6 Overrated Organizing Products Experts Warn Against

Organizing products experts say are often impractical—and smarter alternatives to use instead.

by Elma B. Miller
// Editorial Curation //
In our quest for an organized and aesthetically pleasing home, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by a plethora of storage solutions that promise efficiency and elegance. However, not all organizational tools hold up to scrutiny; some may even complicate our lives further. In this guide, we unveil the six storage solutions you should reconsider, embracing instead more effective alternatives that will elevate your space to its fullest potential.

Hanging Fabric Organizers

Jennifer Moore, the visionary behind Organized Boutique in Allen, Texas, expresses her disdain for hanging fabric organizers. Often seen in closets to store sweaters, these organizers lack the necessary structure, resulting in sagging compartments that fail to maintain their shape under the weight of stacked garments. Instead, she advocates for acrylic shelf dividers, which not only maintain order but also present your beloved sweaters in an elegant arrangement.

Elma’s Styling Tip

Consider investing in clear acrylic dividers that not only enhance visibility but also allow for a seamless blend of functionality and style in your closet.

Stacking Clear Shoeboxes

While it may be tempting to replace traditional paper shoeboxes with clear stacking alternatives, Jennifer Moore warns against this unless they feature a practical front-opening design. The challenge of retrieving shoes from the bottom of a towering stack can transform your shoe storage into an exercise in frustration. Instead, she emphasizes the advantages of drop-front boxes, which facilitate easy access while maintaining an attractive presentation.

Elma’s Styling Tip

Select shoeboxes with viewing windows to keep your footwear visible while ensuring that they remain dust-free.

THE EXPERT CHOICE Top Rated
The “Custom Closet” Hack

Stop piling sweaters that topple over. These clear acrylic dividers slide right onto your shelves, instantly creating a boutique look.

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Over The Door Shoe Hangers

Continuing the theme of shoe storage, Moore advises against over-the-door shoe hanging systems for a myriad of reasons. These organizers are prone to instability, often shifting when the door opens, leading to larger shoes tumbling out unexpectedly. Instead, she champions a simple yet elegant stackable wooden shoe shelf, which not only provides a stable foundation but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your closet.

Elma’s Styling Tip

Opt for a shoe rack in a finish that complements your closet décor, integrating functionality with style beautifully.

Wicker Baskets

Carol Appelbaum, the founder of Luxury Pro Organizer in Houston, Texas, acknowledges the charm of rattan and wicker baskets, yet she expresses her reservations regarding their use. These baskets can harbor unpleasant odors, particularly in confined spaces, and their uneven surfaces make it challenging for items to rest securely. Instead, she recommends opting for wood or fabric containers, which provide a more stable and aesthetically pleasing organization solution.

Elma’s Styling Tip

Choose baskets with liners or made from breathable materials to enhance airflow and prevent musty odors.

Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Appelbaum firmly states that corrugated cardboard boxes have no place in a refined home. They are notorious for attracting pests, serving as a nesting ground for unwanted insects. If you find yourself in possession of such boxes, she advises keeping them outdoors until you are ready to recycle, ensuring a pest-free environment within your home.

Elma’s Styling Tip

Utilize sturdy, decorative boxes that complement your interior design while providing a functional storage solution.

THE DESIGNER’S PICK Trending
The Bamboo Entryway Bench

Sturdy, sustainable, and stylish. This 3-tier bench replaces unstable door racks with a piece of furniture that looks good in any foyer.

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Stacking Turntable Spice Racks

Though stacking turntable spice racks may seem like a clever storage solution, Appelbaum points out their inherent impracticality. The design often obscures the visibility of items resting at the bottom, making it challenging to locate what you need swiftly. This inefficiency undermines the very purpose of such organizers, suggesting that simpler solutions may serve you better in the long run.

Elma’s Styling Tip

Consider using clear spice jars arranged on a lazy Susan for easy access and an aesthetically pleasing display.

The Final Verdict

Select your storage solutions wisely; the right choice can transform chaos into elegance.
EM
Elma B. Miller
Founder & Curator
“Luxury is a feeling, not a price tag.”
REF: ART-4823
Community ➤ Arteresting Interiors

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