1. The perfect spot for your spice rack is in your bathroom.
This Momma's Gonna Snap proves that it's a great size for storing nail polish, face wash, and other small tools.
2. A kitchen sponge can de-pill a sweater.
Just gently run a textured, scrubby one across the garment.
3. You should iron clothes when they're slightly damp.
The moisture helps release wrinkles, so press your peskiest pieces right out of the dryer (or use the spray feature on your iron).
4. Professional organizers love this bookcase.
The cube-style KALLAX shelf from IKEA fits a wide variety of items, and can act as a room divider or wall unit.
5. You shouldn't start an organizing project by buying bins and boxes.
Pros agree: You need to tackle the root of the problem (deciding which stuff to ditch, noting your routines, and facing your emotional decluttering demons) before you hit The Container Store.
6. A safety pin can fight static cling.
Affix one near your pant leg's hem to stop this annoying wardrobe issue.
7. Use a rubber glove to whisk away pet hair.
When damp, the glove has just the right texture to grab fuzz.
8. Get a "right away" bin for your laundry.
We asked bloggers for their best get-it-done laundry day tips, and we love that one recommended adding an extra basket to your routine. This way, you'll never be stuck without a soccer uniform or ballet costume on the day your kid needs it.
9. Organize your makeup with magnets.
Clear off your bathroom vanity for good, and create a display that's surprisingly decorative, like Margaret did at Janicki Photography.
10. You dishwasher can wash way more than dishes.
Like toys, hairbrushes, and light fixture glass globes, to name a few.
11. Vertical storage is the absolute best.
One of our favorite organizing pros, Jen Jones of I Heart Organizing, stressed this point: When you're out of storage space, just look up.
12. Adhesive hooks can help you hide cables.
This neat trick, which we spotted on Hi Sugarplum, means you can have your favorite electronics and a tidy living room, too.
13. You shouldn't clean windows on a sunny day.
Or else, the cleaner might dry too quickly and leave streaks. Another streak-causing culprit? Using all-purpose cleaner instead of the for-windows-only variety.
14. A lint roller might be your handiest cleaning tool.
After you give your stereo speakers, lampshades, and purse a quick swipe, you might forget this lightweight gadget is good for clothes, too.
15. You can sneak a lot of storage next to your fridge.
A slim sliding door (you can DIY this one from Classy Clutter) can hold an entire pantry in just a couple inches of space.
16. Dish soap can help get rid of fruit flies.
Add three drops to a bowl of vinegar, and flies attracted to the mixture will sink below the surface.
17. Baking soda can clean basically everything.
Seriously, you should to stock up.
18. A tension rod can help corral pot lids.
Never fight with these awkwardly shaped kitchen tools again with this idea from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.
19. A magazine file is hardly just for magazines.
Use this office staple to hold hair tools, plastic wrap, and cans in the pantry.
20. You need two doormats at your home's entry.
Place one outside and one inside to create the double the opportunities to trap tracked-in dirt.
21. Shower caddies belong under the sink, too.
Just like they organize your shampoo and facewash in the shower, they can neatly store your stash your unopened bottles, too. We spotted this set up on Pretty Organized.
22. You need to check your dryer hoses (and not just the traps!) for lint.
This is serious. When they get this clogged, you're at risk for starting a house fire.
23. Efficiently use freezer space with binder clips.
As seen on Organizing With a Side of Fabulous, clips can secure bags underneath a wire rack, and quell digging through piles of frozen food.
24. You shouldn't store paint in the garage.
You might as well throw it in the garbage; when exposed to high heat in the summer or low temps in the winter, paint won't last.
25. Adding scent to vinegar makes it an even more pleasing cleaner.
Try citrus or herbs to give it some extra oomph.
TELL US: What cleaning or organizing trick did you adopt this year?
RELATED:
10 Genius New Ways to Organize Your Home
5 Clever Uses for Drinking Straws
The Best Ways to Sort Out All Your Digital Photos
Photo: Peter Rosa/Studio D (safety pin)
This story originally appeared on GoodHousekeeping.com.
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