There is a saying that goes like this; “Half of any job is choosing the right tools.”  Choosing and using the right tools for an organizing job is crucial for a successful project.  I have listed ten of my favorite products and how I use them below. Let’s begin with products for around the house.

1.  Cansolidator 40 Can Pantry Shelf Organizer by Shelf Reliance

This product shown in the photo above is a great space saver and is perfect for pantries. It is useful for storing canned items that you buy in bulk. It is a mini version of the canned soup dispensers found in supermarkets. A cabinet sized consolidator is also available. This product is available at Amazon .com.

2.  Sterilite Basket

This work horse comes in small, medium, large and extra large and is available from Amazon.com. The small basket is perfect for upper cabinet shelves in your kitchen. The medium basket works well in pantries, lower cabinets and play rooms. The larger basket is perfect in a deep over the fridge cabinet. I like these baskets because they are uniform in color and shape, light weight yet sturdy and they are affordable.

3.  Clear Storage Chest

This small sized zippered bag is perfect for storing sweaters and sheet sets. King size sheet sets will need the larger size.  These are available at The Container Store.

4. Trouser Hangers

The unique shape of this hanger allows for easy removal of your pants. The padded bar prevents that dreaded crease from forming where the pants are folded over the hanger.  My favorite feature of this hanger is that it saves up to four inches of vertical space in a closet. These hangers are available at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

5. Elfa Door Basket System

I love this product. It’s a snap to install and can be removed without damage to the door. It fits tight against the door and the different depths of baskets will hold a variety of items. It is only available at The Container Store.

6. Gladiator Gear Track

This is a versatile system for getting stuff off the floor in your garage. I have it in my garage and have used it with several clients. It is one of the few wall systems that you can install right over concrete block. There are many hooks, baskets and shelves that slide into the track. This product is available at Lowes and Sears. Check it out here.

I use and love these products for paper and information management

7.  Staples Wire Mesh 3-Tier Desk Shelf

This product allows you to use your vertical space on your desk and keep your piles organized. It has three large trays with plenty of space between them. Use them as your in-box, to-be-filed-box, and out-box and get that paper off your desk.

8.  Smead Viewables Labeling System

I have been using this product myself and with clients for several years. The software works with Windows computers and is a free download at Smead.com.

MAC users I’m pleased to announce there is now an online version of this product.

The labels are available at staples.com. I stock the labels and the plastic label covers so that when I work with a client I have them on hand. The software is simple to use and it adds color and a clean look to your files.

9.  Microsoft Outlook

This is a software package that organizes your email, your calendar, your tasks and your contacts.  It works with Microsoft Excel and Word. Most people underuse Outlook. It is powerful.

10. Google Drive

Drive is a free web-based platform. Drive allows you to create, upload and share word, spreadsheet and presentation documents. You do need a Gmail account to access Google Drive. This is a great collaborative tool and I use it when working with a team.