I have a bit of a thing about shoe storage. No matter how tidy the rest of my home is, a trail of shoes by the front door or an overflowing closet somehow makes everything feel instantly more cluttered. And traditional shoe racks aren't always the solution. They're often bulky, eat up valuable floor space, and still seem to leave sneakers and sandals strewn about.

That's why I was immediately impressed by IKEA's MURVEL shoe organizer, a clever little insert that has been selling fast online. Rather than storing shoes side by side, it stacks one shoe above the other, effectively doubling the number of pairs you can fit on a shelf.

It's one of those brilliantly simple shoe storage ideas that solves an everyday annoyance in seconds – and once you've seen it, it's hard not to wonder why every closet isn't using them.

Double Your Shoe Storage Without Taking Up an Extra Inch of Space

What makes the MURVEL so clever is that it tackles one of the biggest problems when you organize shoes: running out of space. Instead of taking up more room, it uses the often-wasted height between shelves, letting you stack one shoe above the other and fit twice as many pairs in the same spot. It's such a simple idea, but it can make an overcrowded closet feel instantly more manageable.

The payoff is immediate. Shoes stay paired together, they're easier to spot at a glance, and the bottom of your closet suddenly feels less chaotic. For anyone fed up with shoes migrating onto the floor or disappearing beneath a pile of sneakers and sandals, it's an unexpectedly satisfying fix.

'Shoes have a habit of spreading into every available corner of a home, whether that's by the front door, under a console table, or piled at the bottom of a closet,' says Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors. 'Because we wear them every day, it's easy for them to become part of the background clutter. Smart hallway shoe storage isn't just about fitting in more pairs – it's about making your home feel calmer and creating a system that's so easy to use, you'll actually stick to it.'

Instantly Make Your Closet Look Tidier and Feel Less Cluttered

I also love that this organizer improves the look of a closet just as much as its functionality. There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing shoes neatly stacked instead of scattered across a shelf or spilling onto the floor. By taking up roughly half the space, it instantly makes a closet feel calmer, tidier, and much easier to navigate. In fact, it's the perfect way to hide shoe clutter in a small space, making even the most overcrowded closet feel far more organized.

At just $1.49 apiece, the MURVEL is also refreshingly affordable. The only catch is that IKEA requires a minimum purchase of four when ordering online, but honestly, that's unlikely to be an issue. Once you see how much extra shelf space they create, it's hard not to start mentally reorganizing every shoe shelf in your home. They don't require any installation, work with most standard shelving, and are ideal for renters, small-space dwellers, or anyone trying to make an overstuffed closet feel more manageable.

Shop Alternative Shoe Organizers

In a small entryway or busy closet, traditional shoe storage can quickly start to feel bulky and inefficient – especially when floor space is already at a premium.

Below, I’ve hand-picked some of the best options to shop right now – from wheeled storage solutions to space-saving closet solutions – all chosen for how effectively they cut clutter and turn awkward, hard-to-use spaces into something far more practical and organized.

Sometimes the best organizing products aren't the biggest or most expensive – they're the simple, clever solutions that solve an everyday frustration. For me, this little organizer does exactly that. It finally makes shoe storage feel neat, intentional, and, perhaps best of all, completely out of the way.

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Cutting clutter is an everyday concern for most households, and a one-size-fits-all approach can be the easiest method to limit overwhelm.

For versatility, you really can't do better than IKEA's TROFAST Mesh Storage Box: Spacious, breathable, and easy to see the contents with a glance, it's no surprise that shoppers are buying multiple for use all around the home.

Here's why they make a worthy addition to any home organizing ideas − and what's even better? They're on clearance right now.

Storage should make your life easier, which is why lightweight, easy-to-carry options such as IKEA's TROFAST Mesh Storage Box are ideal for use all around the home.

The spacious design offers room for everything from books, board games, and art supplies to smaller everyday essentials such as toiletries, accessories, socks, and clothing. The open-mesh construction also makes it easy to see what's inside at a glance, helping you stay organized without constantly rummaging through drawers and cupboards.

The storage box comes in three understated colourways, though the grey-blue option is my personal favourite for its versatility. Smaller sizes are also available, making it easy to mix and match boxes to suit different storage needs. Better still, each box is designed to slot seamlessly into the IKEA TROFAST Storage System, allowing you to build a fully customised organisation setup from a range of configurations, sizes, and finishes.

What Shoppers Say

With an overall rating of 4.7 stars and 265 five-star reviews, it's clear that IKEA's TROFAST Mesh Storage Box is a steadfast hit with shoppers, many of whom have bought multiple.

'Great storage,' says Glenda. 'I added four large bins and two smaller bins, and this has added the storage that I needed to help clean up my sewing room.'

Rebecca shared that they were 'Just what [she] needed,' adding, 'This is a fantastic way to organize the toys. This is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.'

Elsewhere, Mark highlights how well they work with the accompanying TROFAST frames. 'I have several TROFAST cabinets,' he says. 'TROFAST has an excellent idea here: Removable and interchangeable bins organized in a convenient cubby or cabinet. Solid construction with either plastic or grid-metal bins.

'The styling hides clutter − not fancy, but presentable. Many cabinet configurations are available. They are affordable. Yes, I would recommend them as good storage units.'

Finally, a review from Stacia proves the unbeatable versatility of these mesh storage boxes − she uses hers for organizing her upright freezer.

'Shopped a bit and found these, which fit well at a great price point,' she explains. 'They are much sturdier than the plastic “bins” that came in my last freezer.'

More to Shop

Below, you can shop my essentials for overhauling your entire home's organization. With a minimum delivery fee of $35 when shopping at IKEA, you can either bulk buy the TROFAST Mesh Storage Box, or complement your purchase with one of my other favorites.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

These baskets aren't the only IKEA item shoppers are buying in bulk − IKEA's mold-proof laundry basket has also proven useful all over the home.

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Shopping for food storage is hardly glamorous. It is often the afterthought of the kitchen, relying on tired plastic pots that usually look a little worse for wear.

Now, however, Le Creuset is offering timeless stainless-steel food containers that look just as good as its best non-toxic cookware, combining the brand's signature style with a durable, non-toxic approach to food storage.

The stainless steel pots can be used for everything from on-the-go lunches to arranging a fridge.

As a health-conscious cook, I am always looking for food storage ideas that both help to reduce food waste and limit my exposure to plastics. Stainless steel is one of the best ways to do this as a non-reactive material that is more durable than glass. As a clumsy person, this is essential to me.

The Le Creuset On The GO Boxes are made from the same quality stainless steel as their best-selling pans, including the Essential Stainless Steel Pan I reviewed not long ago. The lightweight design means that the pots are simple to pack and take with you, and are much easier to move around your kitchen than heavier glass containers if you struggle with grip or finger dexterity.

Being metal, the containers are, of course, not microwave-safe, which may prove awkward for those who like to reheat their leftovers in the same container they stored them in. That said, the steel helps to keep the contents warm if added hot, especially if it is preheated in advance, adds one reviewer.

In their five-star review, they shared, 'As someone who avoids microwaves and plastic, this has been a perfect solution. I preheat it by filling it with hot water and sealing the lid while I heat my food separately. Then I dump the water, add my food, and seal it, and it keeps everything hot really well until lunchtime.'

They may be a simple swap, but when it comes to creating a non-toxic home, few kitchen upgrades offer the same combination of practicality, durability, and sleek design while delivering everyday peace of mind.

What Else to Shop

From non-toxic food storage to essential care tools that keep them performing at their best, I’ve curated six healthier kitchen swaps designed to reduce potential exposure and create a more mindful cooking environment.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for something a little more fun for your summer food storage? Le Creuset has quietly relaunched its coveted summer fruit cocottes, perfect for summer hosting.

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Keeping the surfaces, shelves, and cabinets of your home streamlined can feel like an impossible task, especially in busy households.

I have experienced this keenly as my family has grown and our jobs have moved to a remote-work setup at home. That’s why I am snapping up the $1.25 tray organizers from Dollar Tree, currently available in a bulk-buy offer, before they sell out. Their versatility is ideal for tidying up your whole home with minimal energy or planning.

Applying a simple organizing system, such as matching trays, is one of the best storage ideas professionals use to keep things easy to manage in the long term – a must for busy homes.

The rectangular trays come in an assortment of long and short sizes, and a gold or rose gold trim along the top. This subtle color difference can help you with a straightforward tidying system. Use it to allocate types of items, or to a particular member of the household.

Adding labels, with an easy-to-use, print-at-home label maker available affordably from Walmart, will add further organization to your belongings and be a clever tool you use time and again. This could be because of a change in the function or categories of your storage trays and bins, or because you’re switching things out as the seasons and your household's needs change.

I’ve found it to be particularly useful when organizing my pantry or decluttering kitchen cabinets.

As this is a bulk buy, the retailer notes that some colors may vary. If you’re placing them inside cabinets, this won’t matter, but if you’re planning to utilize them on open cabinets, this may be something to consider so you don't add visual clutter to open storage.

More to Shop

If you like the idea of a home-wide clear-out but would like a few more organizers to choose from, I have selected some other affordable Homes & Gardens favorites, along with streamlining staples that may come in handy.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I have used the easy-clean, stackable Amazon trays to clear the mess from all over my home, and they are a fantastic budget-friendly alternative.

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If you are finding it hard to sleep this summer for heat consuming you at night, there might be a simple storage mistake in your bedroom at the root of it all.

Home cooling experts and professional organizers warn that keeping lots of items stored underneath your bed could be the reason you can't cool down at night.

Here, they detail the common storage mistake to avoid, and exactly why it drives up heat-related discomfort at night.

As Kevin Pennington, a member of the Institute of Refrigeration, advises in collaboration with Sharps, the area of concern is, surprisingly, your underbed storage ideas.

'Cold air sinks, so the coolest air is near the floor,' he explains. 'If you have lots of belongings stored under the bed, you are not allowing cooler air to circulate, and it traps warm stagnant air right under where you are trying to sleep.'

In turn, this thwarts any efforts you make to cool down a bedroom fast, and any more general attempts you make to sleep better in hot summer weather.

Amber Taggard, Professional Organizer, Storage Expert and Founder of The Organizer Chicks, agrees. 'Summer is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re looking for every possible way to make your home feel cooler, calmer, and more comfortable.

'While we absolutely want the space under our beds pulling its weight when it comes to storage, we also don’t want it working against us during the hottest months of the year.

'One surprisingly common storage mistake I've seen repeatedly in my 15 years as a Professional Organizer? Packing the area under your bed so full that air can no longer circulate properly.

'Think of the area under your bed as part of your bedroom’s breathing system. When air can move freely, heat and moisture have a better chance of dissipating. When every inch is packed tight, that airflow is reduced.'

The 30-Second Swap to Keep Your Bedroom Cool

Fortunately, the fix is both quick and simple − all you need to do is clear the space. As Kevin explains, this works because the space under your bed acts as a reservoir for cool air, and keeping the area free of any clutter will help avoid any hidden mattress mold caused by underbed storage, too.

'Cold air sinks, so the coolest air in your bedroom sits right at floor level, and that gap beneath the mattress allows it to circulate naturally and draw heat away from you while you sleep.'

And, if you're wondering what the worst underbed storage offenders are, Kevin warns that solid plastic storage boxes, vacuum-packed winter clothes, heavy spare duvets, and cardboard boxes full of shoes are all listed among those to avoid.

'These are all dense, non-breathable materials, and if you've got the space rammed full of them, you're effectively turning the bottom of your bed into a solid block that traps warm, stagnant air right where you're trying to sleep,' he shares.

Instead, if you can't sacrifice your underbed storage space, opt for breathable, low-profile solutions, such as the Breathable Underbed Storage Bins, available at Amazon. Leave plenty of room around them, and periodically pull items out to clean beneath the bed to prevent dust buildup, which can affect air quality.

'It also comes down to how much you're storing. One or two small items pushed to the middle won't do too much damage; air can still move around them,' continues Kevin.

'But most people are short on space, so they pack those big under-bed drawers wall to wall. If the space is full, you're killing the natural airflow of the room. Even just leaving generous gaps around the edges makes a real difference.'

What to Shop

Alternative, breathable solutions for beneath your bed can be a simple swap you can make today so you don't have to lose that coveted storage space entirely.

Whether you're upgrading or overhauling, when decluttering and organizing the area under the bed, it's also crucial to keep this area clean and free of dust, so I've also included our top-rated handheld vacuum for cleaning behind and under beds without moving them.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'Remember: having your best nest isn’t just about maximizing every inch of storage,' says Amber. 'It’s about creating a home that helps you breathe easier, sleep better, and live more comfortably.'

These hidden bedroom storage buys also offer a stylish alternative to underbed solutions.

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If your bathroom is feeling cluttered, you’re not alone. I’m ruthlessly decluttering mine as it’s the only solution for the ‘clutter creep’ that has spread across every surface and cabinet in recent months.

Bathrooms are one of the most functional spaces of any home, and the products and potions you’ll find in these rooms largely have to stay put. A great solution to clearing the mess that can silently build up is using smart organizers that do not impede your access, whilst also using the vertical height available to you.

That’s why I am returning to my trusty 76-cent Amazon organizing tray, a product I have used all over to organize my home.

Why Bathrooms Get So Cluttered in the First Place

Jenny Dietsch, Founder & CEO of Getting It Done Organizing, says, ‘Bathrooms get cluttered so easily because we have adopted a "more is better" philosophy, and we see so many products being sold to us on social media. I encourage you to analyze how many different lotions and potions you have and how many you truly use or need.’

She advises asking yourself the following questions to easily remove and declutter your bathroom:

• How many bathroom products do you have that are partially used, that you do not plan to use again, or maybe are expired?
• How many hair tools do you have?
• How many do you actually use?
• How much makeup do you actually use? How many different bottles of hair products do you have?

Jenny adds, ‘My advice is to truly evaluate what you need, want, and use. If you have duplicates and back-stock, store it in a container in a cabinet and shop from your back-stock before buying anything new.’

Ruthlessly decluttering your home will also help form new habits when it comes to shopping so you don't accumulate things as rapidly again.

As for your bathroom, only keep out what you use daily, and keep rarely used items under a bed or a cabinet elsewhere in your home. ‘I do the same thing with holiday dishware,' Jenny explains, ‘We do not keep it in the cabinet with the day-to-day dishes because that would be too crowded.’

Why Easy Stacking Trays Help to Easily Organize Crowded Bathrooms

I use the affordable Amazon trays all over my home, and I particularly like that they stack but are see-through, meaning when you use them on shelves or in drawers, you can still find what you’re looking for easily.

Professional organizer Jenny likes them too. She says, ‘My team of organizers love these types of inserts to store items inside drawers. They are shallow inserts and best in a drawer, not on the countertop.

‘They are a great idea because they allow you to separate your items into usage categories and keep your drawers neat. There should be a home for everything, and inserts are a great way to corral all of your different items. I also love the mesh over-the-door rack from The Container Store.’

More Bathroom Organizing Essentials

Restore order and calm to your bathroom by ruthlessly decluttering, then implementing smart organization systems that allow your household easy access to everyday essentials without overwhelming surfaces and storage areas with clutter.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Ensure the functionality of this busy room isn't compromised by brushing up on the mistakes to avoid when organizing bathroom cabinets.

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As the Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I'm lucky enough to enjoy a steady influx of new bedding to test for our buying guides. While this has filled my linen closet with a whole host of beautiful sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, it's also left me, less fortunately, with a distinctly messy storage space.

That's why I'm picking up this four-pack of SpaceAid Bed Sheet Organizers, available at Amazon, to quickly and simply overhaul my sheet storage.

Proven to keep shoppers' best bed sheets neatly organized and accessible (and praised in over 3,000 five-star reviews), they're sturdy, durable, and effortlessly easy to use.

It's the common consensus that organizing a linen closet is one of the most awkward, tricky areas to tackle. In particular, it's fitted sheets that pose the biggest problem, and often end up bundled up, wrinkled, and stacked in towering piles, which is why I'm upgrading my storage with the SpaceAid Bed Sheet Organizers, available at Amazon.

Sturdy and durable, simply fold your bedding, zip the organizer around it, close the lid, and use the included labels to fix your frustrating tiny linen closet storage in an instant. Each organizer is large enough to hold one Queen or King sheet set, one duvet cover, and two pillowcases.

Then, each organizer can be placed side-by-side on a shelf in your linen closet, keeping every item easily accessible, identifiable, and neat.

What Shoppers Say

As Michelle details in her five-star review, the SpaceAid Bed Sheet Organizers, available at Amazon, are a 'game-changer' for linen closets.

She says, 'I love these SpaceAid Bed Sheet Organizers for my bedding! They keep my sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers neatly folded and organized – no more messy stacks tumbling over. The bands hold everything securely, and the labels make it easy to grab the right set quickly.

'They're sturdy, fold flat when not in use, and transformed my chaotic closet into something tidy and beautiful. Highly recommend!'

Another shopper, Erin, also similarly calls them a 'closet game-changer,' and adds, 'So good for organizing. No more bulky, messy sheet sets − everything stays neatly folded and easy to grab. Makes the closet look way cleaner and more put together. Simple idea but makes a huge difference.'

What to Shop

Interested in more small linen closet storage ideas? Shop from a selection of top-rated options below to keep this hardworking space neatly organized.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, I'm going to take inspiration from Martha Stewart's linen closet organization method, which involves cardboard rolls and lavender sachets and costs less than $9 to recreate at home.

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I have a fair amount of floor space in my kitchen-diner, but a limited amount of cabinets. This has left my newly built home in a storage deficit, and the clutter in my kitchen kept piling up, no matter how many times I decluttered.

After learning it would cost at least $25,000 to overhaul and add more kitchen cabinets to suit our needs, I looked for an affordable alternative. I ended up buying an ever-popular IKEA cube storage system, which starts from as little as $34 for a two-cube setup.

I opted for a spacious $129 12-cube KALLAX, and it’s been a game-changer for organizing my kitchen, leaving my cabinets streamlined, every rattan cube satisfyingly tidy, and my most-used cooking essentials easily accessible. I'm buying four more variations for use across my home.

What I particularly love about the unit is how easily you can personalize the storage potential to suit your room's exact needs.

My new unit immediately doubled the amount of practical storage space I have in the kitchen, allowed us to declutter heavily-used wall cabinets, and, crucially, made my brilliant non-toxic cookware more accessible for everyday cooking.

The IKEA KALLAX Has Been My Most Useful Kitchen Storage Addition

I have been working to create a non-toxic home, starting in the kitchen, and cleared out potentially hazardous non-stick pans that were scratched and replaced them with high-end Our Place cookware sets that are non-toxic but heavier than I'd like. I was struggling to get them out of the lower kitchen cabinets where we had previously kept our cookware.

Now they are at shoulder height, on top of my KALLAX, in the included organizers, seen above, and I no longer have to get my husband to get out what I need to use.

Additionally, the kitchen cabinet that had held our cookware previously now has oodles of space. Nothing is stacked vertically or nested inside each other, just to fit. Everything from our Caraway stainless steel mixing bowls and strainer storage sets to Souper Cubes I use weekly to save space in my freezer.

It Was So Easy to Put Together

My husband put the unit together in under an hour, and we opted for the IKEA KALLAX base frame to lift it off the ground a few inches. This not only provides extra hidden storage underneath for all those pesky kitchen items such as spare grocery bags and trays, but made the unit feel instantly elevated in style.

The baskets were also easy to put together, and we chipped away at those over the course of a week or two, as there were 14 to put together.

I added a non-toxic BPA-free shelf liner from Amazon to the top for scratch protection from our heavy metal cookware handles, and to make it easy to clean.

Keeping the KALLAX Organized

,To help our household keep the Kallax unit from descending into chaos, I allocated each cube for something in particular and labelled it as such. This helps us all maintain a simple organizing system moving forward.

It also means I no longer spend my days frustrated with mess on countertops that spilled over from jammed cabinets – or the lack of enough shelves to work with. It’s been truly transformative, and now my initial budget for a new kitchen will be put towards our dream forever home.

Investing in a little label maker, available at Walmart, was one of the best things I ever did for organizing my home as it's such a handy item for organization. Most of our rattan cube inserts from IKEA have their own marker to let everyone, including our cleaners, know where to find or put away what they need.

What Shoppers Say

I’m not the only one now to be obsessed with the IKEA bestseller, and planning on bringing four more to organize my small home, which is lacking in storage. IKEA shoppers have loved it for years, keeping it a constantly top-purchased product.

Shoppers have endless uses for theirs, including storing records, crafting items, adding storage across their home, keeping out-of-season clothes, exercise equipment, using it for decluttering home offices, playrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and more.

There is no end to the versatility. Rating it on average 4.6/5 stars, the KALLAX has had thousands of reviews from verified shoppers in the US and across the world.

Alexis recently wrote that it ‘holds the Multiverse,’ and added, ‘The storage unit is uncanny and amazing! I bought it to store my comic omnibus and collected editions and more. Between DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, etc., this thing holds worlds upon worlds between them. The unit is strong and sturdy. Some of these omnibus books are quite heavy, and this unit appears to have no issues holding them. The look and feel exudes confidence and well-built quality. You've got a fine product here! ‘

Sandra reported that the ‘KALLAX versatility is limitless’ and I wholeheartedly agree. She says, ‘The unit is perfect storage for crafts and fabric. Quality is great and easy to put together. Love these shelves.’

Another, Juliana, reported that it’s the third 4x4 KALLAX she has purchased. ‘I purchased the first units 10 years ago to store and organize my heavy paper-based work materials. I bought a second one to store off-season clothes and exercise equipment. I had no problem assembling the Kallax units, and they have held up perfectly despite being heavily loaded.'

The endless five-star reviews go on like this, confirming its durability, usefulness, and how it fits so much in without taking over your space.

What to Shop

Catering your storage to your particular requirements at home is a smart way to help you maintain order moving forward. Here are some useful items I've used in my kitchen project and extra alternatives.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, delve into the most stylish storage ideas for your home.

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During a recent trip to Spain, where many compact residential homes were designed to sacrifice kitchen space for more outdoor cooking and living areas, I noticed one clever feature that instantly cleared clutter inside.

Instead of dish drying racks next to the sink, they were hidden in wall cabinets, allowing you to double up your drying and dish storage space and keeping the area around your sink clear.

The cabinet above many Spanish sinks I saw allowed space for water to drip into the basin below, but you can easily and quickly recreate this space-saving kitchen storage idea with IKEA’s KUNGSFORS $45 dish drainer, which comes with a drip tray and can be wall-mounted.

I visited Iran a lot as a child to see my family, and this vertical storage trick was also a common feature in apartments across Tehran and beyond. Keeping dish racks tucked into cabinets above sinks was a space-saving design feature that served multiple purposes, and I saw it this week in Spain too.

The benefits of this setup I’ve often spotted in hot and humid countries include:

• Instantly clears sinkside clutter.
• Opens up extra countertop space for food prep in small kitchens.
• No more manual drying of dishes is required.
• As you wash items, you’re also putting them away, reducing chores.
• Removing sink-side drainers allows space for washed pots and pans to dry.

Design Experts Agree It’s a Genius Dish Rack Replacement

Head of Interiors at Homes & Gardens, and our resident design expert, Hebe Hatton, explains the problems switching to this style of dish rack can solve.

She says, ‘You could invest in the chicest dish rack, which looks fine when empty, but as soon as you actually put it to use and stack it with dripping dishes, any potential design statement is gone.

‘It's clutter, and it's noticeable – right at countertop level, which can be a busy place at the best of times. If your kitchen design does allow for a dish rack to be taken up off the countertop, it can make a lot of difference, especially if you make it part of a shelving display with shelves above it that you can style with crockery and cookbooks.’

If you need to store wider items, the IKEA item’s separator spikes can flatten down, transforming it into a shelf, while the IKEA KUNGSFORS Suspension rail and shelf combination comes with a shelf for exactly this.

Hebe adds, ‘This IKEA product frees up space around the sink and is more subtle both when not in use and when filled with dishes.’

The fact it has a drip tray and can be moved into a hidden spot makes it extra useful in busy hosting periods.

How the IKEA Drainer Can Help You Replicate This Design Feature

As it can be placed sink-side, inside a cabinet (it has a drip tray) or mounted on the wall, it allows you to corral wet dishes in a multitude of ways to best suit your compact kitchen or busy sink area.

It’s made from non-toxic stainless steel, and the steel wire has a galvanized coating for longevity. The tray that catches the drips from your wet dishes is also made from stainless steel, making it easy to clean lowers the risk of mold, which makes keeping it hygienic all the easier. Simply wipe clean with a spot of dish soap and dry with a clean cloth.

Avoid any harsh chemicals or rough scourers that can impact the surface, however, or it might become scratched.

You can also pair it with the KUNGSFORS suspension rail for an alternative mounting route.

More to Shop

Sinkside clutter is an issue for many, even in bigger kitchens, as the items there are in permanent rotation and a constant cycle of wash–dry-use. Here are some clever sink-side solutions to keep yours as functional as possible without creating an eyesore.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Say goodbye to the traditional dish rack with a clever alternative.

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If you haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to switch bulkier winter bedding to something a little lighter for the summer months.

The Whitmor, Inc Plastic Storage Bag, available at Wayfair, is the perfect solution for packing away items you don't immediately need, as it's lightweight, conveniently transparent for easy identification, and, most importantly, affordable. Plus, it'll make the perfect linen cabinet extension for those bulky beach towels and extra guest essentials when they're not required.

Here's why we recommend it for storing away your best duvet inserts until fall and winter roll back around.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Even the most organized linen closet usually doesn't have space for extra bulky items, such as comforters, duvet inserts, and thick blankets. That's why the Whitmor, Inc Plastic Storage Bag, available at Wayfair, with it's large capacity and durability, alongside the strong handles for convenient portability, is a simple and instant way to expand your storage.

The material of this storage solution will ensure your bedding remains free from dust and any mold and mildew, as well as keeping pests at bay, too. Keeping your bedding free of dust is an essential hypoallergenic storage tip for allergy sufferers.

What Shoppers Say

As shopper Megan attests in her on-site rating, there's plenty of space for all your bedding storage needs.

She says, 'Holds up really well, I've packed and unpacked the same large padded mattress cover in and out of this bag to the max capacity and there are no tears in the plastic and the zipper holds up well.'

Another shopper, Candace, notes it 'can fit two queen duvets in it with room to spare,' and plenty more reviews comment that it's particularly well-suited for underbed storage.

I'd agree − that way it's a storage ideas that's easily accessible but conveniently hidden from view. Its also equally useful for seasonal storage when transitioning your wardrobe, such as a fall wardrobe swap or spring closet swap, for example.

'I purchased several of these bags when they were on sale,' adds verified shopper Kathleen. 'I was able to store many winter sweaters, summer tops and other clothing items in these bags.

'I like that they are clear so you can see what is inside. The bag can really be stuffed and zipped up. Good value, very happy with the purchase.'

What to Shop

Once you've washed, dried, and cared for your comforters and duvet inserts, perfect your bedding storage with my Sleep Editor-approved selection of essentials.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Don't forget that it's essential to air out your bedding, particularly before and after storing it away for long periods of time. Never store it away unless clean and fully dry.

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Transforming awkward cabinets in your kitchen will do wonders for maximizing your storage space and speeding up tasks in the heart of your home.

As someone who has a small kitchen and mobility issues that make it difficult to bend down, I’m using this Pre-Assembled Solid Wood Cabinet Organizer Drawer addition from Wayfair to easily create a pull-out pantry.

In place of a beautiful, small pantry idea, this is the perfect organizing workaround that will revolutionize this compact space. It could have many uses in yours, too.

This premium pull-out kitchen storage idea is exactly what will improve the most annoying parts of your cabinets. The areas you cannot see at the back will be able to be reached with the pull-out trays, whilst accessibility remains sturdy.

In my awkward storage spaces, I currently have plastic baskets that have to be manually pulled out to access, which is heavy and difficult for me to do alone.

These well-built trays, however, sit on side-bolted runners that allow smooth movement without compromising on organization – the low sides will keep everything in place, be it pots and pans, appliances, canned food, plates, or more.

Plus, you don’t have to have any in-depth kitchen fitting or DIY experience to install it with ease. It comes with all the hardware needed, and you’ll only need to secure four screws to mount it securely in your cabinet, either on the sides or underneath. Simply identify if you have a face-frame cabinet or a frameless one, then measure your cabinet’s opening, and select the appropriate width as instructed.

Be mindful of any door hinges or internal fixtures in your storage space that might get in the way of the tray being able to fit or be pulled out easily to optimize this useful addition.

What Shoppers Say

It’s no wonder that it’s garnered an average shopper rating of 4.7/5 stars on Wayfair, where the item is available to purchase fully assembled and ready to fit.

Verified buyer Samantha, who gave it five stars, said, ‘This was pretty easy to install and so worth it. Makes a cabinet so much more useful. Measurements are pretty exact. Smooth glide out. Works perfectly and quick to install!’

Joanna adds, ‘Easy to install. I am absolutely enjoying the convenience of these pull-out tray drawers. Great investment!

Others praise its fast installation, how well designed they are, and the premium feel. Claudia adds that it’s been a game-changer for accessibility, explaining, ‘Great device, well-made, and really helps to keep my cabinet organized. I’m 5 feet and can never see what’s in the back of my shelves.’

More Cabinet Organizers

Regardless of how large or small your pantry, kitchen shelves or cabinets are, if you skip organizers, the content will quickly devolve into an unhelpful mess.

Here's a roundup of the most useful organizers for busy kitchens.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, explore organizing tips experts swear by.

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One of the most heralded laundry practices is drying linens and garments in the great outdoors. Effective at combatting musty odors, sun-bleaching lingering stains, and leaving laundry dry and fresh for free, it's a simple way to get multiple loads dry in minimal time.

And, with the IKEA JÄLL Drying Rack, it's easier than ever. The clever design, typical of the retailer, folds completely flat for storage when not in use, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor drying − all for just $11.99.

It's a budget-friendly addition to your routine that will mean you can enjoy the benefits of air-drying laundry throughout spring and summer without the space-zapping clutter of a large rack that's hard to hide.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

One of the easiest ways to make laundry smell better is drying it outdoors, particularly on a warm, breezy day. The crisp, fresh results simply cannot be replicated by artificial dryer sheets and softeners, and the sunlight also has the added benefits of killing any lingering bacteria and brightening whites.

It's not just banishing odors that drying laundry outdoors is good for, either. It's also an effective way to save money on your laundry, reducing energy costs and entirely eliminating how much it costs to run a tumble dryer, all while effectively getting mildew smells out of clothes and towels.

If you're in the market for a new rack, the IKEA JÄLL Drying Rack is a perfect contender − compact, lightweight, and easy to store and carry, it can be conveniently used both indoors and outside, and is gentler on both your clothes and the environment. No wonder shoppers love it.

What Shoppers Say

'Fits perfectly in our laundry room!' beams one recent review on the IKEA site. 'This is exactly what my laundry room has needed! I've used it both indoors and out. Holds a lot more than you might think for the size and folds away to store easily when you're done,' highlighting that it's suitable for even the smallest of laundry rooms. 'Thanks for a great and useful product!'

Another, from Angela, dubs it 'perfection,' and adds that it's excellent for air drying outside and inside, holds a lot of items, and is great 'where space is premium,' to maximize space in a small laundry room and help avoid any small laundry room mistakes.

A third, from Karen, echoes that it's brilliant for spaces where adding one of the best clothes dryers isn't an option.

'This is so convenient to use and to put away,' they write. 'I use it indoors when the weather is bad outside. When the weather is nice, I use it outside. Lightweight and so easy to fold up and store. Plus, the price is fantastic.'

As Karen highlights, as it can be used both inside and outdoors, it's ideal for drying clothes in a small space, meaning you'll get plenty of use out of it throughout fall and winter, too.

What to Shop

Below, you can shop from a curated selection of laundry room accessories, all of which sit among the things organized people have in their laundry rooms and serve to elevate your everyday laundry routine.

Explore our smart ways to do less laundry to lighten the load.

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Stacking organizers vertically is the ultimate cheat for space-saving functionality. That’s why IKEA’s clever pine food stacker is perfect for busy kitchens.

Not only do the curved lines add visual intrigue and allow easy access for cooking, but the materials used are non-toxic and ideal for safe food storage and, therefore, a healthier home. No wonder shoppers love IKEA's CHOKLADHAJ food boxes.

Use them side by side or stacked, in a pantry, drawer, or on your countertop – this compact $14.99 set is so useful for clearing clutter across multiple areas when organizing your kitchen.

The materials of this item are perfect if, like me, you’re switching out harmful plastics in your kitchen to help create a more non-toxic home.

Forever chemicals and microplastics in cookware can leach into or onto your food, which is why IKEA’s pine offering has caught my eye. It’s finished with natural oils, and with stainless steel nails and hardware. This makes the entire set safe for contact with food.

Though, of course, you don’t have to use it for food. It’s a great small kitchen organizer for your smaller utensils and accessories, or even as an easy-access herb and spice storage option.

Why Smart Organizers Keep Kitchen Clutter at Bay

Having simple organizing systems in place so every item in your home has a permanent place is the key to keeping your space tidy long-term. If items don’t have a set home, especially in busy rooms such as kitchens, they’ll end up cluttering your counters, jamming up drawers, or worse, going to waste at the back of your pantry or fridge.

That’s why IKEA’s CHOKLADHAJ food storage boxes are so handy. They’re not oversized, so they can live on your counter if you wish without blocking the space you need to prep meals. They’ll also stack neatly on a pantry shelf, inside an accessible drawer, or on a rolling island. This makes it a useful addition to small kitchens without feeling like you’ve had to sacrifice vital prep and serving space.

To clean, use a damp cloth. The pine is lightweight, and the non-toxic steel fixings make it a sturdy organizer for those heavier produce items. Avoid making it too wet or using harsh soaps, as the oil that’s been used to protect the pine provides a protective layer to stop it cracking or splintering over time.

You can refresh it with food-safe wood oil, such as Howard Products Food Grade Mineral Oil for Wood, available on Amazon. The oil is also perfect for maintaining wooden butcher blocks (our in-house chef loves the Boos Block available at WILLIAMS SONOMA), oiling your wooden countertops, and for taking care of cooking utensils.

What Shoppers Say

Rated an average of 4.5/5, IKEA shoppers love how handy and compact these stacking organizers are in the kitchen, using them for decluttering, space saving on items in the kitchen, or on the table, and even at their home office desks.

Several shopper reviews note the size being smaller than they were expecting from the photos, and note that the boxes will hold enough produce for two people, so if you have a larger family, consider buying two or more sets to allow enough room for the volume of fresh produce your household will go through in a week.

Sheryl did just that. She gave the set 5/5 stars for ‘great’ counter storage, adding, ‘I bought two sets. Needing something for potatoes and onions. Along with somewhere to stow my mortar and pestle. At first sight, they look small, but these are perfect. It is a great solution. I'm going to be getting some more for my pantry.’

Donna, who also awarded the item five stars, says they are ‘so useful and cute’, and bought multiple sets for her home. She says, ‘Bought three and loved them up side by side, perpendicular to the wall, to create a 6” wide “slot” behind them to hold my cutting boards. Bonus: Bread knife slips between two of them, so it’s handy instead of being shoved into a drawer. Love these!’

Megan used it to instantly fix her countertop clutter problem: ‘I bought these for fun because I was annoyed by how much fruit would spill over out of a previous fruit bowl, and I cannot believe how much capacity this has while still taking up so little space on my counter! I bought two sets, and it's plenty of storage for apples, garlic, onions, etc. I have a small kitchen, and it feels like I got a whole new space because of how beautiful these are and how much counter space this saves.’

Others use it as a makeshift coffee station, holding their Keurig K-Cup coffee pods without sacrificing ‘a lot of space on my counter’, cementing the set's versatility.

More Useful Non-Toxic Kitchen Organizers

Keeping your kitchen streamlined is a constant, evolving process as your cooking style changes from season to season, and new small appliances and non-toxic cookware are brought in. It’s important to declutter your cabinets every six months to ensure that your storage’s functionality still matches your lifestyle.

Here is a selection of my most useful and favorite organizers that enable long-term tidiness in my kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

IKEA's non-toxic bamboo fruit storage tower is also excellent for space-saving organisation of fresh produce, and pretty enough to leave in view.

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With hot weather and rising humidity, it’s the ideal time to switch out any lingering winter clothes from your closet and reclaim vital space.

As someone with only 20 inches of hanging rail space in my tiny closet, I always rely on Amazon’s vacuum storage bags, which compact down by 80%, to easily switch out and store clothes I don’t need from one season to the next.

Rotating and storing clothes for the longer term is the golden rule for an organized closet, and right now in May, it’s the perfect time to do so, as chilly starts and cooler evenings are long gone. Repeating this cycle in the fall will mean your closet will never be cluttered or hard to use, and will remain streamlined all year long.

When we had our built-ins made for our primary bedroom in 2021, I purposefully gave myself a small closet with minimal hanging space and three well-placed drawers. This meant I not only had to be mindful about my spending, and still to this day operate a strict one in, one out decluttering policy, but it also means I stay on top of decluttering my closet with a seasonal capsule selection of clothing.

That’s why vacuum storage bags have been my longstanding solution for storing clothes safely, without any risk of moth damage, dust, or musty smells and mold developing in the months they stay out of sight inside my ottoman bed storage space. It also comes with a hand pump for ease.

While other storage options exist, such as BED BATH & BEYOND’S $15 zipper cases with viewing windows, when you’re tight on space, the simplest answer is to compress what you have and maximize your storage options.

Features I Like

I always use vacuum bags; however, once you have filled them with bulky items and sucked out the air using your vacuum, they take up hardly any space. My ones bring an 80% reduction. Plus, the seal on these is particularly good too, so you won’t find them slowly letting in air and losing that compaction that makes them an absolute genius solution for storing your out-of-season clothes.

I particularly like using them for my thick cardigans, sweaters, coats, and winter bedding, too.

Before storing them, I make sure to wash and fully dry them. That way, when you come to switch out your summer bedding and clothes for your cozy winter items in the fall, they will still be smelling fresh and ready to use and won’t need another round of laundering.

I also like to place gently fragranced Fresh Linen sachets, available at Walmart, inside each bag to help maintain that lovely ‘just washed’ smell.

What I have found during usage to avoid the seal breaking and air rushing back in is to leave the top quarter empty. This means the pressure of the clothing volume won’t be near the weakest part of the bag, thereby keeping it closed for months without issue.

Pest Protection as Standard

The tight seal on these bags also means extra protection for your clothes and bedding from indoor pests such as moths, and will reduce the risk of any mold building up whilst hidden away in the warmer months. You can store the packs under your bed, at the back of your closet (if you have the space), or even in your basement.

I would, however, recommend checking in on them every six to eight weeks if you’re storing the bags in an area of your home without air conditioning, such as your attic or garage.

What Shoppers Say

More than 3000 Amazon shoppers rate this jumbo set, which measures 47 by 35 inches for maximum storage, on average, as a 4.4 out of five stars.

One shopper, who gave it full marks, says it’s a ‘total win’, adding,’ This box comes with a variety of bag sizes and a pump. The material is light plastic and sturdy enough to withstand several uses, but thin enough to do the job. I easily fit two medium-sized bed pillows in one large bag to take overseas, as well as a couple of medium-sized bags for clothes. Everything worked like a charm, and I'm thrilled at how effortless and worthwhile the whole thing was! It works, it's easy, and the price is so low!’

Another called it a ‘perfect organizer,’ and explained: ‘I bought this to save space on my closet [and] I've been vacuuming blankets, bed sheets, jackets. This is so perfect when I have [to] store my winter items in the summer. Save me so much space, and it's easy to use and very durable. And it protects my clothes and beddings from dust.’

Many praise the volume of items they can fit inside, with one happy shopper adding, ‘They are huge, and they hold large king-size quilts to store under the bed!’

More Closet Organizing Essentials

To keep your closet streamlined and highly functional, removing out-of-season clothing is the first step. Here are the other essentials I use year-round for the ultimately organized space.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

There are other ways to use vacuum bags if you live in a compact home or if you wish to maximize your storage.

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City spaces in Japan are infamously tiny, and nowhere is this truer than when it comes to hotel rooms. With minimal space, though, comes clever design − something I recently noticed on a two-week vacation to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

In particular, with no closet space to speak of in any room I stayed in, it was wall hooks that I saw time and again. Not only are these affordable and simple to add to any room, but they also add plenty of valuable storage space without taking up any floor space at all.

Now, I'm convinced that they're one of the best space-saving ways to use vertical storage.

Knowing how to maximize storage in every room comes with finding clever solutions. And, like most things, the very best space-saving ideas are the simplest − and wall hooks, such as the LANDKRABBA Rack, available at IKEA, are one of the easiest-to-add small storage-less home solutions that I spotted in every Japanese hotel room I stayed in.

In those spaces, they were paired with an array of hangers to organize clothes, without eating into the small space where every inch is essential. Usually positioned away from the bed and towards the door, they kept everything neat and accessible, without affecting the look of the room, despite their unconcealed nature.

Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, shares, 'I love wall hooks. I have them in all my bedrooms and bathrooms. They create space where there previously was little or none, and take unused vertical space and make easy-to-use storage without adding any bulk to a room,' which is exactly why they work so effectively in compact Japanese hotel rooms.

'Wall hooks also reduce visual clutter,' continues Cathy, 'and keep things from piling up on chairs or countertops. With a dedicated hook, it’s easy to know where something goes.

'In addition, they reduce decision fatigue. Hooks are so much easier than opening up a drawer or folding an item. You just pop something on the hook and pick it back up when you need it again.'

There Are Many Spaces to Use Them

They're not just useful for bedroom spaces, either − there are plenty of other ways to use hooks to increase storage, all around the home. For example, you might add them to an entryway, closet, or door to serve a similar purpose to the ones I used in Japan. Or, you may find they offer valuable extra hanging storage space to organize under the sink, kitchen cabinets, or utility rooms.

'For example, I placed them in my bedrooms on the wall behind doors and in my bathrooms,' adds Cathy. 'I place them in closets, too. They add just enough extra room to hang purses, towels, backpacks, and anything that typically gets set down on the floor.'

And, as Megan Cocchiaro, Certified Professional Organizer and Founder of Organized by Meg, says, you can add hangers, just like in my Japanese hotel rooms, and specific S hooks, available at Amazon in a pack of 30, for extra hanging space for clothing and large bags.

'You can also add a hanging-style fabric shelf to turn hanging, vertical space into hanging shelves, therefore maximizing space above the floor and beneath the hanging rod,' she adds.

What to Shop

Below, I've curated a collection of gorgeous wall hooks, because you don't have to compromise on style to add more storage to your space. Opt for a fun, eye-catching design in more maximalist spaces, and something more plain yet refined for more neutral, pared-back homes.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

If you live in a rental property, you can always add adhesive wall hooks or make use of Command strip hooks.

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Whether you have a dedicated mop and broom storage space or a little corner that houses these and other long-handled cleaning tools, you’ve probably felt the irritation that these clatter-prone items bring when they just won’t stay put.

I have allocated a dedicated storage area for almost everything, but mops and cleaning brushes are the rogue items that get tucked next to the fridge, end up behind the door, or lean against something, but always fall over or end up underfoot.

I’ve recently picked up these no-drill wall-mounted broom holders from Amazon, and they’re perfect for organizing the kitchen or a utility room with minimal DIY skills or time.

The rust-resistant stainless steel wall mount can help square away your mops, long-armed cleaning tools, microfiber dusters, and more. It also has four handy hooks in between each pincer, which is perfect for drying cleaning rags, storing spare bags, or aprons.

This nifty little addition not only keeps your items from cluttering up space in and around your kitchen, utility room, and pantry, but also creates a simple organizing system that allows everyone in the household to keep the space tidy, moving forward.

Having spoken to hundreds of cleaning experts and professional organizers, a lack of a system that everyone can easily keep up with is the home organizing mistake that leads to never-ending clutter around the house.

Giving your cleaning tools permanent housing that is convenient to use and stays firmly on the wall will create a floor care and chore station that will serve your household for years to come.

The downside with mounted adhesive hooks is that if you use them too soon, before the adhesive has cured to the wall, gravity will more often than not win, and then that sticky surface will not typically restick a second time.

My advice, if using the adhesive option on the Voze mounts from Amazon, is that regardless of what the instructions say, install them, press firmly to remove any air bubbles, then leave them for 24-48 hours before loading.

Leaving it to properly stick to the surface will allow the firmest and longest-lasting bond. I have tried and tested this method myself, and have adhesive caddies in my shower that have stayed up for more than five years, wall hooks to expand storage in my busy coat closet that are fully loaded with heavy items and never budge, and pot lid holders inside a kitchen cabinet that have stayed put for a year.

This technique is the best way to ensure it stays on the wall and doesn’t pull off immediately upon use.

What Shoppers Say

Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon by nearly 2000 shoppers, this item comes highly recommended by those who have purchased it. It’s also marked as Amazon’s Choice, which is a label that only Amazon can award, and digital shops on the marketplace cannot pay to use. It indicates the item is highly rated, rarely returned, and usually in stock.

Customer photos from verified shoppers show them in use all over the home and on various surfaces, including tiles and plaster.

A recent verified shopper, Bree, gave it the full five marks for being ‘super strong and great for organizing.’ They explain, ‘This mop and broom holder works amazingly well! The adhesive is very strong and holds all my cleaning tools securely without slipping. I love that it comes with 5 racks and 4 hooks – it gives plenty of space to organize mops, brooms, dusters, and even small items like brushes.

'Installation was quick and effortless, and it instantly made my laundry room look cleaner and more organized. The quality feels solid and durable, and everything stays in place. Highly recommend for anyone needing extra storage or wanting to tidy up their cleaning supplies!’

It can also hold more than your standard lightweight mop. Shopper A.M.Whittemore says, ‘The metal rack is very sturdy, strong enough to hold large brooms and mops. We installed it with the screws provided. Love the hooks to hold small items. I would definitely recommend this item and would buy it again.’

What to Shop

Keeping on top of your home’s housekeeping schedule requires the right tools, adequate storage, and some clever organizers to keep essentials accessible without excess clutter.

I have curated some useful items to help.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Upgrading to one of the best robot vacuums or a vacuum-mop could mean you say goodbye to mops altogether and either automate this endless chore, or combine it with vacuuming to half the time you spend sanitizing your floors.

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Tucked behind closed doors, pantry storage is often an afterthought – reduced to hyper-practical, easy-clean plastic containers, or the crumpled packaging that products arrived in.

Not only is this one of the least attractive ways to organize a pantry, but it also introduces a surprising amount of unnecessary plastic into your cooking space. Even if it isn’t exposed to heat, it can still contribute to visual clutter and make a kitchen look less considered.

The IKEA UPPDATERA Bamboo Storage Boxes offer a simple, affordable upgrade, swapping bulky BPA-plastic containers for natural bamboo for a calmer, more holistic look.

Bamboo has quickly become one of the most sought-after materials for kitchen organization. Durable, renewable, and naturally warm in tone, it offers a simple way to elevate a space, bringing texture and warmth to the palette that plastic containers rarely achieve.

The stackable IKEA UPPDATERA Bamboo Storage Boxes, available in light and dark wood (the latter in limited numbers), come in two sizes that suit everything from root vegetables to smaller food packets. The opaque sides can also prevent premature spoilage, blocking UV to extend the life of your fresh produce.

While plastic storage containers are unlikely to contaminate food when kept at room temperature, they can crack or chip when knocked around in a busy kitchen. Bamboo offers a more durable and far more considered alternative, creating a pantry that looks cleaner, calmer, and thoughtfully organized.

Though made from wood, the boxes are designed specifically for kitchens and bathrooms. The boxes are treated to be moisture-resistant, helping protect against mold and mildew and making them just as practical as durable plastic alternatives.

For those who prefer modular storage, the IKEA UPPDATERA Bamboo Storage Boxes can also be paired with IKEA UPPDATERA Drawer Organizers, allowing you to maximize storage in a compact kitchen without a sprawling footprint.

What Else to Shop

Natural materials inherently feel more elevated, making storage solutions like bamboo boxes a chic yet affordable way to make your kitchen look more expensive.

To help you upgrade, I’ve selected six options designed to improve your storage while creating a non-toxic home.

With your storage taken care of, consider upgrading to the best non-toxic cookware for a healthier cooking routine.

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What makes a well-designed home stand out from the rest? Good storage. From seamless built-in solutions to color-drenched freestanding units, clever storage is what makes a scheme feel instantly high-end and elevated, working hard in the background to ensure a home feels characterful but never cluttered.

Good storage quietly does its job, allowing all the 'fun' elements of interior design (color, furniture, decor) to shine. The chicest storage in 2026 isn't just about making a home more organized; it can also be used to make a home look expensive – an immediate signal of a thoughtfully designed home.

So, with endless storage styles out there, which types are interior designers relying on to make their designs feel more elevated and expensive? From wall-to-ceiling bookcases to curtained closets, you might want to consider adding one of these chic designs to your home.

1. The 'Bantry'

Good design happens when style and function align. A clever use of space, the 'bantry' (a bar-meets-pantry) combines these two elements, making a house feel high-end and elevated.

While trends can feel fleeting, adding a bantry to your home is an instant indicator that you know what you're doing. 'The bar, or “bantry” if you will, is a true focal point in my client’s newly renovated home,' explains interior designer Catherine Branstetter regarding the project pictured above. 'It was thoughtfully designed to make use of an existing nook positioned between the kitchen and the newly added family room, allowing it to feel both purposeful and seamlessly integrated.'

'Rather than creating a separate bar room, we opted for a walk-through bantry to better support the way my client entertains,' says Catherine. 'Its location naturally encourages flow between spaces, making it as functional as it is inviting. It is a space that feels both elevated and approachable, one that says, “Who’s ready for a martini?”

2. Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving

A way to create an eye-catching statement whilst making the most of your square footage, the library wrap trend is an all-encompassing storage idea that's perfect for booklovers.

While floor-to-ceiling bookcases are a bit of a design commitment, they're undeniably impressive, making a living room or home office feel well-designed and layered. 'A thoughtfully curated bookshelf instantly brings character to a room, says interior designer Rebecca Hughes. 'For this project, we designed bespoke, color-drenched joinery with generous storage, creating a seamless and immersive backdrop. By filling the space with the client’s favourite books, the room takes on a deeply personal, cocooning quality – capturing that quintessential library atmosphere.'

'And shelves should never be treated as mere storage,' adds Rebecca, 'they’re a canvas. Style them with intention, play with varying heights, and layer in books alongside candles, flowers, and sculptural objects to create a composition that feels collected and personal.'

3. Color-Drenched Storage

Color-drenching cabinetry and built-in designs transform ordinary storage solutions into something more eye-catching and worthy of attention.

A pass-through space that needs to work hard and look good, storage is key to any mudroom, designed to make coming and going as easy as it can be. So it makes sense that interior designer Hollie Velten, founder of SPACES by Hollie Velten, drenched the cabinetry in a luxurious brown hue.

'This room was originally a underused front room with a piano organ in it and the family wanted to give it more utility as it’s right off the front door,' explains Hollie, 'so we decided to turn it into a mudroom with a sort of English boot room quality choosing the paint, color Oregon Trail, and layering it on all millwork and bead board gave it a cozier layer and second skin.'

'The concept of furniture with the cupboards and window seat gives it a more lived-in, human quality rather than simply adding builder-grade or base-level quality storage, so details like curves, sheen, color, and soft finishes give it more of a connection to the other common spaces. The paint color provides a cohesive quality and lets your eye rest. It also provides a bit of architectural consistency.'

4. Closet Curtains

Fabric-covered wardrobes and cabinetry exude a timeless sophistication that almost always makes a room feel curated and luxurious. A thoughtful finishing touch that makes a surprising difference to a space, a room that features a curtain closet feels considered and welcoming, an added layer that cocoons and softens.

Whether it's a traditional striped fabric that adorns your pantry doors or a floral toile de jouy that adds a lived-in, country feel to your dressing room, the best storage is the kind that feels effortless yet thought out.

While a layer of fabric may not seem like much, curtained closets inject subtle color and pattern into a room. It can be particularly welcome in more neutral spaces or designs that prioritise serenity and minimalism, bringing in a gentle contrast without compromising the overall design.

5. Vintage Kitchen Units

While plenty of kitchen cabinetry trends elevate a cooking space, vintage kitchen storage is an art piece that makes all the difference in a sometimes clinical kitchen, replacing utilitarian storage with something more eye-catching and design-led.

The one-of-a-kind kitchen shelving unit designed by Retrouvius in the kitchen pictured above brings an artful feel to the space, creating a striking statement whilst also providing ample storage to keep countertops clutter-free. Adam Hills and Maria Speake, founders of Retrouvius say, 'In the 1880's, Arthur Lambert teamed up with W Lucy & Co, an iron and steel fabricator in Oxford, to manufacture the 'Perfect Adjustable Shelving System'. Strong steel upright columns feature continuous grooves to carry shelf brackets that adjust to a desired height and then lock into any place.'

Shop Chic Storage

It's all about the details when it comes to creating a truly high-end feeling home. From free-standing shelves to vintage wicker baskets, investing in the smaller pieces will bring just as much style into your space as larger, more permanent features.

Storage that feels considered, eye-catching yet still subtle, is what will make a home look expensive in 2026. From soft, curtained closets to more striking walls covered in books, this year is all about embracing thoughtful designs that fuse style and function simultaneously.

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Every spring, as the mercury rises, I finally throw the covers off my outdoor furniture, set up the parasol, and put out my most comfortable outdoor cushions. Then, a sudden, unexpected downpour, or a misty morning fog, drenches them all.

But I have a small backyard and no space for a bulky storage bin, so I am very pleased to have spotted the chic outdoor LAGASKAER IKEA coffee table, which is purpose-built for outdoor use and has a spacious hidden storage space in the middle.

It’s ideal for keeping my outdoor cushions clean and hiding away solar table lamps and other yard essentials.

If you have a small backyard, as I do, you won’t want to sacrifice precious floor space for ugly storage bins. That’s why I particularly love the multifunctionality of this chic outdoor coffee table. Its tabletop lifts off to reveal a spacious storage area underneath, protecting items from sunlight, rain, and humidity.

It’s the ideal spot for packing away your hosting or relaxing essentials and tucking away your comfortable patio cushions, available at Amazon. The table measurements see it reach 16.5 inches high, be 29 ⅛ at its widest (the tray top), and have a base taper of 19 ⅝ inches.

That will give you just shy of 34 gallons of storage space, which is enough for your seat cushions, children’s toys, sun cream, and clean, dry outdoor tableware.

It’s durable too, with the tray top made of galvanized steel with a polyester powder coating. The base is made of hardy polypropylene, with a minimum of 20% recycled materials. This type of plastic is particularly heat-resistant and stands up well to the elements, meaning you’re not likely to see the chic matte finish fade or look tired after a summer under the sun.

To clean this outdoor furniture, simply wipe with a damp cloth. As it’s past the minimum IKEA delivery threshold, you should be able to have it delivered straight to your home, dependent on the item's availability in your area.

What Shoppers Say

At the time of writing, 118 IKEA shoppers have rated this outdoor coffee table an average of 4.6/5 stars.

Many are using it as intended, on their deck or in their yard. One shopper, Elizabeth, gave it five stars and said, ‘Amazing. It is useful for storage, spacious, and looks unique.’

Another, Klara, who also gave it five stars, adds, ‘I love the storage space of this table. I store seat cushions inside, protecting them from weather conditions when not in use. Easy to open and close. A good amount of serving surface on the table top. A practical item.’

Others have found alternative uses for it, with shopper Yousef using it as a planter.

Claudia, who gave it three stars, points out something useful to know about the design. She explains that it’s ‘great except for the holes’.

In her on-site review, she says, ‘I love the look of this table and the fact that it provides a lot of storage. However, it comes with a lot of holes in the bottom, which I assume are for drainage in the event water gets in. I'm terrified of an insect/snake/rat crawling up there and making a nest, so I taped the holes shut until I can find a better solution.’

I will also be plugging the gaps as the lid is wider than the base, meaning rain should not get in from the top. In a pinch, use strong packing tape on the inside and check it regularly to ensure it has stayed in place.

My go-to choice for filling plastic cracks and holes, however, is Quick Leak Repair Epoxy Putty, from Amazon, which can be used on hard plastic and many other materials, plus it’s waterproof.

For such a stylish and useful yard item, this is a minor snag and easy to fill, should you wish to.

What to Shop

For the ultimate summertime at home experience, here are my top picks for enjoying your outdoor space with your friends, family, or for a little R&R time alone.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Learn how to organize a yard for summer to get the most out of your space, and the backyard storage ideas for small spaces that will transform how you use your outdoor area.

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Adding a pantry-like corner to my compact kitchen with shelves and baskets has been a game-changer in functionality. However, the potential ‘forever chemicals’ that my plastic baskets could be leaching onto my pantry items has been worrying me for a while.

I am replacing mine with beautiful handwoven water hyacinth seagrass baskets with labels from Wayfair. They look lovely, add a further country cottage touch to my kitchen, and crucially, are non-toxic, as they’re made with natural materials and no plastic.

For years now, I have been on a drive to remove all potentially harmful materials from my kitchen, and after switching to one of the best non-toxic air fryers, I have been slowly replacing my food containers and anything with microplastics in my kitchen storage.

These Natural Baskets with Reusable Labels Are Perfect for Pantries

My current pantry baskets have been exceptionally useful, but they are made from cheap plastic and certainly not BPA-free. This harmful toxin is not one you should have near any food items, as the risk of leaching into ingredients or onto food packets is real and worrying.

That's why I've been gradually making simple kitchen switches to remove these materials.

BPAs have been linked to increased health risks in humans, whilst microplastics continue to seep into our waterways and harm wildlife and the planet.

One study. published in Nature Medicine found micro and nanoplastic concentrations in the human body, including in the brain, kidney, and liver. The extent of the damage it can cause is unclear, but some studies have linked it to inflammation and risks to heart health.

The natural materials of the Wayfair set, which measures 12"(L) x 13"(W) x 5"(H), are made from seagrass and water hyacinth, both being natural and fast-growing resources. One is courser and the other softer. Choosing to shop for items like this is a great way to be more sustainable at home.

It’s worth noting that professional organizers have previously told us that adding beautiful natural baskets and storage solutions around your home, especially in busy spaces such as pantries, acts as a protective factor now as ‘biophilic decluttering’.

This simply means that when you combine natural materials, such as hyacinth or seagrass, with a storage solution, it will make it easier to keep things organized because they look so nice, and that in itself is a motivating factor for decluttering and maintaining your tidiness.

What Shoppers Say

Rated 4.9/5 on average, customers praise the basket's quality and how nice it looks. Many have chosen this set for organizing their pantries as I have, but they’re also pictured in shopper submissions in cabinets, shelving in other rooms, and used across living spaces.

One happy verified shopper that rated it five stars said they ‘finally have a pantry that doesn’t look like a tornado ran through it.’

Another five-star rating from an anonymous shopper said these are ‘the perfect baskets for my walk-in pantry. [I] love that I can label them!’

Indeed, having reusable labels that wipe clean with ease will mean that any time you reorganize a basket or overhaul your pantry from one season to the next, you can rename your basket easily.

Using labels is a top home organizing tip, as it means everyone in your household can follow your system, and that will allow everyone to help put things back in the correct place, easily find what they need, and move forward maintaining it with ease.

What to Shop

I’ve been on a mission to replace toxic items across my kitchen for some time now. Here’s my favorite, and they’ve so far stood the test of time for durability and convenience.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, clear out unsafe materials hiding in your everyday kitchen essentials by delving into the best non-toxic coffee makers and cookware.

There’s a moment in almost every kitchen when the countertops start to feel a little too busy. Not necessarily messy – just visually cluttered in a way that’s hard to ignore. A bottle of oil by the stove, a few spice jars drifting into corners, utensils, and everyday bits landing wherever there’s space.

And the usual reflex is to add another organizer. But if we’re honest, a lot of standard countertop storage doesn’t really solve the issue. It holds things in place, yes, but it doesn’t always make the kitchen feel more put-together. In some cases, it just replaces one kind of clutter with another.

That’s where a more considered approach comes in – thinking about how you organize kitchen cabinets and organize kitchen countertops as part of the same system, rather than separate fixes. Simple, well-designed pieces like IKEA’s NÄLBLECKA kitchen organizer fit neatly into that mindset. It’s less about adding more storage and more about giving everyday items a clear, contained place – so the counter feels tidy, decluttered, and easier to use.

At first glance, NÄLBLECKA is pretty simple: a slim, two-tier piece made from bamboo and powder-coated metal. But what makes it work isn’t just the materials – it’s how it reflects the way we actually use a kitchen day to day.

A lot of the challenge when you organize a kitchen isn’t about having enough space, but about how quickly surfaces become visually scattered. Even a few items can make a countertop feel crowded when everything sits on a single plane. That’s often where traditional kitchen storage ideas fall short – they add containers, but don’t always address how the space is being used.

The thinking here is simple but effective: lift, layer, and contain. By introducing a second tier, NÄLBLECKA immediately changes the visual structure of the counter. Everyday essentials stay within easy reach, but they’re grouped rather than spread out, which naturally reduces visual noise and makes the whole kitchen feel more considered.

Why We’re Moving Away From Traditional Countertop Organizers

In practice, many of the ‘standard’ countertop storage pieces have always been compromise solutions. They solve the problem of not having enough storage, but they don’t really consider how the kitchen looks and feels as a whole space.

What’s changed in recent kitchen design thinking is the expectation that even functional pieces should contribute to visual calm. Storage is no longer just about capacity – it’s about how well it helps you organize a kitchen in a way that actually supports daily routines, not just contains them. That’s why so many of today’s kitchen storage ideas focus on structure and zoning rather than simply adding more containers.

NÄLBLECKA fits neatly into that shift. Instead of scattering items across the counter or hiding everything away, it creates a defined zone on the worksurface. In design terms, it’s less about storage and more about zoning – something professional kitchen planners have used for years when designing a kitchen, and which is now filtering into everyday home organization in a much more practical, accessible way.

The Power of Vertical Order on a Horizontal Surface

One of the most effective kitchen storage principles is also one of the simplest: if you can’t reduce what’s on a surface, change how it sits on it.

That’s where vertical organization comes in. By stacking and layering items, you instantly reduce visual clutter without losing easy access to anything you actually use. It’s the same idea behind wall rails, tiered shelves, and compact organizers that have become so common in modern kitchens.

NÄLBLECKA takes that same thinking and applies it on a smaller, countertop scale. Instead of oils, spices, and everyday ingredients spreading out across the worksurface, they’re gathered into one defined spot. Nothing about how you cook really changes – but visually, the space feels more ordered, and noticeably calmer.

What makes it work so well is how easily it fits into different kitchen styles. It doesn’t lean on a strong aesthetic – something that often dates countertop storage. The bamboo adds warmth, while the black metal frame keeps it feeling light and unobtrusive, so it sits comfortably in almost any space, from modern to traditional or rental kitchens.

It’s also genuinely flexible in how it’s used. It can become a coffee station, a prep zone by the hob, or a simple breakfast setup – adapting to how you already use your kitchen rather than asking you to change it.

The design reflects a shift in how we think about kitchen storage. We’re moving away from the idea that everything needs to be hidden, and towards ‘visible order’ – where everyday items stay accessible but are grouped and contained with intention. It’s a more realistic approach for busy kitchens, where the goal isn’t perfection, but clarity and ease of use.

Shop Alternative Kitchen Storage Organizers

Just last month, I moved into my new New York City apartment. It's a studio, which is perfect for just me, but it's definitely short on space. My queen-sized bed takes up half of the room, and though I'm in need of a nightstand, the thought of adding one to the mix feels more overwhelming than helpful. After searching far and wide for the right fit, I finally landed on this smart solution: IKEA's GRÅFJÄLLET Wall-Mounted Bedside Table.

Measuring just over 16" in width and cleverly designed to mount to the wall, this floating bedside table is a small bedroom idea that creates space instead of taking it away. For those, like me, who live in small spaces with limited square footage, it's a lifesaving bedside table idea – freeing up floor space by taking advantage of the walls. And for only $29.99, it's a steal.

It can be tricky to find the perfect bedside table – some are too wide or bulky, while others are simply not the right height for your bedside. Choosing the wrong model is a small bedroom layout mistake, but thankfully, this style from IKEA is just right. Because of its floating design, it can mount wherever you need it to, freeing up floor space and simultaneously providing storage for nighttime necessities. In a way, it's like a custom nightstand – built in to fit the needs of your space specifically.

Since this bedside table doesn't sit on the floor, it's perfect for those with limited floor space in their bedrooms or those stricken with design constraints like baseboard heating. Plus, its wall-mounted design creates a seamless look that'll make your bedroom feel more open and less weighed down.

And while this model was designed for the bedroom, its use potential extends throughout the home. I'd consider it as an entryway table – the perfect place to drop your keys and wallet as you walk through the front door. Even in a small living room, this wall-mounted table could be beneficial – giving you space to rest TV remotes, books, or DVDs. Its only downside is that once it's mounted, you can't move it. However, if you're dead-set on its location, I'd choose this legless style time and time again over a normal, bulky, standing model.

As a component of IKEA's GRÅFJÄLLET series, this bedside table is sold with a range of other furniture that shares the same industrial chic style, like a dressing table, a clothing rack, and a room divider. If you're eager to create a uniform look in your home, consider getting everything from the entire collection. Each piece, including the wall-mounted bedside table, comes highly rated on IKEA's site, so you can trust that they're well worth your money.

Although it's hard to beat IKEA's GRÅFJÄLLET Wall-Mounted Bedside Table because of its stylish look, practical design, and dramatically low price, you might want to consider some other wall-mounted bedside table options, too. So below, find three more picks in varying aesthetics that are equally as purposeful for saving floor space and providing storage anywhere around your home.

A floating nightstand like IKEA's GRÅFJÄLLET Wall-Mounted Bedside Table might just be the key to making a small bedroom seem bigger. And with the right styling, it'll look just as good, if not better, than a classic nightstand with legs.

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Battling a tower of plates to reach the one you need at the bottom of the pile is always a nuisance, but now, you can say goodbye to cluttered cabinets with a streamlined organiser that fixes the problem instantly.

Instead of stacking, turn your plates sideways and slide them into IKEA’s $6 OSTBIT organiser, made from non-toxic, durable bamboo.

This fast-growing natural resource is hardy and a great swap for a more sustainable home and an organised kitchen – making serving up easier than ever.

Why Flipping Your Plates 90 Degrees Is the Key to Better Functionality

Affordable and made from clean materials that won’t release PFAs or BPA microplastics onto your dinnerware, this bamboo OSTBIT organiser from IKEA is ideal for organizing kitchen cabinets.

I have been using metal shelf risers from Amazon to create vertical distance between different types of plates in my cabinet, for instance, side and dinner plates, or pasta and breakfast bowls. However, recently, my dinnerware collection has grown with seasonal additions, and I’ve found that this is no longer helping to keep my key meal items accessible.

Instead, I’ve actually ended up chipping one plate and hurting my wrists (which are weak and prone to injury even on the best days due to a connective tissue disorder I have) daily, which makes me dread having to get anything out of one of my most vital cabinets.

The bamboo IKEA storage solution is the perfect fix, as it no longer means I have to lift multiple plates off the one I am trying to access. Instead, this item keeps everything neatly stored on its side individually, so that you can pull out what you need without disturbing or needing to move other items.

It’s also prompted me to declutter my kitchen cabinets and store away my festive plates in my chic hard shell dinnerware storage set from Wayfair. I won’t be needing them until winter, so it’s the perfect time for a spring refresh to rejuvenate my cabinet functionality.

What Shoppers Say

IKEA’s OSTBIT organiser is highly rated by nearly a thousand happy shoppers, who rate it on average 4.7/5 stars, noting how great it looks, the quality, and sturdy construction.

Plus, it’s not just suitable for plates, as many have used it to clear chaotic drawers and cabinets housing lids for pots and pans, which are notoriously tricky to store neatly and even to corral messy mail.

One IKEA customer, who gave it five stars, says, ‘The Osbit plate holder is much more than a plate organizer. I use it to organise plates in my cabinets, so it is easier to retrieve plates because stacking different-sized plates can cause chips. I also use one for pot lids and another one for mail sorting. It is so versatile.’

Another said it was ‘awesome for cutting board organisation’, whilst another uses it for corralling their tech, by storing their laptops and tablets on it. Others use it to store their mail, cutting boards, and even to display framed art on their sideboard, showcasing the incredible versatility of this product.

Shopper Elizabeth captures the versatility perfectly, adding, ‘You don’t realize how helpful they are until you start using them, all over your house.’

The dimensions are five inches wide, 11 inches long, and three inches high.

What to Shop

As our eating habits change with the seasonal rise in temperature, the meal items we need will shift. Move towards summer dinners and get-togethers with a more streamlined and functional kitchen with my curated selection of cabinet organisers.

Having the right storage tools in place inside cabinets will also reduce the risk of damage and maximise the countertop space in your kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Pegboard organisers are another great and customisable option for busy cabinets.

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For as long as I can remember, we’ve had a temporary and ugly solution to a permanent problem in our kitchen: A plastic bag hanging on the door or a cardboard box to hold all of our weekly recyclable materials in.

Whenever that bag got full, it was transferred to our large lidded recycling bin in the backyard and rolled out for its weekly collection. Now, I have upgraded to the new Caraway Trash & Recycling System that blends vital space-saving functionality with sleek design.

I will confess that despite my drive to be sustainable at home, there have been times when laziness overtook good intentions, and I put recyclable materials in the trash can to avoid the trip across the kitchen to our makeshift recycling catch-all. Now, both bins not only sit side by side neatly, but my recycling is more organized, and the bin design is easy to clean and very aesthetically pleasing; it's a win-win!

Why I’ve Been Impressed With the Caraway Trash & Recycling System

I’ve been testing this new launch in my home for the last month in the run-up to its release, and rate it for being space-saving in my kitchen but still spacious (the trash can has a 45L capacity, as does the two-tiered recycling vestibule).

The trash bag has not slipped down into the can once; the interior and exterior are very easy to clean and resist the finger marks and daily grime I had to clean daily on my previous stainless steel trash can.

The Careway trash can and recycling storage system has several excellent features that make everyday cleaning and kitchen needs easier, and which will mean I will never go back to a rogue plastic bag or cardboard box to hold my recyclable items.

• The interior bins lift out easily, so you can empty what you've collected once or twice a week into an outdoor trash can that gets wheeled curbside for collection and clean them with ease.
• Whilst it is advised that you fully clean any jars you wish to recycle to ensure proper processing at the plant, the inside areas can sometimes get sticky or smelly if you ever skip this. The interior parts lift out for easy trash can cleaning and are remarkably smudge and mark-proof, as promised, which speaks to the quality of Caraway's materials and finish. This is something I have grown accustomed to from this heritage brand, especially in their best non-toxic cookware. The exterior is smudge proof and and marks wipe clean with one swipe. I use a homemade cleaning spray with two cups of water, a tiny squirt of dishsoap (which acts as a surfactant), and 10-15 drops of my favorite essential oil. I wipe down the interior and exterior weekly with a hot, soapy sponge as well for antibacterial purposes.
• There are two points of access in the recycling container, depending on the size of the item you’re looking to put in. Two top hatches lift to help you access the top and bottom layers (you’ll also need to pull the top bin out a touch to gain access to the bin underneath from the top), or you can pull the bin out like a drawer for larger items.
• You don’t need any special liners: The 13-gallon ones I usually use have worked just fine here, too, and tuck neatly under the framing that keeps it in place.
• The soft-close lid, which is brilliantly squeak-free, is a nice touch, too.

Verdict: 10/10. After more than a month of constant daily use, I have no gripes about this upgrade, and in fact, it matches very well with my Caraway food container set in 'Perracotta', and my Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cooking Set in Terracotta, which I recently reviewed and rated 5/5 stars, both in warm hues, which I keep on display in my kitchen diner.

There is now a nice cohesion around my kitchen with these PFAs-free cookware and food storage essentials, making the space feel in tune, rather than mismatched. Plus, I no longer have to contend with trying to keep the dirtiest item in my kitchen clear of smudges, which showed so much on my previous trash can.

This has made my kitchen-diner feel actually quite expensive.

Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors and a design expert here at Homes & Gardens, says, ‘Trash cans aren't the most glamorous part of a kitchen, but they are essential, and they need to always be accessible. So, finding a design that won't bring the style of your kitchen down, won't draw too much attention to itself, and performs its job well is key.

‘This new Caraway design ticks all those boxes: It's sleek and design-forward, but it's never going to dominate a space – it sits quietly (and chicly) in the background. It's also available in five very on-trend colors, so you can pick depending on your scheme – they are all on the muted side and have an earthy feel that's very 2026.’

You can also buy the Caraway duo items separately, and invest either in the chic Slim Caraway trash can (or rectangular version), or the two-drawer recycling bin.

What to Shop

While I have found Caraway items to be on the premium end of the market in terms of pricing, I have found the items I have tested extensively in my home to be of superior quality and well worth the price tag.

However, whatever your budget, I have curated some excellent kitchen upgrades that will save you space, improve your kitchen’s functionality, and preserve or inject a touch of design-forward thought into your space.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Sometimes, upgrading just one item in your kitchen can make all the difference to the daily functionality of it, whether it’s a sleeker designed trash system, such as the new one from Caraway, or a non-toxic fruit storage tower you don’t have to hide away.

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For years, the dish rack has been one of those necessary but slightly frustrating kitchen staples. It does the job, of course – but it also takes up precious counter space, crowds the sink, and has a habit of making even the most considered kitchen feel a little cluttered.

Lately, though, there’s been a noticeable shift in how to declutter countertops. Instead of accepting the dish rack as a permanent fixture on the countertop, designers – and increasingly homeowners – are rethinking where it lives altogether. The focus is on using space more intelligently, lifting everyday essentials off the worksurface and integrating them more seamlessly into the kitchen.

Over-the-sink designs are a perfect example of this approach. By positioning the rack above the basin, they free up prep space instantly while allowing water to drain straight back into the sink. No drips, no damp patches – just a cleaner, more streamlined setup that makes the whole space easier to use.

Why Choose an Over-the-Sink Dish Rack

'One of the easiest ways to make a kitchen feel instantly more organized is to rethink the everyday items you leave out,' says Chiana Dickson, Kitchen Appliance Editor at Homes & Gardens.

'Traditional dish racks might seem harmless, but they often dominate the counter, trap water, and make even the tidiest kitchens feel cluttered. Moving your dish rack to a more functional position – like over the sink or onto a sleek draining board – instantly frees up space and creates a calmer, more considered environment.'

A great example of this in practice is the Sakugi over-the-sink dish drying rack from Amazon. Designed to sit neatly above your sink, it uses vertical space that would otherwise go unused. It’s adjustable, surprisingly spacious, and has room for everything from plates and bowls to utensils and chopping boards – all while keeping your kitchen countertops organized and completely clear.

If you don’t have the vertical space for a larger setup, the best-selling OXO Good Grips Extendable Over-the-Sink Dish Rack is a smart alternative. It sits neatly over the sink, keeps countertops clear, and can be easily adjusted or tucked away when not in use.

What makes this kind of solution so appealing is how effortless it feels once it’s in place. You’re not adding anything new – just reworking what’s already there in a smarter, more considered way. Drying becomes part of the sink area, rather than spilling out across your countertop, and suddenly the whole kitchen feels more spacious and functional.

If you have the chance to design a bespoke kitchen, many interior designers recommend installing a cabinet directly above the sink with a built-in dish rack. These clever racks sit inside a bottomless cupboard, so once the dishes are done, you simply close the doors. Everything stays neat while the dishes drip-dry, and there’s no need to transfer them elsewhere – once dry, they’re ready to use again.

The Rise of Off-Counter Kitchen Design

And if a bulky over-the-sink design isn’t quite your style, pot hangers and slimline rails offer a notably sleeker alternative. They’ve become something of a quiet design movement in their own right, spotted in everything from modern kitchens to beautifully curated, celebrity homes – and they strike that balance between form and function effortlessly.

'Hanging storage in the kitchen is one of those simple touches that instantly elevates both style and function,' explains Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL. 'A straightforward pot rail above the cooker – nothing fussy, just clean, utilitarian design – lets you store and reach your heaviest pans with ease. It’s practical, of course, but it also makes a real visual statement. You can fit far more than you ever could in a cabinet, and everything is instantly accessible.'

I actually made the switch myself after spotting one in Kendall Jenner’s California home a few years ago, and it completely changed how my kitchen functioned. Everything is within reach, the countertops stay clear, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about turning everyday cookware into part of the display – it's not just for chefs' kitchens.

What I love most is how adaptable they are. Whether mounted above a backsplash, along a narrow wall, or tucked beside the stove, they make use of space that often goes overlooked. The result feels intentional rather than improvised – less about kitchen storage for the sake of it, and more about creating a practical kitchen that works beautifully and looks the part, too.

Shop Over-the-Sink Drying Racks

In a small kitchen, letting dishes dry across the countertop isn’t always the most practical – or elegant – solution. A vertical, over-the-sink drying rack frees up valuable surface space while keeping everything neatly contained. Here, the top-rated designs to shop now.

If an over-the-sink rack isn’t an option – say, due to cabinets above – you might consider the Yamazaki Home over-sink rack, which is sleek, minimalist, and effortlessly movable. Another smart pick is the Joseph Joseph Tier Expandable Draining Board from Amazon: streamlined, practical, and designed to dry plates and crockery quickly without taking up extra space.

Shop Over-the-Sink Pot Racks

It's not just plates; over-the-sink pot racks are having a serious style moment. From sleek modern kitchens to celebrity homes and classic farmhouses, they blend form and function seamlessly – no wonder they’ve become a global design staple. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite picks.

Ultimately, the appeal of an over-the-sink dish rack – or pot rail – comes down to how naturally it improves the flow of a kitchen. In smaller spaces, especially, it makes an immediate difference – clearing the countertops, easing visual clutter, and giving everything a more open, breathable feel. What was once purely practical starts to feel considered, even quietly elegant. It’s a small adjustment, but one you notice every day – in how the kitchen looks, and in how easily it works.

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I used to dread laundry day, and rightfully so – I live in a third-floor New York City walk-up without a washing machine, so in order to clean my clothes, I have to haul everything out of my building, around the corner, and down the block to the nearest laundromat. It's not a terrible trek, but when dirty laundry piles up, the journey is quite tiresome, and it hasn't worn well on my college-era Santa Claus-like laundry sack.

I knew there had to be a less strenuous way to do laundry and a bag that could help me get the job done in style and with ease. Sure enough, there is. Enter IKEA's PURRPINGLA Laundry Bag – the streamlined, Scandi-chic laundry tote that sufficiently stores laundry in the home and makes wash days anyting but a chore.

With this sleek, soft tan laundry bag over your arm, you can transform the tedious task of doing laundry into a surprisingly stylish moment (at least that's what I'm doing as I strut down the NYC sidewalks to my laundromat).

But looks aside, this is one of the most cleverly designed hampers I've come across. Of course, its two shoulder straps make it incredibly convenient to pick up and carry around, but its practical design doesn't stop there.

Inside, it features two compartments – perfect for sorting laundry from the get-go. Plus, there's a zipper across the top, put in place to keep all of your clothes safely sealed as you journey to and from the washing machine or to hide them from sight. But the best part? The bag itself conveniently slides on a metal frame (sold together with the bag) to stand upright in your room. All that, and it's only $25.

Because the dimensions of this laundry bag are slim, it doesn't take up more space than it needs to. It can fit beside the sink in your small bathroom, along the dresser in your small bedroom, or, if you're lucky enough to have a proper laundry room, it can stand in there, too. Personally, I plan on positioning this laundry bag and its metal frame in the closet of my small apartment. Even though its cloth fabric is attractive by design and I'd be more than happy to leave it out on display, I'm glad it's compact enough to store in a closet, keeping dirty laundry out of sight.

I'm not the only one who thinks IKEA's PURRPINGLA laundry bag is a genius laundry storage idea. This bag boasts over 40 5-star reviews on IKEA's website. Many remark on its exceptional design, expressing how convenient it is for small spaces. Others comment on its size, explaining that while it looks small, it holds a surprisingly large amount of clothes. Some even make note of its stylish design – 'now my laundry is no longer an eyesore in the corner,' one reviewer writes. 'I love the elegant look and that you can zip a lid over the bag. It's also really easy to take the laundry down to the laundry room because there are good handles on the bag,' they continue.

IKEA's PURRPINGLA laundry bag has ticked all the boxes. Its two handles make transportation easy, its pockets make sorting a breeze, its zipper hides messes, and its metal frame gives it a stylish place to stand. Not to mention its $25 price tag – which is all the more reason to love it.

Shop More Laundry Bags and Baskets

Leave it to IKEA to design a product as clever as the PURRPINGLA laundry bag – a storage solution that simplifies the laundry routine and gives piled-up laundry a proper, stylish home. If piled-up clothes aren't a problem in your household, but piled-up shoes are, don't fret – IKEA has something for you, too. The brand's STÄLL shoe cabinet gives heaps of shoes a place to live that's streamlined and surprisingly chic.

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If, when you look around your home, you see clutter on every surface, having a uniform and simple tray in play is the simple way to streamline it all, fast. That’s the position I find myself in, and I’m snapping up five packs of these bamboo gems to set me on my way.

I’ve been slowly clearing my home of toxic plastic, so the IKEA TAVELÅN twin pack of chic organizing trays has become my new favorite choice. Bamboo is a fast-growing natural resource and is highly durable.

These are a brilliant stackable fix in spaces that need decluttering or a more catch-all storage idea.

Why I’m Buying Five Packs of the Stackable TAVELÅN Trays

Whether you use these to organize your pantry and corral your herbs and spices, condiments, and snacks, in a bathroom to hold skincare or bathing products, or to clear the stress-inducing clutter of open storage, what you will find is a pleasing, minimalist aesthetic.

And there is more benefit than just what meets the eye. Pockets of clutter actually cause stress as they register in your mind as a never-ending ‘to-do’ list. This is one of the way clutter impacts your health, according to our experts.

So if you feel like you can’t wind down at night very easily, you may find that clearing visible mess in your bedroom helps you sleep better.

With the open top storage of these handy little organizing trays, you will still be able to access what you need easily, but you won’t have to look at the minutiae of the contents all day.

I’m opting for five packs to cover my messiest shelving areas with a coherent storage theme throughout my house. This will clear that visual noise across my home in less than 30 minutes.

Bear in mind that there is a minimum order of $35 needed to qualify for home delivery from IKEA, so go for multiple packs to reach the threshold, or consider other useful items from the affordable Swedish household retailer.

I bought the cult classic KALLAX shelf storage unit a few months ago, and it's transformed my kitchen, which doesn't have enough concealed storage. The slimline BILLY bookcase and IKEA's array of organizing trays, which start as little as 29 cents, are great ways to add storage.

What Shoppers Say About the TAVELÅN Trays

With an average shopper rating of 4.7/5, these non-toxic trays are highly recommended by shoppers, who mention in their reviews the quality of the item, the appeal of its sleek and minimalist design, and the usefulness of the sizing, which fits in various IKEA storage units, shelving wall attachments, as well as shoppers' other furniture.

One shopper, Joanne, who gave the bamboo set five stars, says, ‘These boxes look great in my bathroom. They hold all the bottles and debris that usually clutter up my sink area for a streamlined look. They look great with the bamboo toothbrush holder, corner shelf, and picture ledge. Everything ties together beautifully.’

Another purchaser, Kathryn, also gave the set 5 stars and commented that IKEA's bamboo trays are ‘attractive enough for table or countertop placement.’

What to Shop

We've spoken to hundreds of professional organizers and tested 125 of the best decluttering methods, and the most persistent advice has been that having the right systems in place will help keep your home tidy in the long term.

Here's a curated selection of the most useful items you can have in the battle against clutter, to stop it quietly reaccumulating.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You can also remove harmful plastic from your fresh produce storage by switching to a bamboo tower, which is chic and dual-layered.

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If you’re phasing out harmful plastics from your kitchen, don’t overlook your cutting board. I swapped to this handy BPA-free Joseph Joseph trio that comes with a sleek mountable caddy, and it's perfect for hiding in plain sight.

Not only is it a non-toxic upgrade from your tired plastic one, but the currently $36 Joseph Joseph Folio Slim set, available on Amazon, can be mounted inside a cabinet door or shelf, helping to declutter without compromising on the easy access needed for such a vital kitchen tool. The Folio Slim's design saves space on your countertops whilst wiping out the risk of microplastics leeching into your produce as you cut it.

The boards are also dishwasher-safe, and after using them for 15 months in my home, I can confirm they are exceedingly durable, making them an excellent non-toxic cutting board pick.

I’m Relieved to Finally Have a Safe Option That Lasts

I use a stainless steel Japanese knife set from Amazon at home and keep them regularly maintained with a rolling sharpener, and despite 15 months of use, multiple times a day for my salad and vegetable-obsessed household, there are no marks on my boards.

Previously, I went through a long journey when trying to find a safe from plastic and forever chemicals cutting board option, and initially switched to glass, only to find that my knives dulled exceptionally fast – something professional chefs will tell you. I should have checked with them first, in truth.

Then I went to food-safe and environmentally friendly fast-growing bamboo boards and found my set splintered within a month, despite following the care instructions.

That’s when I turned to Joseph Joseph’s Folio Slim set, as I was looking to double my countertop space and find a safe alternative for my abundant food prep.

The material is polypropylene, which is manufactured without toxic BPAs, and won’t become damaged in the heat of your dishwasher. It’s a material that is approved by regulatory agencies, including the FDA, EFSA, and EPA, for safe use with food, and is often used in baby bottles for it’s non toxic and durable construction. It’s highly heat-resistant, but note this item is not safe for oven use, nor in the microwave.

I Have Used It for More Than a Year and Love It

This product has lasted the test of time in my home and proven to be the safe solution I was looking for. It’s slotted under my wall-mounted cabinets, right above the area I usually chop my produce. You can alternatively mount it inside your cabinet or under a shelf. I also like that the non-slip corners are built into the main item, meaning over time, they have not pinged off and needed replacing.

When I first got mine, I skipped the screw-in installation, however, and used heavy-duty double-sided nano-tape from Amazon, and it hasn’t budged. Just make sure that you press it fully to the shelf, to get out any air bubbles, then leave for 24 hours for full adhesion. Then store the boards. My caddy has remained secure for all this time and shows no signs of going anywhere.

It’s worth noting that although the case looks like stainless steel, it’s exceptionally light, made from ABS plastic, which is safe for daily use on finished products, including kitchen appliances.

What Shoppers Say

With an average 4.5/5 star rating from verified shoppers on Amazon, the Folio Slim set is a hit.

Many comment on how much space they save, and how handy the caddy is for keeping clutter clear off countertops. Do measure the height of your shelf or cabinet before purchasing, however, as some customers with thick shelves noticed the caddy didn’t fit. The maximum thickness is 0.8 inches.

One shopper, who gave it the full five stars, stated in their review, ‘Love these cutting boards! They're sturdy and small but [the] perfect size. Easy to clean and put right back. They declutter my counters and still make them easily accessible, mounted under my cabinet.’

Another says, ‘I really love this cutting board system. It keeps the boards easily accessible.’

What to Shop

The kitchen is arguably one of the most important areas of your home, but if you are loading it with toxic items, even the best-laid meal plans and healthy cooking will be marred by the risk of forever chemicals leaching into your ingredients and meals.

Here’s my selection of safe and useful alternatives that are vital for any healthy cooking space.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Common small kitchen appliances can be a source of toxic chemicals, too. That's why our team of professional chefs and product testers has spent thousands of hours vetting the best non-toxic air fryers, non-toxic coffee makers, and non-toxic cookware to rid your kitchen of forever chemicals whilst delivering outstanding performance, easy maintenance, and value for money.

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I love batchcooking for its efficiency, but it all too often proves challenging to store, be it due to half-empty food containers zapping freezer space, or defrosting big portions that lead to waste. That’s now all in the past since I tried the viral block stacking storage method, which involves freezing very neat rectangles of food in non-toxic bags.

Alongside my silicone Souper Cubes, available at Amazon, which have transformed the ease with which I freeze accurately-sized portions, I have a freezer shelf now stocked from top to bottom with easy 'builder' meals for me, my husband, and my child without bulky containers.

I had wondered if this method might just be a gimmick, but actually, when used in tandem with non-toxic storage containers and freezer molds, it’s unlocked a lot of freezer space and less food waste in my house.

What Is the Brick Stacking Food Storage Method?

It’s simple. Freeze your food into neat, easy-to-stack portions, then bundle together and build your meals so you have everything you need in one simple bag, or a stack of pick and mix options.

Now, instead of having lots of half-empty food containers wasting space in your freezer, you can make maximum use of your shelves, drawers, and door space.

Since my Souper silicone molds are reusable and dishwasher safe, I can easily freeze a batch overnight, decant into a non-toxic freezer bag, and freeze the next batch in the morning.

As I am disabled and in chronic pain, I have to work smarter, not harder, in the kitchen to avoid injury and flares, but this method is useful for all busy households. Avoiding food waste also helps you be more sustainable at home.

I Tried It At Home for a Month

I gave it a go for my Persian batch-cooked meals, and my perfectly shaped blocks meant no more half-empty food containers and eyeballed portion sizes.

For easy weeknight dinners, these blocks have become a lifesaver when I am exhausted, I have forgotten to set something out to defrost the night before, or simply, my child doesn't want whatever I have planned. With this easy freezer-storage method, I can whip together a perfectly proportioned home-cooked meal with zero waste.

Due to the modest block sizes, I have found that they thaw easily and quickly with my microwave's defrost setting, taking us from freezer to dinner table in around 10 minutes.

It also delightfully means that my freezer is now highly organized, which has proven to be the biggest benefit of all. Previously, I was squeezing in food containers amidst all the other items packed out in my appliance, and sometimes having to eat the same meal a few nights in a row if I was out of space to freeze a batch.

With this block-freezing method, the even rectangles stack together neatly without any of the freezer shelf being wasted on food containers.

Verdict: 10/10. It’s become a go-to kitchen storage idea in my home, and I highly recommend it. It's also made mid-week meals, so incredibly easy and stress-free.

How to Try It and Free Up Freezer Space

You’ll need silicone molds for the freezer, and having used them myself, I am a complete convert to Souper Cubes, available at Amazon. They are very thick and versatile, and can be used in the oven and dishwasher (without the BPA-free plastic lids, though, as those are not oven safe).

Pour your food into the slots, and freeze. I do this overnight. Then in the morning, if I still have more of my batch in the fridge to freeze, I decant and repeat.

Put the frozen blocks into reusable and dishwasher-safe, food-safe silicone bags, or in BPA-free Ziploc bags, both available at Walmart. I keep like with like, and that way I can keep track of my stock.

You can also store various blocks together to make up a meal, such as a curry block and a rice portion into one bag, so it's ready to pull out of the freezer and reheat with zero thought needed.

Don't forget, you can apply this method to batch prepping items such as garlic puree, or if you open a jar of tomato puree but don't need it all.

What to Shop

Having suitable and useful non-toxic kitchen utensils and tools on hand to facilitate your batch cooking will save you space, time, and keep your meals free of harmful ‘forever chemicals’ that can leech into your ingredients during use or storage.

Coupled with one of the best non-toxic air fryers and one of the best slow cookers, you’ll be set for the ultimate cooking experience with minimal toxin risk.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I am always looking for ways to make daily cooking easier, and these are the kitchen appliance tips I lean on daily as a busy working mom.

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While a small living room comes with its perks, the sad reality of a tiny lounge is that it can quickly feel cluttered. Yes, what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in coziness, but without the right foundational pieces to organize the space, a tiny lounge can feel rather restrictive.

A small living room is only as good as its storage. So even though I have chosen the perfect paint color, invested in the dream compact sofa, and thrown down a perfectly patterned area rug, the storage is lacking. I need some chic, hardworking, double-duty living room storage that will stylishly organize my space – and it's Wayfair, and it's Spring Cyber Sale to the rescue.

From a coffee table with hidden storage, to a sturdy narrow bookcase for my many editions, these are the nine picks I uncovered that couldn't be more ideal for lounges that edge on the small side. While investing in furniture can sometimes prove pricey, Wayfair's Spring Cyber Week sale makes mastering the (sometimes tricky) art of organization feel rather inspiring and rather achievable.

My 9 Chic Storage Picks From Wayfair's Spring Sale

From a rattan bookshelf that feels like a retro find to the perfect midcentury style bar cabinet, these nine pieces will work in any small living room, of any style.

While Wayfair's Spring Sale is filled with plenty more timeless pieces for small spaces, it's hard to make living room storage mistakes with these nine stylish picks. Proving that style doesn't need to come at a cost, each piece fuses character with function, ideal for slotting into a living room that's lacking in square footage.

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I have written many times about my indifference toward plastic storage. Why choose acrylic over rattan or wicker? My opinion has always been that if storage is on display, it needs to double as décor – and that means no plastic. That was until I saw this cozy, color-drenched home office.

Fitted with built-in cupboards that house shelves of plastic containers, this eclectic home office, designed by Charlotte Boundy, has made me reconsider my storage solutions. In her space, the plastic containers (the SmartStore Compact Boxes in Medium from Amazon) look chic and purposeful, chosen for their lightweight and unobtrusive feel. They blend seamlessly into her design studio without appearing bulky – a design decision as well as a practical one.

I had to know more, so I got in touch with Charlotte to get her insider insight on why she chose this type of storage and her tips for making it look chic.

While it's not hard to spot a wicker basket in a designer's project, plastic storage bins aren't exactly known for their aesthetic virtues. However, after seeing Charlotte's charming work-from-home space, I've become convinced that even the most basic storage vessels can be both practical and attractive.

Charlotte explains that she used the SmartStore Compact Boxes in Medium from Amazon to organize her workspace. 'In a small space, organization is key, so see-through fabric sample boxes keep everything tidy and easy to find.'

Housed in the burgundy-painted bookshelves, the clear storage feels unobtrusive and seamless, serving its purpose while allowing the broader design details to shine. While acrylic might not be a style-led choice when sourcing storage, it's perfect if you're looking for something "invisible" and easy to style.

Charlotte continues, 'When I moved house, it was essential to find a home with space for my work, and this third bedroom proved the perfect solution as a light-filled studio,' she tells me. 'Once a dingy, damp makeshift walk-in closet, I fixed a leaky roof, knocked down the closet, and added a second window overlooking my south-facing garden. I then designed a built-in desk with a generously sized storage cupboard and open shelving.'

And it's not just the storage bins that make the space feel neat; shelving under the desk provides extra storage, hidden by a skirted curtain. 'I added a curtain made from ticking fabric found at The Cloth Shop. It hides yet more storage and project boxes while also creating the perfect space for my whippet, Pig, to sleep while I work.'

She adds, 'I painted the woodwork in Farrow & Ball Reddish Brown gloss against Light Blue walls, which act as a neutral backdrop for two large pinboards covered in fabric samples across the other walls.'

Home Office Storage Picks

So I am convinced, clear plastic containers are not the eyesore I once thought. Charlotte's use of simple, sleek, almost invisible clear storage has me thinking I should try switching out my rattan boxes, especially when space is tight and I need to avoid adding any visual bulk.

A delightfully inspiring home office that comes to life through its playful colors and nifty layout, it's a reminder that even the simplest storage solutions can work in harmony with a design.

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I spend a lot of time speaking to interior designers about small spaces, especially bathrooms, where extra care and attention are required to balance sufficient storage with visual appeal.

And as open storage is always championed in compact spaces, I thought I'd experiment by using only open solutions to see what works and what doesn't. And it's fair to say, I learned a lot about small bathroom storage from the process.

These are all the open bathroom storage solutions I tried, and months down the line, the ones that have proved essential and those that didn't quite meet the mark. Spoiler alert – you really do need a mix of open and closed storage for the best results.

3 Open Storage Solutions I Tried in My Small Bathroom

My small bathroom has always lacked built-in storage. Other than a recessed medicine cabinet, the only place I had to keep products and essentials was on the windowsill or a ledge behind the toilet.

'People often don’t plan properly for storage in bathrooms, and leaving space for it wherever possible is really important,' says interior designer Laura Stephens. 'People often end up stacking toiletries on the countertop or in corners, which looks untidy and can make everyday routines more frustrating.'

And clutter was certainly becoming an issue in my space, so I tried a few open storage options before committing to more built-in solutions. And although I made a few small bathroom storage mistakes, there are some I would never want to be without again.

Stayed: Wall Shelves Beside the Bath

My open storage experiment began with my shower area. I have an over-bath shower, and without a built-in niche or ledge, my products end up lining the perimeter of the tub. It's not functional, nor does it look organized.

I've seen a lot of people have success with shelving that hangs over the shower head, like this Flex Wall Mounted Optional Shower Caddy from Wayfair, but I don't have the right shower fixture for this to work, so I opted for floating shelving on the wall at the end of my bath instead.

I love the look of glass shelves with brass fixtures, so I installed Anthropologie's Nellie Shelf, which comes in three sizes, on the narrow wall next to my bathroom window, and it's been such a success. It's the perfect size to hold my most-used shower products without looking overfilled or messy, and it's away from the water flow while still being easy to reach.

I also love glass shelving because it not only looks elegant, but it's so easy to clean. Even purple shampoo rings wipe away easily without leaving a trace. This open storage solution is perfect for small bathrooms, as long as you have the wall space at the far end of your shower or bath. Needless to say, this one stayed!

Failed: Open Vanity Design

I've seen so many beautiful small schemes that feature a bathroom vanity with open shelving rather than closed cabinet storage, and I immediately wanted to try it in my own scheme to utilize the space below my sink, especially as designers usually advise against cabinet doors in a compact space.

'Limited space means every element has to work hard. Vanity doors that swing open can interrupt movement, create awkward moments, and make the room feel cramped,' explains Melissa Hutley, co-founder of Hutley & Humm.

But while this approach did work from a functional perspective, it didn't quite live up to expectations aesthetically. The vanity really has to work hard in my small bathroom, and it quickly created a more cluttered look, despite attempts at elevating it with pretty woven baskets.

And it's an open storage attempt I was quick to fix, with some designer guidance. 'A simple solution is to add a curtain under the vanity, with shelves behind. It’s an easy, flexible way to add storage at any stage, keeping the space tidy without sacrificing style,' says Carina Raymond, founder of Studio Raymond.

If you do prefer easy-to-access closed storage, small bathrooms work much better with drawer-focused vanities. 'Choosing drawers over doors for vanity units is another simple but effective tweak too, it improves accessibility, organisation, and overall flow in the room,' Melissa notes.

Stayed: Wall-Mounted Towel Rack

I've always wished I had somewhere to store towels in my bathroom. I've seen some people keep them in a vanity or a freestanding unit – I distinctly remember my grandmother's floor-to-ceiling bathroom cupboard that kept towels perfectly warm.

But I don't have space for anything like this, so I instead looked for open storage that allowed me to keep bath, hand, and face towels nearby. And it turns out, wall-mounted designs are the perfect towel storage idea.

'One solution is to fit a smaller heated towel rail above a wall-mounted toilet. This keeps the rail off the floor, maximises circulation space, and removes any hazard in a tight bathroom,' says Melissa.

My toilet sits below a sloped ceiling, but I had the perfect wall space behind my bathroom door for a wall-mounted towel rack. After a lot of shopping, I chose Rejuvenation's Riley Train Rack with Double Towel Bars in Aged Brass, and I'm so happy I did.

I love that I can keep my towels rolled up on the rack above, and also hang the towels currently in use on the bars beneath. It's become a really hardworking feature in my bathroom, and it creates a luxury hotel feel. It's probably the open storage solution I've had the most compliments on, too.

While not everything was successful, I learnt a lot from trying to only use open storage in my small bathroom. More things worked well than I expected – it was really only the bathroom vanity that failed. Take note from designers and embrace drawers for closed storage, or add a sink skirt to conceal shelves filled with essentials, as I did. It's a small, and generally affordable, swap that transforms the look of your small bathroom.

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Small space storage isn’t exactly a thrill category. Organizers rarely spark the same joy as, say, a new accent chair. Combine that aesthetic mediocrity with spatial compromise, and you’ve got one deeply unsexy problem.

Or at least, that’s what happens when ‘storage’ entails forking over hundreds for acrylic contraptions that promise minimalism, but somehow make everything look cheaper and only marginally more contained.

So Homes & Gardens asked designers who treat petite footprints not as a limitation, but as an invitation – approaching them with strategy, personality, and a bit of creative nerve. Whether you’re navigating a city apartment or refining a compact living room, ahead are four foolproof small space storage buys that don’t just make your home more usable – they make it better-looking, too.

1. Stylish Storage Benches

Nowhere does multipurpose furniture work harder than in a small space, so when one of said purposes involves storage, designers say it’s an immediate yes. But topping Planner 5D’s Evelina Juzėnaitė’s small-space storage list specifically? Benches, all the way.

‘You can store shoes, bags, seasonal accessories, and other items that clutter up entryways and bedrooms,’ she says. ‘This solution is suitable for small spaces because it provides a place to sit and additional storage space’ – an obvious option for entryways, but increasingly, we’re seeing bedroom storage benches at the foot of the bed too, where linens and bulky off-season knits need a discreet home.

Ideally, the bench doubles (triples?) as a design moment. That could mean an open-concept style with shelves for a lightly curated display, or something more ornate, wrapped in on-trend verdure-style tapestry. ‘In today’s world, there are many beautiful options, not just boring wooden benches,’ Evelina continues. ‘You can choose from different designs and fabrics, making it a focal point in the room, not just storage space.’

And if it has a lift-top? According to Evelina, even better. Guests take a seat, none the wiser about what tote bags and children’s toys might be hiding underneath.

2. Multifunctional Utility Carts

The only phrase less seductive-sounding than 'small space storage' is ‘narrow utility cart.’ And yet, designers use them constantly. A bar cart, after all, is just a narrow utility cart with better PR and a bottle of vermouth on top.

‘Narrow mobile utility carts can be placed in areas that are often empty, such as in the corner of the kitchen, or as bathroom storage,’ notes Evelina Juzėnaitė. ‘They can be used to store various items, such as shoes, cleaning, or laundry supplies.’ In the spirit of any good utilitarian design, keep it clean and search for slim, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it profiles. (Yamazaki remains the gold standard here; if it works in a Tokyo apartment, it will work anywhere.)

And pro tip: if a renovation isn’t happening, a narrow cart can convincingly cosplay as custom storage, making a small kitchen look larger. ‘In small kitchens, the problem isn’t always lack of cabinets, it’s lack of efficient, usable storage,’ says Sacramento-based interior designer Yvonne Harty. This sort of tall pull-out pantry ‘works especially well in compact spaces because everything is visible and accessible, so you waste less space and buy fewer duplicates.’

Tuck one beside the fridge or slide it into an award gap, and suddenly, those oils, spices, snacks, and baking supplies have newfound order and accessibility.

3. Easy to Install Hooks and Rails

Hooks are arguably the most obvious storage solution in existence – and yet, in small spaces, they’re routinely underutilized. Mounted to the wall, they claim zero floor space. Chosen well, they can rival your art.

‘Wall hooks that resemble works of art can be used to hang jackets, bags, hats, and more on them,’ explains Evelina Juzėnaitė. ‘This small storage solution makes use of empty wall space and frees up floor space. If you choose hooks in interesting shapes and colors, they will become a focal point on the wall.’

As bedroom storage, they could hold tomorrow’s outfit. In a bathroom, towels become texture. In an entryway, they keep your most-used essentials within reach. Even as kitchen storage, pots and pans can vacate overcrowded cabinets and live a more sculptural life on display.

2. Handy Hat Racks

There are two kinds of people: hat people and everyone else. Even if you’re not rotating newsboy caps like socks, designers wager you own at least one oversized straw for summer, and probably a baseball cap (or twelve).

‘Hat racks are another lifesaver when it comes to small mudrooms and closets,’ notes Lindsay Thornton, interior designer and founder of Toronto-based Cornerstone Design Build. They don’t necessarily have to be hat-specific (a thoughtfully placed coat rack can pull double duty), but giving headwear its own perch helps preserve shape and extend its life.

A vertical, wall-mounted rack claims zero floor space and is ‘specifically designed to store hats without damage,’ Lindsay explains. ‘This smart small storage solution will preserve that perfectly flat brim your teen cares about so much' – and might just free up an entire closet drawer in the process.

Most storage solutions promise order and deliver eyesores. These designer-approved small-space essentials, from sculptural rolling carts to stealth storage benches, do the opposite. Plus, none of these ideas require a reno, you can add each to your tiny spaces in a matter of minutes.

Entryways are practical spaces; they need to wear a lot of hats and balance both looking chic and welcoming guests into your home, and being able to store all the things you throw at it. So you want your entryway storage to look nice as well as do the job.

A room that's one of the most seen (and used), adding clever entryway storage is one thing, but ensuring it's stylish and seamless is a whole other. Put together by designers who have nailed the artful (often tricky) balance of style and function, these six simple tips will transform your entryway into a space that works hard every day, not to mention, one you'll want to linger a little longer in.

1. Turn Entryway Storage Into a Feature With Paint

In this entryway designed by Lonika Chande, a yellow-painted cabinet holds an entire family's daily essentials. Injecting life into the pass through space, the hero piece becomes more than practical, adding to the cheerful feel of the design.

'The starting point for this storage piece was the reality of busy daily life in London – coats, shoes, bags, and umbrellas!' explains Lonika. 'We wanted the space to work hard, but to do so with warmth and character. We mixed built-in storage with this freestanding yellow cupboard, as our client wanted something that created a little wow, the moment you step inside.'

A fun way to embrace color trends for 2026, covering your storage in an on-trend paint color will bring vibrancy to your space without overwhelming it, transforming mundane storage into a design moment designed to be enjoyed.

Lonika suggests looking at your pass through space with the same lens as any other room. 'By treating them as you would a naturally softer room, like a sitting room or a bedroom. Color and hardware give pieces presence and personality, while fabric and upholstery add warmth and softness.'

2. Opt for a Seamless, Smart Storage Solution

Making storage central to your design will ensure that even small entryways feel enjoyable to use and masterfully accomplished.

The hidden storage in this apartment's entrance proves that function and style work side by side. Stig Lommer Bagger, founder of smart furniture brand Quirky Mousse, explains, 'The inspiration came from the narrow – yet often long – entryways found in many small Copenhagen apartments. In these spaces, storage needs to work hard without visually or physically taking over the room. The idea was to use the walls efficiently, keeping the floor as free as possible, and to introduce storage that feels slim, calm, and well-proportioned. By working vertically and keeping the expression light, the entryway remains functional while still feeling open and welcoming.'

Stig continues, 'Practicality comes from understanding everyday use and working with the space's architecture. In narrow entryways, wall-mounted solutions are key, as they free up floor space and improve circulation. A combination of open storage for frequently used items and closed storage placed higher up works well, allowing the space to stay organized without feeling cluttered. Keeping storage off the floor also makes the entryway easier to clean and visually calmer.

He adds, 'When proportions are carefully considered, and materials are kept consistent, even simple storage solutions can feel intentional. In entryways especially, elevating everyday items – by mounting them on the wall or grouping them thoughtfully – helps turn practical necessities into calm, understated design features.'

3. Add Seating Into Your Entryway Storage

Whether it's a simple storage bench or a built-in seat for guests to use as they arrive and leave, adding some form of seating will make your entryway storage feel intentional (not to mention multi-functional), becoming an area that's worth lingering in.

When designing her entryway, Jenn Lake, Founder of the Style Charade, explains that her main goal was to create a fuss-free, serene environment for guests to enjoy. 'Our home is situated on a serene Wisconsin lake, so the waterfront view always proves to be the best inspiration. The serene blue of our custom cabinetry proved to be the perfect starting point. Ultimately, we wanted to create a beautiful drop zone for seamless entry and exits to our home. The entryway offers a calm, engaging first impression that makes guests feel comfortable.'

Of course, organizing an entryway will create a peaceful atmosphere free from chaos, but equally, designing a space that accommodates (without compromising aesthetics) will give you a room you can forever rely on. Jenn says, 'One of the best ways to make an entryway practical is by evaluating the needs of both your family and potential guests. Since we live in the Midwest, we understand storage requirements shift depending on the season. One minute we're dealing with rain and thunderstorms, and the next it's sleet and snow. Therefore, we've organized the space to accommodate seasonal needs, with each closet dedicated to spring, summer, winter, and fall items.'

Jenn adds, 'We also make sure to leave room for guests' items and invest in extra accessories should they forget or need an item to make their experience even more comfortable. Another key component is our small seating areas that make it easier to take off or put on shoes.'

4. Color-Drench for Coziness

In this apartment entryway that edges on the smaller side, interior designer Carlos Garcia used an earthy color to bring warmth and life into the space. He explains, 'The property is a small flat Arts and Crafts flat in a conservation area in London. The hall in the picture is a back entrance, from the garden and allotments. Being a small flat, storage was crucial, and so, even small spaces like a back hall need storage.'

Using a warm entryway color that falls somewhere between terracotta and red, the space feels inviting, cozy, and intentional. Layering baskets, hooks, and shelving, the room becomes the perfect balance of stylish and functional. Carlos adds, 'Achieving a balance between aesthetics and practicality is crucial. There must be a place to leave your keys, a seat to put your shoes on, a rug to make you feel welcome, a space to leave your umbrellas and hooks to hang your coats. If the door needs it, a door curtain will soften the space and will make it feel warmer.'

5. Organize Cupboards So They Have One Sole Purpose

Meticulously organizing your entryway storage will ensure your space looks (and feels) fuss-free and serene. Interior designer Trevor Fulmer created a dedicated shoe cupboard in a recent entryway project. By creating a space for 'one sole thing', the design instantly feels more refined and look nicer too.

He explains, 'This home operates as a shoe-free household. The homeowners have a large shoe collection, so storage needed to be generous, functional, and easy to maintain. The mudroom was designed with clear zones for arrival, shoe removal, and storage. Custom cabinetry was used to maximize vertical storage, keep each pair organized, and maintain clear circulation/movement through the space. Treating the shoe cabinet as the room’s feature helped the space stay organized while reflecting the homeowner's style.'

6. Layer Vintage Touches for Character

Layering characterful pieces in your entryway will give it personality and an instantly more homely feel.

HÁM Interiors decorated with vintage in this cozy entrance, adding antique storage canisters and other lived-in details. Tom Cox of HÁM says, 'It’s about balancing the utilitarian elements with pieces that have a bit of character. If everything’s built in, a hallway can start to feel overly fitted, so we like to break it up and make space for more decorative layers — a lamp, an antique piece, a bit of artwork. Those collected touches are what make the space feel intentional and properly lived-in.'

Tom adds, 'This is a hard-working part of the house, so it was important to start with what the room needs to handle day to day — muddy boots, coats, dogs — and what you actually want on show. Properly built-in joinery makes all the difference, but we kept it feeling relaxed by breaking it up with simple, usable elements: hooks for everyday coats and a bench with baskets so you can sit down and deal with your shoes.'

Shop Hard-Working Entryway Storage

From coat racks to consoles, these 9 picks will transform your entryway into an organized oasis that balances style with utmost practicality, making everyday a little easier.

These spaces prove that a truly good entryway blends necessity with style. By always considering what you need in an entryway and remaining sympathetic to your proportions as well as interior design style, you'll have a space that ticks every box and leaves you feeling ready to start or end your day.

With spring looming over the horizon, switching out your winter wardrobe for one a little more suitable for warmer weather will likely be on your mind.

To ease this changeover without clutter overwhelming your dressing area, now is the perfect time to implement effective storage systems that clear space in your closet. In fact, professional organizers swear by rotating clothes in and out of underbed storage, and you don't have to wait till spring to do it.

Here, they share why getting a jump start on this storage idea guarantees a clutter-free, smooth seasonal transition come March.

Professional Organizers Swear By Underbed Storage Systems for Seasonal Wardrobe Swaps

The reason for tackling crowded closets now, whilst the chill of winter is still here, is that come spring, you can transition into lighter garments without having a stuffed wardrobe to contend with.

Many closets simply do not have enough storage space to accommodate all the clothing a person owns, particularly if you're very good at acquiring garments, but not so good at capsule decluttering.

Cathy Orr, co-founder at the Uncluttered Life, says that using underbed storage ideas for holding key clothing, shoes, and accessories as the seasons rotate makes storing summer clothes and vice versa easier than ever. In fact, it's her one non-negotiable when tackling bulky items on the tail-end of winter.

She says, 'Bulky items like coats and vests for winter don't need to take up space during the spring and summer,' she continues. 'Keep out what you'll actually wear during that time of year, and let the other items take a backseat. It's much easier to see what you love, what needs to be donated, and what has seen better days if you have less to look at when you open the closet.'

When asked about the storage system she swears by in winter, Cathy Orr, co-founder at the Uncluttered Life, had a pertinent piece of advice. 'One thing to remember about winter storage for spring is, when storing, decide whether or not you'd be excited to unpack the container in March,' she says. 'If not, now is a good time to donate, so that you are not burdening yourself in the spring.'

Cathy adds that many people tend to keep all their clothing in the closet, whether or not it is seasonal, which can often make even the most well-thought-out closet organization ideas overfilled and inaccessible.

She explains, 'I think it's better to divide up what you'll be wearing in the colder and warmer months so that you can see exactly what you have to wear for that season. A storage container should be breathable and have rollers and windows, if possible, so that it's easy to access, and you can see what it contains.'

The Yecaye Under Bed Storage with Wheels, available in a pack of two at Amazon, is a good example of this. However, advises Cathy, even if you can see what's inside, it's still a good idea to make a list of the items that are stored within it, either on the container, your phone, or on paper, so you don't have to go digging around in the container once you've packed it. 'Look for storage containers that vary in size, depending upon your needs,' she adds.

Sophia Martinez, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin, agrees with Cathy on the importance of labelling.

'Seasonal swapping is simple with this method, because the bins are labeled, making it easy to quickly switch from winter to summer or vice versa without having to dig through the boxes to find the correct season's belongings,' she concurs.

The Benefits of Using This Seasonal Storage Solution

Put simply, says Cathy, clothing takes up a lot of space. 'When we help people declutter and organize their closets, there is a lot more there than they realize,' she explains. 'That’s why Marie Kondo always says to “make the pile” so you can see the volume that you own.

'When you see the quantity of clothing, it may make you stop to think the next time you go to the store to shop. There is a big difference between “need" and ‘want."

'If you feel the need to purchase, then make sure the items fit into your current clothing style, and be selective in what you buy. That way, you’ll be able to contain the amount of clothing that takes up room in your closet,' making even organizing a small closet doable, and, in some cases, even enjoyable.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Wondering how to organize a closet without buying anything? Always begin by decluttering first to make space for more storage.

The Opening Note

Living in my home day in and day out has completely changed the way I think about organization. It’s no longer just about tidying up when things get messy; it’s about creating systems that support how I actually live. A well-organized home isn’t one that feels rigid or over-styled – it’s one that feels calm, intuitive, and easy to move through, where everything has a place, and nothing feels like a constant battle.

I’ve grown to appreciate the small details that make home organization truly intentional. Thoughtfully chosen storage pieces, trays that catch everyday clutter, baskets that soften shelves, and boxes that keep essentials close at hand all play a role in shaping how a space feels. When storage ideas are considered rather than purely functional, it transforms a home from something that simply looks tidy into something that genuinely feels effortless to live in.

There’s a quiet comfort in knowing where everything belongs. Keys always land in the same place. Papers are neatly contained. Everyday objects are within reach but never overwhelming. These small moments have a huge impact on the rhythm of daily life, allowing a home to reflect not just personal style – warm tones, tactile materials, beautifully simple forms – but also how you want your space to function.

In this edit, I’ll be spotlighting IKEA – a brand that, while not British by origin, has firmly cemented its place in British homes. Their storage solutions are a perfect example of how thoughtful design can be accessible, adaptable, and surprisingly stylish. From modular shelving to clever drawer inserts, these are pieces that quietly support everyday life while blending seamlessly into the home.

I’m drawn to storage that balances practicality with style: pieces that earn their place out in the open rather than being hidden away. Beautiful trays, sculptural boxes, and well-proportioned baskets bring order without feeling utilitarian. Layered thoughtfully, they reduce visual clutter while adding texture and personality, creating rooms that feel organized yet lived-in. I truly believe that good storage is the foundation of a happy home.

The Edit: Statement Storage and Organization

In the Spotlight: IKEA

Few home brands feel as universally familiar to me as IKEA. While it may not be British by origin, it has become an integral part of British homes – so much so that almost every house I step into has at least one IKEA piece quietly doing its job. From bookshelves and bedside tables to storage tucked neatly out of sight, these are the pieces that shape everyday living in ways we often don’t even notice.

What I appreciate most about IKEA is how deeply embedded it is in real life. Its designs are practical, adaptable, and approachable, created to work hard for the way we actually live. Over time, those simple pieces become constants – furniture you move from flat to flat, storage that evolves with your needs, solutions that quietly grow with you. There’s a reassuring familiarity to that, a sense that these are objects designed for longevity rather than perfection.

IKEA has also shown a remarkable ability to collaborate thoughtfully, partnering with designers and creatives to bring elevated ideas into everyday homes. Collaborations with British designers such as Ilse Crawford and Zandra Rhodes have added warmth, personality, and a distinctly human touch to their collections, proving that considered design doesn’t have to feel exclusive or out of reach. These moments show IKEA at its best: accessible, creative, and culturally attuned.

More than just furniture, IKEA represents a shared visual language in British homes – one built on functionality, simplicity, and clever problem-solving. Its pieces rarely shout for attention, but they become part of the fabric of daily life, supporting routines, holding memories, and adapting as homes change.

In that way, IKEA is about more than flat-pack furniture. It’s about designing for real homes, real people, and real lives – creating pieces that may start out the same, but become entirely personal over time.

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be turning my attention to the little indulgences I’m introducing into my home – those luxury impulse purchases that feel like a treat after what seems like a long January. With payday just behind us, it feels like the perfect moment to bring in pieces that spark joy, elevate everyday life, and make a space feel a little more special.

Rather than focusing on one room, I’ll be sharing the small, beautiful objects that transform a home: tactile accessories, statement decor, and little luxuries that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to live with. Think elegant trays, ceramics, vases, and other details that deserve to be displayed rather than tucked away.

This edit is all about celebrating the joy of thoughtful indulgence. Each piece is an opportunity to refresh a corner, lift a mood, and make your home feel curated, intentional, and personal. If you love a space that feels stylish yet lived-in, practical yet playful, this upcoming edit will offer inspiration for adding touches that feel luxurious without being excessive – little treats that make your home feel happier, warmer, and entirely yours.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

There's almost nothing more exciting than planning a new room in your home, and the kitchen is one of the most inspiring of all. But once you've tackled your backsplash, flooring, and cabinet colors, consider storage carefully to maximize long-term functionality.

With food, pots, pans, and cutlery all to keep tidy and tucked away, your kitchen storage arguably has to work harder than any other room in the house.

So, here, professional organizers share the one non-negotiable kitchen storage idea that they consider an absolute essential for a streamlined space.

Drawer Dividers Are the Kitchen Storage Essential to Never Overlook in Redesigns

To find out more about which storage ideas professional organizers always recommend for organizing a kitchen, I spoke to Ashley Bailey, the owner of Everything Orderly.

She advises, 'One storage essential homeowners should never overlook for their kitchen is drawer dividers – which are also great for those pull-out pantry drawers too,' and therefore work just as well for organizing a messy pantry as they do for organizing kitchen drawers.

'While, as a professional organizer, we often focus on functional bins or stylish storage baskets, the real impact lies in the drawers we use every day,' she continues. 'Dividers turn chaotic drawers into functional, easy-to-use zones.

'They create structure, keep items neatly separated, and ensure every category has a defined home, making things easy to locate.'

Additionally, says Ashley, drawer dividers, available at Walmart, when used to organize deep drawers, for example, also eliminate the feeling of a "junk drawer," and make it easy to follow the rules for a clutter-free kitchen long-term. For that reason, they're one of the many things organized kitchens have in common.

'When everything has its place, you spend less time digging and more time actually enjoying your space,' says Ashley, and we agree. You can shop the drawer dividers she uses below:

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Along the same hidden storage vein, Anne Steppe, the owner of Step by Steppe Organizing, also recommends that homeowners should never overlook an effective under-the-sink storage and organization setup, either, to make organizing under the sink a breeze.

'Time and time again, I see this area looking more like a storage unit for cleaning supplies than a fully functioning space for homeowners,' she warns. 'Keep it simple – a mat to place down to catch possible water leaks or spills, trash bags, dishwashing and dishwasher solutions, replacement scouring pads, appliance cleaner, stove top and counter cleaner. That's about it.

'Don't stuff this space so full with 18 different cleaners and keep your back stock in a secondary location – limit this!'

So, if you've got an overly extensive collection, it's best to declutter under the kitchen sink before you begin organizing.

Meet the Experts

Shop our edit of the kitchen organizing products our editors can't live without for more organizational inspiration.

If you're currently in the process of planning a new bathroom, chances are you're picking out a bathtub, wall color, and flooring type. But have you considered storage?

It may not be as glamorous or exciting, but it's undoubtedly an essential – and our professional organizers say there's one particular bathroom storage idea you should never overlook.

Not only is it important for a clutter-free bathroom, but it's also crucial for safety. Here's why closed, secure storage in bathrooms is a non-negotiable, according to our experts.

The 1 Bathroom Storage Essential to Never Overlook

Whether you're perfecting your small bathroom storage ideas or working on organizing a modern bathroom, Martha Carol-Stewart, the owner of Chaos Organizing, stresses that these rooms are often thought of only as spaces for getting ready for the day or to prepare for bedtime. But, in fact, they're actually some of the most used areas of a home.

'Bathrooms need to function as a spa to take care of our skin and wash off the worries of the day, a pet care facility where our animals are groomed and taken care of, and most importantly, a place where our family comes for their healthcare,' she explains. 'Medicine cabinets are often in every primary bathroom.'

Therefore, the one storage detail she says she always encourages homeowners not to overlook is closed, secure storage.

'Lockable drawers or cabinets create a safe place for medications and personal items, while reducing visual clutter,' she advises, and helping to keep bathroom countertops clear.

'This is especially important in homes with children,' she adds. 'Simple solutions like interior cabinet locks or locking storage boxes,' such as the number one bestselling Lockabox One available at Amazon, 'make a big difference without complicating the space.'

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Of course, you'll still need to keep your everyday items, like your toothbrush, toothpaste, and face wash, close at hand. For these bits, Jill Katz from One to Zen Organizing, says homeowners should never overlook the need for a countertop organizer, like this one available at Amazon.

'We all want our counters cleared and streamlined, but we will always want to keep certain items out and ready in our bathroom, such as our toothbrush, toothpaste, or other essentials that can get wet or that we use every day,' she says. 'An organizer like this allows for individual choices of various sizes.

'We are going to put items on the counter anyway, and purchasing a product like this creates a calm intentionality that we professional organizers like to see in our clients' spaces.'

And, there's no doubt that countertop organizers like this make it easier to become a morning person, too, as organizing your morning routine is the first step to a streamlined wake-up.

More to Shop

Meet the Experts

If you're generally short on bathroom storage, this under-sink storage hack is a simple, on-trend fix.

A slim shoe rack for your entryway is an essential in any compact home to avoid tripping up in messy entrances or feeling frustrated at the level of clutter you have to see in this space daily.

So often, a pile of shoes by the front door leaves your home looking uncared for, especially in winter when it can be a challenge to fit taller winter boots in the same storage area as before.

But you don't have to be resigned to inadequate footwear storage just because it's cold outside. The sleek and slim $39 Joseph Joseph Level Adjustable Tier Shoe Rack Organizer, available at Amazon, is just what you need to get things in order in winter with its clever adjustable features.

Here's why it's one of our top recommendations for hallway shoe storage.

The Slim Joseph Joseph Shoe Rack Banishes Shoe Clutter in Entryway

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

It's well-known that one of the golden rules for a clutter-free entryway is using smart entryway storage ideas that, importantly, don't take up heaps of space. That's where the sleek Joseph Joseph Level Adjustable Tier Shoe Rack Organizer, available at Amazon, comes in handy.

It's perfect for keeping shoes hidden, even in a small entryway.

For starters, it's effortlessly easy to assemble with shelves that clip securely onto the frame, and all the full instructions needed are included. It's also cleverly adjustable, as you can simply adjust the shelving heights to fit your shoe collection as your footwear needs change from season to season.

You can also stack multiple units one on top of the other, and attach them to your walls for added security and stability.

In fact, as one five-star review from Mia reads, it's both 'Adjustable and sleek.'

'This shoe rack is fantastic,' they write. 'I wear a size 6.5 women's, and it holds around 10 pairs of my shoes. Assembly isn't difficult at all and took a total of 10 minutes to put it together.

'The key feature that makes this shoe shelf stand out for me is that it's adjustable to your needs. I have a hard time finding shoe racks that can fit tall boots or winter shoes, and this one is perfect for that because you can customize it to fit the shoes you need it to. I highly recommend!'

A second reviewer notes that they 'Love the color,' adding how easy it was to put together.

'The material is easy to clean, and I love the muted color,' they write. 'It looks nice anywhere! The shelves are easy to move around. I was able to set the height for flats, sneakers, and boots!'

This is particularly brilliant if, in 2026, you're looking to kick your shoe-hoarding habit and organize your footwear for good, which may well mean your collection waxes and wanes as the year progresses.

If you are looking to cut down, adopting the One In, Two Out decluttering rule is an easy way to make a big impact with little effort, and it makes it far easier to organize shoes in small spaces. After all, if you have less, you'll have less to keep tidy.

More to Shop

Do you know about the clever ways to maximize storage space on your shoe racks? From going heel-to-toe to using pull-out drawers, it's easy to make the most of any storage solution you have.

If your home is anything like mine, you likely have an abundance of plastic containers in every room, be it food containers from a takeaway, leftover packaging, or a purposefully bought one.

These can be so handy for storing things in, or helping to organize certain busy areas such as closets, drawers, and pantries, but there are five key home goods that experts warn against storing in plastic.

When organizing your home, avoid keeping these five items in plastic and make use of more sustainable swaps that will help you avoid the typical warping, staining, and difficulty cleaning, or the risk of mold that might arise otherwise.

Things to Never Store in Plastic at Home

1. Books Can Go Moldy in Plastic Bins

Resident Homes & Gardens book club enthusiast and collector, Ottilie Blackhall, never stores her books in plastic bins. She says it’s a recipe for disaster and can lead to problems that ruin your favorite reads forever.

Ottilie explains, ‘I'm book obsessed, with a mother who worked in publishing, a book review Instagram account that is full of recommendations and reviews from my weekly book club adventures, and a passion for reading from early childhood.

‘Therefore, I know that plastic bins are truly a book's worst enemy. If you trap any moisture in there with your books, you'll be putting your collection at risk of mold, mildew, and warping.

‘For that reason, and because I love the way they look, I always store all my books on shelves inside my home. I have a large floor-to-ceiling shelving unit, the IKEA BILLY Bookcase, which is an excellent buy at under $75, and is deep enough to double-stack my books to squeeze as many as I can on. Importantly, I put up my shelf out of direct sunlight, as that can cause fading on the spines.’

If you’re short on space but don’t want to get rid of any books when decluttering, consider instead a smart storage solution such as a rotating bookshelf from Wayfair, a thin (it’s only 12.3 inches wide) but versatile cube bookshelf unit from Amazon that you can add to a dead space, or an under-bed rolling bin made from breathable materials such as a linen-lined hyacinth lidded tote from Walmart.

The latter will increase your book storage capacity, whilst keeping your surplus collection in a climate-controlled space and still protecting it from dust.

Watch out for indoor pests, however, as cockroaches like to eat the glue in book bindings. Keeping a pest control measure, such as a Sticky Roach Traps from Walmart in the box, will help to avert any hidden pest issues.

2. Leather Can Deteriorate Over Time if It Can’t ‘Breathe’

Leather is a natural and hardy material, but when stored incorrectly, it can fall victim to mold and other damage. Keeping leather goods such as handbags, shoes, and other accessories in plastic bins out of sight in attics or basements means running the risk of moisture damage or mold over time.

Pro organizer Rebecca explains, 'Leather needs to breathe. In plastic, it can out, crack, or develop mold, especially if stored long-term. This happened to my designer bags, and it was a deep letting go practice.

'Whilst plastic bins feel tidy and protective, in many cases they quietly trap the very things that cause damage over time: Moisture, oils, pressure, and neglect.'

Instead, Rebecca recommends storing leather goods in silk dust bags, available in multipacks at Amazon, cotton pillowcases, or on open shelving out of sunlight and away from heat.

You can pick a cool, dry spot in a closet or cabinet, away from spaces that are prone to humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchen cabinets. 'Make sure the area has stable temperature and airflow,' Rebecca adds.

3. Photographs Can Stick Together or Quietly Accumulate Mold

In our very digital world, it’s a novelty and a delight to keep hold of old or new photo printouts. You might find your printed collection also captures your most memorable moments in life, including your wedding day, time with loved ones no longer here, or baby photos.

Keeping your photos in plastic bins will protect them from pests, but it won’t be much use if this bin is kept in an area without climate control. It's one of the items experts warn to never store in a garage, basement or attic as these areas are prone to temperature changes and damp. Photos can end up impacted by moisture, leading to the risk of irreversible damp, mold, or mildew.

Professional organizer Rebecca Jo-Rushdy, of Spark Joy & Flow, adds, 'Plastic bins can create a micro-climate that encourages photos to stick together or grow mould, and these are often out of sight, out of mind items that get damaged before we realise.'

I have made this mistake myself, and it was a crushing disappointment to lose priceless photographic mementoes of my many childhood trips to Iran, where many of my relatives live. The photos we took on those trips and printed locally became stuck together from moisture over time, and many were ruined and unrecoverable. As a child of he 80s, we didn't grow up with cell phones and cameras on hand so when those images were ruined, that was it.

Unless your plastic bin of photographs lives in a main area of your home, such as a frequently used bedroom closet or living room shelf, don’t take the risk.

Instead, start by digitizing your images by using a flatbed scanner. I upgraded mine last year to the Epson EcoTank scanner and printer combo, available from Amazon, and it's brilliant, with extremely long-lasting and affordable ink. This will provide you with a backup of treasured prints in case the worst happens, so that your memories are not lost forever and can be reprinted at any time.

If you do not have a scanner, but you do have an Apple iPhone, you can navigate to the Notes app, open a new Note, hit the attachment symbol (a paperclip), and use the built-in Scan function. This will use your phone camera as a scanner and capture your printed photo at high resolution, before saving it automatically as a PDF.

This way, you can scan multiple photos that are laid out in front of you at once, but make sure you have good natural light and hold your phone parallel to the photos so the dimensions do not appear distorted upon capture.

On Android phones, you can easily do the same by downloading an app such as PhotoScan.

Otherwise, for better and more safe physical storage, opt for a photo album with individual slips from Amazon to stop images sticking together over time, or linen photo organizers that are kept inside the main areas of your home, away from heat, humidity, and changing temperatures (for example, your entryway will experience swings in temperature and humidity when the door opens).

4. Candles Can Experience a Greenhouse Effect and Melt

The best candles are usually made from natural waxes, which means they can be prone to becoming misshapen or even melting and warping in plastic bins that are left in areas where heat will reach them.

They can experience a greenhouse effect in lidded plastic bins when left exposed to sunlight, and then you’ve wasted a perfectly lovely candle as well as finding that the fragrance has leached into the plastic.

Instead, keep your collection in a cardboard box, away from heat, light, and humidity, so that your top home fragrancing picks do not go to waste whilst not in use.

Ottilie Blackhall, our resident candle and home fragrance tester, adds, ‘Make sure to always keep candles in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, to prevent any melting or flourishing mold and mildew caused by exposure to moisture.

‘They should also always be kept upright, with lids and seals in place to protect the scent from fading, and keep dust off the wax. If you've got a couple on rotation in any given room like me, I usually pop the one or two spares into a drawer for easy access, but keep the rest, like my festive favorites, safely packed away until next season.'

You can also reimagine how you use the candles that are not lit, and invest in an affordable candle warmer, available at Target, so you can enjoy the scenting your fragranced offering brings, without needing to light the wick.

5. Food Items Can Pick Up Odors and Leave Greasy Stains Behind

Most homes will likely have plastic food containers in kitchen cabinets that end up going through the gamut of use and reuse, as well as heat pressures in microwaves, dishwashers, or the cold shock of fridges and freezers.

Of course, there are BPA-free plastic food containers available at Amazon and other retailers; however, oily food items or sauces can stain or warp over time.

Food grease can be especially hard to clean off plastic, so avoid storing tomato-based sauces and greasy or high-fat content foods in plastic.

Trained chef, and Kitchen and Appliances editor here at Homes & Gardens, Lydia Hayman says, ‘I stick with glass food containers as they are easy to clean, won’t accumulate grease on the surfaces and are hardy for regular use and reuse.’

Williams Sonoma carries a 14-piece set of Hold Everything glass food storage containers with glass lids that are freezer and dishwasher-safe.

There are many reasons to reduce plastic use at home, including swapping plastic utensils for safer materials, but you can also be more sustainable by going zero waste in the grocery store.

The space above kitchen cabinets often feels like bonus storage, especially in small homes where every inch counts. But professional organizers warn that this area can quickly turn into a clutter trap, collecting dust and even posing safety risks.

Certain items simply don’t belong above your cabinets, they say, whether it's that they’re too heavy, rarely used, or better kept in more accessible spots.

Here's what not to store there, and where to put things instead to keep your kitchen organized, functional, and visually calm.

5 Things to Never Store Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

1. Kitchen Appliances Are Usually Heavy and a Hazard

Organizing kitchen appliances is no easy feat, especially in small kitchens. However, Meghan Cocchiaro, a certified professional organizer and founder of Organized by Meg, urges you to avoid using the tops of cabinets for this task, even for lesser-used tools.

'I don't think anything should be stored on top of kitchen cabinets because they're so high and it just looks awful and cluttered,' she says. 'However, if things must be stored up there because of a lack of space, I strongly urge against it being kitchen appliances. They're too heavy, oddly shaped, and therefore dangerous to get down, even if rarely.

'Instead, these should be stored no higher than the cabinet over the fridge, preferably down in lower cabinets or in an appliance garage, or a station in the pantry.'

No matter where you store them, these appliance cord clips from Walmart can help to hide appliance cables in kitchens, preventing tangles and saving space in storage.

2. Food Can Go Off, Be Forgotten or Cause Pests

Even when organizing your home after bulk buying groceries, you should avoid putting food op the tops of your kitchen cabinets, Meg continues.

'This is so impractical because anything stored there would go bad because it gets forgotten about, or it's too difficult to retrieve. Keep food, even longer kept items like cans, down low in the pantry and/or kitchen cabinets only.'

When storing food, use the FIFO method to ensure everything is used up before its use-by date. If you decant dried food goods, use a label maker from Walmart to keep a note of the expiry date on the containers you use.

3. Delicate Items May Break

Just as you should never keep delicate items in high kitchen cabinets, you shouldn't put them on top, either.

Meg warns, 'Fine china or glassware that can be knocked over while putting it up there, or that may shake through regular living and use of the kitchen. Keep these things down low in the kitchen or in dining room storage.'

For delicate crockery you only use part of the year, such as for hosting, consider investing in quality dinnerware storage bags from Amazon, to keep them safe in storage.

4. Avoid Decor, As It Accumulate Dust

A little bit of kitchen decor can help to add some personality to your space, so long as you decorate kitchen countertops without leaving them cluttered.

However, Cathy Orr, pro organizer and cofounder of The Uncluttered Life, says, 'Another thing to avoid storing on upper cabinets is decor. While a lot of people decorate these areas, the items can become extremely dusty and difficult to clean. When cleaning, it may require the use of a ladder.

'Plus, the awkward shape or weight of decor can increase the odds of falling when attempting to take it down. Stay safe. Decorate the lower cabinets and leave the uppers free.'

Instead, when looking to add decor while keeping kitchen counters clear, consider using functional kitchen tools that have a decorative edge, such as the Addison Ross Twister Salt or Pepper Mills from Anthropologie, or a wooden utensil holder from Wayfair with matching wooden utensils.

5. Table Linens Will Gather Dust and Fade

Cathy advises, 'Lastly, do not store linens in upper cabinets. Linens can become so full of dust that they’re impossible to get clean. Instead, store them in breathable containers away from sunlight to avoid fading.'

If you are short on space, you can also use space-saving vacuum bags from Walmart, to protect linens from damage and maximise storage.

What to Shop

Meet the Experts

Luckily, this spot isn't completely dead space. There are some great ways to make use of the space above kitchen cabinets to make the best use of your home.

Sparkling Christmas decorations might look beautiful and festive, but storing them without spreading glitter around your home for the rest of the year can prove to be a tricky task.

Luckily, say our professional organizers, it doesn't have to be – all you need is a little expert know-how when it comes to stashing away your decorations until next Christmas.

Here, they share the smartest way to store holiday decorations to avoid any glitter disasters, and the key, it turns out, is wrapping.

How to Store Holiday Decorations So You're Not Cleaning Glitter Until March

Whether you declutter your Christmas decorations each and every year, or have boxes stacked high with sentimental pieces, there's one thing almost all festive flourishes have in common – glitter. And, while these may make for a stunning holiday display, storing them can be another matter. In fact, it's a storage conundrum even professional organizers have to grapple with.

For example, Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly, stresses, 'Make my opinion be known, but I hate glitter! After dealing with clients' donations for years, my car, our truck, and our warehouse are forever covered in glitter.'

For this, she has one simple rule – 'no item with glitter goes on our truck if it's not in a plastic bag.'

Cathy Orr, cofounder of The Uncluttered Life, agrees with Tracy. 'Let’s just say, glitter gets everywhere and into everything,' she says. 'You can put your holiday decorations away in December or early January and find it in nooks and crannies in March. For this reason, it’s crucial to have great solutions for holiday decor storage.'

She also recommends wrapping glitter-covered items ahead of storage, and suggests the Handy Laundry Christmas Wreath Storage Bag available at Amazon for storing away the items needed to make a festive wall display with wreaths, which Tracy describes as the 'biggest glitter offenders.'

'It keeps the branches in place, glitter loss to a minimum, and the wreath clean all year long,' adds Cathy. 'It also comes in a variety of sizes.'

Alternatively, you can also use clear storage boxes for storage, which Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, recommends.

'Clear, sturdy bins are my go-to because you can see what you have without having to open everything,' she says. For this, she recommends the Sterilite Storage Boxes, available at Amazon. But, adds Tracy, 'Even if you are storing your wreath in a bin, always put it in a plastic bag first!'

This wrapping technique also applies to storing fragile, glittery ornaments, for which Allie Licata, owner and lead organizer at The Curated Home Company, also recommends using ornament boxes with individual compartments, such as the Stack and Carry 2 Layer Christmas Ornament Box available at Target, which fits 24 ornaments.

'As you take each Christmas ornament idea off the tree, place it directly into its own compartment in the ornament storage box,' she advises. 'Wrap delicate and fragile ornaments with one to two layers of tissue paper or paper towels to provide extra protection and keep the glitter in place.

'When ornaments are tossed into one bin, glitter gets onto everything and can spill out each time the bin is opened. Ornament boxes with individual compartments keep glitter ornaments separate from non-glitter ornaments, so the glitter doesn't spread. The secured lid also keeps the ornaments from falling out, so no excess glitter gets on floors or in closets.'

And, once you've taken down your Christmas tree, the same principle applies. 'Before moving the tree, shake or vacuum any loose glitter or tree needles,' adds Allie. 'Then place the tree directly into the zippered storage bag, such as the Christmas Tree Storage Decorative Basket available at Target, and zip it closed before carrying it to a storage place.

'Artificial trees can leave glitter everywhere when you move them from room to room. A zippered storage bag keeps that glitter contained instead of spreading across floors, closets, the garage, or attic. It also makes cleanup and setting the tree up next year much easier and less messy.'

Finally, whatever you're storing, adds Di, 'Label like your future self will thank you,' to turn storage from frustrating to effortless and avoid any common storage mistakes.

'Instead of writing “Christmas,” be specific: “Tree Décor – Red and Gold,” “Outdoor Lights,” or “Gift Wrap Supplies,”' she advises. 'Add labels to the front and the top so you can spot things fast.

'It also helps to keep all holiday décor in one dedicated zone – one shelf, one closet, or one section of the basement. When everything lives together and is clearly labeled, you won’t be digging through boxes or cleaning glitter well into spring.'

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All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'My biggest hack for not cleaning glitter out of the rugs is to not buy any decor with glitter on it,' adds Tracy. But if you prefer traditional decorating ideas, this simple, smart tip is all you need to prevent spreading it around your home for the whole of next year.

By the end of our festivities, most people are exhausted and very ready for Christmas decorations to be stored away. As such, ornaments, lights, wreaths, and other festive trinkets can often end up in crowded bins, tangled or bashing together.

Not only can this damage delicate items, but it also makes decorating next year more difficult, too.

Our ultimate guide on storing Christmas decorations easily and without damage delves into stress-free storage ideas for every type of festive decor, whether you live in a cozy apartment with limited space or a spacious house with multiple options.

The Ultimate Guide to Storing Christmas Decorations

Before you start taking down all of your Christmas decor ideas, it helps to have some essential kit ready to make the process easier and prevent a stop-and-start approach that can lead to disorganization:

• A small parts organizer: Available at Walmart, this can help to corral small essentials such as reusable clips, batteries, spare lightbulbs, twist ties, and so on, ready for easy use again next year.
• A small screwdriver set: Also from Walmart, a small screwdriver can come in handy to help remove batteries from items before storage to prevent battery leaks in storage.
• Gardening gloves: From Amazon, a set of gloves can help when taking down real-foliage decor, such as holly, without nicking your skin.
• Drywall repair kit: Available from Amazon, it can help you patch up any accidental damage caused by your decorations.
• A label maker: Such as the DYMO label maker from Walmart, is ideal for labeling boxes by room for easy decorating next year.
• Heavy-duty trash bags: Available from Amazon. This is useful to keep on hand for any decorations that are ready to be trashed, recycled or, if in good enough condition, donated. There's no point storing items you have grown weary of and are unlikely to use again.

Picking Storage Solutions

Laura Price, professional home organizer and owner of The Home Organization, says, 'Taking down the decorations is not always the most enjoyable task, but it’s a chance to restore and refresh your home so it’s ready for the new year.'

Having some storage products professional organizers can't live without is a key part of this, helping to protect your decor from damage and keep your

'Don’t just pull your decorations down in a frenzy, be methodical,' Laura urges. 'Group items together, such as lights, baubles, and tinsel, and find suitable protective packaging for them. Also, make sure you label what’s what, so putting up the decorations next year isn’t an unnecessary hardship.'

The Niimbot Label Maker, from Walmart, is ideal for this, connecting to your phone for easy labeling.

With that in mind, it is best to stock up on the following:

Storing Christmas Trees

For those who have an artificial Christmas tree, it's essential to preserve its quality while ensuring it is easy to store and move – all of which comes down to what your artificial tree is stored in.

1. Use the right container

If you have ever tried to wrestle a faux Christmas tree back into the box it came in, then you will know how it is almost impossible. To save yourself some time and energy, Amélie strongly recommends investing in a specialized Christmas tree bag, such as this from Amazon.

‘They are sturdy, have large handles and wheels, so it is easier to maneuver your tree in and out of storage each year,’ she explains. 'The hooks also allow you to hang it on the wall if you don't want it on the floor. I love a bag because not only does it keep the whole thing contained (so you don't have to go looking for half your tree if you're missing pieces), but it also keeps out dust and the elements.’

If you opt for a storage box, ensure the box is clean, dry, and adequately sized to fit the tree's components without excessive bending. Opt for a durable plastic storage box with a sealable lid to protect the tree from any damage and to keep out moisture, bugs, and dust.

Faux trees, garlands, and wreaths are prone to mold and mildew when stored in areas of the home that are not climate-controlled and can become a hazard, smell musty, or both.

2. Always take your tree apart before storing

To make your home organizing simpler, it helps to take your Christmas tree apart before storing it away, Amélie continues.

‘Before storing an artificial tree, make sure to take it apart (it is often in three sections) and fold down the branches before storing it in the bag, pole ends toward the middle. This helps keep the bag in good condition and will ensure that the branches aren't bent next year.’

Never put a tree away with the ornaments still on, as you risk damaging both your tree and your decorations. Cleaning an artificial Christmas tree is also a good idea to prolong its lifespan.

3. Keep trees out of basements and attics

Although attics and basements are some of the most common places to store a Christmas tree in the off-season, these are some of the spaces you should never use for home storage if you want your tree to last you for years to come, professional organizers warn.

Lauren Saltman, home organizer and founder of Living. Simplified. explains, ‘Although it's tempting to store a Christmas tree in the attic, basement, or garage, unfortunately, these are not optimal areas due to pests, temperature changes, and moisture, all of which can damage your faux Christmas tree.

‘If possible, find space in a closet within your home, preferably on a top shelf,’ Lauren suggests, making under-the-stairs organization a great place to start when looking for a new home for your tree.

That being said, if you really have nowhere else to store your tree, some accommodations can be made to protect your tree in unfavorable storage spots, assures Amélie.

‘As long as it's in a sturdy bag like the one I mentioned, it is protected just fine. Just note that this is not always the case with trees that have white limbs or fake snow, but for a green tree, I haven't seen any issues. The most important thing is to store the bag in a way that it won't come into contact with water or direct sunlight; having a bag also helps protect the tree against dust or insects that might want to nest in it.’

Storing Christmas Decorations

1. Group by Use

Ashley La Fond, founder of home organization company Of Space & Mind, says, 'Store decor based on how you use them, rather than by type. So if you decorate your front porch with specific lights and decor, then keep those together. The same goes for trees – rather than storing all ornaments together, separate them by how and where they are used to make decorating faster and easier.'

If you keep different decorations for Christmas or Hanukkah, make sure it's clear. ‘Separate and store decorations by holiday so you can pull out only what you need rather than digging through bins,’ recommends La Fond.

2. Label Everything

Grouping will hold less value without an efficient labeling system in place. Interior designer, Kishani Perera says, 'One thing super organized people always do is label, label, label!

'Every box and container having a detailed and itemized list of all its contents saves hours in the future when trying to dig up your holiday gear. If your items are stored in various places, as may be necessary in a small space, one master list detailing the whereabouts of your various items would be of enormous aid.'

Use all manner of labeling and listing to give yourself clarity when it comes to decorating again next year. For added gusto, La Fond recommends storage that you can see into, without disruption. ‘Use clear bins with labels so you can see what you have and find what you want,' she recommends. Simple adhesive labels, at Amazon, will do the job just fine.

3. Keep Lights Wrapped Up

Christmas lighting ideas are by far some of the most irritating pieces to store and decorate with. They always get tangled in the box, despite being perfectly fine when we put them away.

Creator of PURE Design, Ami McKay suggests, ‘Try not to tangle your lights! Wrap them around a piece of cardboard stacked in bins or you can use storage reels in cases, available at The Container Store.’

Kienzle recommends separating these into individual bags, too. 'Each string of lights should be stored separately in a gallon-size Ziploc bag (which are great for many uses around the home). Wrap each string around a piece of cardboard to keep it from tangling before putting it in a bag.'

4. Consider Humidity

One of the most important things people who are good at storing Christmas decorations always do is pay attention to humidity levels and improve ventilation in their homes to keep decor safe from damage.

Kim Corey, professional home organizer and founder of Finely Sorted Organizing, says, 'Many out-of-the-way places one would store holiday items may not be up to snuff as far as moisture level goes. Using moisture-absorbing pouches, available at Amazon, with airtight bins can help preserve your favorite homemade and store-bought holiday decor.'

Kim also reminds us that we should be using plastic bins and never cardboard for long-term storage, especially in attics and basements. She wants, 'There may be pests lurking that are looking for new bedding material. Unsecured cardboard boxes look like a jackpot to them. Using a sturdy plastic airtight bin will avoid this damage. You want it to be good and sturdy, as cheaper bins can buckle under the weight of stacking and cause damage to the contents you want to preserve.

'Finally, ensure the area you store your decorations is easy to access and, most importantly, is clean. A clean, simple spot will make decorating easier and safer year on year, especially in multi-generational households.'

5. Use Uniform Bins

Whether you use clear or opaque bins, Caroline Roberts, professional organzier and owner of This Simplified Island, shares, 'I recommend that you use one kind of bin for everything so you can mix, match, and move things around more easily.

'Clear bins are perfect for looking and seeing what’s inside. You can find ones with wheels that are easy to move around, like these clear bins at The Container Store. The downside is that being able to see all of the items inside can make the space look cluttered. If your storage is in an attic or other rarely seen area, then it doesn’t matter if the area seems a little messy due to bins.

'If you store your Christmas décor in the garage or bedroom closet, the cohesive look of opaque bins will look nicer. You’ll just have to be extra careful to label thoroughly since you won’t be able to see inside without opening the lid.'

6. Declutter as You Go

One of the best storage tips any professional organizer will give you is to declutter your belongings as you pack them away. This saves time in the future and space in your storage areas, as well as trimming down your collection and reducing decorating overwhelm next year.

Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing, 'Keep decluttering in mind when setting up and when taking down decorations. If you're purchasing new items, consider following the one-in-one-out rule and let go of something old in exchange for bringing in something new. This way, your decorations stay at a constant level and never overflow the space you have to store them in.'

7. Pack out Wreaths to Keep Their Shape

If you have faux Christmas garlands and Christmas wreaths then packing them away properly can help extend their life span and keep them as Christmas centerpieces for years to come. Luckily, there are two ways to do this.

Jamie Hord says, 'Wreath storage is a must. Everyone has experienced a squished wreath, and it's no fun trying to get it back to life. You most likely end up getting a new one, wasting your time and money. Use these round bins [from The Container Store] to keep your wreaths in tip-top shape.'

Alternatively, you can pack like objects together into storage to help keep them in shape, for example, store them with other bulky items like faux garlands.

For long or very bulky garlands, consider storing them straight in a tree storage bag with a long plank of wood to keep the bag flat and level, stopping the garland from bending and breaking in storage.

8. Pack Items Heaviest to Lightest

When finding homes for your decorations, be it organizing under the stairs, in the attic, or in the basement, it is best to avoid stacking things on top of one another unless they are in sturdy, hard-shell boxes, such as the highly rated Sterilite storage boxes, available at Amazon.

Using strong shelves to separate items, with the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter items at the top, will not only make your shelves more stable but will also make putting items back and getting them out safer for you.

If you do not have shelves and need to stack items, always stack the larger, heavier items at the bottom, avoiding putting items on top of storage bags with trees and garlands in them lest you squash them. If possible, store these upright against a wall so they are not flattened by their own weight, either.

9. Deal With the Tree Last

Once your ornaments are safely tucked away, you can get rid of your real Christmas tree and finally start to reclaim your home's footprint.

Cut The Clutter's Marie Bateson recommends, 'If you have a real Christmas tree, make a note of your local collection dates for trees. You may need to book this in advance and make a small payment, but it is worth it to avoid the needle-filled boot of the car and the queue at the recycling center. Book it for the day you will take the decorations down, if possible, but if it isn’t, put them outside where they can be collected, as they often don’t mind if they get wet.

'If it is an artificial tree and you have the box, dismantle it and when it’s safely packed, tape the box to make it secure, dust-free, and easier to carry – or you could get a tree bag to make it even easier,' she adds.

Jamie continues, 'Most people store Christmas trees in the basement, attic, or garage so it's important to cover them well to avoid any pests.

'Depending on what size tree you have, there are different products that can protect your tree for the years to come.' Tools such as the Zevo flying insect trap, from Walmart, can help to keep your decor safe, especially alongside natural cedar blocks, from Amazon.

10. Be Smart With Storage in Small Spaces

If you live in a small storageless home or an apartment, storage for seasonal items can be tricky, particularly if you're considering ways to store glittery holiday decorations to limit cleaning at the same time.

Since holiday decorations typically only surface once a year, Cynthia Kienzle, Founder of The Clutter Whisperer of NYC, recommends storing them out of the space if available as an option. Some might be fortunate enough to have a storage cage in the basement of an apartment building. If not, you could consider keeping items off-site at a friend's or family member's home, or in another secure, temperature-controlled location.

You will also want to make sure that your chosen boxes, bags, and the like, work together, as well as with the space you are using.

Containers should fit snugly onto bookshelves or seamlessly in with closet storage. Cynthia continues, 'If at the top of a closet, the containers should fit on the shelves with little overhang. They can be deep or shallow, depending on the contents and height between shelves.'

It goes without saying that for a neat and curated finish, you will want to keep decorations behind closed doors where possible.

Meet the Experts

With the last traces of Christmas back in safe storage, try out some fun decluttering methods to help you reset the rest of your home for the new year.

Stacked food containers can feel like a ticking time bomb – every time you open a cabinet, you risk an avalanche of lids. It is a small frustration that can make any kitchen feel stressful, especially during the peak hosting season.

To curb this clutter before the meal prep and leftovers rush, I swear by the $22 Umbra Peggy organizer from Amazon, with its adjustable storage for compactly containing chaos.

The difference this cabinet gem makes is remarkable, and organizing a kitchen has never been easier, all in time for holiday guests, too.

This $22 Kitchen Organizer Stops Cabinet Avalanches Fast

Organizing plastic containers is notoriously frustrating. Their lightweight nature means even the slightest nudge, or the breeze from opening a cabinet door, can send stacks tumbling. In small kitchen storage, where every inch counts, this often results in a precarious mess that’s stressful and time-consuming to manage.

One thing people with tidy kitchen cabinets never do is leave these containers free to fall over. Not only does this make a kitchen messy, but it also increases stress, especially when you are in the throes of holiday hosting and need quick access to essentials to store Christmas leftovers.

Beyond just keeping containers upright, the Peggy organizer, available from Amazon, helps you reclaim valuable cabinet space. You can stack containers neatly, store lids where they belong, and finally see everything at a glance.

With its fully adjustable pegs and expandable base, you can customize it to perfectly fit the exact shapes and sizes of your containers, no more awkward gaps, no more forcing lids to stack unnaturally. Every container stays snugly in place, giving you instant access without the stress.

This also means no more frantic searches during meal prep or scrambling for storage when preparing for hosting guests. It's a simple addition that transforms your kitchen into a calm, efficient space where everything has a home, making your cooking and cleanup far easier and far less stressful.

The organizer is just as useful for my glass food containers, from Walmart, too. I made the switch to mostly glass to help create a non-toxic home. While glass is far heavier and less susceptible to falling over, the organizer helps ot keep them snugly in place to prevent accidental damage, protecting them from cracks or chips.

It is particularly useful for corralling container lids – one of the worst things that always make your kitchen look cluttered. Slotting the pegs closer together creates a narrower nook to keep them tightly together without making them awkward to retrieve when needed.

It isn't just me who loves the versatility, too. Verified Amazon shopper MeLikeQuality uses them in their tiny RV kitchen, sharing, 'It offers absolutely superior performance and is very versatile as it gives the user the ability to customize the fit to whatever you want to contain. The pegs pop in and out easily, and the little rubber stops prevent the item from slipping on the plastic tray.

'No sliding, rattling, or glass breakage during our first shakedown trip despite the 23 miles of very rough road. Works for metal pots, pans, and bakeware, too.'

If they work there, they are clearly ideal for home kitchens.

What to Shop

Adding pegboards to cabinets is just one of the things people with organized kitchen cabinets always do. From decluttering a kitchen to maximizing every inch of storage space, they create systems that keep everything visible, accessible, and in its proper place.

Small closets can make even the simplest morning routine feel like a puzzle. Crowded hangers, packed clothes, and limited space often turn getting dressed into a stressful scramble.

The solution is a simple foldaway rail from Joseph Joseph, available at Amazon, that instantly expands your hanging space without taking over the room. Sleek, practical, and easy to install, it keeps outfits organized and accessible, transforming your closet into a calm, grab-and-go zone.

It's a small investment to help organize your morning routine, so you can start the day on the right foot.

How a Foldaway Clothes Rail Reduces Morning Stress

No matter your intentions and habits, small closets will usually always look and feel like they are going to burst at any moment. It can make any morning instantly more stressful, from the overwhelming barrier of visual clutter to the physical digging required to find the right items. It is far from the relaxed start to the day that many of us need, and can leave us instantly frazzled from the moment we wake up.

That is why a butler rail, or foldaway hook, is something that the most organized people have in their closets. They are so small, they hardly look like they would make a difference.

However, they offer the perfect, dedicated zone that hides in plain sight, so you have somewhere to hang clothes the night before. Add picking your outfit for tomorrow as part of your 10-minute evening reset or closing shift routine, so that mornings can start slower, more relaxed, and set you up for a more positive, less rushed day.

They aren't just good for improving your morning opening shifts, either. From drying clothes indoors to the perfect laundry organization hack for hanging fresh ironing or an easy spot for steaming clothes, pleased shoppers use this little hook for a variety of tasks around their home.

Verified shopper Shelley Worcester, for example, shared, 'I bought this to use for setting out my clothes for the next day so that I don't have to hang them on a door handle or the towel rack. I love that it’s a foldout so that when it’s not in use, it sits more flush to the wall. Installation was a breeze, and it seems to hold the weight of a full outfit without any issues. Big fan of Joseph Joseph products, would highly recommend.'

What to Shop

Still feeling stuck and stressed over your closet situation? Try some of the best closet decluttering tips to help pare back your collection and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

I'm a firm believer that one of the best parts of Christmas is the Boxing Day leftovers meal, but in recent years, I've found myself struggling for adequate food storage containers to house the turkey, trimmings, potatoes, and pudding.

That's why I'm snapping up the Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 10- Piece Food Storage Container Set, available at Amazon, now, ahead of the festive period.

Not only are the containers BPA-free and leakproof, but they also feature a clever nesting design that won't make it tricky to organize these plastic containers, or cause them to take over my kitchen cabinets in the way I'd usually expect. And, to top it all off, they're now under $20.

This Joseph Joseph Nesting Food Storage Set is Now Reduced by $14

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I love cooking, and none more so than when I'm perfecting my Christmas party recipes. But a kitchen full of haphazardly stacked and mismatched food storage containers has often led to me forgetting about leftovers, lost to the depths of my fridge, which this year I'm determined to avoid.

That's why I'm upgrading my current collection to these stylish kitchen storage containers: The Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 10- Piece Food Storage Container Set, available at Amazon.

Working at Homes & Gardens, I've come to know Joseph Joseph as a brand extremely well, and I'm always so impressed at their thoughtful, tasteful designs that somehow always manage to combine style with substance.

This is exemplified with these food storage containers, which tick off all the features I tend to look for in my small kitchen storage ideas and, more specifically, my food storage ideas – compact, easy to store, and effortlessly easy to slot in when organizing my refrigerator.

They also feature snap-together lids with color-coded bases, meaning I'll never be stuck trying to find a matching pair again, and they're airtight, making them an excellent food storage idea to help reduce food waste.

As they're leakproof, they also won't leave me needing to clean my refrigerator more than I'd like, and they're freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe (top rack only), making them versatile and conveniently easy to clean.

Don't just take it from me, though – they also boast almost 7,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. For example, a glowing review written by Brenda, deems them a 'Wonderful Stackable storage option!'

She writes, 'These containers are so useful because of their amazing stacking ability! I purchased multiple sets. My plasticware storage was always a disaster. Upon opening the cabinet doors, the items would slip off the shelves onto my counters. These stack within themselves and include stacking lids as well.

'Now, when I open my cabinets, I don’t have to duck for falling containers. My shelves are now neat and orderly, very visible, and I love the color-coded sizes. I no longer have problems identifying the size I need due to the color coding.

'The product is visually appealing, stackable, closes nicely and snugly, and the quality is of sturdy construction. The price was more than fair, delivery was quick, and they wash very nicely on the top rack of my dishwasher. I am using my new sets in my kitchen, but these would be great for multiple uses such as crafts, nails, screws, and bolts, jewelry organization; you name it. The possibilities are endless. So very pleased with my new visually appealing storage!'

What to Shop

These silicone food storage swaps are ideal if you're looking to live more sustainably.

Whether you go all-out with shop-bought decorations, hang treasured family heirlooms, or favour homemade touches, there’s one shared challenge – come January, storing these delicate pieces safely is no easy task.

If you’d rather not splurge on dedicated Christmas decoration storage boxes, our professional organisers have five clever, budget-friendly DIY storage ideas using items you already own. Each idea makes packing away your festive décor simple, secure, and stress-free – so everything stays protected and ready to shine again in winter 2026.

5 DIY Affordable Hacks to Store Christmas Decorations

Here are five smart, cost-free alternatives to keep festive favorites safe till next year.

1. Use Empty Water Bottles to Store Beaded Garlands

As Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, says, beaded garlands look gorgeous among any Christmas decor ideas, but 'they tangle like nobody's business.'

To combat this, she says, 'Threading them into empty water bottles keeps them contained, untangled, and dust-free – all without paying for specialty storage tubes.

'Rinse and dry the bottles first. Then feed the garland in slowly, letting it coil naturally. Screw the cap on and add a simple label. You can store multiple bottles upright in a bin.'

For this, we recommend using the Avery Multi-Use Removable Labels available at Amazon. Alternatively, you can just use a Sharpie, available at Walmart, and draw directly onto the bottle.

Similarly, as Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly, highlights, you can also reuse empty cardboard drink carriers for your Christmas decoration storage.

'One too many peppermint lattes for the office this holiday season is leaving us with cardboard drink carriers,' she says. 'These are great to store those odd-shaped and fragile ornaments, or Christmas table decor ideas.

'Just make sure to wrap them well before putting them in the bin, but they will last forever and keep everything safe.'

2. Wind String Lights Around Cardboard

This is a trick I always do at home, and it's such an easy yet effective way to prevent your indoor Christmas lighting ideas from getting tangled up.

'Wrapping string lights around cardboard is such a great idea because it keeps the lights from getting tangled, which saves so much time for the next year,' says Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer at Professional Organizers Baton Rouge.

You can store the piece of cardboard with the lights in a bin and then label it, which will also keep the bulbs from breaking or bending between now and the next holiday season.

Olivia adds, 'I'd first recommend cutting a piece of cardboard from a used box [I always use old cereal boxes], cutting two small slits at each end, sticking the plug into one slit, then wrapping the lights around the cardboard, and once it's all used up, securing the end at the other slit.'

You can even take an extra step and label each cardboard piece, so you know if they are indoor or outdoor lights, or if you have multiple trees, which lights belong where.

Then, once you've chosen the perfect Christmas lights, for any particularly fragile strings, use a Christmas Light Storage Bag, available at Amazon, to properly protect them.

3. Use a Garment Bag for Storing Wrapping Paper Rolls

While garment bags, such as the Protege Garment Bag available at Walmart, are usually used as long-term clothes storage ideas, they're also excellent as a wrapping paper storage solution, says Di.

Wrapping paper tears easily or gets crushed if left loose in a bin,' she explains. 'A garment bag lets you hang the rolls vertically so nothing gets damaged, and it keeps dust and moisture away.

'Place the rolls inside the garment bag; zipper-side up works best. Add leftover ribbon or bows in a small pouch tucked at the bottom. Hang it in a closet or on a hook in your storage space.'

It's a smart space-saving way to use vertical storage, especially in compact homes where space for keeping hold of seasonal items may come at a particular premium.

Keeping porous paper and ribbons away from attics, basements, and garages that are not climate-controlled will also prevent them from absorbing mildewy smells or falling victim to mold. This is especially important for preventing mold as items you are unlikely to check on till you need them again 10-12 months from now, could spend all that time collecting mold and secretly causing a bigger problem.

4. Use Egg Cartons for Fragile Ornaments

'Egg cartons are great for storing ornaments because they are already designed to keep fragile items safe and protected, making them a perfect choice for small ornaments to keep them from breaking,' advises Olivia, keeping even the most collectible vintage holiday decorations safe from breakage, and acting as an affordable way to store glittery holiday decorations to limit cleaning.

'I'd first recommend cleaning the egg carton, if needed, then, super simple, start placing your ornaments in each spot in the carton, close the lid, and then label the carton. You can even tape the lid shut for extra safety.'

5. Protect Holiday Linens with Pillowcases Instead of Plastic

Finally, as Di explains, holiday linens, such as stockings for hanging, tree skirts, and table runners, do best in breathable fabric.

'Pillowcases prevent yellowing and musty smells better than plastic, and they cost nothing if you’re repurposing extras,' she says. Fold items neatly, slide them into clean pillowcases, then label the open edge. Stack them in a bin or on a shelf. If storing long-term, pop in a small cedar block to keep everything smelling fresh.'

For this, we recommend the Homode Cedar Blocks available at Amazon. This will send opportunistic moths, which can eat holes through natural materials, far away as they hate the cedar smell.

What to Shop

No hard and fast rule says you must use all DIY tricks to pack away your precious festive items. Here are some of our top storage picks if you'd like to mix and match homemade solutions with expertly crafted storage perfect for the job.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Still looking for decoration inspiration? Our collection of outdoor decoration storage ideas is festive and enchanting.

Storage can often be an afterthought. So long as everything is in a box and stashed out of sight, it is fine, right? According to professional organizers, this is a common winter storage mistake that results in precious items being damaged time and time again.

It isn’t just falls and breaks to blame. Moisture damage and winter pests can wreak havoc – not to mention that rushed storage is often unsightly and hard to navigate, too.

To try and turn things around, the pros have revealed the six most common winter storage mistakes everyone makes, and the home organizing fixes to help restore order and better protect belongings for several years to come.

6 Most Common Winter Storage Mistakes and What to Do Instead

1. Storing Paper Goods in Cold Spots

Organizing paperwork can be tricky, with it feeling easier to stack it all together and shove it in attic storage. However, especially for those sentimental items, it is far better to keep them somewhere temperature-controlled.

Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer at Nola Organizers, explains, ‘Cold temperatures can cause photos and important papers to stick together and mildew, and can potentially attract pests. Instead of storing them in your garage or attic, I'd recommend storing them inside your home in an archival box [available at Walmart] or an airtight bin [from the Container Store] in a closet to prevent moisture damage.’

For extra protection for photographs or delicate documents such as certificates, you can also add a moisture-absorbing pack from Walmart to keep them dry and intact for longer.

2. Leaving Batteries Unprotected

Batteries are one of those annoying home categories that can be tricky to find the right spot for. Having a stash on hand is incredibly helpful, but it gets in the way easily. That being said, they are one of the many items you should not store in a basement, attic, or shed in winter – no matter if they are smaller, single-use, or rechargeable.

Olivia warns, ‘Cold weather shortens battery life, which can cause them to drain faster and potentially leak, even when plugged into a device. Instead of storing them somewhere cold, I like to keep them inside at room temperature in a drawer or a labeled bin in a closet.’

This Amazon Basics Battery Organizer holds up to 110 batteries, is foam-lined for protection, and can be wall-mounted to use vertical storage to save space, too.

3. Not Decluttering Holiday Decor

We handle decor a lot over the winter period, from taking down Thanksgiving decor, decorating for Christmas, to sprucing up for New Year's, we riffle through our home storage ideas frequently. Not taking advantage of this and employing the best decluttering methods during this time is a common winter storage mistake, making your storage more difficult to use.

It is also harder when you add new decor to your collection each year, and have to source new expensive organizers to house them. The solution, Laura McHolm, chief of organized living and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company, suggests, is to reuse your Christmas wrapping.

‘Homeowners often buy new packing materials instead of reusing what’s already in the house. Items like wrapping paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can all be repurposed to cushion fragile holiday and winter pieces before they go into storage.’ This is a quick way to stop creating unnecessary trash at home, while saving money at the most expensive time of the year.

4. Keeping Candles In the Cold

You can spend a lot of money on the best candles, picking seasonal scents to suit each moment of the year. To ensure they are still in top condition by the time spring or summer rolls around again, you must keep them in the right conditions over winter.

Olivia explains, ‘When candles are stored in cold places, they often crack, dent, and lose their shape or fragrance. Instead of storing them in cold places like an attic or garage, I'd recommend storing them inside your house at room temperature in a closet or in an upright bin.’

5. Relying on Cardboard

If you want to avoid winter storage mistakes and protect your belongings, you need to brush up on the things to never store in cardboard. While it is an affordable packing material, it is also the worst for areas with a lack of climate control.

‘Don’t rely on cardboard in damp attics, basements, or garages,’ Laura urges. ‘Cardboard breaks down in cold or humid spaces and attracts pests. Homeowners should choose reusable, weather-resistant plastic bins [such as the Iris USA Bins from Amazon], mark fragile items clearly, and place an itemized list on top of each bin.’

You can also use Smart Label QR Codes from Amazon to attach an easy-access digital label to your storage bins to quickly see what is inside each.

Pests like mice can also easily get into the cozy corner of a cardboard box and breed without you knowing there is an infestation over winter.

6. Neglecting Leather Goods

Whether you have leather-based home decor you are tucking away to fit in Christmas pieces, or are storing clothes long term, leaving leather in the cold could mean the item is ruined when you fish it out again. Luckily, it is a common winter storage mistake that is easy to fix.

Olivia explains, ‘Cold air and low temperatures can ruin leather, making it stiff and prone to cracking. Instead of storing leather items like handbags, jackets, belts, and boots in a garage or attic, I'd suggest keeping them stored in a closet (shelf or hung) where they stay safe from temperature changes and cold weather.’

If you are short on space, consider investing in under-bed storage. These underbed bags on wheels, from Walmart, are elevated for easy access and good ventilation, preventing musty odors.

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Meet the Experts

It isn’t just your long-term storage that needs a spruce up in the cold season – these guest room storage mistakes are making the space less inviting for your guests, and need fixing before they arrive for the holidays.

I grew up with the luxury of a huge kitchen at my parents' house. However, since moving out, I have been stuck with several successive tiny kitchens, and I constantly feel like I am running out of functional space.

Now, with Christmas on the horizon and several 'Friendsmas' festive dinners booked in at my house, I am desperate for some extra countertop space. Enter the wonderfully chic Yamazaki Pull-Out Tray from Amazon.

It adds instant counterspace on demand without the permanence of a rolling cart – It is a complete game-changer for small kitchens.

This Japanese Slide-Out Counter Is a Tiny-Kitchen Lifesaver

Making more counter space in a small kitchen is not easy. It is not as if I can knock through into my neighbour's home and steal some of their square footage, after all.

That is why this slide-out countertop tray from Amazon is such a winner. It sits neatly on a counter underneath existing appliances (such as your microwave or coffee machine) for stability, and slides out to offer extra space to set down food prep essentials, or even just my drink and recipe book, while the rest of the counter is buried in bowls and pans.

I love that it can then be slid away after use, so that I am not stuck with a constant barrier in my small U-shaped kitchen. It certainly helps that its sleek, chic profile, so reflective of minimalist Japanese design, doesn't intrude on my decor scheme.

Made by Yamazaki Home, the slide-out is a no-brainer. The company specializes in high-quality, minimalist home items that make your life easier. That being said, it would be just as at home in minimalist kitchens as it would maximalist kitchen design.

The glowing global five-star reviews make it clear that this simple addition is a wonderful trick for organizing kitchen countertops, too, and they have me sold.

Verified shopper FestiveLady, for instance, shared, 'It's well-made, sturdy, feels like it'll last – all as Yamazaki tends to be. I recommend it even though it's expensive. This is a high-end standard. Heed Yamazaki's maximum weight guidance, but the item feels so solid and sturdy, I suspect it'd take more weight than they state.

'I suggest using coasters or protective feet if putting an abrasive item on it, to protect the surface,' they add. 'I wanted this item because it's metal, which means it's heavy and doesn't move around by itself. Being white (a slightly off-white, it's not bright shiny white) it matches my desktop, and thus is unobtrusive. I particularly like its low height, keeping my desk profile as flat as possible.'

The only downside is that you cannot put hot items onto the tray. However, should you be in desperate need of space for hot trays or pans when hosting, the addition of some heat-safe cork trivets from Walmart can add the insulative protection needed to make the pull-out a truly multifunctional kitchen essential.

Just be mindful that hot dishes on this jutting-out counter addition may pose a safety risk if you have little ones running around.

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If you are feeling very squeezed for space, consider trying some of our favorite ways to maximize kitchen storage without new cabinets, too.

As I stood in the checkout line to pay for another set of winter gloves last week, I had a strong sense of deja vu. That’s because, despite my daughter always bringing home her gloves from school, we keep losing them in our house, leading to wasted time and money.

That’s why I am snapping up this $14 Mesh Door Storage System to use in my coat storage cabinet, so all our small and easily-lost winter essentials have a permanent home.

It’s a small space storage idea that adds functionality without extra visual clutter, as an over-the-door storage gem will sit on the inside of my cabinet door and hide our belongings from guests, whilst also being easily accessible when we need it.

Why Giving Winter Essentials a Permanent Home is Vital

I’m a big fan of stylish over-the-door storage, as my small newly-built home came with zero built-in cabinets beyond the kitchen, and the space under the stairs, though cavernous, is awkward to use as it slopes down.

We currently keep our coats on wall hooks in there, but the rest of the space has become a catch-all for lots of our items, including large winter throws, my wheelchair, and it seems to also eat up hats, gloves, and scarves.

That’s why I’m adding this discounted mesh organizer to the door, which will give us the vital extra storage we need for soft winter essentials that are otherwise easy to lose or misplace.

Decluttering method tester and content editor at Homes & Gardens, Chiana Dickson, says, ‘Seasonal clutter usually builds up, and often gets lost in the house, when it doesn’t have a permanent home. Many of us will put our hats and gloves on radiators, stuff them in pockets, leave them in the car or our handbags, and that is a recipe for nuisance.

'You’ll end up wasting time looking for items you have no real idea of the location of, and likely end up buying a new one after one too many trips outdoors without warm hands and ears.'

Chiana continues, 'An organizing system like this, which hides your winter mess from view, but keeps seasonal essentials such as scarves and other small knits to hand, is perfect. The see-through mesh will help you locate what you’re looking for quickly, without needing to implement any further organizing.’

If you do want an added order, and since this over-the-door mesh organizer has four sections, you can either allocate one to each family member or store one type of item in each.

For instance, put most-used items in the middle two – that’ll be hats and gloves fir the majority – whilst scarves or visitors' accessories go on the higher or lower ones. The last one can be a catchall for out-of-season essentials, such as caps for the summer and sunscreen.

If you prefer to store your out-of-season stuff elsewhere, use a vacuum storage bag, available in a multi-pack with different sizes at Amazon. Simply pack soft items (no sharp corners) and use your vacuum stick to remove the air and compress them down into a fraction of their normal size.

Use only clean and dry clothes and add a scented sachet, available in multipacks at Amazon, so when the weather changes and you need them again, they’re clean and ready to go.

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