This $39 Joseph Joseph Caddy Cleared My Crowded Countertop

The author shares a personal experience with a cluttered kitchen countertop in a small living space. The article highlights the common challenge of maintaining an organized kitchen when living in an open-concept apartment where the living room, kitchen, and dining room share the same area, coupled with limited cabinet and counter space. The author describes the daily struggle with items like olive oil and large seasonings occupying valuable countertop real estate, despite being frequently used. This situation led to a desire for a practical solution that would address the clutter without requiring the removal of essential, everyday items. The search for an effective organizing method led to the discovery of magnetic shelves, a solution reportedly inspired by content on TikTok. The author's partner initially expressed skepticism about the necessity and effectiveness of such an inexpensive item. However, the author proceeded with the purchase, confident that this small-space hack would prove beneficial. The chosen product was a set of Huggiegems 4 Pack Magnetic Spice Rack Organizers, available for $15 on Amazon. The primary innovation of this solution is its utilization of vertical space on the side of the refrigerator, a surface often overlooked for storage. The author notes that the refrigerator, conveniently located near the countertop, provided an ideal, otherwise unused area for these magnetic shelves. The shelves could be arranged in various configurations, either in a single line or split into two sections, to accommodate existing kitchen layouts and cabinet door clearances. The author opted for a split configuration to ensure a nearby cabinet door could still open unobstructed. The installation of these magnetic shelves immediately transformed the kitchen by providing designated storage for frequently used items such as olive oil and soy sauce. This freed up significant counter space, alleviating the previous clutter. The aesthetic integration of the shelves was also a positive outcome, with the black shelves blending seamlessly with a black refrigerator. The product offers seven other color options, allowing for versatility across different kitchen aesthetics and appliance colors. The author also mentions the availability of a larger six-shelf set for $20, offering even greater organizational potential. The article emphasizes the versatility of magnetic shelves beyond the kitchen. It suggests that these organizers can be effectively used in other areas with underutilized magnetic surfaces, such as bathrooms or dorm rooms, providing a flexible and affordable storage solution for various small spaces. The overall impact of this simple and inexpensive product is presented as a significant improvement in kitchen organization and functionality, confirming its value despite initial skepticism. #KitchenOrganization #SmallSpaceLiving #MagneticShelves #HomeOrganization #CountertopClutter #AffordableSolutions #StorageHacks #KitchenStorage

This article highlights 21 editor-loved kitchen organizers that aim to declutter and optimize kitchen spaces, including cabinets, drawers, spice storage, and general food storage. The recommendations come from various editors at The Kitchn and Apartment Therapy, who have personally tested these products. For cabinet organization, a wire shelf organizer is recommended by Mara Weinraub, groceries and shopping director, to double shelf space and stack dinnerware and cookware. Lauren Miyashiro, Executive Editor, praises the YouCopia StoreMore Adjustable Bakeware Rack for organizing cooling racks, baking pans, skillet lids, and cutting boards, noting its adjustable dividers. Quinn Fish, Senior Lifestyle Editor, suggests the Joseph Joseph DoorStore Chop Cutting Board Set for saving space in tiny kitchens by utilizing cabinet doors for cutting board storage. Two types of lazy Susans are also featured: the YouCopia Crazy Susan Adjustable Two-Tier Turntable for accessible counter and cabinet storage, and the OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Lazy Susan Turntable, favored by food editor Patty Catalano for spices and bottles of vinegar due to its stability and smooth rotation. Drawer organization solutions include the Vtopmart 25-Piece Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers Set, which contributor Rebecca Jones found effective for separating utensils and gadgets, highlighting their clear design and non-slip feet. Lizzy Francis, Lifestyle Editor at Apartment Therapy, recommends the Expandable Bamboo Flatware Tray for its large, expandable design that accommodates various kitchen tools, while Meg Asby, another contributor, favors the spring-loaded Bamboo Drawer Organizers from The Container Store for their custom-fit appearance and versatility in organizing kitchen items. For spice organization, two tiered options are presented. The Copco Non-Skid 3-Tier Spice Organizer is a favorite of editorial assistant Alexandra Foster and Home Projects Editor Sarah Everett for its ability to make spices visible and easy to access, even allowing for alphabetical arrangement. Quinn Fish also recommends the Umbra Bellwood 3-Tier Spice Shelf for its aesthetic appeal and versatility beyond the kitchen, being adjustable and expandable for various items. Additionally, the YouCopia Spice Drawer Liner, praised by Geraldine Campbell, is noted for keeping up to 30 spice bottles organized and preventing them from clanking in drawers. Food storage containers featured include the Secondz Collapsible Food Storage 3-Piece Starter Set, which Quinn Fish finds space-saving and leakproof due to its silicone, collapsible design. Morgan Pryor, Shopping Writer at Apartment Therapy, highlights the Caraway Home Glass Airtight Container Set for its attractive design and stackability, maximizing cabinet space. Quinn Fish also recommends the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece POP Canister Set for decanting pantry items like sugar, flour, and cereal, keeping them fresh and visually appealing. The Bentgo Pantry Airtight Food Storage Containers are another of Fish's favorites for their stackable, BPA-free plastic design, suitable for pantry, fridge, and cabinet organization. The YouCopia ShelfBin Stacking Pantry Bins, reviewed by Pryor, are noted for their sturdy, sleek design that works well even in open spaces, accommodating various random kitchen gear. Lastly, Ball Jar Wooden Storage Lids paired with Ball Mason jars are recommended by Lifestyle Editor Sofia Rivera for bulk pantry storage, offering a streamlined look and clear visibility of contents. Other notable kitchen storage solutions include the Tosca Stackable Countertop Shelf, favored by Editorial Shopping Director Jada Wong for its sophisticated look and extra counter space. Quinn Fish highlights the Wetheny 2-Piece Wall Mounted Wire Basket for its stylish appearance and practical storage of produce or coffee accessories. Finally, the Zwilling Magnetic Knife Bar is recommended by Fish for utilizing vertical space to store knives and metal tools, especially in kitchens with limited drawers or counter space. #KitchenOrganization #HomeDecluttering #StorageSolutions #CabinetOrganizers #DrawerOrganizers #SpiceStorage #FoodStorage #ProductReview #HomeEssentials

The article highlights the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Cutlery Organizer as an essential kitchen tool for organizing narrow drawers, a common challenge in smaller living spaces like studio apartments. The author, Kenedee Fowler, shares her three-year experience with this product across two apartments, emphasizing its effectiveness and affordability. The organizer, priced at around $14, stands out due to its slim silhouette and unique angled, stacked compartments, which are only 4.25 inches wide. A key feature of the Joseph Joseph organizer is its stacked compartments. These slanted and deep-sitting slots are surprisingly spacious, capable of holding a significant amount of silverware. Initially purchased for a 12-piece set, the organizer now accommodates 32 pieces, demonstrating its capacity despite its compact appearance. The design includes two narrower open compartments at the top, ideal for larger items like soup spoons or straw cleaners, and wider compartments below for forks, spoons, and knives. The author notes that loading utensils with handles facing outwards helps to conceal sharper edges, enhancing safety and organization. The compact width of 4.25 inches is particularly beneficial for narrow drawers, leaving ample space on the side for other kitchen essentials such as larger serving utensils or measuring spoons. For those requiring more extensive storage, the brand offers a larger cutlery organizer and an expandable tray version with wider compartments for various kitchen gadgets. The author expresses a strong preference for the compact version, finding it more functional and space-saving than traditional wide cutlery dividers. Durability is another significant advantage, as the organizer is made of plastic that has shown no signs of scratching or chipping over three years. Small, subtly integrated flatware icons in the corner of each compartment are a thoughtful detail. These symbols help identify the contents of each slot, which is especially useful since only the ends of the silverware are visible once loaded. This minor detail, though easily overlooked, prevents a "guessing game" when retrieving utensils. The article concludes by reiterating the value of the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Cutlery Organizer as a budget-friendly and highly functional solution for kitchen organization. Its unique design and efficiency in maximizing limited drawer space have made a lasting impression, not only on the author but also on visitors, including her mother, who was gifted one as a housewarming present. The organizer is presented as a practical and effective tool for maintaining a tidy and functional kitchen, particularly in settings where space is a premium. #KitchenOrganization #DrawerOrganizer #HomeStorage #SmallSpaces #KitchenGadgets #CutleryStorage #SpaceSaving #ProductReview