The sense of awakening that comes with spring can spur many of us to clear out the clutter and get organized. From switching out winter wardrobes to reining in overflowing bathroom cabinets and spice racks, there are many ways to get ourselves and our homes in better order – or at least try to. Filter reviewer Julie Skinner has deployed giant clothespins. Writer Bernadette Machard de Gramont found a nifty way to organize her sprawling skincare collection. Longtime Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi has a solution for your spice rack.
Here are the top 11 picks from Filter contributors – and one food celebrity – to help you manage your space and stuff in this season of change.
Handy and plastic-free: Anydeli Food Storage Containers
Anyday offers a clever, heat-safe lid with a silicone tab that can be vented for shockingly good microwaved food. Filter writer Emily Farris notes, "Perhaps most appealing was the fact that I could store and cook in the same vessel, then put all the parts into the dishwasher when I was done. When my kids wanted to be able to microwave their school lunches, I even sent the containers to school with them, though I knew sending glass to school was risky business." Priced at $54 for a pack of three at Anyday.
Stackable shelves from Sweden: Ikea Kallax Shelf Unit
Maria Ricapito wanted a coffee station where her espresso maker, different coffees, and cups are neatly arranged and easy to reach. She mixed up some Ikea Kallax shelves and cubes: a four-cube on legs, then two singles, stacked. She says, "Best of all, I know I can use this affordable system just about anywhere in my house, and because it's so modular, I can piece it together in tons of different ways." Available for $24.99 at Ikea.
A suitably named bag: CrapKeeper Organizer Bag
The CrapKeeper is an appropriately named bag that serves as a nice portable organizer. Adam Doud's daughter stole it on a recent road trip to hold her phone, Stanley mug, battery pack, cables, and other accoutrements. It comes with multiple straps that allow you to attach it to a car seat or folding chair. Now $39.99, originally $50 at CrapKeeper.
A hanging solution that hangs on: Jumbo Clothespin Towel Holder
Julia Skinner found these giant novelty clothespins from Cherry Tree Gallery after a bathroom renovation. She says, "They speak to my quirky aesthetic but they're functional, too." Available from $16 at Etsy.
Actually find the spice you need: Adhesive Waterproof Spice Labels
Padma Lakshmi uses spice labels to keep her pantry organized. She advises, "Don't keep spices in a rack near where you cook; light and heat will affect the spices. If you have a drawer, you can label them up top to help you quickly pick them out." Available for $5.97 at Amazon.
Transparency is the answer: Stori Clear Stackable Drawers
Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a skincare obsessive, uses these stackable drawers to keep her products visible and organized under the sink. She says, "Now I can take a visual inventory every time I look under the sink, and nothing gets forgotten." Priced at $27.99 at Amazon.
No more gear chaos: Gregory Alpaca Gear Boxes
Outdoor adventurer Paige Triola uses Gregory Alpaca Gear Boxes to contain hiking, biking, and camping gear. She loves the clear lids that allow quick peeks inside. The Alpaca Gear Box 45 is $139.90 at Gregory, while the deeper Camp Box 50 is ideal for road trips.
Even babies can get organized: Mr Pen Baby Diaper Caddy Organizer
Marissa Miller uses this diaper caddy on her daughter's changing station. It has multiple compartments for diapers, wipes, creams, and other essentials. Made of soft felt, it stores an ungodly amount of stuff despite its small footprint. Priced at $10.79 at Amazon.
Pet protection: Yamazaki Home Odds-and-Ends Organizer
Jenny McGrath's cat loves to shred toilet paper, so she got a steel box that the cat cannot penetrate. It fits two rolls and can be placed on the back of the toilet. It includes a tray for toiletries or small items. Priced at $68 at Yamazaki Home.
Contain the cables: Velcro One-Wrap Cable Ties
Les Shu has used these Velcro ties for over five years to manage wires in his office and living room. They haven't lost their fastening strength despite repeated use. Available for $14.49 at Amazon.
Shoe lovers rejoice: Joseph Joseph Level Plus Adjustable Shoe Rack
Elizabeth Brownfield, a self-proclaimed shoe addict, found this adjustable rack that lets you customize each shelf height. She says, "The range of heights lets you maximize your storage space." Priced at $100 at Joseph Joseph.
Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian's guide to buying fewer, better things: 'A sticky mess': I was cleaning my bathroom all wrong – here's how to do it like a pro; 'The most rejuvenating sleep of my life': 12 products our writers rely on for rest each night; Which rug is best for your room? 21 expert picks, plus tips on choosing pile, size and material.
