In this episode, we share our top 8 organizing products of 2025. The tools we used the most, recommended the most, and returned to because they genuinely work. This year’s list builds on our 2023 and 2024 favorites while introducing new standouts that made a real difference in daily routines.
We also talk about why these tools matter, how we update our recommendations, and how you can use each one in different areas of your home.
In This Episode We Talk About…
- Why some products stay on our list year after year
- Why we only recommend products that pass our long-term tests
- What makes a product “worth keeping” in your home
- How to use each of the 8 favorites in real-life spaces
- How digital systems support physical organizing
- When and how we update product recommendations for safety or quality
Mentioned in This Episode
- Our 2023 Favorite Products Episode
- Our 2024 Favorite Products Episode
- Our Amazon Shop (for specific product versions)
- Turntables, labels, dividers, totes & digital tools
Review full show notes and resources at https://theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast
Review Transcript:
Happy last episode of 2025. Welcome back to Organizing Cherish with the Organized Flamingo. This is the last episode of 2025, and if you're listening to us in another year, like 2026 or onward, don't you worry. We try to make every episode as relevant to the moment as possible. But just a heads up, yes, this is our last one.
So you will be hearing about things that happened in 2025. Okay, so today we are sharing one of our most requested episodes of the year. This is our third year doing it in podcast style. I have done these lists in the past before that, so if you're, you've been part of our community, you know that before I used to do these like one-pagers and whatnot, but since we started the podcast back in 2023, we started doing these episodes about what our favorite organizing products are of that year.
So what I do is I, I'm gonna do like a recap of, of some new ones and then revisit some of the old ones that we still love and why I loved them this year. Again, we've done this in like 23 and 2024. And because you love these episodes and they're not just like about the trend or the hype of, of some product or one time gadgets.
You've enjoyed my, my commentary about why I still love a product. So I, I'm bringing that back. I'm continuing that tradition. Um, these are all about tried and true. Organizing products and or decluttering product, uh, products that I actually use or recommend or have seen work really, really well, especially for a long period of time.
Like I, there is not one product on here that, and that, or that I have really ever, I'm trying to think. I look back as, you know, even in my, in my previous years, like I always made a promise to myself that I would always give recommendations of things that have been tried and true, uh, or very well recommended by people that I'd really trust.
These are all aiming at making your life easier. So there's nothing on here that I just tried once and added it to the list. Okay. But before we jump in, let's talk about how we chose products and why these lists continue to, you know, to make, uh, an impact for us and for you, and hope that you appreciate the work that goes behind them.
But I also like to let you know, uh, why these products made it to the list, okay. And what my parameters were. So every time we choose a favorite to add to the list, we're not really just thinking about the aesthetics or popularity. We are thinking about durability, accessibility, the cost, long-term usefulness, and how well a product supports caregiving, multitasking, and the realities of home life or, or like any combination of that.
Okay. Um, another important reminder is that these categories are general and you can use any brand. I will have some favorites that I might mention from time to time, especially if there is a product that is a signature product for a certain brand. Then I will mention that otherwise use the one that best suits you or the one that you find wherever.
Okay. Many of these are a prototype. If you want to see the specific versions that we personally use, those live in our Amazon shop, that just has been the easiest place that I can place them. You know, I will place, I, I might change the platform in later times, but for now it's just that the Amazon shop is just the easiest one where you can see the pictures either reviews how they're being used and, and, and if you do shop on Amazon, it's easy to get and get it delivered if it's applicable to you.
But I also understand that that might not be your most favorite platform. So at least you can see pictures of them on our blog. And, you know, and, and if you click on the image, at least you can just see the image so that you can go shop for your own prototype or your own type of product. Our past lists still hold true today, though.
Um, so good organizing tools remain. Good organizing tools. So like those will continue to be there and if I don't mention them this year, it's only because, you know, they're still our, our favorite, but it just didn't make that impact to this year. But they're still good. I will always update our recommendations if something is recalled, redesigned, poorly, becomes unsafe, or stops being reliable, we do remove it from our shopping list on Amazon or any other cart that we may be using at the time.
And again, we don't, we're not sponsored as of right now from any brand. Um, and don't really foresee that in our future for that reason, because we want to make sure that you have options to pick the one that is best suited for you. But at least I give you some parameters to be in the lookout for as you're shopping, uh, or you're using or inherited inheriting.
So this year's list does build upon the previous years and it balances the classics with a new standout. So let's dive into the eight products that made the 2025 list, uh, and then I'll give you some reasons as to why or examples on how to use it.
Welcome to the Organized and Cherish podcast. With the organized flamingo. I am your host Stephanie, your compassionate and efficient professional organizer. Whether you are part of the sandwich generation helping a loved one declutter, or just trying to simplify life, this is the place for you. Together we will tackle those overwhelming piles of stuff, uncover purpose in what we.
And let go with dignity and care, because it's not just about throwing everything away, it's about respecting memories and simplifying life. Sound like a plan? Let's jump in and get organized. Okay, the first one is the black and yellow heavy duty storage totes. These return every year, almost every year. I think last year we ended up, um, doing the container store weatherproof bin because that was a, a one of our most popular used ones and, and it was really reliable, so we put it on the list.
But this year we are returning to the black and yellow heavy duty storage totes. Um, they're just simply most like one of the most dependable, long-term storage solution. It, um, is really great for most spaces. Um, not too, I mean, unless you're doing like extreme heat or extreme cold, but for the most part, they fit grid ink garages and basements under your bed in your wherever, you know, fill in the blank.
So we just love these storage box totes. We tend to get 'em either at like a Costco. I know also Sam's has a version of it. Um, you can get it delivered from an Amazon. It's actually quite expensive and I don't love the ones that have been delivered by Amazon. So that is actually one of the items I don't have on our Amazon shop.
But you can get it at a local, like your Lowe's. You know, if you use Home Leap Depot or Ace Hardware, one of those, um, they also carry them as well. You just want to pay attention that the plastic feels sturdy. So, you know, again, you can use them for garages, basements, sheds, any climate shifty areas of your home.
Perfect for tools, seasonal decor, camping gear, anything you don't need on daily access to. And I also love that you can put the labels outside and they come off easily, but not so easily that. You know that the label gets removed, of course, unless you don't have a good label. But that's different. I'm saying about the actual tote.
It, uh, holds labels very well, so I love that. So they stack beautifully, huge perk for us. It keeps pests out and holds up for years. So for that, the black and yellow heavy duty storage totes make another appearance in 2025. Okay, number two on our list is the water and oil resistant labels. These are the labels that you can use in your kitchen or bathroom or anywhere because they hold up against oils, steam, and daily handling.
Like it doesn't rub, like the writing does not rub off. So you can label pantry bins, spice jars, meal prep containers, um, bathroom items like the shampoo containers, travel containers. Great for that. They pair really well with the silicone type of containers. Uh, for whatever, you know, you may take stuff for your kitchen, like your, you just wanna like, bring a couple of little sauces with you on the travel, you know, or your, uh, lotion.
The point is, is that these work really well for those items that habitually would always, um, spill over and then rub the whatever label you had on there. I haven't found any that I love that work well with your home label makers. Not yet, but I'm working on it. A lot of the print shops, you can get them printed.
So if you know what, what labels you want to have printed, they have some of these water and oil resistant labels. You also, you probably all know it's exactly what I'm talking about too, for when you put a sticker in your water bottle on your water bottle and then you go and wash the water bottle and it like comes off or rubs off, right?
Like those are not, those are regular labels that are not water and oil resistant. So you really want something to protect it. And if you write on it with Sharpie or whatever, crayon, whatever you use. Um, you want it to stay. So, water and oil resistant labels are my go-to this year. Used it a couple times for a few clients.
They loved them, so I would really recommend water and oil resistant labels. Number three on our list is turntables and not the vinyl type turntables. As we call them and reference them here, they're also known as Lazy Susans. We don't love that name. I've never loved it since in, in the 20 plus years I've been working in this business.
I think it's just a silly name and fun fact for you. I'm a big history buff when it comes to learning about why our homes and why we use the things we use. And, you know, there's really no, they should just be turntables. Um, so we're call we, that's what we call 'em here, just in case anybody had, um, you know, you're new here and you're not aware of what the, I'm talking about.
So, turntables are a forever favorite, but we're highlighting, highlighting them that again this year because they solve so many visibility problems. Like you can see what's, you know, behind the shelf instead of trying to take everything out to see what's in, in the back parts of the shelves or trying to get to it.
It just obviously solves all of that. With that being said, one of the reasons it made a big comeback is because. They're making different sizes that are sturdier. So for a long time they were making just kinda like the 1214 inch. Um, there was a couple tiers, like especially if you're, you know, the bathroom ones, like the different tiered shelvings of these turntables.
But we needed big ones. The problem with the big turntables is that, well, they would top over, they just weren't quality. They're starting to make quality turntables that, uh, are great for your pantries, your bathrooms under the cabinet. Type of storage corner cabinets great, great, great bathroom and, um, refrigerator turntables huge because you need something that's, that can withstand the, the temperatures of the really hot and the really cold.
So they're just making better quality turntables and I love that. So we're bringing that back. So no more hunting for those tiny bottles in dark corners. If you have tiny, tiny bottles, really big bottles, things that are notoriously heavy, and every time you need to get to something in the back, you have to remove everything from the front, and it's just whole thing.
Then turntables might be good for you. Okay, so think about those. Number four on our list are adjustable drawer dividers. These are the dividers. They come in different sizes and shapes and materials, but what you want is something that can be flexible enough to move around in your drawer or area or or box.
Um, so they have a spring to them, some sort of spring that makes them adjustable to the size that you need. Maybe not a spring. Some of 'em are just made from different parts, like they'll have like little tabs. But the key here is that they're adjustable for the drawer or box that you're using it in.
It's great for your bedroom dresser or the dividers up to separate socks, undergarments, athletic wear pajamas, anything that's like a loose type of garment. Great for that because then even if you are the greatest folder, you know what I'm talking about. It's just some of these items are just so, so squishy or slippery that they.
End up in the, on the other side of the drawer. So we want something that can, um, have them stay put like something with the boundary, something that can control them to that area. So these adjustable drawer dividers are great. Um, they keep everything contained. So drawers stop becoming those catch all zones.
I love 'em. So one of the reasons I added it this year too is because now they make them where. They can fit some of those deeper drawers or deeper boxes, like the cube boxes. Um, some many of you have those cube shelving units, either from IKEA or elsewhere and or any of those bins. And so those bins tend to be a catchall, which.
You know, it's fine to a certain degree, but when you're dealing with really deep drawers and really deep boxes, stuff just gets lost at the bottom. So anything that divides those are really handy as well. So I love the adjustable drawer dividers. High cherish friends life can get overwhelming, especially when you're juggling caregiving, clutter and everything in between.
That's why I created the Organized and Cherish weekly email. That goes out every Wednesday straight to your inbox to help you keep the momentum inspiration going with tips and reminders of our upcoming events. All you have to do is head on over to organize and cherish.com and sign up for the email newsletter.
It's free and you can up subscribe whenever you'd like. It's my way of helping you simplify your life and respecting memories along the way. Now back to our show. Number five on our list are the blues zipped storage bags. These are the lightweight, flexible options that I've given you in previous years.
Making another comeback, it continues Tohu hours us. It's for items that don't need the heavy duty totes, but still need the protection or, and or if you need to be able to handle the storage container. Have it be kind of pushed in or squished in. There are spaces that I've been in or like when you travel, for instance, I'll give you that example.
So you know those above the car holders, containers, storage bins for travel, like they go above your roof of the car. Well, sometimes you need to s like squeeze the stuff in there just because of how it's shaped. It's aerodynamic and boxes and luggages are way more rectangular squared and they're, you can't really squeeze them in like there's certain quarters you just can't do that with.
Well, some of these heavy to do totes you can do that with. We can kinda like, you can mold them to the space that you need. So for those spaces, these are great for that. When, especially if you still need the protection, right. Um, we use them a lot in our rv. We use them a lot when we're traveling because we, it's just easy to carry instead of a, um, luggage and transport from place to place.
So they're just really good and they, they protect really well. And then when you're not using them, you could just fold them and put them away. They're great for storage, extra bedding, winter blankets, guest room liners, um liners, linens, excuse me, all in one like zipped up bag. And they're just very flexible, literally and figuratively.
It also just keeps the dust out, easy to grab, not very heavy. So if you're dealing with those awkward, big bins that do feel heavy, this is the opposite of that. And just much easier to use. And it collapses again when you're not using it. So rate for soft goods, seasonal clothing and toy rotation. Had a client this year use it for that so that way they can just grab, so they, they have like every, like break every, so like the holiday break, summer break.
They put all the toys and activities they would use only during that time, and it easily fits under the bed. Like they have like special places that they'll put it because they just don't wanna put it in the storage facility. Um, they wanna have it in their house, but not like visually in their house. So they just put it all in this bag and then they kinda squeeze it under their bed.
And if it's just fine, you know, I am not about hiding the mess. I don't love that long term. I, I, I do that myself all the time. Okay, day to day, I get it. If you're having a party over. Guest over shove everything. I get it. I, like I said, I'm, I'm like that as well. Long term, not a great idea. Um, so these allow you to just like grab and go and zip, zip it up and it's not just creating a bigger mess per se, you know what's inside them or they're just much easier to contain versus everything being like, you open up a, uh, a door of a closet and everything comes.
Tumbling down like this allows it to be a little bit more contained and easier to grab and go. So blue zipped storage bags. Okay, so for number six, we have a digital organization tool. Uh, we're bringing back the Google workspace just in general, the i, the Google Workspace, I just mean Google Workspace in general.
So this is one of those game changers for families, caregivers, and busy households, even for those that are not technology savvy. And, you know, I try to stay away from anything that's like over complicated type of technology. And I know that there's a lot of more smaller companies. Looking and working to do more with caregivers.
It's the problem here is that there's such a big learning curve. For some of the family members that everyone's so busy and they're all real overwhelmed, and Google Workspace just meets you where you are. That's what they are known for. So love them or not. We just haven't found something that can meet the person where it's at.
For instance, you don't have to have the software to download to your computer. You can use the web browser option. For many people, that's just the easiest. So for that reason, we're using Google Workspace as our kind of go-to so far. But if you have a better product, let me know. Okay. We, we just, that's the one that we, we've had great success with, especially when it comes to family members that are living throughout, you know, spread out and they need to share, uh, for instance, like the inventory list from their loved ones.
And then they need to make decisions about what to do and what to donate and what, who's taking what. It's just, it's just a very easy software space that you can use with all your loved ones, wherever they are. So for that reason, Google Workspace is making our list again this year. You know, this is when digital tools support your home systems and everything just runs a little bit smoother.
And that's why Google Workspace is just coming back now, now that they added the AI function, um, artificial intelligence, smart technology, whatever you wanna call it, um, you know, they've upped their game and we are really just enjoying their experience. So I would, I will recommend it again for this year.
For number seven, we've got a shoe storage bench or a cubby unit. I've actually been using this for a couple years now and I love it and I've been wanting to break, put this on the, on the list, but I was like, well, I don't know if it's just so specific to me. I don't know if I would recommend this for everyone or for the masses, you know, for the, of our community.
Well, yes, I would. I am officially on the record to say that this is, this has such a multifunctional use. We have it near our garage door, like our entryway, and it's great for. For everyone, but especially for kids or anybody that's learning or relearning how to put things away and organize, because again, we know that organizing is not something you're born with.
You learn. You might have. An easier take to learning this ability. So if you have a child that is just so neat and tidy, they could have a compulsive disorder, not, not all, or they're just very apt to learning how to organize and sort things. Okay. It's not a inherited, like you were just born with it. Like they have to have picked it up somewhere or there is something else that needs to be, you know, they have to get evaluated on.
But because we know that. To be something that's true and we know that you need to learn how to be organized. These cubbies are great for any of anybody that just doesn't put their step away, and we need to learn and we need guidance. It's almost like a step by step how to draw step by step or like connect the dots, you know, to make an image.
That's how this is. Connect your shoes, connect your gloves, connect your accessories to the cubby, and that's where it goes. So I love these cubby storage benches systems. We use it for our shoes. But you could use it for really almost anything. We have three rows, long rows, horizontal rows, so each of our family members gets one for our shoes and it works really well and, and shoes are not all over the place.
And when they are, we just know that they need to be moved right into the cubby. For the last one, we've got our hard shell sipper containers. It's a standout year, um, year for this one. I've talked about it in podcast episodes before, but I've never made it to the official list because similar to the adjustable drawer expanders or dividers, it just didn't feel like they had made enough.
Variety of sizes and quality, and now they have, so I can officially put it on the list. If you can get one that's sturdy enough, like the hard shell, it's like the little containers. It's kinda like a to-go box. You can put it in your purse, in your luggage, in your backpack. I use it to put my kids. Snacks in there, and then I put it in his backpack, you know, unzip it.
You can see through it. If you can get the, the see-through ones, you just can see what's inside the, the container so much easier. But you can get whatever color you want and they work really well for, for your car. You can put it in the center console. We put our cables in there like travel cables, snacks, pencils, pens, all the little things that get lost everywhere in the center console.
But you can easily get it, grab it and see what's inside it. And that's kind of the, uh, magic about these. Also, they're sturdy enough that they don't just melt in your purse or in your backpack. They didn't just go to the bottom, like Ziploc bags. I love them. They have their space and function, but when you're compiling or you have like several of them, they just all become one big mush of disposable baggies.
And with these, there's just a little bit more structure to them. So really, really love them. So that is our list of our eight most recommended and or used products of 2025. We hope that they inspire you to refresh your spaces in a way that feels doable and supportive. In that you have a little voice in your head and in your space of someone that works with these items and works in this space where you have like a pro advice, giving you some tips on what products we love and that that's helpful to you, and you find that trustworthy.
You know, you don't need a whole new house or a fancy makeover to feel organized ever. Small shifts done consistently, make a huge difference. And with the right products, oh my gosh, you can go so far. Once you figure out what those products are, some trial and error, and if you have someone like ourselves to give you a little bit of a, of a boost of what we would recommend.
So that you don't have to kiss so many product frogs, uh, then I think it's even more helpful. So, um, if you want a deeper look on all these items, check out our previous years 23 and 24 and our Amazon shop for the exact items we personally use for that. We talked about here, uh, either the exact ones or similar, I should say, like the ones just so that you can see a prototype of it.
Of course we'll keep these lists updated as products, improve or change, uh, and then we will, you know, talk about it as the year goes by as well. So if you have any questions, just send us a message at hello@theorganizedflamingo.com and we're here to answer any of those questions, especially when it comes to products.
Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next week on Organized and Cherished. Thank you for listening to the Organized and Cherish podcast with the Organized Flamingo. If you enjoy today's episode, I'd be so grateful if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. It helps others discover our show.
For full show notes, resources, and more organizing inspiration, visit www.theorganizedflamingo.com/podcast. Until next time, happy organizing.