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In many ways, organization is like writing: painful in the process but with satisfying results. Also like writing, the more you do it — the more experience you have breaking it down into approachable parts — the easier it becomes. So this spring, I suggest starting small: Tackle one drawer or closet. Then, do another one every weekend.
Process, though, can only go so far. I took at look at my home and polled colleagues at the Cut to select these 12 items that will help organize your space.
1.
Velvet hangers
Velvet hangers, like these from Amazon, are a space-saving solution that will also prevent your clothes from slipping off the hanger and onto the floor. I suggest getting a mix of black and white hangers (the black ones tended to leave a residue on my white skirt). My colleague Matthew Schneier, New York’s chief restaurant critic, is a big fan of these “weird, expensive, but worth-it German hangers. They really keep the shape of clothes, are very thin, and hold on to garments.”
2.
A handy makeup bag
This Relavel makeup bag was suggested by my colleague Asia Milia Ware, the Cut’s beauty writer. For years, I would stuff my makeup in makeup bags only to ever use three items. Since I can see all my products in this bag, it forces me not to hoard old makeup and take care of what I actually use. It also comes with a detachable mirror, which is hugely helpful in bathrooms with bad light.
3.
A charger case
This one needs no explanation. It keeps all your chargers and wires in one place.
4.
An over-the-door organizer
No matter the size of your apartment, if you live in New York City, you probably need more space. I liked this organizer so much that I ordered it twice and hung my bags on it. It is affordable and aesthetically pleasing.
5.
A steamer
Okay, fine, TikTok made me buy this. But if you, like me, are obsessed with videos of people cleaning grout, this is your kind of circus. With this Dupray steamer, you can clean carpets, floors, ovens, couches, and car interiors.
6.
A power strip organizer box
This is a recommendation from our deputy editor, Jen Ortiz, who says, “It makes the floor look so much cleaner.” Sold!
7.
A lazy Susan
This is another recommendation from Schneier, who is partial to the OXO one: “Lazy Susans everywhere,” he wrote. “I have one under the sink for cleaning supplies and one in the pantry for spices, but want to add one in the closet for Advil/Tylenol/Band-Aids, etc. — and even potentially in the fridge.”
8.
Vacuum bags
The Cut’s market editor, Cortne Bonilla, places these vacuum storage bags under her bed to save space. Smart.
9.
An updated laundry hamper
I recently got the new Nori hamper. It’s taller and thinner than most, which allows it to fit perfectly into a corner of my closet. It also has detachable wheels, so I am not lugging laundry through my apartment. And if you don’t have the space, executive editor Marisa Carroll uses this one, which hangs over a door.
10.
A (narrow) storage cart
Two colleagues suggested this rolling storage cart for kitchens and bathrooms without storage. It is narrow enough to fit into a nook but can hold an impressive amount of stuff.
11.
A colorful crate
Sometimes you just need a catchall crate. My colleague Brooke LaMantia suggested this one, which she folds down when not in use. Plus, it comes in fun colors, so you won’t mind it being seen.
12.
A flosser
This Bitvae water flosser makes flossing so easy and even … exciting? I used to dread going to the dentist because I knew they would ask me how often I floss. (I didn’t. Don’t come for me.) I’ve already bought this for multiple people in my life, too. It takes up shelf space but is 100 percent worth it.
