Back-to-School = Organization

Back-to-school season is here, which, for so many of us, prompts a desire for routine and organization.  I think it all goes back to the magic of new school supplies:  a row of freshly sharpened #2 pencils, a blank planner waiting for assignments and afterschool activities, a pristine binder filled with crisp lined paper.  After a summer of damp pool towels and bowls of half-eaten snacks everywhere, an ordered space feels soooo good.  Today, I am rounding up a few of my favorite organizational products and how I use them.  These are great because they are hidden out of view, but help keep the small stuff corralled.

under the sink organizers

I use these drawers like these under several sinks in our home.  In the kitchen, they are great for cleaning supplies.  In the bathrooms, I really love them for skin and hair care products.  They hold a ton!  The open tops are great for taller items. There is no reason they have to be used under sinks (I can imagine them working well in a pantry or laundry room, too) but that is where I happen to have a need at this time.

Click here for the organizer on the left and here for the one on the right (comes in several colors).

corkboard

I use one of these corkboards on the inside of our pantry door to post all the birthday party invitations, flyers, and permission slips – any paper that needs to stay top-of-mind.  I am in and out of the pantry 1,638 times a day, so it’s a great reminder to RSVP or fill out the form.  Magnetic dry-erase boards would serve the same purpose (and allow for writing notes and reminders), but the old-school corkboard and thumbtacks work well for me!

behind the door organizer

I love the Elfa system.  This storage solution is customizable and expandable and can be used for everything from a small wall organizer to a full closet, pantry, or garage.  I use an over the door organizer with large utility baskets for winter items like hats, scarves, and gloves.  The brackets are barely noticeable on the top and bottom of the outside of the door (see the photo on the right above).  Can you tell I love hiding storage on the insides of doors??

Shop my exact organizer and other Elfa products here.

clear drawer trays

I have several sets of clear drawer trays. They are incredibly versatile.  I use them everywhere:  kitchen, bathrooms, office, and bedrooms to contain all manner of small things. Similar trays here and here.

What are your favorite organizational products? Let me know in the comments! Looking for more organization inspiration? Don’t miss my four-part series on how to get (and stay!) organized! Happy back-to-school (and happy organizing)!