I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)

published Jul 12, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A unique spin on a farmhouse kitchen, with vaulted ceilings and red accents, like a red windowed door and red stools

When it comes to organizing your pantry, sometimes it’s the simplest items that can make all the difference — and they don’t even need to be labeled “organizers” to be used as one. All it takes is a little imagination (and the spirit of a DIY-er!). 

A lifestyle influencer’s recent viral Instagram video showed one of the smartest, simplest organizing hacks I’ve seen in a while for storing an everyday item often bought in bulk: She used two tension rods to create a DIY paper towel dispenser in her pantry. 

By placing two adjustable tension rods vertically on an open pantry shelf, Aly McDonald (@thedowntownaly) built a simple, totally adjustable, and inexpensive way to organize paper towels, making them easier than ever to grab when in need. Instead of reaching for a roll to watch it topple over and create a paper towel avalanche, this trick ensures there’s always one at the ready, automatically replacing itself (thanks, gravity!). 

The best part about this hack is that it can work in any pantry, storage, or closet space, creating an instant organizing solution for a somewhat tricky item to store. It creates storage space out of thin air, utilizing otherwise unused vertical space, and takes up way less room than a stack or pile would. The paper towels stay tidy, and it’s easy to adjust for different sizes of rolls or even different items. 

While this hack works perfectly in your pantry for paper towels, you can also use it under your sink for toilet paper rolls, or elsewhere in your garage or closet for organizing balls, toiletries, canned goods, books, office supplies, and more. 

Want to try it yourself? This adjustable, spring-loaded two-pack of tension rods is just the ticket. If you get a few more, you can also use one inside your kitchen drawer as a hidden paper towel holder. Check out these other ingenious ways to use tension rods for organizing throughout the home. Comment below to share how you set yours up!

Buy: 2-Pack Curtain Rod Adjustable, $12.99