I am a self-proclaimed pack rat. Luckily, I’ve had two international moves in the course of four years that have forced me to take an inventory of my possessions and edit them down. (Do I really need this t-shirt that I’ve had since my freshman year of college? No…)

The new year is a great time to get organized, and what better place to help you with some guidelines than the Mecca Of All Things In Order: The Container Store?

But what about all of the cute shit you want to organize with? I’ve got you covered.

Monsieur Postman mail organizer on Modstock.

ISSUE: Holy crap my apartment/flat/house/nation-roaming RV is too small to hold my stuff!

SOLUTION: Edit down. Store smart.

The Container Store has a great little set of guidelines to help you maximize your small space. I especially like their idea of using stackable shelves! I recently saw some really neat ones at Target from their itso brand. They’re cheap, sturdy and can be coordinated with a lot of pieces from the line.

This cube will save your life!

ISSUE: My kitchen is a hot-ass mess. My utensils are all over the place, I have too many spices and I accidentally stabbed myself with something in the knife drawer. Also, what’s that thing growing in the fridge?

SOLUTION: Hanging racks. Spice racks. MAGNETS! We’ll get to the farm in your fridge in a minute…

• Hanging racks are great - I have one from Ikea mounted next to the stove that a few essential cooking utensils hang from. It also holds my recipes. Word of caution: it may look cool to mount the rack on the back splash above your stove, but be on guard when reaching for something over the meal that you’re cooking…

“I hold errythang!”

• Your grannie’s spice rack has evolved. Old fashioned ones are wonderful if you have lots of counter or cabinet space, but some spatially-challenged seasoners need a more practical solution: cue the Kamenstein magnetic rack, which can also be used for your home office. Don’t forget that spices go bad! The Seattle Times has a point, ya’ll…
• Same magnetic concept goes for knives, although I’m still a fan of the knife block, like this one that fits in a drawer… handy in the prevention of stabbed fingers.
• As for the smell… get vegetable bags for your fridge, you piggy! 

These will help prevent any Cloverfield Monster/zombies/ghosts that could spawn from the vegetable drawer.

ISSUE: I’m about to be engulfed by the cord monster! 

SOLUTION: GO TO THIS WEBSITE AND FIGHT THE BEAST.

ISSUE: I want my toiletries to look cute, but don’t want to buy a bulky storage unit!

SOLUTION: If you have a little counter space to work with, these stackable apothecary jars from West Elm are awesome.

Take THAT, runaway cotton balls.

ISSUE: My craft desk looks like everyone at Martha Stewart got in an art supply fight.

SOLUTION: Ask Martha Stewart for help. Pretty obsessed with the hidden office space tutorial… she also has a solution for your cord problems. I love you, Craft Goddess.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart website.

 OTHER CRAP TO HELP YOU:

• Sometimes the hardest part of organizing is learning to let go of your stuff. Secrets Of Simplicity is supposedly very helpful. The illustrations are pretty, too!
• Occasionally, I’ll get really excited to organize if I see fun and/or functional products. Knock Knock is awesome for that! I really like this take out menu organizer. 

 Don’t act like you don’t have that shameful drawer full of menus in your kitchen.

• Real Simple has a wonderful section all about organizing, including a Tips & Techniques section. This is a great website where you can inspire yourself to change your living style, as well as to help you get started if you’re a little bewildered. 
• Now if you live near an IKEA, you’re in luck. There’s a website to help make your newly purchased bargain home goods fancy! Inspiration From Ikea - please note: you will need Google Translate or an equivalent (or you know, be able to speak Swedish). If not, just look at the pictures.

Both lovely AND functional.

• Etsy has a great selection of storage/organizational items with a little character, as long as you don’t mind paying for shipping or organizing a pick up:

1. Canned food storage organizers - you could even paint these to match your kitchen or pantry’s theme.
2. Great jewelry storage options from Bluebird Heaven.
3. A pretty nifty wine rack…
4. And my favorite: chalkboard jars!

Perfect for those loose ends…

So there you have it, my little clutter bugs! Happy organizing, and mind the vegetable drawer.

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