roundup of my ride-or-die home organizing products. These are the items I use in my own home and on nearly all home makeover projects. I’m also providing some easy alternatives you might already have at home if you don’t want to buy anything new.

Wooden Hangers

In my opinion, the number one investment you can make to elevate your closet is a simple set of matching hangers. I prefer wood over other materials because they are sturdy, sustainable, and will truly last a lifetime. I’ve had my set for almost ten years, and they show no signs of wear. Space-saving they are not, but they do help achieve a lovely boutique-like aesthetic that will make you feel like a real fancy lady. Before investing in new hangers, make sure to do a ruthless closet edit - you may be able to cobble together a matching set using what you already own.

The Best Baskets

Oh, I’m a sucker for a good basket. I use large, round floor baskets for storing laundry, shoes, magazines, throws and pillows, library books, kid toys, games, and stuffed animals… the list goes on and on. IKEA sells this affordable option, and I am also a big fan of the handcrafted fair trade version below from The Citizenry and this floor basket from Connected Goods. Anything large and open will do the trick and make clean up a breeze - even for kids.

Airtight Glass Jars

My friend Wiebke (founder of Bliss Haus) introduced me to the magic of airtight glass jars years ago and there is simply no turning back. Our pantry staples stay fresh for months, we can see what we need to restock at a glance, and they’re just lovely to look at. I also like to use glass jars for laundry detergent and other household essentials that can be bought in bulk. You can use mason jars, or repurpose jam or other food storage jars, if you don’t care to invest in new products.

Canvas Bins

I’ve been using these all-purpose canvas bins for my entire career. They’re great in an entry for stowing seasonal accessories, in an office or craft room for corralling supplies, or in a linen closet for storing sheets and towels. Pro tip: Use these in size medium (or really any open bin) to store your sheet sets so your linen closet will look uber organized and you’ll never have to struggle with neatly folding that dreaded fitted sheet again. Freedom!

Hooks, Glorious Hooks

Hooks are an organizer’s best friend and my number one small space solution. I use sturdy hooks in the entryway for coats, bags, and hats, in the closet for belts, bags, and jewelry, in the bathroom for towels and robes, and in the kitchen for aprons, oven mitts, and dish towels. You can even use s-hooks to hang your mugs, cooking utensils, tools, or jeans by the belt loop. Three cheers for this home organizing hero.

Drawer Dividers

Want to neaten up a bathroom, office, or junk drawer in minutes flat? Drawer dividers for the win. I prefer them in bamboo (over plastic) and you can also puzzle piece together your own makeshift drawer dividers using shallow food storage containers or even iphone boxes which are super sturdy and structured. I use the bamboo version below in our bathroom and kitchen drawers. Bonus: they’re stackable.

To be honest, aside from these workhorse staples and a handful of others, I use little else in the way of home organizing products - preferring to repurpose items that I, or my clients, already own. Before you hit the shops it’s always wise to shop your own home - most of us have at least a few stray bins, baskets, jars, or dividers that can be easily repurposed.

Happy Organizing!

Photography Credit: Vivian Johnson