An $11 Amazon storage gem keeps my bedroom clutter out of sight – and I discovered it by mistake
After a measurement blooper, I found a brilliant way to put a narrow organizer to use
I have a habit of late night shopping on my cell phone, and sometimes, I make a tired blooper browsing on that tiny screen. It's exactly what happened when I was shopping online for a bathroom organizer recently.
Instead of the deep adhesive one I thought I'd purchased, I ended up with a no-drill Amazon wall organizer that was too narrow to store my large shampoo bottles in.
I was about to send it back for a refund when I realized I could make brilliant use of it as a closet organizer, and rid myself of a batch of bedroom clutter.
How my narrow wall organizer ended up a closet storage gem
What I use mine for
My narrow no-drill organizer bins are perfect for headbands and cosmetics
The no-drill adhesive organizer I ordered by mistake was too narrow for my large shampoo bottles and wide-based water flosser to fit my bathroom storage needs as I had originally intended, but I ended up using it inside my closet door and it has become my most adored bedroom decluttering item.
Professional home organizer Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life likes what I have done with it. She says, 'It’s simple, cost-effective, and an efficient way to maximize space.'
Installing these vertically inside my closet door meant I could gather up the headbands and other long, but slim items I begrudgingly kept on display next to my vanity. I had been using a slim rolling cart to maximize storage and the top layer was stuffed with my cosmetics and headbands.
Now, it’s all nearly tucked away in my closet door. You can employ the same use of vertical storage inside any closet door with enough internal clearance.
What to shop
3 x 11 x 3.25"
This adhesive wall mounted organizer is compact and has grip inside to stop items slipping. It's not as wide as mine, which measures 16 x 2 x 3.5" so will work for smaller width closets.
15 x 4.3 x 4.2"
This adhesive wall mount comes with separators to keep items apart from each other or further micro-organize your belongings inside it.
4.35 x 12.6 x 3.35"
This comes with handy external hooks to give you space for items you want kept with the caddy, but not in it. If it closes into your clothes, make sure the hanging items won't catch.
I was pleased to add mine inside my closet, bringing very useful vertical storage without taking up floor space or being on show.
I made sure to position mine well inside the door frame, above the drawers inside my closet, and not too near the bottom edge of the hangers on the rail inset. Ashley adds, 'You ensure it clears your clothing and causes no challenges when opening and closing, which would have also been a heads-up from me.'
A winner all-round.
Pro organizer Ashley says this style of no-drill storage inside doors can be utilized around the home, too. 'I’ve seen similar things used under kitchen sinks to store dish-washing tablets and cleaning tools or under bathroom sinks to store hair tools,' she explains.
Mine is stuck on with the adhesive strips it came with. I have found this type to be effective elsewhere around the home, so far reaching four years of use without issue, even inside my en suit shower cubicle where moisture and humidity is high. My closet is not painted so there isn't a risk of taking the paint off if I decide to remove these, but bear it in mind for yours.
Why it works for clutter that you can't ditch
I needed easy access to and these slimline organizers worked out great for getting rid of some visual clutter. Pro organizer Ashley adds, ‘You have made efficient use of space. It makes sense for your life, and I understand the need to have hidden clutter. Visible clutter can be overwhelming to the senses!’
Indeed it can. Visual clutter can lead to a sensation of mess in the home, and a feeling of overwhelm when it comes to decluttering so getting my little corner of chaos sorted feels great.
If you go for a wall cubby with more room than mine, you might need further miniature compartments. Ashley suggests, ‘For organizers with a bit more depth, you can add internal dividers but only if it’s practical and enhances access. Amazon’s Choice small drawer bins in particular are suitable for organizing hair ties or Bobby pins.’
Whichever closet organizers you plump for, the important thing is to make it work for you. Ashley adds, ‘Everyone’s clutter threshold is different. I also prefer whatever can be stored out of sight. Some people need their things always visible to remember they have something.’
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Punteha was editor of Real Homes before joining Homes and Gardens as Head of Solved. Previously, she wrote and edited lifestyle and consumer pieces for the national UK press for the last 16 years, working across print and digital newspapers and magazines. She’s a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter and founding editor of independent magazine, lacunavoices.com. Punteha loves keeping her home clean, has tested and reviewed the latest robot vacuums, enjoys DIY, and spending weekends personalizing her newly-built home, tackling everything from plumbing to tiling.
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