Choosing the right organizers at home matters when it comes to getting organized.  Nobody likes to make returns, they’re annoying, and painful, and can have you standing in line much longer than you anticipated.  Plus, it can quickly bring your project to an abrupt stop.  Getting the right products the first time makes everyone happy.

There are some you should buy and some you should avoid.  As someone who’s organized plenty of spaces, there are simply some products that just don’t work.  Take it from someone who’s tried numerous times to make these products work and they just don’t.  These are the 5 organizing bins to never use and what to use instead.

Affiliate Disclosure:

We want to be transparent and inform our users that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services that we believe will add value to our readers. Your support through these affiliate links helps us maintain and improve our content. Thank you for your support!

5 ORGANIZERS HOME: What NOT to use and what to use instead

1. Chalk Labels > Label Maker

The first organizers at home to avoid is chalk labels.

When the farmhouse trend started, chalkboard labels were everywhere.  I couldn’t wait to use them too because I thought of finally a way to change out labels quicker.  While it’s certainly quicker to change them, I’ve learned the hard way the “ghosting” that is left behind.  In other words, the text is never fully gone even when it’s erased.  I scoured Pinterest several times and tried cleaning them and nothing worked.  So instead of using chalk labels, use a label maker.

A label maker creates crisp, clean, polished labels and will never leave any ghosting.  There are a variety of fonts that come with each label maker so you can use one that you love.  Plus, you can make them quickly.

Personally, I’ve cherished my label maker for over a decade. Originally a thoughtful gift from my husband during our dating days, I recently upgraded to the wireless version. This enhancement has proven transformative, particularly during projects, thanks to the rapid label-making capability.

2. Can Dispensers > Expandable Shelf

Can dispensers force you to organize cans horizontally, which constantly has you turning your head to the side to see what label is on the can.  They limit you to what you can see, forcing you to take cans out to find out what’s in the back.  They’re also big, cumbersome, and not very aesthetically appealing.  Instead, use an expandable shelf.

An expandable shelf allows you to expand the shelf to fit your needs while allowing items to be displayed vertically. They make it easy to find what you need quickly while being beautifully displayed.  This expandable shelf expands up to 25″ so you can fit quite a few cans on there.  Each shelf is fairly wide making this ideal for larger cans.

We use this type of expandable shelf in almost every pantry we’ve worked on if the space allows for it.  It’s budget-friendly and beautifully designed, and it is clean and modern.  This shelf can work on wire shelves or solid shelves.

Canned goods, sauce, condiments, etc. are what works well here.  Basically, for anything you are having trouble seeing, using this shelf will elevate it and allow you to see it all.

3. Plastic Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers > Metal Door Organizer

These organizers are not sturdy making it harder to get items, plus depending on what’s stored in there, items may fall out if they are too big or tall.  The materials used are usually not the best quality and rip and tear easily.  Use this door-and-wall rack instead.

This Elfa Door-and-Wall Rack requires no hardware or major tools needed to install it.  It’s metal, making it sturdy, durable, and built to last.  The product is extremely customizable, allowing it to fit your needs.

I love this Elfa door and wall organizer because of the customization.  From shoes to gift bags, handbags, and pantry items, this door organizer can do it all.  The “I have no space” excuse is out the door with this organizer.

4. Fabric Under-the-Bed Storage > Plastic Storage Bin

This type of organizing product is flimsy, it doesn’t provide durability or structure. It easily loses its shape making it harder to store it.  Use these under-the-bed storage bins instead.

These storage bins work great for under the bed.  They are easy to access and clear, allowing you to see the contents quickly.  Accessing this bin is easy, it doesn’t lose its shape when you pull it out from under the bed.  Plastic containers are sturdy, they provide structure and keep items tidy when stored.

Under the bed, storage can range from a variety of items.  It’s best to store items that you use a few times a year, having to get daily items from under the bed isn’t very functional.  A great example of under-the-bed storage is seasonal clothing.  Keeping seasonal clothing close to your other clothing makes the transition easy.

5. Fabric Storage Cubes > Wicker Storage Bins

Fabric storage cubes are very similar to under-the-bed storage organizers, they are flimsy and after using them for quite some time, they lose their shape.   Using labels on fabric storage bins can be challenging as well. Instead, use water hyacinth bins.

These bins are sturdy and made from sustainable materials.  They hold their shape well and make it easy to store items there.  If you plan to store any type of clothing in there, be sure to get the bins with the liner in there so clothing doesn’t snag.

I like to use these types of bins for toys or blankets.  These types of bins also work great for the pantry.  The materials are warm and inviting, and can easily transform your pantry.  They work great for cereal, bread, snacks, and baking items, the list is endless.  When using these bins, be sure to add bin clip labels to easily identify what is in each bin.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Nobody likes to buy things that don’t last.  Making returns is a pain in the rear end but what can be more frustrating is buying products that don’t work.  Frustration is a feeling nobody likes. Avoid that feeling by getting the right organizers for the home  from the get-go, it will set you up for lasting success.