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Last updated on March 19th, 2023 at 08:47 pm
I rarely buy organizing products for my home. This is why I take my time to answer to finding the right organizing products when it pops up in this community.
Organizing products can get expensive, and there are many other things taking up space in my budget. When I do buy anything, it’s after a lot of consideration. And many times, I buy items that can be used in different spaces in different ways.
Whenever I post on Instagram with an organized space, my photos hardly get any likes. My spaces don’t look like those of influencers, and I don’t want them to.
I want people to realize that organization is attainable even when you don’t have a big budget for buying organizing products.
This isn’t to say that organizing products won’t make your life easier. Many of them will. But I urge you to do your research (& take your measurements!) before making any purchases.
These are the 5 practical rules I use for finding the right organizing products.
Rule 01. Take your time & be picky
Underneath our bathroom sinks were in dire need of organizing help. My husband and I made a pilgrimage to Walmart to look at the Home Edit clear acrylic drawers as a solution. But the answer was decidedly no.
We decided the quality didn’t equate to the price, especially since we need more than one.
After another 2 weeks (we waited this long already), we went back and decided these IRIS drawers were a good solution. (They’re made in the USA, btw.)
Another area of my home that needed some help was my laundry room cabinet. It took several months to add organizing products to this area. I didn’t do it all in one fell swoop for two reasons:
- I needed time to use the newly decluttered space to see how it worked and
- I wanted to be sure the products I chose would actually enhance the space.
(You can see more of that before & after in this post.)
I want to be a good steward of my resources. Taking my time and checking the quality of items is one way I can do this. Being patient and picky enables me to find the right organizing products for my spaces.
Rule 02. Consider your budget
You don’t need an enormous budget to find organizing products. As I mentioned, I don’t have much room in my budget to makeover an entire space all at once.
I have a small budget each month that goes toward home improvement, which includes organizing products. So that I stay on track, I keep a list of items I want for each room. While I’m browsing at places like HomeGoods or Marshall’s and I find something I like within my budget, I can check my list. I like shopping at these stores because I can find quality brands and lower prices, but can take a long time to find what you’re looking for.
Sometimes I use general organizing products for different spaces. One of our favorite organizing solutions was using shoebox totes in our bathroom cabinet.
Totes are my favorite way to organize because they’re so versatile and budget-friendly. If I no longer need a tote for one area, I can repurpose it for another, therefore, saving me money.
You can repurpose shoeboxes, spice jars, and mason jars whenever possible to save money and eventually splurge on a much-needed organizing product.
Rule 03. Consider your organizing style & aesthetic
Everyone has different needs when it comes to visual clutter. Just because an influencer uses acrylic organizers or solid containers doesn’t mean you should, too.
For some, visual clutter makes them crazy, so clear, acrylic bins aren’t the answer. For others, who need to see their stuff, solid-colored bins aren’t the solution.
Don’t do what other people are doing just because it’s trendy. Trends fade but your need for sustainable organization will not.
Instead, take time to decide what YOU like …Which colors and materials do you love and feel friendly with? Do you like your clutter hidden away or visible? Will your family be able to find things if they’re in solid bins?
Remember rule 01: be patient & picky.
Rule 04. Check specs & measure, measure, & measure
I needed a cabinet for our homeschool supplies and I was willing to make an investment. Unfortunately, I missed the part in the specifications that the shelves in the cabinet I choose were not adjustable.
It’s a beautiful cabinet, and it could function well in other places. But it doesn’t necessarily work for our homeschool. Despite all that, I decided to go ahead and make do with it.
Don’t make my mistake: make a list of your needs in specific areas (including measurements!). As you shop for organizing products, you can make sure it checks off all the boxes using your list.
Sometimes it helps to take a picture of the space so you have a visual reference. Add notes to your pictures that include the specific measurements of the space so that you know your products will fit.
Rule 05. Get clear on return policies
Products don’t always work out. They may not be what you expected, they arrive damaged, or you realize they don’t work for your space.
Before you click “Buy Now” on a product, make sure you know what the policies are for returns. It’s good to know if products need to be returned in their original packaging or if they can be returned once opened.
If you follow the other rules listed here, you’ve done your due diligence. But it’s always safe to know the return requirements and the return window in case it doesn’t work out.
Finding the right organizing products can be tough. By following these 5 rules, you’ll be able to find products that fit your family and lifestyle:
- Take your time & be picky
- Consider your budget
- Consider your organizing style & aesthetic
- Check specs & measure (measure & measure)
- Get clear on return policies
If you’re just getting started with organizing, and you don’t know where to start, get the free Where To Start Decluttering Guide.
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