Try these hacks for home organization

by Ann Hayward 07/24/2023

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When it comes to controlling the chaos of daily life, you can never know too many hacks for home organization. Many homeowners might not even realize the amount of time they could save by making some simple changes to existing routines - and how inexpensive it can be!

Curtain rod trash bag organizer

Trash bags are a necessary annoyance, and it’s common to have more than one type available. While having options at home is always useful, the bags themselves can be difficult to get out of their boxes or containers. One clever way to solve this issue is by taking the boxes entirely out of the equation and hanging your plastic bags instead.

Using a simple tension curtain rod, you can add a custom bag hanger anywhere - including the cabinet underneath your kitchen sink. Simply thread the new roll of trash bags onto the rod as you would do with a toilet paper roll, and you suddenly have easy access to the bags you need.

Shoe organizer for cleaning supplies

Hanging shoe organizers are all the rage for home organization enthusiasts, but not always for their intended purpose. In fact, the pockets in shoe organizers happen to be the perfect size for storing cleaning products and tools.

Hang a shoe organizer on the back of the door in your pantry, bathroom or laundry room and place your cleaning or laundry supplies in the pockets. Use this hack for items like lint rollers, aerosol sprays, dusters and disinfecting wipes.

Washi tape cord labels

Washi tape is a well-loved crafting item with dozens of uses. If you already have a collection of decorative washi tape for arts and crafts, consider putting some of it to use in organizing your various cables, cords and wires around the home.

Wrap a small piece of washi tape around a cord to instantly create a label. You can either use patterns and colors to differentiate cords, or write on the labels to help you stay organized. Now you’ll always know which mysterious cord coming out of the wall goes to what appliance, electronic or lamp - without the need for trial and error!

Toilet paper roll cord organizer

Cord and cable management is always a hot topic when it comes to home organization. The myriad electronic devices in our homes all come with cords - sometimes multiple - and the result can be overwhelming and messy.

While there are plenty of store-bought cable management solutions available on the market, why not make one for free? Simply repurpose toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls to hold your cords and cables together. Thread them through the tube and instantly bring order to cable chaos for no extra cost.

To factor these hacks into your home decor ideas, experiment with different options for decoration. For example, you can spray paint your new cable management tubes to blend in with your walls or floor color. Choose a shoe organizer in a matching shade to your cabinet door or wherever you choose to hang it.

These are just a few amazing home storage hacks to consider. Give them a try at home, and you never know what new and clever shortcuts you might discover.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]