12 tools for tidying four key areas of your home

Japanese author and organization expert Marie Kondo may have published four books on the topic of tidying — including a No. 1 New York Times bestseller that's been published in more than 40 countries — but it's her recently released Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, that's sparked a bonafide decluttering craze and much debate this month.

Not everyone is convinced about the effectiveness of the KonMari method, but if Tidying Up has inspired you to declutter and reorganize your belongings over the past few weeks, you might want to invest in a few home organization tools to keep your storage areas looking their best. Think drawer dividers, small containers, clear storage boxes….

It may seem a bit counterintuitive to make new purchases after you've just purged so many items that didn't "spark joy." But having a proper place to put your (remaining) belongings, and a way of storing them that keeps each item visible and easy to access are important parts of the tidying process. In fact, on several episode of the show, Kondo comes over with armfuls of boxes and small containers to help her clients stay organized.

Here are a dozen specially designed finds to improve the utility of key storage areas of your home — all for under $50.

Drawers

You can definitely use some small boxes or trays you already own to organize the contents of your drawers, but sourcing storage-specific products will lead to better-fitting, pleasingly matching combinations. Drawer dividers, especially ones that are expandable and easy to move around, will also help your well-folded socks and towels stand up better and look neater.

Joseph Joseph Drawerstore Expand, $28.06, amazon.ca

InterDesign Linus Dresser S, $9.99, roominorder.com

4" Expandable Drawer Dividers, approx. $26.08/pair, containerstore.com

Pantry and kitchen cabinets

Kondo recommends placing seasonal items such as paper plates and party napkins in a separate, tidy-looking box instead of creating loose piles in your kitchen cabinet. One couple's pantry on the show also looked much more organized once they started storing dry goods in matching, clearly labelled jars and containers.

.ORG Metal Mesh Expandable Cabinet Shelves, $26.49, bedbathandbeyond.ca

Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Handles Starter Kit, $46.86, containerstore.com

Yohki Storage Jar with Cork Lid, $17.99, bodum.com

Closets

Having adequate shelf and rack space for shoe storage is crucial for several of Kondo's clients on Tidying Up. She recommends organizing footwear by colour, shape, brand and year of purchase, and placing heavier styles on lower shelves.

Tjusig Shoe Rack, $29.99, ikea.com

Wall Organizer, $14.99, hm.com

Stash on the Rack Organizer, $20, umbra.com

Bathroom storage

One of Kondo's tips on the show, particularly when it comes to miscellaneous items, is to store things in a way "where you can see everything with one look." In the bathroom, adding drawer organizers or small boxes to hold specific categories of products will get your beauty tools, toiletries and cosmetic products looking orderly in no time.

Acrylic Storage Bottle Stand, approx. $20 CAD, muji.us

Rain Divided Tray, $15.29, solutions-stores.ca

Portable Toiletries Caddy, $22, urbanoutfitters.com