11 Organization Tips from The Home Edit to Get Your Kitchen in Shape for Fall
These organization tips from The Home Edit will help you get your house in shape for fall (and keep it that way all year round).
For those of us who have already binge watched our way through “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” and are now not-so-patiently waiting for the next dose of home organization inspiration, there’s good news. At the end of August, Netflix announced that it will be producing “The Home Edit,” an unscripted series featuring celebrity organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the duo behind the viral home organization company.
The show will follow the Nashville-based duo as they conquer clutter in the homes of everyday people and celebrity clients alike (which isn’t a stretch for Shearer and Teplin who’ve worked with everyone from Katy Perry to Khloe Kardashian).
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The Home Edit by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, $13.99 on Amazon Not only does this book offer invaluable advice from Shearer and Teplin, it also includes refrigerator labels. Buy Now
If you’ve ever audibly swooned over a rainbow of perfectly aligned cans of La Croix or longed for Busy Phillips’ delightfully organized and colorful pantry, you’re probably familiar with the work of The Home Edit and the beautifully organized spaces they create.
View this post on Instagram
My kitchen and pantry looked insane and the lovely ladies at @thehomeedit came and changed my life(I mean, at least my snacks)Also. It's been a week and it still looks so good! ❤️swipe to see the before, it's worth it.
A post shared by Busy Philipps (@busyphilipps) on Sep 25, 2018 at 4:47pm PDT
Unlike Marie Kondo’s KonMari method which thrives on the joy of minimalism, The Home Edit takes a highly visual (read: Instagrammable) approach to home organization, using uniform containers, labeling, and color grouping. It’s perfect for maximalists and minimalists alike.
If you’re looking to whip your kitchen and pantry into shape (or simply want some helpful solutions for organizing the things that “spark joy”) here are a few key takeaways from The Home Edit method.
1. Start small and edit. View this post on Instagram
Our THE bins and drawers are perfect for under the sink ✨ Products from this post – along with THE book, and our other favorite items – are available on our shop page under shop THE feed [thehomeedit.com/shop] ✨ #thehomeedit #kitchen #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Aug 2, 2019 at 9:11pm PDT
The name says it all. The Home Edit doesn’t want you to get rid of your possessions, they want you to edit them. If being overwhelmed is an issue, start with the smallest areas of your kitchen, like your junk drawer. Pull out everything and group similar items together. Purge what you no longer use, like, or have in duplicates (for example, do you really need those two can openers?). Next, assess what containers you’ll need to organize your items.
2. Be consistent. View this post on Instagram
Our favorite glass canisters ✨ Products from this post – along with THE book, and our other favorite items – are available on our shop page under shop THE feed [thehomeedit.com/shop] ✨ #thehomeedit #pantry #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Sep 26, 2019 at 6:56pm PDT
According to The Home Edit, when it comes to organizing consistency is key. As Shearer tells House Beautiful, “if people have a hodgepodge of containers, it is the worst thing in the entire world.” We can think of worse things (like steak that’s been warmed up in the microwave or overcooked calamari), but I think it’s safe to say that when your organizing strategy is consistent, the space flows better.
Depending on your needs, choose one kind of clear container (in various sizes) along with one style of basket and go from there. FYI, The Home Edit swears by these Rubbermaid Brilliance containers.
Rubbermaid Storage Container Set, $48.75 on Amazon Keeping your food fresh and organized is the name of the game here. Buy Now 3. Ditch the packaging. View this post on Instagram
A canister collection turns any pantry into a show-stopper ✨ Products from this post – along with THE book, and our other favorite items – are available on our shop page under shop THE feed [thehomeedit.com/shop] ✨ #thehomeedit #pantry #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Aug 26, 2019 at 5:44pm PDT
Look through The Home Edit Instagram and you’ll instantly notice that items like rice, pasta, and cereal have been removed from their original packaging. The idea here is that excess packaging creates visual confusion. Emptying contents into clear containers and labeling them accordingly, not only looks amazing, it also helps maximize whatever space you have (so long, awkward bulky bags and boxes that never seem to fit anywhere!).
4. Label everything. View this post on Instagram
Not only do @Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE canisters work perfectly in a pantry – but they work equally as well in a small cabinet. For labeling, we opted to use EXPO dry erase markers to easily swap out the contents and update the container. #thehomeedit #Rubbermaid #sponsored ✨ Find these pieces and our other favorite items on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] under “shop the feed” // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2xce4 ✨
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Sep 2, 2018 at 5:31pm PDT
I know what you’re thinking. “Why do I need to label a clear container of cornflakes when I can see what’s inside?” It may seem counterintuitive, but The Home Edit suggests labeling everything—even the obvious items. A labeling system creates a visually cohesive look while also making items incredibly easy to find.
You can use a label maker or printed labels, however The Home Edit is known for labeling everything by hand with their signature loopy handwriting. They sell these labels pre-made in their store, but a white Sharpie paint marker works just as well.
White Sharpie, Pack of 3 $9.65 on Amazon If you follow The Home Edit plan to label everything, you're going to need plenty of ink. Buy Now 5. The “label everything” directive includes your spice rack. View this post on Instagram
Our custom spice jars are and we only have a few left on our shop page. Find these pieces and our other favorite items on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] under “shop the feed” // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2wNjb ✨ #thehomeedit #pantry #organization #housegoals
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Jul 31, 2018 at 7:41pm PDT
Truly take charge of your spice rack and decant spices into uniform bottles. Label everything and organize alphabetically. It may seem a bit extreme, but it’s so much easier to find a specific seasoning when you know that your stash of cumin is right next to your jar of curry powder and so forth.
Aozita 24 Pcs Spice Jar Set, $24.99 on Amazon Shaker lids, labels, and even a funnel are included. Buy Now 6. Group items in categories. View this post on Instagram
An all white pantry with wooden glass cansisters, gray rattan bins and clear bins, and our signature custom labels ✍ Find these pieces and our other favorite items on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] under “shop the feed” // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2xJPe ✨ #thehomeedit #pantry #organization #housegoals #liketkit
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Oct 13, 2018 at 4:27pm PDT
This probably sounds like a no-brainer, but open your cupboards or fridge and you’ll likely find sauces mixed in with proteins, alongside breakfast foods sharing space with snacks. The Home Edit recommends grouping like items together, while also being mindful of how you use the space. For example, try grouping items by meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and creating a separate beverage or snack “station” so you can easily grab items on the go.
7. Allocate space in the fridge. View this post on Instagram
Y’all know we love organizing a fridge… but this fresh herb section for @jordanmonsanto really set us over the edge in happiness. Pro tip: Our custom vinyl labels work perfectly on a fridge drawer! 🥦 Find these pieces and our other favorite items on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] under “shop the feed” // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2xa6t ✨ #thehomeedit #fridge #organization #housegoals
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Aug 30, 2018 at 6:03pm PDT
Use a similar approach when organizing your fridge by allocating specific areas to designated categories. Remove everything from your fridge and wipe it down. The Home Edit suggests, “once everything is emptied out of the fridge, create groupings: Dairy, Meat / Poultry, Veggies, Fruit, Snacks, etc.”
Related Reading: Fridge Organizing Photos to Inspire You to Do Your Own
8. Contain it. View this post on Instagram
Fall foliage fridge (and no, I don’t care if this is staged it’s amazing – @kristywicks killed the autumnal vibes) Find these pieces and our other favorite items on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] under “shop the feed” // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2xRbM #thehomeedit #fridge #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Oct 21, 2018 at 5:37pm PDT
Squeezy packs of baby food. Mini yogurts. Small packages of snacks. Instead of letting these items float around aimlessly in your fridge or pantry, contain everything in clear plastic containers or fridge bins. Containing items will help keep them in their zone, making cleaning easier. The Home Edit recommends these plastic refrigerator and freezer storage bins from iDesign.
iDesign Refrigerator/Freezer Storage Bin, $12.99 on Amazon Ensure easy access to everything in your fridge and freezer. Buy Now 9. Invest in a lazy Susan. View this post on Instagram
Y’all accuse us of only organizing big walk-in pantries – but this NY cabinet works just as well, and looks just as beautiful! ✨ products from this post are on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2Bomn ✨ #thehomeedit #pantry #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Apr 24, 2019 at 7:54pm PDT
Or three. The Home Edit are big fans of lazy Susans—in particular those made out of clear acrylic plastic like this Turntable Storage from mDesign, $17.99 at Amazon. Grouping like-items together in a turntable style container (for example, sauces, cooking oils, etc.) means you can easily see what you have, reducing the risk of “forgotten cans” at the back of your cupboard (container of expired canned pumpkin from last fall, we’re looking at you).
mDesign Divided Lazy Susan, $17.99 on Amazon Want less stress in the kitchen? Give this a spin. Buy Now 10. Use drawer organizers. View this post on Instagram
Craft cart organized with a food storage container as an insert and our favorite smart store cups! Find these pieces and our other favorite items on THE shop page [thehomeedit.com/shop] under “shop the feed” // or shop via screenshot using the @liketoknow.it app // http://liketk.it/2xPDM #thehomeedit #crafts #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Oct 19, 2018 at 6:14pm PDT
A cluttered kitchen junk drawer becomes a work of art thanks to plastic drawer organizers. Simply group items into categories (for example, elastic bands, sauce packets, menus etc) and purge what you don’t need. Next, place each category of item into their own section.
STORi Drawer Organizers, 6 Piece Set for $14.99 on Amazon These organizers provide a simple way to combat clutter. Buy Now
Related Reading: How to Organize Your Junk Drawer
11. Indulge in your love of rainbows. View this post on Instagram
Organized my pantry for the 50th time, but FINALLY WAS ABLE TO USE OUR PRODUCTS! What a dream. The first two shelves are a combination of THE divided bins and rainbow baby bins, then canisters for all our staples, and turntables for condiments and spices. 🥫🥫🥫 Products from this post – along with THE book, and our other favorite items – are available on our shop page under shop THE feed [thehomeedit.com/shop] 🥫🥫🥫 #thehomeedit #THEproducts #pantry #organization
A post shared by THE HOME EDIT ® (@thehomeedit) on Sep 23, 2019 at 5:25pm PDT
Who doesn’t love rainbows? One of The Home Edit’s most well known and visually appealing signature looks involves using pops of ROYGBIV (an acronym for the sequence of hues that make up a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) to organize items. From books to your favorite snacks, it’s hard not to feel a spark of joy when you open your cupboard or pantry and see a literal rainbow of all of your favorite foods and kitchen essentials.
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