A few weeks ago, I was aimlessly scrolling through Netflix, looking for something fresh to watch—no genre, no favorite actor, no runtime in mind. That’s when I stumbled upon Get Organized with The Home Edit. The description piqued my interest: a show about home organization? Count me in.
The show follows Clea and Joanna, the dynamic duo behind The Home Edit, a home organizing business that started on social media and skyrocketed to fame. They help everyone from celebrities to everyday folks organize and better utilize cluttered spaces.
I was hooked, binging all 16 episodes across two seasons in just a few days. Their approach wasn’t just about organizing—it was about intention. Here’s what I learned and how I applied it to organize my pantry and bathroom cabinets.
Step 1: Define the Purpose
Clea and Joanna emphasize defining the purpose of a space before touching a single item. Are you creating a baking hub in your pantry? A cleaning supply station in your bathroom? Knowing the goal shapes every decision that follows.
Step 2: Edit Ruthlessly
Next comes the editing phase: sort items into Keep, Donate, or Trash, always keeping the space’s purpose in mind. This part is familiar but critical. Be honest about what you need—those expired spices? Toss them.
Step 3: Contain with Intention
The real game-changer for me was the “contain” stage. Organizing isn’t just about neat piles; it’s about using containers to group items by purpose and frequency of use. The goal? Easy access and no chaos when adding new items. Think bins, lazy Susans, and canisters—but choose wisely.
Pantry Transformation
While organizing pantries, one thing that was really an aha moment for me was to either organize items in bins and boxes or to dump them in canisters. I always dumped things in canisters because canisters are easier to organize. DUH!
Not always!
Turns out that it all depends on the item, frequency of using it, shelf life, what’s on the label …
So I decided to use clear bins to organize my baking shelf in the pantry. No more dumping all the chocolate chips in canisters without knowing which was vegan, which was 70% cocoa, or when each expires.
I also used smaller canisters for things with longer shelf life: brown sugar, shredded coconut, powder sugar. I don’t need the label for those.
Inspired by the show, I switched to clear bins for baking items, grouping them by use:
Daily/Weekly Use (Front of the Pantry): Vanilla extract, baking powder, and baking soda in a small bin for easy access.
Occasional Use (Back of the Pantry): Molasses, rose water, and chocolate chips in another bin.
Pro Tip: Measure your shelves before buying bins. I tested several sizes but chose ones that fit six neatly on my shelf, making everything easy to grab and visually tidy.
Bathroom Cabinet Makeovers
My guest bathroom cabinet, packed with bulk cleaning supplies, got a similar treatment. I stored large containers at the back and grouped spray bottles in a clear bin up front for quick access.
The main bathroom cabinet was trickier—it was overflowing.
I opted for two-tier sliding drawer organizers (metal, not plastic, for sturdiness). The metal drawers glide smoothly, even when loaded with heavy items like shampoo bottles.
Pro Tip: Invest in metal sliding organizers over plastic ones. They’re more durable and handle heavier loads without wobbling.
Lessons Learned
Plan First, Shop Later: Visualize how you’ll use the space before buying containers. I wasted time returning bins that didn’t fit because I shopped impulsively. Check Amazon or stores like The Container Store, but always measure first.
Check Your Inventory: Clear bins make it easy to see what you have, but check them every few months to toss expired items. I discovered we’re stocked on body wash for months but need to replace some baking essentials.
Pace Yourself: Organizing is time-consuming. I tackled inventory and editing one weekend, ordered containers, and organized the next. If you order the wrong organizers, budget an extra week for returns.
Get Inspired
If your pantry, cabinets, or office need some love, watch Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix or follow Clea and Joanna on social media for endless tips. I didn’t use their product line (mixed reviews and a bit pricey for me), but their ideas are universal.
I still have a few spaces to organize around the house, so stay tuned for more home organizing ideas and tips.
Ready to jump on the organizing bandwagon? Share your tips, tricks, or before-and-after photos in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for new ideas!