- Many organization products – like file bins, divided Lazy Susans, and glass canisters – are quite versatile.
- Professional organizers showed us how you can store cleaning products, craft supplies, makeup, and clothing in unexpected places.
- See also: The best closet and drawer organizers
Effective home organization is not a one-and-done weekend job. As you’ve probably personally experienced, it’s only a matter of time before your rooms devolve into messes once again.
People have so much difficulty organizing their stuff and keeping it tidy that a whole industry has arisen to solve their problems. Since we’re no pros ourselves, we asked the founders of Henry & Higby, a professional organizing company in New York City that offers services including home and office organizing, closet and space design, and home staging, for some help.
They shared their favorite multi-use organization products and showed us that we’ve been limiting ourselves when it comes to how we’re using our file bins, drawer organizers, and more.
These products are typically used for one specific purpose but are actually quite versatile. You can get more creative and organize your things more efficiently by making the following products pull double-duty.
File bins
Recommended usage: Storing files in an office
Alternative usage: Storing craft paper, workbooks, small notebooks, craft projects, and cleaning supplies
Glass canisters
Recommended usage: Storing dry goods, cookies, and other pantry essentials in the kitchen
Alternative usage: Storing detergent in a laundry room and dishwashing pods in the kitchen
A file sorter
Recommended usage: Storing files in an office
Alternative usage: Storing clutches and small bags in a closet
A divided Lazy Susan
Recommended usage: Storing food and spices in a kitchen cabinet
Alternative usage: Storing craft supplies in a playroom and hair supplies or makeup in a bathroom
A stackable shoe drawer
Recommended usage: Storing shoes in a closet
Alternative usage: Storing products under a sink or bed
Drawer organizers
Recommended usage: Keeping utensils organized in the kitchen
Alternative usage: Organizing baby socks and accessories
Natural cotton storage bags
Recommended usage: Keeping sweaters, blankets or comforters dust-free
Alternative usage: Keeping table linens and napkins or small kids' shoes organized
A plastic bag dispenser
Recommended usage: Storing plastic bags
Alternative usage: Organizing and storing wrapping paper
Tall Smart Store inserts
Recommended usage: Organizing crafts in the Smart Store System
Alternative usage: Using in drawers and other storage bins to organize small items and collections
Ziploc bags
Recommended usage: Storing food
Alternative usage: Storing puzzles to make them less bulky
