The Best Decluttering Tools To Help You Stay Organized
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. I’ve been there—staring at messy drawers, overflowing closets, and shelves I couldn’t bear to open without something tumbling out. And you know what? I realized that sometimes the problem isn’t me—it’s the lack of the right tools to help tackle the clutter. The right decluttering tools can turn overwhelming chaos into a smooth, manageable process.
Whether you’re battling kitchen drawers stuffed with spatulas or a garage that looks like a scene from a storage nightmare, these tools are total game-changers. In this article, I’m sharing the best decluttering tools and my very favorite storage solutions that’ll make your organizing efforts easier and far more effective. Let’s get started and say goodbye to clutter for good!
1. Storage Bins and Containers
Why You Need Them:
Storage bins are the unsung heroes of decluttering and one of the best decluttering tools. They help you group similar items, keep everything contained, and eliminate visual chaos.
How to Use Them Effectively:
- Use stackable plastic bins in garages, attics, or basements to store seasonal items like Christmas decor or sports gear.
- Place small, labeled containers under sinks, in bathrooms, and in the pantry for cleaning supplies or toiletries.
- Invest in decorative baskets for visible spaces like living rooms or bedrooms. They’re great for blankets, toys, or magazines and look stylish, too.
Pro Tip: Use clear bins for areas like the pantry or garage so you can quickly see what’s inside without digging. Trust me, it’ll save you time and frustration.
Pro Tip #2: I purchased Christmas colored storage bins to hold my Christmas decorations and Halloween colored storage bins to hold my Halloween decorations. The rest of my storage bins are clear for the most part. Always label all bins!
2. Label Makers for Organization
Why You Need Them:
Labels remove guesswork and give everything a clear, designated place. Plus, they add a polished, organized look to your space.
Where to Use a Label Maker:
- Label pantry containers for items like flour, sugar, and snacks. It looks neat and prevents mix-ups.
- Organize files or paperwork by labeling folders in your home office.
- Add labels to storage bins in closets, laundry rooms, or kids’ play areas to make things easier to find.
Pro Tip: Use different label colors for different areas—kitchen labels can be white, while office labels can be blue. It makes everything look intentional and organized.
Drawer Organizers and Dividers
Why You Need Them:
You know that dreaded kitchen utensil drawer where everything gets tangled? That’s where drawer organizers come in. They create sections, so everything has a home.
How to Use Them Effectively:
- In the kitchen, divide utensils like spatulas, tongs, and whisks to prevent clutter.
- In dressers, separate socks, underwear, and accessories like belts. Here are my favorite inexpensive drawer organizers.
- In offices, organize pens, scissors, sticky notes, and paper clips into neat sections.
Pro Tip: Measure your drawers before buying organizers. You don’t want to play Tetris trying to make them fit!
4. Over-the-Door Organizers
Why You Need Them:
Over-the-door organizers use vertical space to store items you frequently reach for—no tools required! Their easy setup, zero floor space, and inexpensive cost makes them one of the best decluttering tools.
Best Ways to Use Them:
- In pantries, hang them for spices, snacks, and small cleaning tools.
- In bedrooms, use them for shoes, scarves, or accessories.
- In bathrooms, store toiletries, hair tools, or cleaning supplies to free up under-sink space.
- I was able to completely eliminate my kitchen junk drawer by using an over-the-door organizer to hold all of the “junk”. It is a great catch-all for those necessary but harder to organize small items.
Pro Tip: Over-the-door organizers work wonders for small apartments or rental spaces where you can’t install shelves.
Vacuum Storage Bags for Seasonal Items
Why You Need Them:
Vacuum storage bags are a lifesaver for compressing bulky items like winter coats, blankets, and duvets. They free up a ton of space and keep your items protected.
I’ll never forget the first time my husband brought home and started using vacuum storage bags! My mind was blown. We now use them all the time for seasonal items. They are also very helpful for storing baby clothes you just might need again in the future!
Where to Use Them:
- Store seasonal clothing like heavy jackets or summer linens.
- Pack away extra bedding like comforters and pillows when not in use.
- Use them for travel to make packing more compact and organized.
Pro Tip: Label your vacuum bags, so you know what’s inside without opening them—trust me, digging through vacuum sealed bags is no fun.
6. Trash Bags and Donation Boxes
Why You Need Them:
You can’t declutter without deciding what to let go of. Trash bags and donation boxes help you sort quickly and stay organized.
How to Use Them Effectively:
- Have three categories ready: trash, donate, and keep.
- Use sturdy trash bags for items to toss and drop-off boxes for donations.
- Schedule donation drop-offs immediately—otherwise, those boxes will start collecting dust in your garage.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go.
7. Rolling Utility Carts for Portable Organization
Why You Need Them:
Rolling utility carts are versatile and portable, so you can move them anywhere you need.
Best Ways to Use Them:
- In the kitchen, use them for small appliances, spices, or coffee station essentials.
- In craft rooms, store art supplies like paints, brushes, and paper.
- In bathrooms, organize toiletries, cleaning products, or towels.
Pro Tip: Choose carts with wheels and multiple shelves to maximize storage. This is a great option if you don’t have enough storage in your kitchen or bathroom and don’t have the space or budget to install an island or larger vanity.
8. Hooks and Wall-Mounted Racks
Why You Need Them:
Hooks and wall racks make use of empty wall space to store items vertically, freeing up surfaces and floors.
How to Use Them:
- Hang coats, bags, and hats in entryways.
- Use wall hooks for pots, pans, or utensils in the kitchen.
- Install racks in the garage for tools, bikes, or sports equipment.
Pro Tip: Adhesive hooks are a great alternative if you can’t drill holes in your walls. Adhesive hooks are made to hold different amounts of weight, so be sure to find hooks rated for heavier weights if you have heavy items to hang.
Pro Tip #2: For extremely heavy items, especially wall-mounted racks in a garage for heavier equipment, you’ll want to drill your rack into a stud. Be sure to use a stud finder for this. (Insert silly joke my husband makes every time we work on house projects with a stud finder together that he’s already been found….and my subsequent eye roll!)
9. Shelving Units for Vertical Storage
Why You Need Them:
Shelving units help maximize vertical space while keeping everything accessible and tidy.
Where to Use Them:
- In garages, use sturdy shelves for tools and storage bins.
- In closets, add shelves for shoes, baskets, and folded clothes.
- In living areas, display books, decor, and storage baskets.
Pro Tip: If you have young kids like I do, be sure to secure shelving units to walls for safety. For some reason, shelves sometimes end up being confused with a climbing gym in my house!
10. Cleaning Caddies for Easy Organization
Why You Need Them:
A cleaning caddy keeps your cleaning products in one spot, so you’re not running around looking for supplies.
How to Use Them:
- Group kitchen cleaners, like sprays and sponges, into a caddy under the sink.
- Use a caddy for bathroom cleaning supplies to make tasks quicker.
- Create a portable cleaning station to carry from room to room.
- Keep a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner in the caddy for quick cleanups.
Pro Tip: I personally like to keep one cleaning caddy on each floor of my home. For some reason, carrying cleaning supplies up the stairs makes the whole process seem so much harder, and I am much more likely to actually clean if my supplies are organized and easy to access.
Best Decluttering Tools Conclusion
Decluttering your home becomes so much easier when you have the right tools. From label makers and storage bins to vacuum bags and rolling carts, these tools help you stay organized and stress-free. Start small, choose the tools that suit your needs, and transform your home into a clutter-free haven. Which tool are you most excited to try? Let’s tackle the clutter together—one step at a time!
By the way, if you want more specific steps on how to declutter your home, be sure to check out this other article I wrote called How To Declutter Your Home Like A Minimalist Expert.
