People who organize homes for a living say these are the most clever things under $30 on Amazon

"Mesh wallets are a great cheap storage solution that can help add some order - especially when dealing with small items!” noted Laura Price, owner of home organization company The Home Organisation. This set of six comes in various sizes, all made from durable, washable nylon with sturdy zippers. They’re great for makeup, art supplies, electronics, and tools while also keeping everything visible.

Per their name, photo boxes are designed for storing photos, but Price recommends them “for any small household items like batteries and nails.” They’re durable, affordable, and stackable. They also have lids to prevent dust and come with index card inserts so you can label what’s inside.

“These shoe stackers are a great way to get the most out of the vertical space when storing shoes,” according to Price. “They work by stacking one shoe on top of each other (without them touching or getting dirty!) so you can fit more pairs on each shelf.” This set comes in two colors and various quantities. Plus, they’re height-adjustable to hold everything from flats to stilettos.

• Available sizes: 12 — 36
• Available styles: 2

According to Price: "File-folding is a game-changing concept” because “you’ll be able to fit in way more clothes and see and access them much more easily.” This folding board makes uniform squares that are easy to vertically stack and file in drawers and baskets. Its hinging sections work in three quick steps to fold shirts, shorts, and pants.

• Available styles: 5

Slim velvet hangers “can create up to 70% more space in your wardrobe compared to wider or mismatching hangers,” wrote Price, “and they look amazing too!” This best-selling set come in 20-packs of various colors, and the grippy velvet prevents your clothes from slipping off. They also have accessory bars for ties and scarves, and the metal swivel hooks can support up to 10 pounds.

• Available styles: 8

Collapsable storage cubes are one of the simplest, easiest tools for decluttering, according to Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of MaidForYou based in Sydney — and these SimpleHousewares foldable bins are Gomasi’s go-to. “We use them to [organize] toys and other miscellaneous kids' items, [which] declutters their playroom and makes it easy to clean up after.” You can also use them for clothes, books, linens, and more.

• Available styles: 11

Gomasi also recommends these self-adhesive labels to mark storage cubes. That said, since they stick to anything and dissolve in water to prevent leaving behind a residue, you can use them to label toiletries, pantry items, food containers, bins, and more.

• Available styles: 2

“We find that the most organized homes are those that use as much vertical space as possible,” according to Gomasi. This three-tier rolling cart is a great example of maximizing your vertical space — especially since its slim design fits between appliances, next to furniture, and in tight kitchen or bath nooks. In addition to shelves, there are hooks for sponges, brushes, or utensils.

• Available styles: 3

A clever hack? “One of my favorite unexpected organizational tools is the trusty shower curtain ring,” said Joy Aumann, licensed realtor (CIPS) and co-founder of La Jolla Life. “Pop some on a hanger bar in your closet and instantly have a place to hang purses, scarves, belts, or hats." Available in plenty of colors, these are made from durable metal with tiny beads that glide over rods — and they have dual-sided hooks to hold more accessories.

• Available styles: 13

"I'm also a big fan of dish racks,” wrote Aumann — but not for the purpose you may expect. “Stack your folded T-shirts or files in there vertically and say bye-bye to messy piles." This compact dish rack has 12 slots with rubber ends to prevent snagging and scratching. It also comes with a detachable utensil holding and silicone mat, which you can use elsewhere in your home.

• Available styles: 4

“Clutter usually starts small,” according to Aumann. “Stop the chaos before it starts with some simple drawer organizers to neatly corral your socks, undies, and other clothing essentials.” This set of four includes drawer organizers for your underwear, socks, bras, and stockings. Since they’re made from non-woven fabric, they fold up and store flat when not in use.

• Available styles: 7

According to Aumann, “a little mail sorter on your counter gives incoming papers a place to land.” This under-sink organizer works equally as well for mail and papers thanks to its tiered metal baskets that pull out like drawers. It also comes in five colors to complement your space, so you won’t mind having it out on the counter.

• Available styles: 5

If you’re short on counter space, consider this wall-mounted entryway organizer instead. It has three compartments for mail, four small hooks for keys, three big hooks for accessories, and a shelf for decor. Plus, the built-in chalkboard lets you leave notes with the included marker. Get it in four color options, all made from painted wood.

• Available styles: 4

“Magazine holders are great for storing baking sheets and cutting boards in the kitchen,” according to David Mason, interior designer and the founder of Knobs.co. This slim, vertical bin is made from lightweight yet durable plastic for a seamless look in any space. It’s a breeze to wipe clean and boasts an impressive 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon.

According to Mason, “Tension rods can be placed vertically inside cabinets to create more shelf space for items like pots and pans.” This one is made from stainless steel with durable springs inside and rubber pads on the ends. It also comes in a range of sizes so pick up a smaller one to use it between cabinets as a hanging rod for cookware and utensils.

• Available sizes: 18-28 inch — 45-76 inch

Katie Barton, head of cleaning for Homedit.com, recommends these fitted shelf dividers, which “make the most of small closets.” Their slip-on acrylic design helps you create sections for organization and stability for stacking — without any permanent installations. They’re also great for shelves inside cabinets and bookcases.

• Available sizes: 6 Pack — 12 Pack
• Available styles: 4

According to Barton, plastic storage bins “are perfect for corralling cleaning products, toiletries, and art supplies. Since they’re clear, it’s easy to see what’s on hand. They also set boundaries for stuff — when they’re too full, it’s time to eliminate excess.” Plus, they’re washable and have built-in handles, so some reviewers even use them to organize their refrigerators and pantries.

• Available sizes: 2 Pack — 8 Pack

“I always recommend taking advantage of vertical space to those working in crowded or small garages,” said Barton, and these wall-mounted bike racks will “free up precious floor space.” Even though they install with four screws each, they support up to 50 pounds and use a scratch-resistant rubber hook to securely grip most bike tires.

• Available sizes: 2 Pack — 4 Pack
• Available styles: 2

“Keep a garage organized by dividing it into ‘zones’ and use simple shelving units to keep items tidy,” Barton explains. Case in point? This four-tier shelving unit has a heavy-duty steel construction supports up to 1,000 pounds, while its adjustable wire shelves make “often-used items easy to access.” Get it in black or chrome and choose between several sizes.

• Available sizes: 13"D x 23"W x 59"H — 36×14×72
• Available styles: 2

“Small closets can also benefit from over-the-door systems to hold shoes or accessories,” according to Barton, who recommends this hanging shoe organizer. It slips over any standard-sized door and provides 15 pockets to hold footwear, toys, towels, or purses.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
• Available styles: 7

Raf Michalowski, interior designer and the founder of Meble Furniture, often recommends this storage rack “to clients who struggle with cluttered cabinets and lack space for all their dishes.” Its eight dividers store both plates and lids from pots, pans, and food storage containers. Since it files them vertically between its vinyl-coated rungs, you can grab one without upsetting anything else.

Michalowski also recommends these foam-padded storage ottomans: "They have a collapsible design, making them easy to store when not in use, and provide a convenient place to store blankets, pillows, or shoes.” Since they support up to 286 pounds, you can also use them as footrests or impromptu seats, and they come in six color options to match your decor.

• Available styles: 6

“Shower caddies can be used as under-the-sink organizers in the bathroom,” said Mason — but thanks to its removable divider, the versatility of this multipurpose caddy doesn’t stop there. Reviewers also use it to store and transport makeup, art supplies, hair tools, kitchen utensils, cleaning items, and more. It comes in three sizes and eight colors.

• Available sizes: Square — Long Rectangle
• Available styles: 8

According to Mason, hanging shelves maximize vertical storage and keep items off the floor — and these hanging shelves look especially stylish in the process. They’re made from paulownia wood with jute rope and come in your choice of two colors. They measure 17 by 5.5 inches, making them a great size for displaying small items.

• Available styles: 2

Since it supports up to 50 pounds, this hanging organizer is a great way to make use of vertical space in your closet. Tiered canvas shelves hold clothing, towels, and linens, mesh side pockets are suitable for socks, belts, and ties; and connecting zippers allow you to combine or separate the organizers as needed.

• Available sizes: 12" D x 12" W x 48 ¼"H — 13"D x 15"W x 48 ¼"H
• Available styles: 2

Mason also recommends over-the-door organizers — but not just for the bedroom: “They are versatile and can be used in any room of the house to store a variety of items, from shoes to cleaning supplies.” Thanks to its 24 slim pockets that are completely transparent, this over-the-door organizer holds ingredients in the pantry, cleaning supplies in the utility closet, or toiletries in the bathroom.

Instead of wasting the valuable space under your bed and living with overloaded closets all year round, Mason suggests “under-bed storage containers for seasonal clothing." These measure 6 inches high to slide under most bedframes, plus they have handles for easy retrieval and clear zippered covers so you can see what’s inside. They’re also great for extra blankets and sheets.

• Available styles: 3

When placed on the floor, shelves, or counters, wicker baskets “can conceal messes and reduce visual clutter,” said Barton — and they give your space an elevated, natural feel in the process. These handwoven hyacinth baskets, which come in a pack of two, have built-in handles and a tapered design that’s ideal for toiletries, pantry items, and books.

• Available sizes: 11 ½"L x 11 ½"W x 7"H — 7 ½"L x 11 ½"W x 7"H

Rope baskets are another chic, opaque way to conceal clutter, according to Barton, and this woven cotton basket is extremely versatile. It’s big enough to hold books, toys, blankets, or towels, and its squared edges ensure it looks neat on a shelf. It also has built-in handles for portability and collapses when not in use.

• Available styles: 14

While Barton prefers opaque storage in the living room and kitchen, “I recommend acrylic bins for under-cabinet storage, pantry, and fridge organization.” These plastic food storage bins have earned an overall 4.7-star rating from more than 2,400 reviewers, and they’re slim enough for the refrigerator, stackable for the pantry, easy to clean in case of spills, clear for visibility, and have built-in handles for retrieval.

• Available sizes: 2 Pack — 8 Pack

Price is also a fan of baskets, especially when it comes to organizing your wardrobe: “They can transform how you use deep or high-up shelves and make your clothes way more accessible.” These foldable fabric baskets hide clutter to make closets look much more polished. Their squared edges are great for filing away clothes, and their rope handles are easy to grab when placed on tall or deep shelves.

• Available sizes: 11 ½" L x 8 ¾" W x 6 ½" H — 16 ¼" L x 12" W x 10" H
• Available styles: 10

Because of their dividers, old Tupperware makes “great little storage pots for small items, like pantry ingredients or bathroom toiletries,” said Price. You can get a similar effect with these acrylic bins with adjustable dividers, which allow you to organize the drinks and snacks in your pantry, the cleaning supplies in your under-sink cabinet, or the makeup and toiletries in your bathroom.

• Available sizes: 2 Pack — 4 Pack

“Use zip-seal food bags to help separate and store small categories,” said Price. “These brilliant make-shift containers don’t cost a lot and because they’re see-through, it’s easy to know what you have." Made from food-grade PEVA, these storage bags are washable, reusable, leak-resistant, and come in various sizes to suit different needs, making them super versatile when it comes to both food storage and organization.

• Available styles: 6

According to Gomasi, “the use of adhesive hooks is the perfect way to declutter bathroom and kitchen countertops” because you can use them to hang linens, tools, cookware, and utensils. These adhesive hooks are made from stainless steel and have a humidity-resistant backing that’s strong enough to hold coats and wet towels. “I’ve had them up for 3 months now and they are not budging!” one reviewer said.

• Available styles: 10

Gomasi also recommends adhesive hooks inside cabinets, where they can store “lightweight appliances like hair dryers.” This universal hair dryer mount holds most styles of blow dryers and has a notch for the plug. Most importantly, it installs in seconds thanks to the self-adhesive backing, which can handle humid environments and up to 18 pounds of weight.

• Available styles: 5

“I always suggest drawer organizers for utensils and kitchen tools to keep things neat and easily accessible,” said Mason — but this isn’t your average drawer organizer. The Joseph Joseph DrawerStore has a compact design with stacked, angled compartments, so you can fit more utensils in less space. No wonder it’s earned an average 4.5-star rating from over 100,000 reviewers.

• Available sizes: Compact — Expandable
• Available styles: 2

"I find that pegboards are great for keeping tools organized in garages," said Mason. Not only do they utilize vertical space to get clutter off the floor, but they allow you to see your entire collection at a glance. This set of two pegboards is made from weather- and impact-resistant polypropylene and offers a collective 44-by-18 inches of storage space.

• Available styles: 2

“I've found that anything wall-mounted is best for organizing your garage, kitchen, bathroom, and beyond,” said Gomasi. For the bathroom, this floating shelf is a great place to start. With a 20-pound capacity, the tempered glass platform is perfectly sized for holding toiletries, while the rim around the perimeter keeps them in place. There’s even a towel bar below for extra convenience.

Wall-mounted organizational racks “can improve a room's aesthetic and help declutter an entire home,” said Gomasi, but this broom holder extends outside the home, too. Its five spring-loaded slots automatically grip most mop, broom, duster, and shovel handles, while its six fold-down hooks hold brushes, cloths, and other essentials. It’s great for sheds, garages, basements, utility closets, laundry rooms, and pantries.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
• Available styles: 4

Finally, if you’re running low on cabinet and drawer space in the kitchen, this wall-mounted cookware hanger turns your pots, pans, mugs, and utensils into decor. It spans 19 inches, supports up to 22 pounds, and comes with 15 S-shaped hooks that slide along the powder-coated iron rod. Mount it to the wall, on a cabinet, or under a shelf.