5 Things a Pro Organizer Would Always Buy at The Container Store

While I prefer more eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, I’m naming these storage bins with handles as my first pick because they’re incredibly versatile and sold at an affordable price point (ranging from $3 to $7 per bin). Currently, you can find them in seven colors and four different sizes. I’ve owned a variety of these for years and will continue to repurpose them for the foreseeable future. Right now, I use them to store things in my bedroom closet, under my kitchen sink, and in my laundry area. I love that they hide visual clutter yet their open top and handles make it easy to grab what I need and then return the whole bin to a shelf.

These clear drawer containers have been a long-time pro organizer’s choice for corralling items in junk, bathroom, and desk drawers. As we speak, they’re keeping my wine stoppers, skincare serums, and binder clips orderly in their respective spaces. While you can always try a tray with compartments (perhaps even an expandable one), the individual organizers are ideal for frequent movers like me. For example, the bathroom drawers in my new place are much smaller than the last but I was still able to squeeze in a few of these organizers. They’re available in a multitude of sizes, as well as a shallow version for those awkwardly short drawers.

Although it’s the highest-priced item on this list, I had to include the Elfa Over the Door Rack because of how helpful it is (I’ve even written an entire article devoted to it). To sum up this incredible solution: it adds crucial storage yet takes up minimal space, it’s ideal for renters as it doesn’t require permanent installation, and the components are customizable depending on your needs. I’m presently using mine to organize all of my grab-and-go items (like the dog’s leash and umbrellas) by the front entrance but you can attach the metal rack to the inside of any closet or door in your home.

There are numerous lazy Susans on the market that I like (and own) and all for slightly different purposes. The reason I chose this one is because of its generously sized divided compartments that are also removable, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. Right now, it’s being used to separate my dryer balls, lint rollers, and fabric shavers, as well as steamer parts in the laundry room. But I (or you) could also use it to sort individually-wrapped snacks, first aid supplies, hair styling products, and so much more.

I have assembled and organized dozens of these rolling carts for my clients over the years. For the record, I’ve also done so with similar carts from other brands and can undoubtedly say that The Container Store version is superior in terms of quality. The uses are endless, but I’ll name a few for you: a mobile home office, a diaper or nursing station, a kid’s craft organizer, a workout gear spot, or a pet supply hub. With eight colors to choose from and several attachments to play with, this cart could become your new favorite organizing tool to keep your things tidy yet portable.