We can't all live like a lifestyle blogger. But we can try.
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It isn’t enough to simply wipe away the dirt, vacuum up the dust bunnies, and toss the clutter. Now it's time for the fun stuff. It's time to organize.
Popular Science and
Working Mother
are researching the surefire ways to maintain and keep order in your habitat. Now that your digs are
freshly cleaned
, take a look below for products that'll help you keep track of everything you need. No more minutes wasted tracking down that essential toy or utensil. Nobody's got time for that.
One of the scariest places in your home is probably behind your computer desk. If you don’t manage your wires from the moment devices come out of the box—and doggedly maintain that law and order as you add new products to your workstation—your cords will be a tangled mass within a few short months. That’s where these sewn neoprene cable organizers come in. They’re five feet long and 4.5-inches wide. You can cut slots into the fabric to accommodate wires coming from other areas of your desk. And they’re only
$9
.
Hardware and Craft Cabine
This organizer will keep your craft supplies, fishing tackle, or enamel pin collection color-coded, size sorted, and in plain sight. The polystyrene frames are made of recycled material, and can be mounted on a wall or stacked on top of another. There are 44 clear drawers, which means your googly eyes, batteries, and screws will be easy to find.
$32
.
If you need something to help organize your thoughts, the Knock Knock “This Week Pad” has 60 sheets to keep you on point for just over a year. Not everybody is
cut out for bullet journaling
, after all.
$5
.
A neat way to store your tools
If you’ve got a garage or workstation, a tidy tool display can make your work less stressful and your mind clear. The more time you spend rummaging around your hectic toolbox, the more disorganized flustered you’ll feel. This kit comes with two steel pegboards that attach to your wall, as well as three plastic bins with hangers, a screwdriver holder, a hammer holder, and an assortment of 15 hooks and brackets. The holes accommodate standard quarter-inch pegs.
$87
.
Jewelry and watch organizer
Keeping your watches, sunglasses, or jewelry in one place means they’re better protected and you’re less likely to lose track of them. I’ve dinged up enough watch faces and scratched enough lenses to know. This lockable jewelry box—it comes with two keys—protects your valuables
and
keeps them classy-looking. It’s got a glass lid for easy viewing, a black faux leather exterior, and comes outfitted with velvet pillows to keep your watches from bumping around. There are six watch slots and three larger areas for glasses or other items. It’s just
$20
.
Zip N Lock
Keep your food orderly and in sight.
Take advantage of all the room in your fridge. Don’t let leftovers get lost as they are pushed to the back. The
Zip N Lock
attaches to the top of one of your shelves and extends outwards, allowing an easier view of zip-locked baggies. There are 19 slots that hold gallon- and quart-sized bags. Note: You need at least 16.8 inches of depth in your fridge to install this thing.
$30
.
Bamboo wooden utensil caddy
Chaos need not reign with your cooking utensils. This
bamboo organizer
has seven (seven!) compartments to keep your kitchen area tidy. Store napkins, hot sauces, spoons, whatever. It's not groundbreaking, but it sure is satisfying.
$22
.
VonShef 10-Inch 2 tier bamboo steamer
For better allium storage.
Have a ventilated and shady storage area for onions, shallots and garlic. If there isn’t enough air circulation, onions will spoil faster. The shade will also keep the vegetables from starting to taste bitter. A 10-inch
bamboo steamer
is about right. Also good for cooking vegetables and rice, or serving dim sum.
$30
.
Vanika airtight canister
Airtight means less spoilage.
You don’t need to keep everything in their original packaging. In fact, you probably shoudn't. Airtight
acrylic canisters
are the way to go. Wihtout air, foods stay fresher longer, plus keeps bugs away. They look nice, too.
$40 for a set of 6
.
HD Chalks chalkboard labels
Just like on your Pinterest board.
Instead of having to pull out every box or smell every jar to inspect what is inside, get some reusable
chalkboard labels
to smack onto some easily stackable, airtight canisters or jars. Writing can be cleared with a damp wash cloth.
$7
.
Float magazine rack & organizer
Organize—and
support
—the magazines you love. This chrome-plated, steel float magazine rack holds up to 12 magazines.
$80
.
Whitmor shoe organizer
These can be used for more than just your kicks.
Closet and cabinet space is precious. But so are your cleaning supplies. A hanging
shoe organizer
can be hung on the inside of a closet or pantry door and makes for optimal storage for things like Windex, wipes, and oven cleaners.
$9
.
Rev-A-Shelf cookware organizer
Another way to store your pots and pans.
If you're a fan of the Konmari method, then you're already an evangelist about storing things vertically. The
Rev-A-Shelf 2-tier cabinet cookware organizer
let's you prop up your pots and pans so you don't have to make a huge clatter trying to get to the pancake griddle at the bottom of the stack. It's 21 inches deep and has a full-extension slide system that can accommodate 100 pounds. The chrome-plated wire frame mounts on the bottom, side and rear, making it sturdy. The two tiers operate independently and the dividers adjust so you can store cookware of all shapes and sizes.
$138
.
ClosetMaid 8-Tier Wall organizer
If you don’t have enough room in your kitchen or pantry, make some more for yourself. This 18-inch-wide by 77-inch-tall over-the-door or wall-
mounted rack
will fit on most doors, offering eight additional shelves for 2-liter bottles of soda or boxes of laundry detergent.
$37
.
Madesmart Junk drawer organizer
No more anarchy in the junk drawer.
If you are doing a true deep clean, you'll dig deep into your junk
drawers
. With a sturdy, inexpensive dividers, you'll have a place for your sticky notes, coupons, and whatever else.
$14
.
Foldable drying rack
Great for your energy bill, too.
Don't shrink your clothing, and save cash on your electric bill. Air-dry your delicates and shrinkables on a lightweight steel
drying rack
that collapses for easy storage.
$22
.
Seville Classics storage bench
A seat with room for your stuff.
Have a place to store extra blankets, pillows or board games. This
storage bench
has got a frame that holds over 400 pounds, so don't worry about sitting on it.
$43
.
Remember that the whole
point
of organizing your stuff is so that you don't lose track of your important things. To that end, a
Bluetooth tracker
will make sure your absolute essentials (phone, keys, wallet) are never lost to the chaos.
$25
.
Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower
Don't forget the garage. The
Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower
will keep your rakes and shovels upright and where they belong. It accommodates up to 40 tools and has got two locking wheels for easy transport. It is made out of plastic, so don't worry about rusting or rotting.
$36
.
A
three-tiered shoe rack
is a major life and space saver. The stand is made of an iron steel and each shelf—made of a composite resin wood—holds up to 30 pounds.
$30
.
YAMAZAKI web cable box
Keep your wires in check.
Large enough for a power strip, this
wire organizer
will keep unsightly messes out of view. It’ll help avoid tangled wires and prevent plugs from being pulled out, too.
$45
.
AllSpice wooden spice rack
Accommodate the spice of life.
One of the messiest—and frustrating—areas of my kitchen is where we keep the spices. This cherry-stained wooden
spice rack
comes with 60 glass jars, 154 pre-printed waterproof labels and both large and small shaker tops. It is 16.5 inches tall, so do some measuring before you buy.
$230
.
Hangerworld tie hanger rack organizer
This might not be on the top of your spring cleaning organizing lists, but a tie organizer will make a difference in your closet and your appearance. This
one
holds 24 ties and has a polished chrome swivel hook. You'll save space and have all your ties at your fingertips.
$15
.
Tot Tutors kids' toy storage organizer
No more stepping on Legos.
This
toy rack
comes with 12 plastic bins and can be made in a variety of wood finishes. There are more stylish versions out there, but the big, colorful bins are designed to make it very easy for your kid to clean up toys for themselves.
$54
.
Don’t let peoples first impressions of your home be soured by a messy hallway. Keep your umbrellas in check with a
compact umbrella stand
. It works even for skinny hallways.
$27
.
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