Inside: Skip the single purpose home organization products, and grab these, instead! These are the hands down best home organization products that you’ll be able to repurpose again and again.
Last week, I was scrolling Instagram while waiting for a kid to come back to our movie night, and my 9-year-old glanced at my phone. I happened to be watching a house reset from one of my favorite online creators.
His jaw dropped. “That’s what you watch on social media?! People cleaning their houses?!” was his (probably justified) incredulous response.
There’s just something about watching someone in their very real life in their very real house tidy up.
This creator doesn’t have a picture perfect home or picture perfect organization products. She’s just your average mom, a lot like me. And I find that so very refreshing!
In the age of AI, where we ask on the daily “Was that real or not?”, I predict that more and more of us will be looking for just that: refreshingly real and ordinary people living their real lives alongside us, with their realistic solutions to things like organization.
7 Versatile Home Organization Products (That You’ll Be Able to Easily Repurpose)
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The organization industry is BOOMING, y’all.
Somehow, over the past several decades, Americans were talked into buying A LOT more stuff – first to be patriotic and get the economy booming again after World War II, and then because all the imported stuff was so much cheaper.
All of that buying then led to the very real need to organize said stuff. And that need gave birth to places like The Container Store, a beautiful tribute to America’s stuff problem.
The only problem is – all of those single purpose Container Store containers? They’re aesthetically pleasing, but they’re probably not going to serve their intended purpose.
And who really wants to spend time “decanting” their eggs, anyway?! #aintnobodygottimeforthat
Here are the organization products I’ve found to be actually useful over the past couple decades of keeping my home organized (with a not so organized family). They’ve served SO many different functions over the years, and I rearrange them around regularly, depending on our season of life.
That’s what makes them so great – they’re versatile. We’ve used these for just about everything in every room of the house.
But before you go buying organization products, remember to declutter first! You’ll need a LOT fewer home organization products because you’ll have less stuff to organize.
1. Large Plastic Bins
I primarily use these large plastic bins for closet organization.
They work really well with my no fold laundry system. I also use them to store things like my two loosely folded sweaters (that get misshapen on hangers), my “maybe declutter” clothing bin, and my husband’s random work stuff.
You could also use them for toys, as long as they’re not too heavy.
I used to buy these at Target for $10 a piece (they’re linked above so you can see them). Sigh: get your act together, Target! I’d love to start shopping there again.
But you can likely find similar ones at Dollar Tree, Dollar General, IKEA or Walmart.
2. Square Bins
For years, we adored all kinds of IKEA shelving, from a long “behind the couch” type shelf that was left to us in our first apartment to classic Kallax cube shelving.
And to keep things separate and organized with IKEA furniture, we used their square bins. We’ve had the fabric bins in the past, but they don’t last nearly as long as sturdy square baskets.
We use them to hold….
- Plant potting supplies
- Hats and gloves
- Toys
- “Things to Be Put Away” catchall
- Craft supplies, and so much more.
P.S. Many of the IKEA baskets that you put together tend to fall apart eventually because they expand slightly and the metal clips at the bottom don’t reach to edges. If I could go back, I would buy metal or wooden storage cubes (THESE have gorgeous scalloped edges!).
3. Lazy Susans
Lazy susans without dividers (but with higher walls) are perfect for spices, or any cabinet with small items that get shoved to the back and tend to get lost.
I also use a lazy susan with dividers to contain all the bathroom products I use regularly, like skin products, makeup, hair products, etc.
Our cabinet space and structure means we don’t need additional Lazy Susans, but I would consider getting Lazy Susans without edges like THESE for oils or cans if we needed them.
I got mine at my local Dollar General for half the price of the Container Store (sorry to keep throwing you under the bus, Container Store – you’re beautiful, but pricey).
4. Acrylic Drawer Organizers
There’s no getting around the need for some kind of organization products for office supply drawers and “junk” drawers.
I have a drawer that everyone in the family knows is my drawer. It holds things like writing utensils, post-its, stamps, chapstick, my phone case for running, etc.
We have a few drawers in our behind the sofa storage unit that also hold things like pencils, tape, scissors, charging cords, etc.
I also randomly have one in our bathroom to hold my toothbrush and toothpaste. In bathrooms, they can protect drawers from water damage.
We’ve accumulated several over the years, but if I had to start from scratch, I’d probably get a large cheap bundle like THIS one that has various sizes.
5. Clear Fridge Bins (But Not For Your Fridge)
We have a few clear fridge bins from a LONG time ago when we had an old crappy fridge and tried to make them work (spoiler alert: they didn’t).
We’ve since repurposed them in various spaces, though I prefer to keep them in spaces behind closed cabinet doors when more organization is helpful.
We use them in our pantry to hold things like individual snacks, hot chocolate packets, etc. I also use them in our bathroom closet to contain my husband’s randomness.
While you can use baskets for your pantry, clear bins often make sure things don’t get lost in there. They’re also helpful when you have ADHD and forget you have stuff.
Related: 5 Easy Steps to Create a Minimalist Pantry You Love
6. Random Baskets (all shapes and sizes)
Over the years, I’ve accumulated quite a few wicker baskets of various shapes and sizes.
I’ve used them for…
- Key and wallet storage
- Toy storage
- Blanket storage
- Random storage.
For blankets, I use larger baskets, some I’ve purchased from Marshall’s and others I got for free from neighbors.
I’ve also found thrift stores to be a great source for cheap baskets of all sizes, and since they’re so versatile, I sometimes buy ones I love knowing I’ll eventually use them somewhere in the house.
You Might Also Like: 7 Rules for Decluttering Toys (for Quick & Easy Decisions)
7. Clear Rectangular Containers with Lids
Another former Target favorite, I loved their large clear rectangular storage containers with locking opaque lids! I still use them for just about everything – pet food, bird food, craft supplies, etc.
They are about 15 quart containers, and if you still shop at Target (no shade – you do you), THIS Bright Room one is similar, although the lid is clear.
I don’t know anywhere else where you can find them at that price point – perhaps Dollar Tree? If you know of an alternative, please share in the comments!
What Home Organizing Products to Avoid
There are a few containers I would definitely avoid because they just don’t function well – and it’s not for lack of trying!
Metal Baskets (With Holes)
These never worked well for me. I tried them with so many items in so many different places.
The only two I have left hold kids’ headphones and potatoes, respectively. That’s it. I cannot come up with another purpose for them.
And once the kids’ headphones are no longer a family room issue and are stored elsewhere, that metal basket is out of here.
Single Purpose Bins
Anything that cannot be repurposed for something else one day is a no-go in my book.
Thing egg holders, soft drink holders (the box works fine, people), certain vegetable containers, and anything like them. Just say no to single purpose home organization products.
Opaque Bins with Lids
I saw these pretty Container Store bins everywhere one year, and I thought would be a good idea? Nope. They are pretty much a huge pain in the butt.
You can’t see what’s in them, you need labels for them, and if you have to stack them, they’re annoying to move around because the lids don’t latch.
Beware the trendy pretty storage containers. Stick to functional home organization products, and you’ll be happier – trust me.
Home Organization Doesn’t Need to Cost a Fortune
One of my favorite home organization products to this day didn’t cost me a thing!
I mean, buying the initial five pounds of clementines cost me (a lot less ten years ago – cries in 2025 prices), but I simply repurposed the beautiful and super functional cardboard box.
I use it to store pyrex lids in my kitchen cabinets. And I still love it.
If you’re struggling to afford organization products, I’ve been there. You can reuse cardboard boxes (cut off the flaps and wrap them in pretty wrapping paper), shop yard sales and thrift stores or your local Dollar Tree, or search your local Buy Nothing group.
You can be organized without spending a fortune. Stick to versatile organization products like the ones in this list, and you’ll be SO much happier in the long run – promise.
P.S. If you don’t know your organizing style, take THIS quiz from Clutterbug. It will help you know which organizing products are best for you.
Read Next: 101 Easy Things to Declutter Today (That 100% Need to Go!)
Do you have any favorite home organization products that aren’t on this list? Share in the comments!
