12 New Ways to Organize in The New Year

Mail and Miscellaneous Papers 

Your junk drawer is already packed with, well, junk. Set up a (literal) in-box for all of your papers — mail, receipts, and your kid's notes from school — and sort through the pile once a week. When a guest comes, simply pop on the lid to hide the clutter.

Junk "Drawer"

Take advantage of your kitchen cabinets by turning the backs into an organization station. "Sort everything into categories and file in pocket organizers, which stick on the inside of kitchen cabinet doors," said Leslie Josel, creator of Order Out of Chaos. This means you'll be able to track down Mom's beloved recipe without digging through a junk drawer.

Fridge & Freezer

The key to having a fridge as pristine and organized as a celebrity (think: Khloe Kardashian) is clear, stackable storage containers. This set of six containers fits different fruit and vegetables, condiments, drinks, and eggs. You can customize 'em depending on your style, which means you can even designate them for different dishes or days of the week. 

Junk "Drawer"

Take advantage of your kitchen cabinets by turning the backs into an organization station. "Sort everything into categories and file in pocket organizers, which stick on the inside of kitchen cabinet doors," said Leslie Josel, creator of Order Out of Chaos. This means you'll be able to track down Mom's beloved recipe without digging through a junk drawer.

Linen Closet

You can never have enough sheets and towels ... until your closet is overflowing with mismatched, ratty, and well-loved linens. Instead of tucking them away in baskets, place everything straight on the shelves so that you can see exactly what you have. Use shelf dividers to keep everything separated and prevent stacks from toppling over. Rosenthal's top tip: Store sheets sets within the pillowcase to take the stress out of making the bed.

Clothes

Take a note from the fashion experts to make your mornings so much easier. "Take tried-and-true outfits and hang the items together — shirts, pants, and accessories," suggests Stacy London, former host of What Not to Wear. By placing clothes and their coordinating accessories on streamlined velvet hangers, you'll be able to fit more in your closet, no matter the size.

Junk "Drawer"

Take advantage of your kitchen cabinets by turning the backs into an organization station. "Sort everything into categories and file in pocket organizers, which stick on the inside of kitchen cabinet doors," said Leslie Josel, creator of Order Out of Chaos. This means you'll be able to track down Mom's beloved recipe without digging through a junk drawer.

Homework Station

Because every house with school-age kids needs one. "Fill a clear plastic bin with pencils, scissors, rulers, and other supplies, so your child doesn't burn through precious time hunting for supplies every day," says Josel. "When the assignments are done, everything gets returned to the bin and your child sets up his or her backpack for the next morning."

Garage

Remember: Your garage is actually made for storing cars, not stuff. "Go vertical with your storage by making the most out of the wall space, even above the garage doors," says Rosenthal. Install pulley-style systems for bulky items that you don't use everyday like ladders and bikes.

Shoes

Whether you have designated shelves, shoe boxes, or a cluster of shoes at the bottom of the closet, organizing shoes heel to toe can maximize your space and give you a better look at the assortment of colors, toe styles, and heel heights.

Dresser Drawers

Nobody has time for mismatched socks. This set of four fabric organizers — six dividers for scarves or ties, eight dividers for underwear, seven dividers for bras, and 24 dividers for socks — gives everything a home. Plus, you'll actually be able to see if you're running low on something before you try getting dressed in the morning.

Under The Sink

"Maximize the space under the sink by adding stackable storage like bins and drawers to make the most out of the open space," suggests Rachel Rosenthal, founder of Rachel & Company. If you find yourself reaching for these products often (think: soap, feminine hygiene products, and spare rolls of toilet paper), then try a stackable cabinet with a sliding drawer for easy access.