5 Surprising Organizing Products You Might Want to Avoid: Professional Tips for Your Home
Organizing our homes can certainly feel like an adventure, right? Yet, those shiny organizing products that promise to deliver the best storage solutions can sometimes mislead us. As a certified professional organizer, I am going to share some of my least favorite organizing products. Have you ever purchased a basket just for its cute appearance, only to realize it doesn’t fit anywhere? Or those tiered spice shelves that seemed handy but end up wasting space? Let’s delve into these surprising organizing products that might not deserve your time and discover better ways to keep your home clutter-free and stress-free.
The Basket Trap
Why Baskets Aren't Always Best
I recommend avoiding baskets for pantry or food storage for several reasons. They get messy from spills, as sticky residues stick in the basket's weave and crumbs get trapped, making cleaning difficult. Although natural fiber baskets look nice, they aren't very long-lasting. Moisture and frequent use can cause them to fray and look untidy. This deterioration not only hampers their functionality but also contributes to clutter. Moreover, because you can't see what's inside, you might forget about the contents, leading to expired or unused items. It's important to consider these issues when selecting storage options for pantry items.
Better Alternatives for Storage
Clear bins and modular systems are often better than baskets for storage. With clear plastic bins, you can easily see what's inside without searching through many containers, saving time. They stack nicely, using vertical space efficiently, and come in different sizes to suit various needs. Adding labels to these bins makes finding what you need even easier. Simple storage solutions help keep your home organized and peaceful, not just tidy.
Avoiding Clutter with Baskets
If you love baskets, use them wisely. Assign each basket a specific purpose, like one for remote controls and another for toys, to minimize clutter. Regularly check basket contents to keep items relevant. Opt for lidded baskets for a neat appearance, and if using open baskets, choose uniform styles and colors for cohesion. Baskets can be both functional and stylish when integrated into a structured system.
Rethinking Spice Shelves
The Problem with Tiered Shelves
Tiered spice shelves may seem like clever space savers at first glance. However, they often cause more hassle than help. Their intended advantage is to display all your spices clearly by staggering rows. But in reality, these shelves can lead to overcrowding and make it difficult to access items at the back. Plus, if your spices vary in size, the tiered design can become awkward and inefficient. Instead of the best storage solution, they often waste precious counter space.
Spice Organization Alternatives
Simplicity and visibility are key when organizing your spices. Consider a pull-out spice drawer, which shows all your spices at once. Arrange them alphabetically for quick access. Magnetic spice jars on the side of the refrigerator or a metal board can also offer a stylish and space-saving solution. This setup not only keeps your spices within reach but also frees up valuable counter and cabinet space. Wall-mounted racks serve as another excellent option, especially for those with limited kitchen space. I personally use a two tiered turntable in my cabinet. Whichever method you choose, aim to create an organized system that enhances efficiency in your cooking area.
The Cutlery Organizer Conundrum
Issues with Non-Adjustable Organizers
Non-adjustable cutlery organizers might seem simple, but they often waste space and cause frustration. They fit only specific drawer sizes and cutlery amounts, assuming one size fits all. This inflexibility results in gaps or cramped utensils and doesn't typically accommodate larger kitchen tools, creating clutter elsewhere. Instead, choose adjustable organizers that can be tailored to your needs and drawer sizes. This flexibility ensures efficient space use and maintains order in your kitchen.
Finding the Best Storage Solutions for Cutlery
When choosing storage for your cutlery, look for options that are flexible and customizable. Adjustable organizers with expandable sides or modular components let you fit your specific drawer size and utensil needs. This flexibility makes the most of your space and keeps things tidy. Choose durable organizers to ensure they last. Another good option is drawer inserts that can be rearranged as your needs change. This makes it easy to add new tools or change the setup when you get new kitchen gadgets. Focus on solutions that make it easy to find what you need, as a well-organized kitchen drawer boosts efficiency and makes cooking more enjoyable.
I recently replaced my drawer organized with a custom solution - you can watch the video here on instagram!
Prelabeled Containers - It's a Commitment
The problem is that you can't use it for anything else
Prelabeled containers might seem handy, but they have drawbacks. Once labeled, they can only hold specific items, which can be an issue if your storage needs change. Trying to use them for something else can be confusing because of the existing labels. They also limit creativity by imposing a fixed system that may not work for everyone. Instead, try using plain containers with customizable labels. This way, you can easily change the contents and labels as needed. By choosing adaptable solutions, you keep your home organized and flexible.
Drawer Organizers for your Drawers
So flimsy!
Without fail, every client that I have worked with, that has had these lingerie organizers - we have had to replace with something more sturdy (the organizers, not the client!) They always seem to end up smashed in the bottom of the drawer, and are difficult to take things in and out. They seem like a good idea in theory, but just fall short every time.
I would recommend something more sturdy like this if you want bins, or use drawer divders (my favorite) like these or these.
What's key is that not only do you want to find your items, and for it to look nice when you pull open your drawer, but more importantly you want it to be easy to put away. If you have a complicated or finicky system, chances are that you won't use it because it takes too much time.
