People Who Organize Homes Say You Can Declutter So Much Crap With These Genius Things

Amélie Saint-Jacques, professional organizer at Amelie Organizes LLC and certified KonMari® consultant, loves these food storage bins. “One thing I always recommend doing is decanting individually wrapped snacks in your pantry,” she says. These “[take up] less space than the original packaging, and [they allow] you to keep track of inventory at a glance.” These bins include removable dividers to easily fit larger snacks and bottles.

“In large kitchen drawers,” says Saint-Jacques, “I like using [clear plastic trays]... to keep things in their place, so that you can find them more easily and also to prevent them from getting jumbled and jamming your drawer closed.” These are quite compact, so they fit into shallow drawers. You can also use them in your bedroom or bathroom for easy organization.

“To create space in cabinets,” says Saint-Jacques, “I like using stackable racks, so that you can stack dishes.” These are made of a strong alloy steel that supports heavy kitchen stuff. You can put them together with no tools or hardware. Each set comes with two shelves for dishes, seasonings, medicines, and more.

“To store pans, I use a [vertical pan rack],” says Saint-Jacques. This one has a 50-pound weight capacity to hold even the heaviest cookware. At just over a foot high, it doesn't take up much room in your kitchen. Use it vertically or horizontally, depending on your space. Available in multiple sizes, it’s a smart way to store skillets, pots, pans, and other stovetop essentials.

“I have [a steel pan rack] for cutting boards as well,” says Saint-Jacques; “this keeps them accessible, as you won't be reaching for something on the bottom of the stack.” Made of rustproof wire, it'll sit by your sink without degrading or decaying. Stand it upright or on its side. Nonslip grips on the base keep it from toppling over.

“For under-the-sink storage in bathrooms, I like pull-out drawers, which prevent losing something at the back of the cabinet,” says Saint-Jacques. Their clear plastic material lets you easily see what’s inside. Reinforced with stainless steel bars, they’re capable of holding heavier bottles and slide out easily with their sturdy handles.

“As for the top of your dresser,” says Saint-Jacques, “corral everything in a simple tray and use a jewelry organizer to keep things visible but contained.” This one has 10 hooks to hold delicate chains without any tangles. It comes fully assembled and takes up minimal space on your dresser. Natural wood accents make it look even more stylish.

According to Saint-Jacques, “three-tier rolling carts have a thousand uses! I've recommended them for children's homework tools or crafting supplies, for pantry overflow and cookbooks, for office supplies, you name it.” This one comes in a gorgeous pink hue; if pink isn’t your thing, you have three other color choices. Its rubber wheels work on a swivel for easy steering.

"These [extra large totes] hold a lot and are perfect for decluttering,” says Kelly Brask, a certified professional organizer and the owner of Kelly Brask Organizing. “Bonus, if you drop your donations off at a shelter or refugee free store, [these] can be reused to transport clothing and household goods by someone trying to start over.” Their sturdy stitching and high-quality handles stay strong under pressure.

“[I] recommend the colorful rainbow version of this handy woven basket,” says Brask, “which works for decluttering floors! [It] can be used to collect laundry, extra blankets, or stuffed animals.” Its cotton rope material is both soft and durable, protecting hands when you reach inside. It also has built-in handles for easy carrying. Available in other color designs and sizes as well, it folds down to save space when it's not in use.

“The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson is a wonderful source of inspiration to start a decluttering journey!” says Brask, who believes this title is one of the best on the topic. From her husband’s tool shed to her drawer of knick-knacks, Magnusson helps readers tackle even the toughest areas. After reading, you may feel more confident deciding what to keep and what to let go.

“Velvet hangers are our [favorite] hanger by a mile — space saving, aesthetically pleasing, and uniform,” say Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman, founders of The Declutter Hub. Their hooks swivel around 360 degrees, and their notched shoulders hold spaghetti straps in place. They can handle heavy clothes up to 10 pounds. Each pack comes with 50 hangers.

According to Jansen and Spellman, “When doing paperwork, it’s important to eliminate any barriers,” which is why they recommend these clear document folders. “As soon as something is difficult, you won’t do it,” they say, “so make sure you use [folders] that open on two sides for easy access.” Flexible and waterproof, they protect your papers from damage.

“A label maker is a must-have when it comes to [organizing],” say Jansen and Spellman. “Whilst a standard label maker is just fine, there are ones that have associated apps that are much more versatile when it comes to font or design.” This one comes with lots of fonts, borders, and even images for a more creative workspace. You can buy it in seven colors.

Jansen and Spellman call this wall-mounted organizer “a must in any kitchen,” saying, “It means mops have a chance to dry out easily and [it] keeps things close to the wall.” This one also has six hanging hooks for sponges, dusters, and more. It holds up to 35 pounds, and its rubber grips hold onto each handle.

“No one needs cable clutter, but as we start to rely on more and more devices, these [magnetic cable clips] are a must,” note Jansen and Spellman. Their magnetic clamps hold your cords in place, keeping chargers well within reach. They come in a six-pack, so you'll have enough for all your devices. Easily stick them to any flat surface with their acrylic adhesive sticky pad.

Diane Greenhalgh, owner of Tiny to the Max, suggests that you “get a cleaning supplies caddy.” Furthermore, she advises “having two areas for cleaning supplies, one for outside cleaning, usually stored in the garage, and one for inside cleaning. This way, you only need two sets of supplies, can always find what you need, and know what you have, so you don’t keep buying duplicates.” This caddy, which comes in three colors, holds almost two gallons and has a sturdy handle.

Greenhalgh believes in gadgets that multitask, like this adjustable measuring spoon that works with both wet and dry ingredients. That way, you can “get rid of the multiple sets you have lying around that inevitably are missing one or two sizes.” This spoon slides back and forth to adjust measurements. Plus, when you’re finished baking, it’s dishwasher-safe.

Olympia von Berg, a professional organizer at Organizing By Olympia, calls this over-the-door hanger a “magic vertical space maker.” She says that, “whether it’s in a linen closet, kid’s room, or entryway, it’s an easy win for storing small items without needing any tools or shelves.” It has 10 compartments, holds up to 80 pounds at a time, and has an overall score of 4.8 stars on Amazon.

"Cables are the modern-day clutter culprit,” says von Berg; “these [cable management boxes] hide the visual mess and prevent that ‘where’s the charger?’ scramble. [They’re] especially great for home offices or nightstands." Use them with power strips of up to 10.5 inches in length. Their entry and exit slots give you easy access to your tech.

These shoe stackers keep your whole footwear collection in order. Florence Deniau, a home organizer at MAISON by Florence, says, “These items are essential because, first of all, you need space, but you need to see your clothes at a glance with a little bit of fun!” Their nonslip bases hold sneakers, sandals, and more in place. You can also adjust their height to fit your heels.

Make the most of your closet with these pants hangers. Their bars have a rubberized coating to keep fabrics in place. Deniau loves their tiered design, which lets each hanger hold up to five pairs of pants. Available in black, gray, or gold, they’re a great way to save space while being able to see your entire collection. You’ll receive three hangers with your purchase.

Deniau knows that closets aren’t just for clothes, so she recommends these jumbo zippered storage bags. They’re big enough to hold sheets, towels, and duvet covers, and come with clear panels that show you what’s inside. Reinforced handles let you easily pick them up and carry them from room to room.

“[A paper shredder] is always good to have,” says Deniau, “to get rid of important papers but also to get acquainted with the decluttering process. Shredding can be pretty satisfying and meditative (when you have a lot of paper).” This one shreds paper into 0.25-inch wide strips, hiding your private information.

Katie Neary, a professional organizer and move manager at Haven, says, “I love these zipper pouches for everything! 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.” Made of a thick, water-resistant vinyl material, their half-transparency lets you easily see what’s inside.

Neary is a big fan of clutch organizers similar to these, “so you can quickly see all your choices when you're running out the door to an event.” Arriving in a set of two, these organizers are made of shatter-resistant ABS plastic, which can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. With its slim design, it fits onto shelves, dressers, and more. You can also grab them in a pack of four.

According to Neary, “These [faux] leather trays are great to keep on nightstands or entryway tables for keys, change, chapstick, or clearing out pockets and corralling these items.” Their sturdy material and contrast stitching make them just as durable as their more expensive counterparts on the market. Each set comes with a large tray and a small one.

“I love using these [water bottle organizers] to avoid water bottles falling all over on a shelf,” says Neary. This one has three tiers, so you can use your vertical space wisely. They fit bottles of most shapes and sizes. No tools are necessary for assembly, so it’s quick to set up.

“This is one of the only shower caddies I've found that stays in place due to the suction at the bottom,” advises Neary. Made of rust-proof aluminum, it can handle intense heat and moisture. Its nonslip hooks hold onto your showerhead, and with generous shelf spacing, it can easily hold bottles that are wide and tall.

“I always keep these [cable ties] on hand to gather together tangled cords,” says Naomi Cook, owner of Open Doors Organizing. “My clients look amazed at how such a little thing can help and make things look tidier. I keep them in my tool kit, and because of the inexpensive cost, end up leaving some with my clients.” They come in a pack of 100, so you’re unlikely to run out. Not only are they pre-cut, but they’re incredibly easy to use.

"This [identity protection stamp] is great for using at the end of the week for the mail that comes in,” says Cook. “This helps you save the planet, because instead of shredding, which cannot be recycled, you can do a quick roll with this over the sensitive information and put it in with your paper recycling.” Its unique ink pattern completely blocks out writing, so you'll be safer from identity theft. You can buy it in one of six colors.

“These [sticky notes] are great for so many applications,” says Cook. “When I am with clients, they are great to put on cabinet doors or closets in an unpack when the client can't be there. Along with a [Sharpie], they easily mark what you would like where [...] The super sticky back can hang onto most objects.” Each pack comes with six pads in a variety of bright colors that are bound to grab your attention.

Ellen Delap, a certified professional organizer and owner of Professional-Organizer.com, recommends these stackable acrylic storage drawers, saying they let you “store bathroom products under the sink, on shelves for cosmetics or jewelry, or [in] any area that has vertical space.” When you buy, you'll also receive nonslip silicone pads that you can stick on their bases, so they won't slide out of place.

Matina Kazameas & Kristina Harris, co-owners of Two Tidy Tinas, LLC, “recommend mixing your clear storage with opaque natural materials,” like these water hyacinth baskets. “Pro tip: always look for straight edges instead of tapered edges. This maximizes your storage capacity,” they say. Available in two colors, these come with chalkboard labels and a pen to help you keep track of what’s inside.

According to Kazameas and Harris, “Bamboo lazy Susans are awesome for grouping those one-off ingredients like olives, pickles, condiments, bottles of oil and vinegar, etc. in one easy-to-grab area.” This one has a nonslip base that keeps it stable in your pantry. It swivels 360 degrees, so you can grab any ingredient with ease. Designed to prevent tilting, it keeps all of your items on an even, flat surface.

“Metal bin clips are great for labeling your bins and baskets and come in many varieties,” say Kazameas and Harris. Available in either black or white, these have a durable dry-erase surface that lets you switch up your storage. You can easily clip them on and off without damaging your stuff. Their sleek, minimalist design looks good with any decor.

“Over-the-door hooks are perfect for creating a hook for a jacket, apron, hat, bag, step stool, etc,” Kazameas and Harris say. These have a Z-shaped design that fits doors of different sizes. They're made of heavy-duty steel and lacquered for durability and shine. An anti-corrosion layer keeps them from rusting.

According to Kazameas and Harris, “S-hooks are versatile for organizing belts, accessories, bags, etc.” These hold up to 20 pounds each and have silicone caps on both ends that keep them from scratching items. You won't need to drill or install anything; just hang them on railings or rods. Add them to your closet, your kitchen, or any other area you need to declutter.

“C-hook adhesive wall hooks are great for brooms, ice picks, umbrellas, etc,” Kazameas and Harris claim. Supporting up to six pounds each, their silicone grips keep tools from sliding through. Just peel and stick them on for a more organized space. You can stick them onto tile, metal, glass, and more. They’re also water-resistant and can withstand intense weather.

Kelsey Whalen, owner of 425 Home Organization, says, “This mesh organizer keeps papers, notebooks, and office supplies sorted and accessible, helping maintain a clutter-free desktop.” It has five tiers to make your vertical space work for you. Made of durable mesh and reinforced with a steel frame, it comes with a set of easy instructions to put together. You can buy it in one of 10 colors.

Whalen also likes these acrylic magazine holders. Their “slim, vertical design saves space while keeping important documents upright and easy to grab at a glance,” she says, and they’re “very aesthetically pleasing.” Rubber pads on their bases hold them in place. Since they’re completely clear, you can see what’s inside without much hassle.

For birthdays and holidays, Whalen recommends this greeting card storage box. “Perfect for sorting and protecting cards or paper goods by occasion, it turns cluttered piles into a tidy, labeled system,” she says. Each slot holds up to 80 cards. Its sturdy lid is easy to open and close, keeping dust and moisture out. You can also buy a version with a handle if you plan on moving it from room to room.

According to Whalen, “These damage-free hooks are ideal for renters or anyone who wants flexible wall organization without tools or holes.” They may be small, but they hold up to 15 pounds of wall art at once. Use them on painted walls and glass or tile in the bathroom. Just clean your desired area with rubbing alcohol, then press them into place.

“These clear risers elevate small items for visibility and aesthetic appeal, perfect for organizing collectibles or product displays,” says Whalen. Standing tall at 12 inches, each riser comes with six pieces. Their 5-millimeter thickness makes them sturdy and strong, and their tiers keep everything visible. Nonslip strips on the bottom hold them in place.

“Expandable and tiered, this spice rack brings order to chaotic cabinets and ensures every label stays visible,” says Whalen. Its bamboo material is so stylish and fits into any kitchen. You can extend it up to 23 inches in width for a snug fit in any drawer. It holds up to 48 spice jars at a time. Durable and solid, it’ll last for years in your kitchen.

“Ditch those half-empty cardboard tea boxes for an acrylic tea box,” says Shara Kay, owner and certified professional organizer at SK Organizing. She says this product “will take up a fraction of the space,” and it’s “handy for presenting a whole selection of teas to visitors.” These stackable boxes come in a pack of three, each with eight sections. Quantities of one and two are also available if you don’t have as much tea to store.

“You can decant puzzles and games into [a board game storage kit], recycle the cardboard boxes, and save so much room in your console cabinet,” says Kay. Available in both gray and beige, this kit includes zippered bags and DIY stickers for easy personalization. Attach their labels to each bag with the included adhesive dots for easy access.

“A photo storage box can hold several albums’ worth of photos in a fraction of the space,” says Kay. “Consider clear plastic or more archival options depending on your needs.” Crafted from sturdy acid-free polypropylene, this box has a handle that lets you carry it from place to place and a snap closure lid to keep dust out. Each small interior case can hold up to 100 standard 4-by-6 photos, with the box itself capable of holding up to 1,800 in total.

“Transfer kids’ art and other paper memorabilia from bulky storage bins to a streamlined portfolio,” says Kay. You can also “curate and edit that collection while you’re at it.” This portfolio has 30 plastic sleeves, so you can display 60 pages at a time. Its pages are non-glare and waterproof, and serve as a great way to shield documents from damage.

Jessica Kohler, a virtual organizing expert & founder of Kohler & Company, recommends this stackable storage system. “What makes this one great is the drawers,” says Kohler. “You can allocate each to a product type.” Its clear acrylic material helps you find what you're looking for fast, and it’s stackable if you buy more than one. You can buy it in 10 different designs, all of which can help you streamline your beauty routine.