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    How to Clean an Air Fryer

    Your air fryer is probably one of your favorite kitchen appliances, and it comes in so handy to cook foods fast and without excessive oil, perhaps using recipes from Good Housekeeping’s Air Fryer Cookbook. Think about crisped-up fish sticks or chicken wings with no added oil, and perfect al dente zucchini noodles, and leftovers reheated to perfection.That said, air fryers need to be cleaned after every use. Even after using minimal or no added oil, food bits and grease can accumulate and cause your air fryer can smell, or even begin to smoke. Whether you use a basket-style or tray air fryer, here are some tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute to make cleaning it a breeze:How to clean your basket-style air fryerWhat you’ll need: Degreasing dish soap, like Good Housekeeping Seal star DawnSoft-bristled bottle brush, like Casabella’s Soft cloth, like Skura’s Reusable Microfiber Wipes, or paper towel, like Good Housekeeping Seal star BountyTurn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely. Pull out the drawer and remove the basket or tray. If your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, place the drawer and basket or tray, depending on what your air fryer has, upside down in the dishwasher, preferably on the top rack, if it fits. If using the dishwasher is not an option, wash the removable parts in warm soapy water and use the brush to scrub off gunk and get into the vents and nooks and crannies of the tray while protecting the metal or nonstick finish. Rinse well and dry.Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the basket once clean.GH Lab Tip: Use the top rack of the dishwasher (space-permitting) where it is further away from heat and is exposed to gentler water jets – this will help the nonstick finish last longer. How to clean an oven-style air fryer What you’ll need: Degreasing dish soapSoft-bristled bottle brushSoft cloth or paper towelTurn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely.Remove the racks and either use the dishwasher to clean them, or hand wash them in warm soapy water using your dish brush to scrub away grease and food bits. Rinse well and dry.Empty any oil from the drip tray – but don’t flush it down the sink. The tray can be placed upside down in the dishwasher to clean it, or hand wash it, then rinse it well and dry.Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the trays once clean.GH Lab Tip: If the drawer or drip tray has any oil in the bottom, don’t flush it down the kitchen sink. Instead, empty it into a can or small jar and keep the container in the fridge to throw away when it’s full.How to deep clean your air fryerIf you accidentally overstuffed your air fryer (or cooked something extra splattery), you might have gunked up the heating element. If your air fryer smells bad while you’re cooking, or starts to smoke, there’s probably baked-on residue on or near the heating element. What you’ll need:½ cup of baking sodaA few tablespoons of water to make a pasteSoft dishcloth or paper towelsRemove the basket or racks first, and clean them.Leave it upright so any bits of gunk you brush off will fall onto the bottom of the interior and not get caught in the mesh, heating element or fan at the top. Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to scrub and release burned-on bits from the mesh covering the heating element, and wipe with a damp clean cloth or paper towel. Then, turn the air fryer upside down to make it easier to clean the heating element.Use the baking soda paste and a soft damp cloth, and gently scrub away the grime.Rinse the cloth with water, wring it out and wipe away the residue. Flip the air fryer right-side up and replace the clean basket and/or trays.GH Lab Tip: Overfilling the air fryer will almost certainly guarantee the heating element will need cleaning. To prevent this chore, make sure the quantity of food you’re cooking at one time doesn’t exceed the amount that’s recommended for your model of air fryer.

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    A Handy Home Maintenance Checklist to Protect Your Biggest Investment

    Making the decision to own a home is a major commitment. Once you’ve moved into your dream property, completed any renovations (a standout kitchen is a must!), and executed your decorating plans, you still have to consider the routine upkeep that’s necessary to ensure it looks its best for years to come. And it’s not just about aesthetics. There are certain measures all homeowners should take to guarantee that their families remain safe in any property they live in. Regular maintenance, involving tasks that need to be handled monthly and annually, should not be overlooked. Whether it’s getting into the habit of examining electrical systems, removing debris from gutters, or hiring a professional to inspect your roof once a year, investing the time and money to maintain a polished property can save you headaches in the long run. To get you started, here’s a thorough home maintenance checklist to protect one of the biggest assets you own. What to Handle Monthly:Test carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers, which should be kept on every floor at a minimum. Clean your garbage disposal.Unclog bathtub and sink drains throughout your home. Deep clean dishwasher (be sure to remove and wash the filter, too). Clean range hood and furnace filters.Deep clean washer and clothes dryer, including the chamber where the filter sits. (Also, keep in mind that your dryer’s lint filter should be cleaned after every load. Its vent should be cleaned every six months to a year, depending on use.)What to Handle Annually: Maintain quarterly appointments with an exterminator to keep your home pest-free.Clean your bathroom’s exhaust fan grill to avoid dust from building up.Check all radiators and surrounding pipes for leaks or cracks. [image id=’328d2780-fd02-4d08-9da9-81247394b6ca’ mediaId=’535e56d5-ecb8-4b19-81fd-dc468c659f09′ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’1×1′][/image]See below for what areas of your home you should be checking in on each season.Spring:In early spring, clean your lawn and take the time to remove dead foliage, weeds, and debris as well as prune your trees. Evaluate exterior siding to determine if repairs or replacements are needed.Hire a professional for a chimney safety check and cleaning.Service your air conditioning system. Upgrade faulty windows and replace with energy-efficient designs.To avoid water damage, re-apply caulk to bathtub, shower, and sink. Summer: Seal any exterior cracks in stucco, windows, and doors and touch up exterior paint.Walk around the deck to make sure wood and nails are in good shape. Tend to your lawn as needed — consider the Good Housekeeping Institute’s lawn mower recommendations. Fall: In early fall, you should bleed your radiator — remove any trapped air from it — to make sure it works well. Make appointment to have your roof inspected.Clear rain gutters to prevent water backup.Drain hot water from the hot water heater, as it can help clear any debris. Service heating systems/furnaces.In late fall, schedule an irrigation inspection. This will involve checking lawn sprinklers to make sure they’re focused on your garden rather than your home’s exterior, which can lead to wood damage.Winter: Inspect basement and attic for pests and leaks. Vacuum refrigerator coils to remove dust and dirt. Insulate exterior pipes in basement and garage to prevent freezing. Upgrade winter storm essentials, including your generator, flashlights, and snow shovels.
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    3 Common Decorating Mistakes with Displaying Art (+ Mood Boards + Buy One Get One Free Art Prints)

    Choosing artwork to hang on the walls can be intimidating, especially if you want to create a grouping with art. How do you know what “works” together on a wall? How do you pull the look of a room together, including art?
    I’ve shared posts here on the blog with tips for artwork, like these two posts: How to Choose Art for Your Home (+ Favorite Art Sources), and 10 Helpful Guidelines for Decorating Walls (more in depth on why I choose certain art and placements).
    Because it’s a question I get often, I wanted to share 3 common decorating mistakes or challenges when displaying artwork (and will show you a couple of fun art mood inspiration boards, too!).
    Of course, art is so personal and there is not a “one size fits all” rule for decorating, if you ask me. I’ve seen amazing gallery art walls that break all the rules and I LOVE THEM! I hope you find these tips helpful as guidelines, but above all, do what you love! Find what works in your home and makes YOU happy!
    Also in this post, don’t miss the buy one get one free art print sale and mood boards with pretty art combinations!
    Here are 3 common decorating mistakes people often make with displaying artwork:

    Using all small artwork

    Choosing art in varied sizes, shapes and scales and including larger pieces will provide more visual interest than many small frames. If you feel like your room is too busy, look for oversized art that can make a statement without adding visual clutter.
    2. Displaying too much artwork with quotes or words
    Art displaying a quote or words can make graphic statement in a room. But too many quotes or words displayed on every wall can make you feel like you’re being shouted at from around the room. Many words in a room (on the wall or even pillows, for example) also can create a frantic mood because your eyes won’t know where to land (they are busy darting around the room trying to read all the things).
    I prefer a room where art and design contributes to the overall mood but doesn’t overwhelm you with too many thoughts or competing elements. Words can be so meaningful though, so if you feel like you should pare down, pick your favorite piece and make that message a focal statement on the wall.
    3. Not creating a cohesive design and color palette
    Art can be a wonderful complement to your entire room and color palette, or it can make the room feel very disjointed. Think about your room as a whole, using the artwork as an opportunity to pull the room’s design, mood and color scheme together. Or use art to punch up the impact of one favorite hue to make a bolder color statement. To make a color splash, start with a palette that feels cohesive and pleasing through your accessories, furniture, and even plants/flowers. Then choose one favorite color from your palette for a statement art piece that will bring the room to life (and help bring your eye around the room to where that color appears in smaller doses!). Ideally, repeat your statement color three times around the room in smaller doses.
    Be sure to consider the design of each of your art pieces for a wall or that you plan to have around the room, too, so you can pull together groupings that will make a pleasing statement overall. Varied pieces of art can be tied together with a unified color scheme.
    We made a couple of art mood boards that you can see, below!
    Learn more of my decor guidelines for hanging art here.
    By the way, I stumbled on a wonderful art sale going on right now! Buy one get one free Rifle Paper Co art prints — ends 3/24.
    Click HERE to shop!
    I thought it would be fun to create two mood boards that show art pairings that I think work well together in a room (using some of the Rifle Paper art prints that are on sale right now!), as well as share a few tips on why they work.

    For the mood board above, there are varied subjects with the botanical print, a portrait with the words “C’est la vie”, a landscape (Paris), and a print with small simple objects (bobby pins). The color palette of black and white with pops or red/orange tie this varied grouping together. The statement phrase sets a whimsical mood for the art and space as well! Note that red/orange is also reflected in the rug, so this palette will have a pleasing effect in the room.
    Sources for above: Dresser // Faux Potted Rubber Tree // Poppy Botanical Floral Art Print // Paris Sketch Art Print // C’est La Vie Art Print // Bobby Pin Art Print // Patterned Rug // Rattan Lamp

    For the mood board above, we paired a floral, quote, a detailed house landscape/pattern print, and a simple ostrich print. The house/landscape print pulls together a color scheme for the room. The sage green color, blues, black and tan work well together. The light green pillow on the sofa pulls out a statement color from the art and helps bring the eye around the room in a pleasing way. The rug and sofa are neutrals that let the art in this space be more in focus!
    Sources for above: Sofa // Faux Green Leaf Tree // The World is Your Oyster Art Print // Sage Green Daisies Art Print // House Pattern Art Print // Ostrich Art Print // Green Pillow // Leather Storage Ottoman // Gold Shade Floor Lamp // Indoor Outdoor Natural Stripe Rug //
    Buy one get one free Rifle Paper Co art prints — ends 3/24. Click HERE to shop!

    Click here for a recent post with MORE pretty art for spring!
    For more decorating tips, see my book But Where Do I Put The Couch? And Answers to 100 Other Home Decorating Questions.
    How to Decorate (Room By Room Inspiration) More

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    Step-By-Step Instructions on How to DIY an Origami Bunny

    A great craft for kids and adults to try their hands at this spring are these adorable origami bunnies. Not only are they easy to make, but they are super cute and will make adorable decorations anytime this season — especially for Easter. In our video tutorial above, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to DIY paper rabbits. By the end, your furry friend will have floppy ears and a little bunny tail.After you’ve made three or so, you can use them as decor for a table, mantel, or just about any room in the house. We used pastel hues, but feel free to use any color paper you’d like to go with your decor. And when you’re done making these little critters, try your hand at paper Easter eggs. How to Make Paper Origami Bunny Rabbits:Fold your paper diagonally and fold the top corner to the bottom. Make sure to create a deep crease.Take the right corner and fold it down to the bottom corner. Repeat on the left side.Bring the left and right corners to the center. Giving each a deep crease. Fold the left and right inner flaps to the outer edges of the paper.Unfold the right flap and open it up. Make sure each side of the right flap has two pieces of paper. Then, stick your finger inside to fold the flap down. Repeat on the left side.Flip your shape over and fold it in half vertically, and then turn it so the flat line is on top.On the right side, you should have a loose flap, which you’ll fold over to the left side.Flip your shape over, and fold the left-side flap over to the right side.Fold that flap in half into itself.Flip the shape over and do the same thing on the other side.Fold the front flap over the ear line. Make sure you press hard to get a crease. And then unfold. Flip over and do the same thing on the other side.Now comes the tricky part of making the face and tail. For the detailed instructions on how to complete your bunny, watch the video above!

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    The Secret to Finding Your Style and Feeling More at Home Where You Live

    Source (20% off EVERYTHING with code! Click HERE to shop!)
    What’s your decorating style? Do you feel at home where you live? If you ever feel conflicted about your style or the next decisions to make in making your house your home, you’re not alone! Maybe you’re just feeling stuck, or your current style isn’t working for you. Perhaps you’re living in a home that wasn’t custom designed for you or even close to your style to begin with. Maybe you’re wrestling with how to update it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the options, especially with the abundance of ideas and inspiration online!
    So how can you find your style when there are so many directions you could go? What if you feel limited by the current style of your home or your budget?
    Here’s the secret: finding your style takes patience and experimentation. It takes time. You don’t have to have a perfectly designed home to love where you live. You just have to find ways to feel more at home! I don’t think most of us can make the best decisions until we’ve had a chance to get to know the home we live in over several seasons. You need time to learn the quirks and personality of your home so you can play up what you love about it and learn to minimize, downplay or fix what you don’t.
    It takes time to gather style or remodeling inspiration specifically for your home over a few seasons. Once you’ve collected ideas you can start to narrow down the options that not only consistently speak to you, but also make the most sense for your budget, lifestyle and your house.

    It’s easy to lose our focus when we get swept up by a new idea, or if we are looking only at current trends or just following along with what everyone else is doing right now! Impulse decisions or following the trends might bring some immediate joy through a those indecisive seasons, but it’s a wonderful feeling when you are finally able to settle into your own style with confidence.
    Your style is not just the one you like the most online, but it’s what makes you feel the most at home where you actually live. That’s how you’ll know you’ve found your authentic style.
    When I’m struggling with my own style, it can be helpful to collect inspiration photos of rooms or features that I really love, such as the images I share in my posts (these photos in my post today are from one of my favorite shops for furnishings and style inspiration for my home, Serena & Lily. I’ve written about it before in this post).
    But I don’t want to rush permanent or expensive decisions or make a lot of changes based on an inspiration photo until I’m certain that look or item will feel right in my own home. I like to take a bit of inspiration from dozens of rooms and ideas I’ve collected over time so my style won’t be an exact replica of anyone else’s style.

    It can be a slow process to figure it all out, but it’s worth it to me to be as authentic and comfortable in my home as possible.
    Sometimes to move forward you just need to make ONE design decision you know you feel good about. That decision will lead to the next. We remodeled our kitchen four years ago and the decisions we made during that project continue to inspire me to make our little house all she can be 🙂 I’ve often said the old house I live in was ready for a new spring in her step. She may have been born in the 1950s but she doesn’t have to stay there.
    You don’t have to stay stuck with what you have! I’m so glad I didn’t let myself be discouraged or swayed early on by voices that told me this house had to stay in a certain era or style. I didn’t want to feel limited in what I could or could not do to make it my own. It’s certainly helpful to ask for opinions from trusted sources when you’re in doubt (or if you’re dealing with an historic home that needs to be preserved), but often creating a home you’ll truly love means you have to be brave enough to listen to your own voice so you can design a home that will feel right to you. After all, it’s your home and you’ll be the one living there!
    Lastly, it’s OK to make mistakes along the way. Rarely is a decorating mistake fatal! In fact, in some cases what might appear to be a “mistake” can actually give your home and style more character and personality. Other times it confirms for you what your style ISN’T. But even if it is a big mistake you need to correct, just learn from it and move on.
    You’ll never feel truly at home with your style until you get to know yourself and your home better. That process takes time, but it is all a part of the journey to making a house truly feel like home.
    Speaking of Serena & Lily, they have an amazing sale on right now, but it ends today!
    Scroll down for inspiration, sources and ideas for this fresh breezy look!
    20% off EVERYTHING with code! Click HERE to shop!

    How cute is this bench! You can customize the fabric–there are so many cute options! I love this toile.
    Nautical Round Rope Mirror Source // Toile Wallpaper

    Everything at Serena & Lily is 20% off! Click HERE to shop the entire sale with discount code!
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    The 5 Quickest, Easiest Ways to Help Your Dishwasher Clean Like It’s Brand New

    Your dishwasher is constantly cleaning, so it must be one of the most pristine appliances in your home, right? Not quite. With regular use, your machine—and its hidden parts—accumulates bits of food, grease, limescale (that chalky-looking film you see as a result of hard water), and undissolved detergent. These things can interfere with how well it cleans, says Lynn Redmile, Testing and Product Review Analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab.Thankfully, with a few simple strategies and the right products, taking care of your machine is easy. Here’s what the experts recommend.Once per month, use dishwasher cleaner to remove grease build-up and mineral deposits.[product contentProductId=’a1c0ed14-22f8-46ea-abe8-49b90564800f’ mediaId=’fcd4fd2b-62c6-4eeb-b861-945e1c226215′ align=’right’ size=’small’][/product]As mentioned, build-up of any kind can result in your dishes not being cleaned properly or lead to food residue, which can make your dishwasher smelly and unhygienic.To combat this, use a dishwasher cleaner, like Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, approximately once per month, says Redmile. The process is low-effort—simply use as directed: Set an empty machine to the hottest cycle, remove the sticker on top of the bottle’s cap and turn it upside-down on the lowest rack, close the door, and start the dishwasher. As the cycle runs, the cleaning solution tackles all of that built up grease and limescale—even on hard-to-reach parts of the machine, like the filters, spray arms, and pipes.Scrape or wipe items before loading.[image id=’d92c0e9a-4246-4afe-ac83-71c75aca0628′ mediaId=’62e95079-64b2-41b8-b7f6-2dfbde9f6d6f’ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’1×1′][/image]Simply scrape off any remaining food from your dishes—there’s usually no need to pre-rinse if using a high-quality detergent, like Finish QUANTUM. This step dislodges any bits of food that were hanging on before items go into the dishwasher, where detergent takes care of the rest.Face all items toward the center where the spray is strongest. As a general rule of thumb, always position the dirty side of any dish down or to the center of the machine to ensure that water can reach and effectively clean it, says Redmile. To load the machine properly, plates should go on the bottom rack with the dirty surfaces angled where the water spray is strongest, usually the center of the rack. Pots, pans, and casseroles should also go on the bottom rack, angled down for the best cleaning results. Glasses should go on the top rack and between the rack tines—not over them—to minimize water spotting and to prevent them from breaking. If your dishwasher has a flatware basket, place forks with the tines facing up, knives with the blade down, and spoons alternating, so they don’t nest into each other.Avoid overlapping items or blocking the spray arms.[image id=’2d799952-9385-4d87-bc49-cd5c3fb2f40b’ mediaId=’425a49f2-fc7d-4455-810c-016b3a1525dd’ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’1×1′][/image]As tempting as it may be to cram dishes into the dishwasher that won’t fit, resist the urge. You should never stack items, because the water spray won’t be able to reach (or clean) the dish that’s on top, says Carolyn Forte, Director of Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab. Remember: “If the water can’t reach it, it won’t get clean,” she explains.Regularly clean the filter. If your dishwasher’s filter isn’t clean, you’ll have trouble getting your dishes as clean as they could be, says Redmile. And luckily, it’s not too hard to do. The easiest way to keep it clean is with regular use of a dishwasher cleaner, like Finish. But in between deep cleanings make it a habit of pulling out the bottom rack to look for and remove any leftover food that may have fallen into the well below the lower spray arm. It’s also a good idea—if your dishwasher has a removable filter—to give it a quick check from time to time. On most models, simply unlock and remove it (usually found below the bottom spray arm, though your owner’s manual can direct you further) and rinse it under hot running water, says Forte. Then, go over the mesh screen and plastic frame with a sponge or soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to remove any grease or particles stuck in the crevices. Then, just lock it back into place.Before calling it quits, you should also wipe around the door’s edges and rubber gasket with a wet cloth or sponge to ensure no grease or food particles are left behind, says Redmile.
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    How To Tackle Messy Clothing Stains

    Clorox 2 for Colors Laundry Stain Remover and Color Booster
    target.com

    Living is messy business, and stains are nearly impossible to avoid. We all have that thing we do that results in a splatter or smudge — don’t deny it!
    Whether you’re the one who is regularly taste testing in the kitchen (and dripping on that apron), or wrangling the dog in the backyard (with the grassy knees to prove it), there’s an easy trick that’ll tackle your signature stain: Clorox 2® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener. Watch the video above to see how it works to keep your clothes clean after any muddy moment.
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    Good Housekeeping's 2021 Storage Awards

    Freeing up space and organizing closets, drawers and other cluttered rooms and spaces can sometimes be so overwhelming, especially in today’s busy world. Even if you’re able to put in the extra effort it takes to clean your home, spaces that are disorganized rarely feel clean. And it’s no secret that a more organized home improves the wellbeing of everyone who lives there. That’s why organizing tips, ideas, inspirations, and stories are among Good Housekeeping’s most popular, and with that in mind, we set out to find the best, most useful, most innovative, and most well-designed organizing products, tools and devices.
    Meet the Experts

    How We Tested
    To select these 34 top-performing products for our first Good Housekeeping Storage Awards, our experts sorted, stacked and sifted through over 140 submissions from the world of organizing products to assess performance, durability, flexibility, versatility, ease of use, aesthetics, size and other criteria. We looked at organizers both big and small — for closets, garages, home office, kids’ supplies and artwork, shoes and accessories, photos, travel, kitchen supplies and food storage and beyond. With over 60 combined years of testing experience in the Good Housekeeping Institute and organizing know-how, you can trust that we can spot a great organizer when we see it!
    Super-Streamlined Kitchen

    Top-Shelf Sorter
    3-Tier Organizer
    Copco amazon.com
    $8.99

    Stop struggling to see what’s way in the back of your pantry. At 10 or 15 inches wide, Copco’s tiered stand gives cans, bottles and spices a lift so everything on a shelf is easy to spot and grab.
    LAB RESULTS: Nonslip treads help items stay securely in place. And it’s a cinch to wipe clean.

    Brilliant Baking Tools
    Nest 9 Plus Bowl Set
    Joseph Joseph amazon.com
    $50.00
    $32.49 (35% off)

    Our judges loved this space-saving Joseph Joseph stack of nesting cooking essentials. The set includes a large bowl, a small bowl, a colander, a sieve, measuring cups and a tablespoon, and it comes in different colors.
    LAB RESULTS: Every piece was designed for maximum usefulness, and the set won’t hog storage space. In tests, the mixing bowl handles doubled as pouring spouts.

    Hold-It-All Cookware Rack
    StoreMore Adjustable Cookware Rack
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $24.47

    Sheet pans, trays and lids can make organizing bakeware and cookware a real challenge. With YouCopia’s adaptable rack, you place the wire dividers where you need them.
    LAB RESULTS: Its slim frame is sturdy, and the nonslip feet keep it in place when you remove or replace items.

    Stylish Stacking Bins
    Vertica Wire Stacking Bin
    Container Store containerstore.com
    $18.99

    These attractive, durable baskets from The Container Store are perfect in the pantry or pretty on the counter for holding fruit, veggies, snacks and more.
    LAB RESULTS: The large openings make the contents grabbable without unstacking, and the bins can be used all around the home.

    Fridge All-Stars

    Stellar Spinner
    FridgeView Turntable with Non-Slip Mat
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $19.09

    YouCopia’s turntable keeps sauces, snacks and fridge and pantry items within reach. Or use it under a bathroom sink for toiletries or on a desk for supplies. 
    LAB RESULTS: Its removable nonslip mat and its rim keep everything in place as it turns, and at 11 inches wide, it holds a lot.

    Better Bin
    Storage Organizer Bin
    Copco amazon.com
    $13.99

    Clear bins are an organizing must-have, and this Copco one is a winner. Use it in — or on top of —the fridge, in a pantry, in a closet or wherever you need order.  
    LAB RESULTS: Seeing inside it is effortless; a nonslip mat adds stability; handles make it grabbable. 

    Slim and Trim Caddy
    RollOut Fridge Caddy
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $14.99

    At only six inches wide, YouCopia’s wheeled caddy brings items from the back of the fridge (or in deep, narrow cabinets) front and center.
    LAB RESULTS: The adjustable dividers keep things organized and in place. There are handles for lifting the entire container and non-slip feet up front for stability. 

    Smart & Sustainable Food Fixers

    Most Versatile Glass System
    Brilliance Glass Set of 6
    Rubbermaid target.com
    $24.99

    Nothing beats glass for food storage, but these gems from Rubbermaid do more. Airtight clear lids make stacking simple, and they eliminate messy leaks. Plus, they’re microwave-safe — just lift the latches to expose the vents.
    LAB RESULTS: Their modular design makes organizing the fridge or freezer a breeze.

    Super Dry Goods Saver
    Good Grips 5-Piece Airtight POP Container Set
    OXO amazon.com
    $99.94

    These are the clear space savers that started the pop-top canister craze. OXO has sizes to hold everything from cereal to snacks, beans, pasta and more. And they can be configured to fit any space on a pantry shelf. Buy them in sets or as single units.
    LAB RESULTS: The no-twist push-button lid creates an airtight seal when you press it down; just pop it up to open. We love that you can attach a scoop underneath the lid — no more digging into the sugar to find the scoop!

    Happy-Pet Food Bins
    3-Piece Airtight Pet Food Storage Container Combo
    IRIS USA, Inc. amazon.com
    $27.99
    $24.99 (11% off)

    Storing pet food in an airtight resealable container not only helps it last longer but also keeps insects and other critters out. Iris’s BPA-free combo includes 12- and 33-quart containers and a two-cup scoop.
    LAB RESULTS: The large bin holds about 25 lbs of food and is on wheels, so it’s maneuverable, and the locking lids prevent spills.

    Take-It-Anywhere Food Keeper
    Twist and Seal 5 Piece Dry Storage Set
    Zyliss amazon.com
    $49.99
    $35.99 (28% off)

    Zyliss’s see-through containers have unique twist-locking lids for an airtight seal. They’re stackable and neat to tote, and their rounded edges ensure mess-free pouring.
    LAB RESULTS: They are dishwasher-safe. In tests, they stayed well-sealed and were fast to clean.

    Genius Grocery Bags
    Trolley Bags 4-piece
    Lotus Sustainables amazon.com
    $49.99

    These machine-washable Lotus bags (including a hand-washable insulated cooler bag) attach  together and hang like file folders in your cart. They keep your haul sorted while you shop and check out, then roll neatly to be tucked into your car trunk.
    LAB RESULTS: Each durable bag has pockets, holds more than most reusable bags and helps eliminate plastic and paper grocery bags. They can even be used without rods for a picnic or a day at the beach.

    Best Reusable Bag
    Mega Reusable Silicone Stand-Up Bag
    Stasher amazon.com
    $29.99

    Who needs a lid? Stasher’s easy-to-clean, reusable silicone bag stands up while you fill it, and seals with just a pinch. It’s especially good for keeping cleaned salad greens and herbs fresh.
    LAB RESULTS: Airtight, leak-free (if sealed correctly) and microwave-safe, it also comes in smaller sizes.

    Wow-Worthy Closet Tools

    Superior Shoe Organizer
    Over the Door Shoe Organizer
    Made By Design target.com
    $20.00

    Twenty-six see-through mesh compartments in Target’s hanging organizer keep shoes (even larger sizes) paired and off the floor. Or, use it for storing scarves, knit hats, gloves, clutch purses and more.
    LAB RESULTS: Hanging the unit and filling the pockets is so straightforward, you’ll want one in every bedroom. 

    Customizable Storage Rack
    Adjustable Wall and Door Rack
    ClosetMaid amazon.com
    $64.28
    $33.99 (47% off)

    Mount this ClosetMaid rack on a wall or hang it over a door for installation. Use it in a linen closet, bathroom, bedroom or pantry. One tester raved, “It’s a game changer!”
    LAB RESULTS: We found it no problem to set up, and the deep and shallow baskets can be placed with any spacing you choose for a custom fit.

    Coolest Accessory Case
    Hanging Organizer for Glasses and Jewelry
    Great Useful Stuff amazon.com
    $41.99

    This Great Useful Stuff hanging space saver frees dresser and drawer space. It holds up to eight pairs of sunglasses and has 16 pockets on the back for jewelry and other small items.
    LAB RESULTS: We like that it does double duty and gets bulky glass cases out of crowded drawers.

    Masterful Closet System
    Elfa Classic 6′ Closet Kit
    Container Store containerstore.com
    $375.20

    Big or small — Elfa’s system allows you to create the closet of your dreams with shelving, rod, drawer and accessory solutions for nearly every budget and type of space.
    LAB RESULTS: Elfa’s easy-to-install, customizable system is always a winner in GH tests. It’s so versatile.

    Gold Medal Jewelry Box
    Stackers Premium Stackable Jewelry Box
    Container Store containerstore.com
    $27.99

    Add as many trays as you need to store gems and other precious pieces neatly and safely in this velvet-lined jewelry box. Trays vary in depth and design to suit your needs.
    LAB RESULTS: We like the flexibility of this system over other jewelry boxes. Store the layers in drawers or pack them in a suitcase for travel.

    Under-Sink Space Savers

    Versatile Turntable
    Non-Skid Under Sink Organizer
    Copco amazon.com
    $21.99

    Under-sink cabinets can feel like black holes: Who knows what’s back there? Copco’s 18-inch turntable puts frequently used cleaners and tools within reach.
    LAB RESULTS: Its nonslip liner and high sides mean things stay put while you spin it. Side handles make it quick to lift out.  

    Convenient Caddy
    RollOut Under Sink Caddy
    YouCopia amazon.com
    $29.99

    Reaching deep into a cabinet can be challenging, especially under a sink. With items on wheels, you won’t lose anything again.
    LAB RESULTS: YouCopia’s dividers are adjustable for a custom fit, and the high sides add stability. The extra basket on the back is removable. 

    Sensational Family Gear

    Easy Peasy Photo Books
    Monthly Mini Softcover Photo Books
    Chatbooks chatbooks.com
    $5.00

    With a monthly subscription, Chatbooks creates a kid-friendly mini book of 30 images each month. Just choose your fave photos from your phone’s camera roll and upload them to the app (iOS and Android only). Other book options are available.
    LAB RESULTS: Our testers confirmed that the printing is high-quality; they suggest upgrading to the hardcover option for long-lasting results.

    Fan Favorite Kids’ Table
    Flisat Children’s Table
    IKEA ikea.com
    $49.99

    We love this versatile IKEA kids’ table and stool set. Use it as a sensory table, convert it into a LEGO tabletop building center or use it as an arts and crafts station. It’s so versatile, everyone will want to be at the kids’ table!
    LAB RESULTS: Add the Trofast accessory storage bins that fit under the top, and you’ll have space to stash toys and craft supplies that kids can grab when they want them and (hopefully) put back when they’re done.

    Parent-Friendly Tote Organizer
    Original Bag Organizer
    ToteSavvy totesavvy.com
    $65.00

    This ToteSavvy removable organizer, with many pockets and a washable changing mat, keeps baby supplies close at hand. It opens flat so it can be packed and unpacked easily, then folds to fit in your tote.
    LAB RESULTS: It has an insulated pocket to help keep a bottle warm or cool, and the open-pocket design lets you see inside without digging.

    Hardworking Command Center
    The Brooke Command Center
    1Thrive 1thrive.com
    $169.00

    A low-tech message solution, the 1Thrive wet-erase board and corkboard will help organize your family’s menus, homework, chore reminders and more. Plus, it keeps important papers handy.
    LAB RESULTS: Smooth to set up and customize, it lets you choose a vertical or horizontal layout and add accessories, including hooks for keys and more.

    Superb Artwork Collector
    Artwork Book or Mosaic
    Artkive ArtkiveApp.com
    $95.00

    What parent doesn’t want to save all their kid’s artful creations? But there isn’t space. Enter ArtKive. The company sends you a box to fill with your child’s drawings. Then it professionally photographs them and has you proof the images before turning them into a hardcover book.
    LAB RESULTS: Digital images are shared with you, and the books are not hard to store.

    Multitasking Marvels

    Beautiful Basket Tower
    Harbor 3-Tier Floor Standing Storage Basket
    Gourmet Basics by Mikasa amazon.com
    $79.99
    $69.74 (13% off)

    Mikasa’s freestanding baskets are so pretty, you’ll want them for fruits, veggies, hand towels, pet toys and more.
    LAB RESULTS: It’s simple to set up, has a small footprint and baskets are removable for greater flexibility.

    Ingenious Swivel Hooks
    Good Grips 3-Piece ClipHanger Set
    OXO amazon.com
    $9.99

    You’ll find many uses for OXO’s clip hooks, like hanging kitchen towels or other wet items to dry.
    LAB RESULTS: The nonslip grip holds heavy items, and the hook swivels to any angle. 

    Unbeatable Clear Drawers
    Acrylic Case 3 Drawer
    MUJI muji.us
    $28.00

    These see-through Muji drawers are ideal for stashing mail and items like journals and stationery.
    LAB RESULTS :They stack easily and slide in and out smoothly.

    Great Roving Cart
    12-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart
    Honey-Can-Do amazon.com
    $90.00
    $66.67 (26% off)

    There’s plenty of space in Honey-Can-Do’s 12 plastic drawers for all your craft, office and art supplies, and the top is a work surface too.
    LAB RESULTS: It takes less than five minutes to assemble. 

    Genius Gadgets

    Ultimate Label Maker
    Pt-D202 Home Personal Label Maker
    Brother amazon.com
    $51.30

    Any organizing pro will agree that a label maker is a must-have. Use Brother’s machine to label pantry bins, storage containers of holiday decor, file cabinets and even leftovers.
    LAB RESULTS: We found it quick to set up and were wowed by its many custom font and layout options.

    Smart Scheduler
    Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) with Motion
    Amazon amazon.com
    $249.99

    Access your grocery and to-do lists, get appointment reminders and manage smart home devices like lights and thermostats right on the Echo or with voice commands. Its great sound and 10-inch HD swivel screen (an upgrade from the Echo Show 8 we featured in our print magazine) make viewing and chatting a pleasure.
    LAB RESULTS: We love that this simple-to-use all-in-one device helps you organize your life and enjoy it, as it allows for movies, musical entertainment and video calls.

    Double-Duty Valet Charger
    CATCH:3
    COURANT staycourant.com
    $175.00

    This elegant powered tray is the perfect addition to a nightstand or an entry table. Unlike most wireless chargers, the Courant has a valet section for corralling small items like jewelry and earbuds, and it comes in an assortment of pretty colors.
    LAB RESULTS: Our testers liked the idea of one product that would tackle more than one clutter issue, and this does that nicely. No more misplaced keys!

    Multi-Device Charging Station
    Original Multi-Charging Station
    Great Useful Stuff amazon.com
    $39.99

    Corral messy tech clutter with this Great Useful Stuff vertical charging station. It holds up to three phones and two laptops or tablets, and comes in many colors and finishes.
    LAB RESULTS: Our tech experts were impressed by its ability to hold large devices and how it kept phone alerts visible and cords neatly stashed for tangle-free charging.

    Neatest Cord Bundlers
    Cord Bundlers
    Command walmart.com
    $5.48

    Cords for lamps, electronics and appliances can become a tangled mess, not to mention a tripping hazard. These holders keep them tidy and off the floor or counter. They secure to a wall with Command’s adhesive backing, which holds well and can be cleanly removed.
    LAB RESULTS: These nifty bundlers work for most cord sizes and won’t ruin your paint job when you take them off the wall. More