The Organization Brand Our Social Media Editor Turns to Again and Again
She has at least one product in every room.
Updated Sep 24, 2018 2:15 PM
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Between mismatched bins and repurposed shoeboxes and jars, it’s easy for storage containers to end up adding to the clutter. To streamline everything, find a brand whose aesthetic you love and pledge your loyalty to it—for Domino’s senior social media editor, Alyssa Clough, that’s Yamazaki. “I fell in love with the company’s products right when I saw them,” she says. “They had just started selling in the U.S. Buying them wasn’t as much a decision as it was a nondecision.”
Stuck in the always tricky position of having both a small apartment and a lot of stuff, she ordered an array of the brand’s products and got to organizing. One move and several years later, she still swears by them all. Here’s what sets Yamazaki apart: Each item is designed for small spaces, available in a simple white powder-coated steel finish that’s meant to blend in.
Clough has at least one of Yamazaki ’s pieces in every room of her apartment; if that’s not a living testament to their durability and function, we don’t know what is. We asked her to walk us through the ones that she might just keep around forever.
The Shoe Rack
Don’t discount this adjustable and stackable shoe rack as basic. I used to have three of them stacked in my bedroom; now they’re all on the floor in my hall closet, giving me long, low storage. I also think this tall design would be cool in an entryway.
Tip: If you have wall-mounted cabinets that leave an awkward sliver of dead space underneath, pop one of these there to maximize your square footage.
The Spice Rack
This spice shelf has lived nine lives in my apartments. It’s been displayed on my kitchen cart, hidden in cabinets, and now it holds all my tea in the pantry. The brand has since designed this new rack, which I would purchase…except there’s no need to upgrade my current situation!
Tip: Stick it under the sink in the bathroom to corral all those extra shampoos and bottles of products you haven’t tried yet.
The Garbage Bin
There aren’t a lot of chic trash cans out there. This one is powder-coated steel and wood, so it feels more elevated. It’s small enough to disappear, but large enough so it doesn’t need to be emptied constantly.
Tip: With its slim dimensions, this wastebasket will squeeze into pretty much any corner. If you have a cramped space, it’s the way to go.
The Paper Towel Holder
It’s not flashy; it just gets the job done. I like the one-handed tear functionality for easy access when I’m cooking.
Tip: If you’ve sworn off paper towels, this item can also help you hold multiple rolls of toilet paper instead.
The Dish Drainer
When I didn’t have a dishwasher, this drying rack had a permanent place on my kitchen counter. Now I bring it out only when I need to hand-wash things, but I still appreciate the minimalist design and quality.
Tip: You can also use this rack to organize your cupboards; just tuck your fancy plates and bowls safely away in each compartment.
See more organization ideas we swear by: 3 Ways to Hack Muji’s Best-Selling Organization System These $12 Shelves Saved My Morning Routine Start a Group Chat for Chores, Plus 4 More Tried-and-True Tips for Roommates