Clear out clutter and get organized with these tips and products

There’s a reason for the idea of “spring cleaning.” By the time the days start to warm up, we’re sick of the clutter we’ve collected through the season.

Let’s face it, the bottles of bubble bath and lotion are cramming up a corner of your limited bathroom counter space. Those cool new gizmos your mom decided you simply had to have in the kitchen? Collecting dust in a corner. So, why not get a jump on spring cleaning, even if the temps are still in the single digits?

All organizing pros will tell you to take a look at your inventory. No matter how fetching that shade of green is, if you haven’t worn that skirt in a year, it’s time to offer it up to a charitable organization. The same can be true of kitchen gizmos, really.

Are you ever going to use that apple-corer or that mini blender? If not, say goodbye.

Then take the next step, and organize the clothing, paperwork and kitchen wares you simply need. Leah Drill, spokeswoman for Bed, Bath and Beyond notes it’s a snap to get rid of kitchen clutter if you have the right tools.

“Clear up clutter on your kitchen counter tops or in the pantry by using organizational tools that help create more space,” she says. “The metal mesh two-piece expandable cabinet shelf instantly creates storage space by allowing you to stack everyday items like dishware, spices and other kitchen items.”

Another great tip? Organize those pots and pans you have crammed on a shelf over your stove, or in kitchen cabinet. The company’s mesh organizer rack will help you put all those pots, pans and lids together.

A few other suggestions for trouble spots around the house:

Stack it up

Make more space in your cabinets in a snap with these handy organizing tools. Metal mesh expandable cabinet shelves, $19.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

Put a lid on it

This expandable shelf creates instant space. No more fumbling to find the right lid for your pot or pan. Mesh pot and lid organizer, $14.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

It’s a shoe in

Take that wreck of a closet of yours, and bring some order to it by getting your shoes in order. Gray drop-front shoe box, $14.99, containerstore.com

Color us impressed

How cool is this? This nifty little basket can organize everything from kitchen supplies to crafts to cosmetics. And it has eye-appeal as well. Color block bins (set of six), $24.99, containerstore.com

Divide and conquer

We all have a drawer–be it in the kitchen or the office–that we proclaim the “junk drawer,” right? Make it a bit less junky by organizing it with this product. Charleston magnetic divided bin, $6.99 on sale, containerstore.com