People who organize homes for a living swear by these cheap tricks to make any room in your home look good

Easy hacks to reduce clutter.

People who organize homes for a living swear by these cheap tricks to make any room in your home loo...
Amazon
Shopping
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

It’s easy to look at professionally organized homes and feel like those strategies are out of reach or out of budget. Surprisingly, you don’t have to spend a fortune to declutter your space. Read on to learn tips and tricks from experts that are affordable and reasonable, from nifty storage ideas to smart design choices. Get ready to pick up some advice and transform your living spaces into a cozy haven that's both organized and stylish.

01Cover unsightly cords with an outlet concealer

Whether it’s your kitchen or bedroom, a room with a lot of electronics or appliances also has a lot of cords. “Tangled wires on the floor can make any space look and feel messy,” says Ashley La Fond, owner of Of Space + Mind. She suggests hiding cords with an outlet concealer that can be run under furniture or along baseboards for a clean look. This one is backed by more than 48,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers.

02Hang the clothes you plan on re-wearing

Reem Elkady, founder of Zen Organize Me, recommends an over-the-door clothing hanger as a drop zone for items you plan on re-wearing. “It can hold multiple clothing items, does not require drilling, and does not contribute to visual clutter because it hangs behind the door. And this one from Umbra is one of my all-time favorites.” Made from powder-coated steel, it features 14 round wooden pegs.

03Or use a cable management box to conceal messy cords

A cable management box is another great way to conceal unsightly cords. This popular option comes in either small or large to hold power strips of different sizes and has built-in slots for easy access to your cords. Use it near TV stands, desks, and other areas with lots of electronics.

04Keep clothing clutter off the floor with adhesive hooks

“Hooks on closet doors are one of the best ways to keep clutter off your floor,” says Christensen. “It makes it easy to pick up and vacuum bedroom spaces.” This four-pack of adhesive hooks can be applied to any flat surface and each holds up to 15 pounds. Made from stainless steel, they’re available in silver, black, and white.

05Use wireless lights to make it easier to navigate dark closets

La Fond recommends adding "adhesive light strips under cabinets, in closets or utility spaces — anywhere you would like to brighten up," noting they’re especially great for dark closets. These battery-operated lights can be installed with the included screws or adhesive tape and turn on and off with a simple tap.

06Keep small food items organized with a lazy Susan

Amy Bloomer, founder and owner of Let Your Space Bloom, is a fan of this lazy Susan for its removable sections that allow you to keep similar categories of supplies together, whether you’re organizing tea bags, snacks, or coffee pods. She also appreciates the clear design, which makes it easy to see when a section is running low. “It's a visual cue to restock,” she says.

07Use clear bins to organize your refrigerator

Following Bloomer’s suggestion to use clear organizers, these stackable bins are a great way to keep track of food in the fridge. The set includes four wide bins and four smaller ones, and they have durable handles so they’re easy to move around. Use them to store fruit, drinks, cheeses, and more, and easily see when you’re running low on certain items.

08Utilize vertical space with a storage cart

If you’re low on shelves, cabinets, or closets, Bloomer recommends getting a storage cart to keep small items in their place. “Carts are an easy way to utilize vertical space and allow for portable organizational solutions,” she says. Bloomer enjoys using carts to organize items such as arts and crafts supplies and gift wrapping.

09Store clothing & accessories in a hanging closet organizer

Closet space can be tricky to use, especially if you don’t have shelves. Bloomer suggests using a fabric closet organizer to create damage-free, renter-friendly storage. “Large cubbies create additional organization space to neatly store sweaters, purses, and accessories,” she explains.

10Optimize cabinet storage with stackable shelf risers

Bloomer recommends using stackable shelf organizers in cabinets to “optimize the vertical space, especially in bathrooms and in awkward spaces under sinks with pipes.” This set of four can be stacked in various configurations to fit your space and organizational needs. Made from durable wood and metal, the shelves come in bamboo, rustic brown, and gray marble finishes.

11Take advantage of under-sink space with pull-out shelves

Another way to bring order to the space under bathroom and kitchen sinks is to use under-sink organizers. This set comes in a pack of two, with each organizer featuring two pull-out shelves that let you easily access your items. Use them to store soap, shampoo, lotion, and even small towels.

12Reduce the size of your hangers to fit more clothes in your closet

Ben Soreff, a professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, consistently recommends these slim hangers to clients because they “save you a ton of space in your closet.” Bonus: The soft velvet material and the built-in shoulder notches work to prevent clothes from slipping off and falling to the floor. Choose from colors including black, ivory, and mint green.

13Save even more closet space with these vertical hangers

For another way to make the most of your closet space, try these vertical hangers. Sold in a four-pack, each hanger has five hooks to maximize your storage. They’re made from lightweight yet durable material and are also great for belts, bags, and other accessories.

14Prevent cutlery clutter with an expandable organizer

Your kitchen drawer can get cluttered fast, so Heather Aiello, CEO and founder of The Organized You, recommends this expandable drawer organizer because it “elevates your silverware drawer instantly.” Aiello says it looks nice and makes it easy to keep everything organized, adding, “We use these in kitchens all the time.” Made from bamboo, it’s available in four colors.

15Keep your linen closet organized with bedsheet bands

Keeping sheets, pillowcases, and comforters in order can be a hassle, especially if you own sets in different sizes. Aiello suggests bedsheet bands to keep your linen closet organized, adding that they’re inexpensive, simple to use, and make it easy to find the sheet set you need. They’re available in twin, full, queen, king, and a mixed pack.

16Store extra blankets & bedding underneath the bed

For a clever way to keep bulky blankets and extra bedding out of sight, use these under-bed storage containers. Made from breathable non-woven material with a clear zippered top and built-in handles, they make it easy to tuck items away and pull them out later. The slim storage bags can also be placed on a closet shelf.

17Declutter the bathroom counter with this makeup holder

It’s fun to have a lot of beauty products, but less fun to figure out how to keep them from cluttering your counter space. Aiello advocates for a stackable organizer to pull together products and keep them in one tidy place. “Not only will things be organized it will also elevate the look of your bathroom counters,” she says.

18Put miscellaneous items in a decorative basket

Aiello suggests keeping bulkier items like pillows and blankets in a woven storage basket for an organization solution that also serves as decoration. Great for bedrooms, living rooms, and playrooms, Aiello says these “can act as home décor while camouflaging your items.” Choose from five different styles to suit your space.

19Get a label maker & never question a container’s contents again

Aaron Christensen, resident cleaning expert and vice president of growth at Homeaglow, recommends a label maker as a way to keep track of what’s inside storage bins. As a bonus, he says, “Labels make it easier for family members or cleaning people to put away items.” This Bluetooth label maker is controlled with an app and doesn’t require any ink to use.

20Use your door to hold all your shoes

No shoe rack? Try this over-the-door organizer. Christensen recommends one of these as a way to keep your large shoe collection organized and out of the way. This highly rated option has 24 pockets that can hold 12 pairs of shoes. Alternatively, it can be used to organize pantry items, ties, and other small items.

21Keep mail organized with a dedicated holder

Christensen notes that high-traffic areas of the home, like kitchen islands, build up clutter quickly. “A common issue is where to put the mail — try a small organizer on your countertop or side table,” he says. This metal mail holder provides a sleek way to keep letters, cards, and bills in one spot.

22Use labeled baskets to keep hallway items in check

Brenda Scott, owner and operator of Tidy My Space, suggests using baskets with labels in hallway closets and entryways. “This is especially helpful gathering gloves, mitts, hats, dog accessories, any group of smaller items that the family members need as they head out the door,” she explains. This six-piece set comes in seven different colors so you can find one to match your home decor.

23Hide clutter in a side table with drawers

“Tables with drawers are a great use of space,” Scott says, noting you can easily hide remotes, mail, books, and other items that would otherwise clutter surfaces. This budget-friendly end table features three drawers plus a double-layer shelf. Choose from rustic brown, black, and white finishes.

24Consider a multifunctional storage ottoman

Scott recommends purchasing a storage ottoman if you want to make the most of your space, explaining they can be used as extra seating while also concealing clutter. Boasting mid-century modern style, this velvet ottoman features stylish hairpin legs and comes in vibrant colors such as blue-gray, matcha green, and ginger.

25Place dry goods in clear labeled containers

“Decanting dry goods and spices into clear containers is a great way to organize your pantry or cabinet,” says Elkady, noting that it reduces visual clutter and helps you keep track of your inventory. This food storage container set includes two 1-gallon containers and four 76-ounce containers, each with an airtight lid. Their square shape is also more space-efficient than round containers, according to Elkady.

26Use an organizer to keep track of your water bottles

If you have a substantial water bottle collection, odds are you often find yourself knocking them over as you reach for the one you want to use, says Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner at Living. Simplified. LLC. If that’s the case, she recommends getting a stackable water bottle holder. Featuring a clear design, this one holds up to six bottles and fits easily in a cabinet or the fridge.

27Combine style & organization with a decorative fruit bowl

You can use small containers like this fruit bowl to keep your kitchen counter more organized, says Saltman. This bowl has a diameter of 12 inches, giving plenty of space to store bananas, apples, oranges, and other fruits. The bamboo interior and white outer layer also bring a chic look to your kitchen.

28Think smart about bathroom sink space with stackable organizers

If you’re having a hard time organizing under your kitchen or bathroom sink, Saltman recommends stackable drawers. “The key to utilizing this space is to take advantage of the height that is available to you on either side of the sink basin and pipes,” she says. This organizer is clear and easy to arrange, giving you quick access to whatever you need.

29Sort dirty clothes immediately with a double hamper

Make laundry easier on yourself by sorting dirty clothes right away, says Julianna Melamed, founder of Full Service Living, who suggests getting a hamper with two compartments. “One section for whites and one for darks,” she explains. “With one of these, you no longer have to waste time going through dirty clothes! Also, the two-in-one solution reduces visual clutter.” This divided hamper also comes with two removable bags for carrying clothes to the washer.

30Keep laundry essentials in one place for easy access

For another way to reduce visual clutter, use this laundry room organizer to keep detergent pods and dryer sheets tidy and easily accessible. It holds over 60 laundry pods and up to 300 dryer sheets, and can even be used to store wool dryer balls if you prefer. Choose from white, black, and faded blue.