5 Things to Get You Organized

If you watched Marie Kondo getting America organized on Netflix, I'm sure you cleaned at least one drawer (I sure did).

Some of what Marie Kondo says makes sense, while some — maybe not. I'm not going to treat my house as a person, but I recognize the need for everything in the house to have its own space.

Summing up Marie Kondo

• Organize your clothes first; keep only what you need. If you haven't used something in over a year, most likely you never will. Donate what you don't need.
• Organize your kitchen — a few pans, one stock pot, and one Dutch oven can handle most cooking.
• Don't make your garage or attic a dumpster. Think twice before putting anything in storage — if you don't need it now, you may never need it.
• The children should know it's their house too, and they're responsible for keeping it clean and organized.
• Go through each corner of your house (baby steps) and get rid of things that don't give you joy anymore.

Here are some things that can help you Kondo your house. And yes, an organized space is a thing of joy and calm. (Prices noted are from 2019 and will have changed.)

1. 2-Tier Sliding Cabinet Basket Organizer Drawer

These no-fuss drawers slide into bathroom cabinets easily. Now I can store toiletries, makeup, and other miscellaneous stuff in plain sight. Good value at under $25 — you'll use it for years.

2. Slide-Out Storage Cart Tower for Laundry

This slim pull-out drawer goes between the washing machine and dryer and holds detergent, bleach, etc. It stays hidden for a clean look until you pull it out. At $28, it's value for money.

3. Over-the-Door Pantry Organizer

At $12, this is a steal for organizing odd sachets and tea bags. It goes over the door easily, freeing up rack space, and its clear transparent design lets you spot everything.

4. Kids' Book Storage Organizer

If you have little kids who like to read, you know how easy it is to find books in every corner of the house. These shelves work for kids' rooms or the family room. At less than $30, you can teach kids to organize their books — and they add fun color to the room.

5. Bakeware, Pan, and Lid Organizer

These handy organizers keep bakeware in place at all times. At $15, it's a small price to pay for keeping things where they belong.

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