Organizing

Organizing here is about making daily life easier, not about a perfect pantry photo. This category covers storage and organization for every part of the house: kitchens and pantries, closets, entryways and mudrooms, kids' rooms and play areas, garages, and holiday decor storage. It also covers the simple routines that keep things from piling back up.

How I pick organizing finds

The best organizing product is often the one you don't need to buy, so I start with ideas before shopping. When a product does make the list, I look for sturdy materials, sizes that fit standard shelves and cabinets, pieces that can be reused in a different room later, and good value. Links go to retailer search results so you can compare sizes and current prices before you buy.

Quick organizing tips

• Declutter first, then measure. Clear out what you don't use and measure the space before buying any bins or shelves.
• Give everything a home. If an item doesn't have a set spot, it ends up on the counter.
• Store by how often you use it. Everyday items go at eye level and within reach; seasonal and rarely used items go up high or in the back.
• Label it. Labels help the whole household put things back in the right place, not just the person who organized it.
• Make a ten-minute reset a habit. A quick daily tidy of the kitchen and entryway keeps clutter from building up.

Organizing guides are on the way. In the meantime, a couple of the seasonal guides include tips for storing wreaths and holiday lights.