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How We Keep Our Homes Organized

We’re pretty obsessed about keeping our homes organized. Or, at least having the tools to attempt to keep our homes organized. These are the items we swear by, plus some bonus picks from Issue 186’s guest editor Taryn Williford, lifestyle editor of Apartment Therapy. Image: @thecontainerstore

Published:
September 23, 2020
Container Store
Under-bed Storage with Wheels
$
27

If you have limited drawer space, lots of extra linens (read: your old sheets and towels from college), or a seasonal wardrobe, then these see-through rolling bins are for you! The two-sided lid and wheels make it easy to grab what you need and slide that bin right back, eliminating the game of Tetris you play everytime you try to pull something out.

Target
White Suit Hangers
$
16

There's something about matching hangers that just feels so aesthetically soothing. Try purchasing slimmer hangers, like these, if you're low on space. Bonus: the velvet coating keeps your tank tops and silky shirts from slipping off into the unknown/hamper.

Target
Decorative Steel Basket
$
8

Jenny from the GNI team recommends using see-through baskets like these metal ones for storing small items in her closet. You can neatly fold tote bags, baseball caps, even scarves or socks so that they're all together, but still easy to see all at once.

Open Spaces
Underbed Storage Bin
$
64

If you want storage that's as stylish as it is functional, choose a matching set of felt bins. These modern but cozy bins are slim enough to fit under your bed or couch, but they're also stackable if you have more space to work with.

Container Store
Stacking Shoe Bin Case of 6
$
47

"These clear stacking shoe bins are the organizational product that have changed my life. I can actually see every pair of shoes I have. These bins fit two pairs of my shoes each, and with flip flops or sandals, I've even double stuffed a slot. The best part is that I'm actually make use of each full shelf and maximizing the storage I have." - Katrina, GNI Team

Target
Triple Laundry Sorter
$
35

"A home thing that I'm VERY passionate about is investing in a practical but still stylish laundry system. I think it's one of the things in your home that has to make the most sense (where you put it, how portable it is, etc.) for your lifestyle. We went through three different systems before landing on a lightweight piece divided into three canvas bag sections." - Tyler, GNI Team

Pottery Barn
Over-The-Door Organizer
$
35

When you're out of shelf space, adding an over-the-door organizer is the easiest way to add storage in the least permanent way possible. No tools required, and your security deposit is safe!

Crate & Barrel
Sedona Honey Large Tote
$
45

These are Alisha's favorite bins to stash away ugly knick knacks and organize her linen closet with. They're perfect for containing all of the bulky items you can't store elsewhere or  hold all the items you want within reach, but prefer to keep out of sight.

Open Spaces
Medium Storage Bins
$
23

Get yourself a tech bin to store all your chords, chargers, plugs, etc in one neat spot. Bonus tip: add in a USB charging port and use the handle opening to weave through its chord. Now you have a tidy and discreet spot to charge your phone, watch, headphones, you name it!

Amazon
Velcro Cable Ties
$
7

"I can't stand the look of loose cables everywhere, and with all the random devices or chargers we have, it feels like there are always a few lying around. I got these neon velcro ties to roll up and store all of the chords we keep at home, and yeah they're color-coded. I wrap them just enough so that you can still plug your items in without having to unravel each time you want to use it." - Katrina, GNI Team

Amazon
Shark IZ163H Rocket Cordless Vacuum
$
279

"We got this cordless stick vacuum, and it has changed my life forever. This brand is still an investment but cheaper than Dyson (though I feel like it works just as well). She has a joint in the middle that releases out to a 90 degree angle for mission impossible-esque under-the-couch cleaning." - Jenna, GNI Team

Amazon
Eufy Boost IQ Robovac 11S, Slim
$
206

After seeing this vacuum EVERYWHERE, I made the buy as soon as it went on sale (ps. Amazon gives you an automatic coupon for it!) Having a robot makes me feel like a superhero-multitasker and Judy Jetson all at the same time. While I'm answering emails, its cleaning my kitchen floor. While I'm walking the dog, it's tidying under the couch, while I'm digging up flower beds (in Animal Crossing) it's climbing over the rug, and then making its way to the bathroom tiles!" - Katrina, Team GNI

Amazon
Bathroom Shelf
$
26

In Issue 186 of the newsletter, guest editor Taryn Willford recc'd these easy-to-mount bathroom shelves as the perfect solution to your tiny apartment bathroom. Who knew we had so many different types of shampoo?

Food52
Yamazaki Fit-Anywhere Slim Cart
$
65

If it's from Yamazaki Home, you don't need to convince us that it's worth it. Their storage collection is so multipurpose and useful in almost any space. From a bathroom/beauty cart to a spice rack to fit that weird empty space next to the fridge, this thin cart works in every room of the house.

Open Spaces
Shelf Risers
$
27

Shelf risers are the only way to make use of every inch of oh-so valuable cabinet space. No more having to take everything off your shelf when you need the serving plates on the bottom of a pile, and no more haphazardously stacking mugs that are NOT meant to be stacked!

Bed Bath and Beyond
OXO Good-Grips Turntable
$
11

Lazy Susans are the ultimate cabinet/pantry must-have. If you have one of those weird corner cabinets that you can never really get your hand into the back of, this is the perfect solution. We recommend using for your spices, oils, vinegars, and condiments so that you can see everything you have in your kitchen. They also work in a fridge, in the bathroom for cleaning supplies, and also for your skincare.

Bed Bath and Beyond
YouCopia Bottle Organizer
$
20

Anyone else have a lifetime supply of reusable water bottles? Open up your kitchen space by stacking them on a small shelf they won't roll off of...so you can make room for more!

Target
YouCopia StoreMore Rack
$
20

Taryn Willford shared this adjustable rack in Issue 186, and we're using it for EVERYTHING - baking sheets, pans, cutting boards, tupperware lids. The possibilities are endless!

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