At a recent event, there was a lot of excitement when I shared my most favorite organization tools and gizmos. Many asked me to email them with the product list and links. Which had me thinking…would others be interested in these tips?. The answer is “yes, please!”
As a professional organizer, I’m sharing my 10 most favorite tools and gadgets. These are tools that I use and recommend to my clients, and in my home as well. While they are not fancy, nor terribly expensive, they have been greatly useful and even valuable in saving me time.
The Lighter Home’s 10 Best Home Organization Tools
1. Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are such a versatile storage solution. They work well in refrigerators, pantries, playrooms and vanities, to name a few. I like the Lazy Susans with dividers such as The Home Edit Divided Lazy Susan priced at $27.99 from The Container Store. In fact, I use this divided Lazy Susan on the top shelf of my fridge for easy storage and access of our most regularly used condiments (we are condiment people!). I also find basic Lazy Susans helpful like the OXO Good Grips Lazy Susan Turn Table which is priced at $11.99 on Amazon. Homegoods sometimes has simple Lazy Susans for less than $10 — so if you have a Homegoods near by, it’s worth the peruse.
2. Chalkboard labels
I love whimsical chalkboard stickers for labeling storage boxes. Made of vinyl, they are pre-cut and come in sheets that contain a few designs and sizes. Sticker packs usually include a chalkboard marker, too. Did I mention they are removable? There’s a variety of brands, and all are around $8. Check them out on Amazon.
3. Liquid chalk markers
No only are these white liquid chalk markers great for chalkboard labels, they also work on plastic and acrylic surfaces. I use these markers to label clear acrylic bins in my fridge. These Kassa White Chalkboard Markers are great because they wipe clean with water and some magic eraser, and have dual tips so that you can adjust the lettering size. Liquid chalk markers are available in a pack of two on Amazon for $7.95.
4. Slim velvet hangers
Slim velvet hangers are a must to maximize space in your closet. And, using consistent hangers makes for a neat and pretty closet. And why not have a neat and pretty closet?! Swap out those wire dry cleaner hangers, or the bulky plastic ones and invest in velvet slims. You can buy them in packs of 50 and 100 at Costco, or find them at Homegoods for $9.99 for 25 hangers (great deal!). Want them delivered? Try Amazon Basics velvet hangers priced 50 for $24.99.
5. IKEA Variera boxes
The Variera boxes come in several sizes and are perfect for storing toiletries and hair accessories in bathrooms, dry goods and boxes in kitchen pantries, and toys and arts/crafts in playrooms. They are sleek and sturdy, and with the open top it makes for easy accessibility — no dealing with removing and replacing covers. Starting at just $2.79 for the small size, the IKEA Variera boxes are a steal.
6. Clear shoe boxes
Storing shoes in boxes is a game changer. For many years I tried shoe racks, over the door hangers and baskets. Finally, I tried simple clear plastic shoe boxes. I can say shoe boxes are here to stay. They stack nicely on the floor of my closet and I can easily see my shoes inside, so they never get “lost in the shuffle”. There are many different shoe boxes out there, but I personally like the ones from The Container Store. There’s a wallet-friendly shoe box, called “Our Shoe Box” for $2.19 each. There are also some really nice drop front shoe boxes, which lift open in the front (meaning no cover) starting at $7.99 each. You can buy shoe boxes in bulk quantities from The Container Store, which I recommend to help save a few dollars. Shoe boxes also come in a men’s size, bootie size and tall boot size.
7. Label maker
Me and my label maker are like peas and carrots. Do you recall what movie that’s from?! I do love having a label maker because it’s useful for anything that needs a label in your home or office. Most label makers are fairly inexpensive starting at $19.99, and you pay $15 to $25 for replacement adhesive label tape, which typically comes in a pack of 2 to 4 tapes. The Brother P-Touch gets great reviews, and there are many different models to choose from. Pick one up at Amazon, Staples, or any other office supply store.
8. ThumbScraper Scraper Tool
Save your manicure by investing in a tag scraper. Trust me on this! I found this little gadget, the ThumbScraper Scraper Tool, in The Container Store checkout line and it’s been a lifesaver. This hard plastic gizmo scrapes off adhesive price tags, and is super easy to use. As an avid HomeGoods and TJ Maxx shopper, this little tool is so helpful in scraping off the stickiest store price tags. They come in packs of two and you can buy them on Amazon, or at The Container Store with prices starting at $5.99.
9. Goo Gone
If you don’t have a bottle of Goo Gone, go and buy it. It’s one of those items you must have around your home. Goo Gone gets rid of any sticky remnants, such as adhesive price tags and leftover glue from tape. Paired with the ThumbScraper Scraper Tool, you’ll quickly remove all price tags and sticky marks. Buy it at your local hardware store, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, and more. Prices start at $2.99.
10. Tape measure
Before I buy a single bin or put up a shelf, I always measure, measure, measure! This recommended item is essentially free, since most households have at least one tape measure at home. Please use it — it will save you time and money in the long run. Measurements matter!