The Organization Awards

This renter-friendly find is a brilliant storage solution that'll make more room in any cabinet. Best List Editor, Britt Franklin, loves it for that exact reason: "It created space in my tiny pantry that I hadn't imagined before. I feel like an organizing pro!" It's inexpensive, comes in three sizes and two color choices, and requires no drilling.

This sleek storage caddy from Yamazaki Home will have you "cleaning in style," according to Deputy Lifestyle Director, Madeline Bilis. "It's lightweight, which is excellent, and I can fit several bottles of cleaner, some disinfectant wipes, my duster, and microfiber cloths inside it," she says.

For items you need to stash, this large storage bin is the real deal. It offers waterproof storage and the snap-fit lid secures your valuables inside. It's stackable, nestable, and sturdy, which makes it ideal for tucking it away in a closet or garage.

Vinyl-lovers need this record storage unit to keep their collection organized. Its cube-like wide shelves allow you to easily store vinyl and LPs. Plus, it comes in four neutral colors and is easy to assemble (no tools required).

If you were to have just one type of bin in your home, let it be the IKEA VARIERA Box, which we've deemed the best all-around bin. It's affordable, reliable, and can be used virtually anywhere and for anything. Its high-gloss white appearance makes it look more expensive than it is, so you can keep it out in the open or behind closed doors.

Inspired by classic market baskets, the La Jolla Basket from Serena & Lily is worth the internet hype. This lidded basket is a bit of splurge, but for good reason: It's entirely handmade, so no two look the same, and offers a boho-chic style. The storage capacity is impressive, too.

Another renter-friendly must-have? Command hooks! There are so many smart and creative ways to use these damage-free wall hooks in your place, from storing brooms and mops to holding up coats and keys. This variety pack has you covered with small wire hooks; small, medium, and large utility hooks; and, as a bonus, picture-hanging strips that can hold up to 16 pounds.

You might recognize this Novogratz Cache Single Metal Locker Storage Cabinet from our Small/Cool event from 2022 — and we're still obsessed with it. This stylish locker storage find is a standout piece; it brings valuable storage and a pop of color to your home.

We are big fans of the Elfa Over the Door Rack from The Container Store. This reliable over-the-door system is customizable to your space, whether you want to use it in the bathroom, utility closet, laundry room, or closet.

We could go on and on about the IKEA RÅSKOG Utility Cart and all its uses (oh wait, we have!) because it really is that good and useful. It’s cheap (under $50) yet versatile, and, not to mention, it’s extremely renter-friendly. You can cart it around from room to room, and apartment to apartment, with ease.

This is the one shower caddy to rule them all! The simplehuman Tension Shower Caddy costs more than the average caddy, but you'll more than get your money's worth. It's everything you look for (and need) in a shower caddy: strong, adjustable, rust-proof, and holds all your things.

Deputy Lifestyle Director, Madeline Bilis, was firmly against the look of over-the-toilet storage solutions until she got this one from Umbra. "This sleek little number flipped a switch in my head, making me an over-the-toilet shelf convert," she says in her review. "The rounded edges on top are what attracted me to it in the first place, and they bring me joy each time I step into my little bathroom. The shelf transformed the space for sure, by adding storage plus a dose of modern flair."

Your bathroom countertop space can be very limiting and can only hold so many items at once. That's why this Joseph Joseph EasyStore Toothbrush Holder is such a game-changer. It'll keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, and other supplies stored and organized in a chic way without taking up much space, either.

As a former beauty writer, our Senior Commerce Editor, Alicia Kort, knows which organizers work best for the makeup products you have. She loves the Syntus 360 Rotating Makeup Organizer because it's inexpensive, yet the most impressive one she's tested. It's easy to clean, collapsible, and fits under the sink, too.

This SmartHom Under Sink Organizer is the best under-sink organizer that Commerce SEO Editor, Sarah Vazquez, has put in her bathroom — so much so that she bought two! It's designed for small spaces and features a minimalistic and rust-resistant design.

"The Umbra Trigem Jewelry Organizer does the work of three accessory organizers in one and takes up less space than a standard jewelry box," says Executive Lifestyle Director, Charli Penn. The three-tier design is tall enough to display oversized necklaces, bracelets, watches, and earrings. The base is great as a catch-all dish, too.

Rubbermaid is best known for its food storage containers (more on that down in the kitchen & pantry section!), but its also a leader in other home organizing solutions, like closet systems, too. The Configurations Deluxe Closet Kit is an all-in-one kit that's budget-friendly, easy to install, and fits most spaces.

The Container Store's Elfa does it again — this time with its custom closet systems. (In fact, it took a top spot in our 2019 Best List, too.) Working with a design specialist in store, virtually, or at home, you can fully create a closet system tailored to your space. There are so many features and finishes to choose from, too, so the possibilities are endless.

These drawer organizers are a dream to have in the bedroom. Style Shopping Editor, Blair Donovan, says it transformed her dresser drawers from a dumping ground to organized zones. "I used a set of two, and they took mere seconds to install, have not budged an inch (although optional adhesive strips are included), and they're completely customizable to align however I want. I also received two smaller dividers to put in between them for even more storage opportunities."

The spot under the bed is prime storage space, and the best way to optimize it is with this under-bed storage solution: the Sterilite 66 Quart Stadium Blue Ultra Storage Box. This plastic box is clear so you can see all the contents, has wheels so you can easily slide it out, and is lidded so you can protect the items inside.

You don't have to be a sneakerhead to value good shoe storage. This shoe organizer will treat your footwear with care, by displaying them in a clear box with a magnetic door. It's stackable, water-resistant, and has vents.

For almost a decade, Senior Commerce Editor, Alicia Kort, has relied on these Ziploc Flexible Totes. She believes these storage bags have lasted so long because of their flexibility; they adapt and fit into various spaces for different needs. "I also love that these bags have carry handles, so you can move them easily from room to room (or apartment to apartment)."

"These bins have completely changed my closet for the better," says Best List Editor, Britt Franklin. The Sorbus Storage Bins are spacious with clear zippered openings so you can see inside. Beyond storing clothing, you can also use these containers to store bedding and towels.

"Shelf dividers are an easy-to-overlook organization tool, but they work magic in tight spaces — whether it’s a closet, pantry, or bathroom cabinet," says Best List Editor, Britt Franklin. That's why she loves these ones from mDesign, which optimize her shelf space, provide clear division between items, and allow things to be contained without spilling over.

If you've been looking for ways to eliminate clutter from your nightstand, you'll want to get your hands on Courant's Catch:3 Essentials. The charging tray will be the hub for all your essentials, like your phone, accessories, and other devices. It’s stylish, too — it's made with designer-quality Belgian linen or Italian-sourced leather and comes in an array of colors.

"[This] purse organizer is no more than 6 inches wide in my closet — and it holds a total of 10 purses," says Senior Commerce Editor, Alicia Kort. "I was able to double up clutches and small crossbody bags in the same slot to hold all of the purses I own." The purse organizer requires zero installation and is available in many colors.

Instantly turn any hanger into a hat storage rack with this organizer. It can hold up to 10 hats, and makes storage easy and convenient in your closet. It's ideal for small spaces, too, as it doesn't take up much room.

There are many hangers out there, but this one from the Neat Method hits all the high notes: It's lightweight, slim, sturdy, and can even hold onto thin pieces (like tanks) or heavy items (like sweaters) without breaking or having things fall off. You can even hang jeans from it by adding on hanger clips or simply draping pants over it.

Many Apartment Therapy editors and contributors adore the internet-famous Open Spaces Entryway Rack. Its clean, modern design elevates it from being a simple shoe rack to an attractive storage solution you'll have on display for anyone who comes over to use (and envy) it. It's durable and the rack comes in five colors that'll step up the look of your entryway.

The Yamazaki Home Smart Magnetic Key Holder has hooks for your keys and a shelf to hold your mail, sunglasses, and other things. It can be mounted to the wall with screws, or, for a more renter-friendly application, you can use the adhesives on the back. Deputy Lifestyle Director, Madeline Bilis, likes that it's magnetic, as there's not a ton of space near her front door to put things down. Instead of the wall, she attached it to her fridge, which is by the door.

There are many cube organizers out there, but the IKEA KALLAX takes the top spot on our list for several reasons: It's easy to use, flexible, durable, and adaptable. If you want to use it beyond the entryway, you can always hack it to fit other spaces. Check out these 19 ingenious ideas.

This storage bench from Article is so stylish and versatile with lots of storage space, says Shopping Director, Jada Wong. It has a roomy compartment underneath the plush, supportive bench where she stores out-of-season accessories and slippers for guests. There's even a second compartment under the removable tray to stash smaller things, like sunglasses and hats. "There’s a bit of customization with the bench," adds Wong, so you can choose between two color and two wood stain choices.

Commerce SEO Editor, Sarah Vazquez, loves this freestanding coat rack for her studio apartment entryway. She says, "Its chic and modern styling perfectly melds with my style, while its whopping eight (!) prongs evenly dispersed across the stand allow for an incredible amount of storage that is somehow still compact. The best part? It perfectly fits into the tiniest space in my entryway for immediate storage that looks good and stays out of the way."

Everyone deals with a messy junk drawer (or two ... or three), but it's time to rein that clutter in. This six-piece drawer organizer set by The Home Edit (available at Walmart) will work wonders on your drawers, whether they're big or small. And at under $20 for the entire set, you might just want to grab a few more to tackle all the other cluttered drawers in your home.

A small yet mighty find, this acrylic desktop organizer will help keep what matters most close (think: pens, notepad, and charging cords) while taking up very little of your valuable desk space, so that you can focus on work with no clutter in sight.

"Filing cabinets always felt like a relic of full-time office life to me — unaesthetic and nestled among cubicles and big printers — but this Poppin White Mini 2-Drawer Filing Cabinet has me thoroughly convinced otherwise," says Associate Lifestyle Editor, Sofia Rivera. It tucks under most desks and has a sleek, modern appearance.

Got cord clutter problems? Well, you won't anymore with the Yamazaki Home Web Cable Management Box. It's beloved for how incredibly chic it is and how well it organizes and holds all your cords, while providing a power strip with up to seven outlets. You'll no longer have to deal with an eyesore of jumbled wires.

The exclusive Marie Kondo-designed collection at The Container Store is full of gems, like the Harmony Linen Letter Box, which brings a touch of elegance to your home office. The box will serve as a place to gather your paper clutter and hide it away neatly behind its soft linen lid.

This is your starter pack to getting your pantry organized. The Home Edit’s 5-Piece Pantry Storage System, sold at Walmart, features large bins, bins with inserts, and a three-tier riser for your canned goods — all clear products made of durable BPA-free plastic.

These stack-and-store jars from the well-known brand Ball are the best for decanting pantry goods into them. The airtight containers can stack on each other, and the wide-mouth openings are perfect for scooping, too.

The YouCopia FreezeUp Freezer Rack practically doubles the space in your freezer. "The FreezeUp Rack helped me use my freezer space more efficiently," says Best List Editor, Britt Franklin. The adjustable dividers allow you to store things upright to make the best use of your space and provide visibility.

We love how Rubbermaid Brilliance glass storage containers are leak-proof and completely safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven (sans lid). Associate Lifestyle Editor, Sofia Rivera, says hers have survived being dropped on the kitchen floor, which proves just how sturdy and reliable they are. "And unlike other containers I've tried, the lids snap on easily and securely, for an airtight fit that keeps food fresh and leftovers from stinking up your fridge."

This bamboo five-compartment flatware drawer organizer from Target is a favorite among many editors. It's budget-friendly and extremely durable. And because it's made with bamboo material, it's aesthetically pleasing and can be used both inside the cabinet or on a tabletop or shelf, depending on your needs.

"The organized chaos that was my spice cabinet was transformed into a streamlined way to see and grab spices with ease," says Best List Editor, Britt Franklin, once she added this YouCopia SpiceStack to her small kitchen. The spice rack has three shelves that slide out, and each one lowers at an angle, which makes grabbing what you need a breeze.

This two-tier organizer does wonders for the under-the-sink area of your kitchen. It's a multipurpose organizer, so use it to store your cleaning products, extra sponges, trash bags, and other items.

Fridges can become cluttered fast, but the simple addition of refrigerator organizers can easily prevent this. OXO came out with this 8-Piece Refrigerator Organization Set — a modular system that’ll organize your eggs, beverages, condiments, meals, and more, all while creating extra storage space you didn't have before.

If you’ve ever had difficulties finding the matching lid to your cookware, your answer lies in the YouCopia StoreMore Expandable Cookware Rack. The StoreMore Rack can expand up to 22 inches wide and has 10 dividers to hold even large pans, platters, and lids. “Being able to store my pans vertically freed up half of the cabinet and made it possible to arrange other kitchen tools that needed a home — specifically my ceramic bakeware,” says Best List Editor, Britt Franklin.

Just spin, grab, and go when it’s time to find hard-to-reach pantry and cleaning items with the Copco Lazy Susan Turntable. This two-pack has 9-inch and 12-inch non-skid revolving turntables to use anywhere you need to make instant sense out of clutter. You can trust the rimmed edge to keep your items safe and secure.

You'll never have to deal with a cluttered cabinet of lids again, once you buy the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Cabinet Door Pan Lid Organizer. It sticks right onto your cabinet door (an underutilized storage space, if you ask us). Make sure to give your door a clean before applying for the best adhesion.

Don't forget your pets! If you feed your animals dry food, this food storage duo will keep it safe. Both containers are airtight, with the larger one holding up to 25 pounds of food. Plus, it's great for households with multiple pets because you can divide their food and treats between the two bins.

Stasher Bags are our go-to reusable storage bags. The list of reasons why we always reach for one goes on and on. The bags are leakproof, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and come in a variety of sizes to meet all your food storage needs. Not to mention, they're easy to open, reseal, and clean.

This compact flatware organizer can fit into even the most narrow drawers. It’s a space-saving genie, taking up half the space of a conventional tray, while offering five compartments to store all your utensils. It measures 15.6 x 4.33 x 2.25 inches, and its unique design steals the show when you open your drawer.

We love OXO POP Containers, and this one takes the cake in storing baking supplies. The OXO 8-Piece POP Container Baking Set delivers five baking storage containers in various sizes, along with a brown sugar saver and two scoops (which are great for easily taking out sugar, flour, or oats when you need them).

That wet, smelly sponge collection on your sink deserves better than the soggy soap dish that’s taking up precious counter space. The simplehuman Slim Sink Caddy is the smartest solution we've seen. It can hold up to four standard sponges or a small brush, and the combination of the wire ledge hanger plus four suction cups keeps it locked in place. The bottom is lined with venting holes to ensure your sponges dry fast, while the sleek, stainless steel gives it a modern, stylish touch.

“With this organizer, I’m now able to see every bottle in my collection at once and reach them with ease,” says Commerce SEO Editor, Sarah Vazquez. “The best part? Because of its two-shelf design, I can actually take advantage of the open space at the top of my cabinet and stack bottles on top of each other.” So not only does it organize your bottles, but it also creates more storage space for other things, too.

In addition to storing your cookware, you need to properly organize your bakeware, too. YouCopia has you covered here as well. This adjustable bakeware rack has seven dividers to hold baking sheets, muffin pans, cooling racks, and more.

From plastic wrap and foil to storage bags and parchment paper, every kitchen needs a spot to store these essentials. Enter: the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Plastic Wrap, Foil, and Bag Cabinet Organizer. You can keep it inside a cabinet, pantry, or any other shelving area to take up as little space as possible.

This super-star cart will be your “laundry hub,” holding all your detergents, dryer balls, mesh bags, and so much more. It’s a slim metal rolling cart that you can slide right next to your washing machine or a nearby closet to get through piles of laundry with ease.

“Designed to store and help dispense oversized bottles of laundry detergent, these organizers are truly miracle workers,” says Commerce SEO Editor Sarah Vazquez. The stand elevates bottles of liquid detergent at a downward angle so you can get every last drop, while the security velcro strap secures it.

A collapsible basket is one of the most versatile laundry finds you can have in your home. We like this one because it's a total space-saver and you can put it away when it's not in use or have it out to collect your dirty laundry. It has a great capacity for storage and comes with handles to make transporting it convenient. It also appears on our 2023 Best List.

When you have a ton of laundry to get to, you probably need a laundry sorter. This one makes laundry day run smoothly. Its perks: It's affordable, keeps its shape, has four compartments, and comes in light, dark, and multicolor options.

Turn any available wall into a coat or clothing rack with this leaning coat rack from Yamazaki Home. It has a minimalistic design, measuring 15.25 inches wide at the base and 68 inches tall, and setup is easy. You simply lean the rack against your wall and it'll stay put with its no-slip pads on the bottom. You can move it around and stick it in an unused spot — whenever works best in your small space.

Yes, this is technically a bathroom organizer bin, but it really is a do-it-all, use-it-anywhere storage bin. This affordable find has a modular, opaque design to let you hide things inside. It's simple, effective, and will meet any of your storage needs — even in tight spaces.

"I have basically no kitchen storage so I've had to get creative." says News & Culture Director, Tara Bellucci. "This magnetic fridge organizer stores my paper towels, vitamins, kitchen rolls, and storage bags, which frees up my limited drawer space." It really is an all-in-one organizer for your kitchen.

This tall shoe rack from Yamazaki Home is our pick for small spaces. It's lightweight and portable so you can have it out in the entryway or hidden in a closet. Here's why Shopping Director, Jada Wong, loves it: "I can fit five pairs of shoes on the rack, and I love that it makes use of vertical space instead of more horizontal floor space, which means it’s great for cozy entryways like mine. The steel construction is sturdy but lightweight, so I can easily move it around as needed."

These space-saving vacuum storage bags are an essential item to have for any space, but especially for people living in small spaces. You'll save 80 percent on storage space — which means you don't have to sacrifice any closet or under-bed storage. Plus, you can store clothes, bedding, blankets, and even pillows (yes, pillows).

This laundry basket is slim enough to be tucked away in a closet or placed in the smallest nooks of your home. “The basket is very functional, roomy, and lightweight when empty,” says Commerce Editorial Assistant, Nikol Slatinska. It won best for small spaces in our Best List testing, too.

When you're tight on space, it helps to have furniture pieces that can pull double duty. Case in point: This storage ottoman that can be a coffee table, seat, footrest, and, of course, storage space. Plus, it's easy on the eyes.

The Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack is exactly what we're looking for in a diaper bag. Special Projects Director, Alison Goldman, says: "This diaper bag has gone everywhere with my family for the past year-and-a-half-plus, and it both fits everything and stays organized." She also loves how comfortable it is to wear and how it's held up after being tossed around. "And one more important criteria: It's sleek and doesn't scream, 'diaper bag' or 'purse.'"

This PEHR bin just screams playtime — and it's the ideal storage bin for toys across all ages. It's made of a canvas material and decorated with colorful little pom-poms (one of the many reasons why we adore it). It's also just the right size — not too big or small.

This toddler-sized, sturdy bookshelf allows you to display kids' books with the covers facing forward so they can easily pick out their favorite reads. The multi-colored design is a bonus because it will complement most kids' room decor perfectly. It can hold a wide range of book types and sizes, too.

When you have creative little ones who enjoy arts and crafts, you'll need ways to keep all their things manageable and accessible. These medium-sized storage containers are ideal because they are clear, have a snap-tight latch, and come in a pack of 10 so organizing lots of arts and crafts supplies is not a problem.

Once Best List Editor, Britt Franklin, tried the Solgaard Carry-On Closet, that was it — she'll never travel without it, ever. It’s any traveler's dream luggage. Along with being waterproof, scratch-resistant, and compact, the hard shell carry-on luggage's standout feature is its built-in shelving system for packing and a compression strap to hold it in place.

Managing Editor of Commerce, Tamara Kraus, says these TSA-friendly capsules make traveling with makeup, medicines, and the like so simple and efficient. "Aside from looking like a work of art, Cadence’s travel capsules are pretty smart, too. They're magnetic, so they fit super compactly inside my plastic liquids bag. Most importantly, they're leak-proof so you don't have to worry about a mess waiting for you when you land."

You'll be the talk of the town with this enviable reusable bag set in your grocery cart. Just ask Executive Lifestyle Director, Charli Penn, who doesn’t shop without this four-bag combo (which includes a cooler bag). “They’re detachable and the removable rods extend to fit inside every type of store cart you might encounter,” she says. “They're super sturdy and the mesh bottoms are so efficient. Collectively, they hold two weeks’ worth of groceries and they're super easy to carry and store.”

Whether you have a large or compact vehicle, the Calpak Car Organizer will provide some much-needed organization to the trunk of your car. It has three compartments and handles to easily move it to and from your vehicle, and it folds flat so you can tuck it away when not in use, too. Additionally, it's made with a water-resistant material to protect it from any spills.

This compact key holder from KeySmart may be small, but it packs a big punch. Its slim design can actually hold up to eight keys, so say goodbye to that messy pile jingling and taking up space in your pockets, bag, or purse.

This travel tech organizer will keep all your cords, chargers, and accessories safe and in one place, with its waterproof material and elastic loops and airmesh pockets. "I've had Dagne Dover’s Arlo organizer for a few years now and have used it for every single trip, whether it’s for a weekend road trip to Maine or a two-week bucket-list trip to the Maldives. It’s surprisingly roomy and extremely versatile, and yes, it still looks as good as it did on day one," says Shopping Director, Jada Wong.

It shouldn't be a surprise that our top pick for the must-have gift to get for the most practical person in your life is a label maker — and the Brother P-touch Label Maker, at that! It's where organization and personalization intersect to deliver a present that's not only affordable, but also complementary to their way of life.

Open Spaces Storage Gems are seriously gorgeous storage solutions that'll elevate the look of even your most stylish friend's home. The acrylic storage containers feature pops of blue, dark green, amber, and light green to add just enough color to a dresser, bookshelf, or entryway table.