Clear Handled Bins: The Top Pick for Every Cabinet
Jennifer Granger Tipton, a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) Board of Directors and owner of Breathable Spaces in Ohio, recommends clear-handled bins from The Container Store as her number one organizing item. These bins are stackable and come in various depths and widths. "Unlike a basic storage bin, a handled bin lets you pull an entire category out of the cabinet instead of reaching into the back," Tipton said. She also highlights the smaller versions, which are perfect for corralling small items like medicine, cosmetics, and hair accessories. Prices start at $4 for small bins and $15 for regular sizes.
Alternative Clear Stackable Bins
Shara Kay, a Beverly Hills-based certified professional organizer and NAPO member, also considers clear, handled bins essential. She suggests iDesign bins from Amazon, which are rectangular, shatter-proof, and BPA-free with textured bottoms. "These work especially well in deep pantry cabinets to keep categories together and keep from losing items in the back," Kay said. Available in packs of one or four, these bins cost $10 at Amazon.
Stackable Bins with Wheels for Easy Access
Kay recommends clear stackable bins from The Container Store that feature optional wheels, making it easy to glide items in and out of cabinets. These bins come in multiple widths and heights, are endlessly stackable, and include removable dividers. "These are great under sinks and in deep bathroom cabinets for cosmetics or backstock items. The wheels help them glide without scratching cabinetry, and they’re easy to wipe out if something leaks," Kay said. Prices start at $4.
Acacia Wood Drawer Organizers for an Elevated Look
For those seeking a more polished appearance, Tipton recommends Neat Method acacia wood drawer organizers. These boxes feature non-slip rubber feet and come in seven sizes. "Although they’re designed for drawers, they work beautifully inside cabinets to create designated spaces for smaller items while adding warmth and a polished appearance," Tipton said. Prices start at $10.
Lazy Susan Turntables for Corner Cabinets
Tipton emphasizes that lazy Susan turntables make items accessible that would otherwise get lost in the back of a cabinet. She recommends the Brightroom line at Target, which offers turntables in various sizes, shapes, and styles. One option measures 15 inches in diameter, has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating, and features a non-slip surface with a raised edge. "Whether you need a low-profile option for shorter items or a high-sided version to keep bottles secure, there’s a solution for nearly every cabinet," Tipton said. This turntable costs $12 at Target.
Additional Lazy Susan Options
Kay also recommends lazy Susans, specifically an acrylic turntable from Amazon that comes in smaller diameters and a two-tiered design. "Turntables are especially useful in upper corner cabinets. They work well for oils, vinegars, sauces, medicines, supplements, or toiletries. The key is choosing a size that fits the depth of your cabinet," she said. This option costs $22 at Amazon.
Shelf Risers to Maximize Vertical Space
Tipton notes that many cabinets have unused vertical space above shorter items. She recommends shelf risers and expandable shelves to create an additional level for dishes, mugs, canned goods, or toiletries. A popular pair of riser shelves from Amazon is stackable, extendable, made of metal, and can hold up to 30 pounds per shelf. The pair costs $20.
Adjustable Tiered Spice Racks
Kay recommends a three-tiered expandable spice rack made from bamboo. "Racks such as this one are helpful for spices, canned goods, medicines, and supplements because they allow you to see what you have instead of stacking items directly in front of each other," Kay said. This rack costs $18 at Amazon.
Dividers for Cutting Boards and Sheet Pans
Tipton calls adjustable dividers excellent for storing cutting boards, baking sheets, cooling racks, and serving trays vertically. Wooden shelf dividers from Amazon are available in packs of four, six, or ten and are easy to install. A 4-pack costs $100.
Adjustable Organizer Rack for Pots and Pans
Following Tipton's suggestion of a file organizer for cabinets, a dedicated rack for pots, pans, plates, or lids is available from Amazon. It is made of metal and expands up to nearly 23 inches in length. Prices start at $18.
Linen-Covered Boxes for Linen Cabinets
For linen cabinets, Kay prefers towels and sheets folded and stacked without containers. However, for memento and keepsake items, she suggests linen-covered boxes from The Container Store. "The lid keeps items protected, and the window makes them easy to label," Kay said. These come in two sizes, starting at $28.
Both experts caution against buying organizing products before decluttering. "Organizing products should support the items you decide to keep, not determine how much you keep. Waiting until the end ensures you purchase the right size and quantity of organizers instead of spending money on products you may not need," Tipton said.
