People frequently ask me what products I recommend they purchase to get organized. I think it’s a common misconception that getting organized costs a lot of money. In reality, I think you need a few great, inexpensive products and the motivation to work hard to complete the task.

Below are a few items that help turn any cluttered and messy room into an organized and deliberately, designed retreat. Now you can take lack of funds off the list of reasons why you haven’t started organizing that room that’s been calling out to you. Each of these items combined total $100 or less.

1. Shelving. You can find beautiful and functional floating shelves at any hardware store these days. Not only does it free up space in a room it also adds interest on a bare wall. You can use baskets to store away items on the shelving and then intersperse show pieces (candles and small frames photos) amongst the baskets. Closets and garages will double or triple storage capacity once shelving is installed. Standard shelving can be used in these areas to save money.
2. Baskets. Beautiful baskets in natural textures bring the outdoors in and warm up a room. They also provide a space for storing small items that would otherwise clutter up and overwhelm an area. In the bathroom you could use it to keep beauty products together or hair accessories for young girls. Baskets can be used in an office area to gather papers or supplies. The possibilities are endless. Nice boxes, or attractive plastic bins can also be used if baskets aren’t your thing or if you’re working in a kid space.
3. Label makers. I love my label maker and feel like no organizational project is complete unless you can find the stuff after you’ve organized it. Attractive labels that actually stick to the storage bin they’re intended for can help you locate objects faster than forging around each bin individually.
4. A trash can. The secret weapon to winning the war against clutter is the trash can. You need it to get the renovation rolling and you need it to maintain minimalism. I can’t think of many rooms in a house that couldn’t benefit from a waste basket. Whether it’s the laundry room, office, bathrooms, kid’s rooms, etc. they all have a greater chance of staying orderly if you have a system for disposing of unwanted items.

Question: What are your secret tools for organizing a space?