There are a lot of products you can buy (and of course use) that help make home organization projects easier and more efficient. As a professional organizer, I make use of, and recommend, a lot of them too. I’m also often asked which of these products I think is the most useful in home organization. So, today I thought I would share one of my favorite responses here and explain a little more.
Want to know my secret weapon for home organizing? It’s hooks. As a professional organizer, I’ve tested countless products, but these simple, affordable tools are often the most practical solution I recommend.
They’re especially perfect for homes short on storage – whether you’re in a historic house full of charm (but few closets) or a compact studio apartment. For just a couple dollars each, hooks transform unused wall space into valuable storage.
I use them in nearly every client project, from traditional mounted hooks to temporary Command strips. The ways you can use them are endless, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite techniques.
Bathrooms
Use them for today’s outfit, towels, robes, and pajamas. This is for you if you’ve ever dropped a piece of clothing into the toilet, even just once. The toilet tank’s top is not a practical place to store anything. And the toilet seat isn’t either.
Hooks can also help people (mainly kids) get into the habit of hanging towels up neatly, rather than shoving them haphazardly on a towel rail, or worse still, on the floor. And they are great for hanging body sponges and loofahs on a shower wall.
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.
Hooks are also great for adding to the back of a closet door to hang your everyday wear jewelry – no more wasting time trying to untangle that string of beads (again) when you really should have been out of the door ten minutes ago.
If you are a hat person (even bobble hats) hooks are a must too. Storing hats so that they don’t get smushed is super important! Hanging them rather than stacking them is the best bet for preserving your beautiful brimmed hats for as long as possible!
Kitchens
Hooks have so many uses in the kitchen! Hang your kitchen towels, so they aren’t dragging on the floor every time you open your oven/dishwasher. Use heavy-duty hooks to hang up pots and pans. Hang pot holders, dish wands, and measuring spoons. Hooks have lots of uses to maximize small spaces in kitchens, and that can really make a big difference to the feel and function of what is usually the busiest room in your home (after the bathroom.)
Hallway/Foyer
If you don’t have a formal mudroom, or even much of a hallway, the strategic placement of hooks will allow you to create one in less than an afternoon. Once installed, they can be used for a lot more than just coats and umbrellas. Dog leashes, keys, scarves, school backpacks, and reusable shopping bags all find their home here.
For tight spaces, try staggering hooks at different heights to maximize vertical storage while preventing items from tangling. And don’t forget the back of the door – this often-overlooked spot can hold seasonal items like winter coats in colder months and beach towels in summer. A few well-placed hooks can transform even the smallest entryway into an organized landing zone that keeps daily essentials within easy reach.
Garage/Shed
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!
Top Secret Tip: Use Command Hooks
Not all of us are great with screws and drills, and if your home is a rental – or you want to make use of hooks to get a dorm room better organized – the chances are good that making holes in the walls is against the rules anyway. All of this, and other reasons, are why I am a huge fan of Command Hooks.
Not only do Command Hooks come in lots of different sizes (the better to bear different weight loads) they are also offered in an increasing range of styles, including some very attractive stainless steel and brushed nickel versions that look super high end when installed!
Adding hooks is not a big investment, and they’re easy to change out or even take to your next home when you move.
It’s so simple, but it makes a big difference when organizing any space. Having a place to put everything, even if it’s only a temporary landing spot, is key. Many of my 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!
Speaking of which, if you are struggling with home organization, sometimes that fresh set of eyes can be all it takes to get you going.
Set up an appointment with me, and we’ll discuss your needs, and wants, for home organization and devise a plan to make them a reality.
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