By Christina Morton DesAuguste
Christina is the founder and CEO of The Organizing Company. She’s been organizing professionally since 2013. She has a background working with kids and teenagers, as well as in retail. Her saving grace during lockdown: the balcony.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our website are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
What’s the most under-utilized organizing product?
Hooks. They’re the easiest way to “create” more space. Vertical organizing is a must in small spaces, especially older homes. We love the charm and character of older homes, but storage space is often lacking. So whether you’re remodeling or just reorganizing, utilize your vertical space with hooks.
We're constantly installing them (or using sticky Command Hooks!) in our clients' homes. Here are some ways we’ve used them, but the sky is the limit.
BATHROOMS
Use them for towels/robes/pjs/today’s outfit. If you’ve dropped an article of clothing in the toilet even one time, this is for you. The top of the toilet tank does not make a good storage solution. Neither does the toilet seat, btw.
BEDROOMS
Use hooks in bedrooms or closets for pjs and gently worn clothes you want to wear again before washing or putting back in the closet. No need for them to pile up on top of the dresser anymore. You can use a sturdier hook as a valet rack to hold the next day’s outfit, complete with necklace and bag.
LAUNDRY ROOMS
Instead of wading wet things up in a hamper while they await their turn in the washer, use hooks to dry things that you won't be washing for awhile to prevent mildew. Install more durable and longer hooks to hang clothes on hangers as they come out of the dryer. I even use one to hold my clean laundry hamper up and out of the way. I also use one of these heavy duty hooks to hold my drying rack off the floor. #AllAboutThatFloorSpace
KITCHEN
Hang your kitchen towels so they aren't dragging on the floor every time you open your oven/dishwasher. We’ve even hung pot holders, dish wands, and measuring spoons. Lots of uses to maximize small spaces.
FOYER/MUDROOM
Use hooks in the entry way for keys, dog leashes, and the reusable grocery bags that need to head back to the car.
GARAGE
Don’t forget the garage! Extension cords, sleds, shovels, random pop up goalie things, helmets, jump ropes, you name it. Use your wall space to make sure you can still get your car in there!
UTILITY ROOM/STORAGE
I use the foldable heavy duty hooks below to hang a step stool, my Christmas tree collar, tree stand, and even my wedding dress. They. Are. The. Best.
Personal favorites: Foldable heavy duty hooks from Amazon. They hold 30-50 pounds. Multiple colors/finishes are available.
Looking for something with no-tool installation?
Command hooks are adhesive and removable. They come in matte black, brushed nickel, single hook, double hook, rounded, square, etc. Lots of options.
Adding hooks is not a big investment and they’re easy to change or take to your next home when you move.
It’s so simple, but it makes a big difference. Having a place to put everything, even if it's only a temporary landing spot, is key. Many of our clients have had the “Ahhh. That’s so obvious; why didn’t I think of that?” response. Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes!
Whatever area is frustrating you, look around and see how something as simple as a hook on the wall (or on the inside of a cabinet door) might provide some much needed functionality.
Happy Organizing!
Christina + The Organizing Company Team
May 15, 2020
Share + Follow
