When your anxiety is mounting under the endless stream of household tasks to complete, sometimes the tiniest change can make a huge difference. So whether you’ve hunted through the entire laundry pile for matching socks one too many times, or you’re sick of having all the pans collapse every time you try to grab something from your kitchen cabinet, read on for some of our favorite products that can help.
An ottoman you can fill with stuff…
At just over 35 inches long, this padded rectangular ottoman can serve multiple purposes in your living room: footrest, extra seat, and, most importantly, storage solution. Fill it with comfy throw blankets or books, puzzles, toys — whatever you want close by (but contained). ($80, Target)
Hanging shelves to make your closet more like a wardrobe…
If you’re short on dresser space but have closet room to spare, grab one (or a few) of these hanging shelving units so you can store folded clothes, hats, belts, or other accessories next to your hanging things. With five removable bins, plus three shelves and two mini shelves, and a width of 12 inches, it works for your bedroom closet but would also be helpful for a nursery or laundry room. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
An extra closet rod to double your hanging space…
Hang twice as many shirts, sweaters, skirts, or pants with this space-saving tool you can suspend from the rod that’s already in your closet. Not quite the full custom closet you wanted, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
An organizer for your car…
All that stuff that’s rattling around in the trunk can be contained with this basic but useful car organizer. Use it for regular car essentials like an ice scraper and salt for winter roads — or devote it to kids’ necessities like spare snacks, water bottles, diapers, travel potties, and outfits. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A wall mount for your cleaning closet…
Give your Swiffer, broom, dustpan, and other household helpers a permanent home with this storage rack. Use screws or self-adhesive to mount it, and never curse your cleaning supplies for falling all over the place again. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A rack for all your pans…
This expandable iron rack can go inside a kitchen cabinet or on the counter, and holds up to 10 pans or lids, each securely in its own compartment. It can also be split into two separate smaller racks if you prefer. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A home for your silverware and other utensils…
Basic but important. Make sure your forks, knives, and spoons have designated spots with this no-slip plastic drawer organizer that can go in the dishwasher in case of accidental kitchen messes. For an upgrade, try this adjustable bamboo insert with up to nine slots. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
The organizer your junk drawer needs…
No more avoiding the junk drawer because it always jams the second it opens. This colorful set lies flat, and gives you specific spots for whatever it is you might use on a day-to-day basis…scissors, hair things, safety pins, and more. You’re welcome. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A cabinet to calm the shoe chaos…
Tired of welcoming guests to your home by saying, “I’m so sorry about all the shoes”? Same. Get this good-looking cabinet so those shoes can stay nice and organized, ready for you to grab on the way out the door. Keep a key bowl, plant, or some photo frames on the top for a decorative touch. It comes in seven colors and has four shelves inside. ($132.99, Wayfair)
A rolling cart you’ll love in those half-asleep newborn days…
Load this up with formula or pumping supplies, plus wipes, burp cloths, and snacks for mom. Then bring it with you from room to room so you’ll always have what you need, even if you’re barely thinking straight. Choose from pink, charcoal, mint, or white. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Counter storage that looks good, too…
These borosilicate glass containers (with stainless steel lids) are perfect for keeping things fresh and super accessible. Pasta, cereal, sugar, candy, nuts…fill them with your most-used ingredients. With four jars, ranging from 27 ounces to 72 ounces, you have plenty of options. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A fridge rack for paper towels and spices…
Running out of counter space? Move your paper towels and most-used spices, plus a dishcloth or two, to the fridge. All you need is a fridge door that’s magnetic, and you’ll have a perfect new home for the daily essentials. (You can also screw it into the wall if you prefer.) ($44.20, Food52)
A drying rack that folds up when you’re done…
If you prefer to air-dry your clothes and are tired of hanging shirts from your bed frame, shower rod, kitchen chairs, and every other semi-available surface, it’s time to level up. This steel and plastic rack (made with 39% recycled materials) can be used to hang things or lie them flat, and there’s even a version with an extra rod at the top for more hanging space. Perfectly dried laundry, coming right up. ($69+, Food52)
Extra shelf space for your kitchen cabinets…
Double your pantry space instantly with these basic, inexpensive, and easy-to-assemble supplemental shelves. No more piling things on top of each other until one falls out and breaks all over the floor? We’re sold. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
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