15 Essential Gadgets for People Who Hate Clutter
We’ll take one of everything, thanks!
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We love a DIY project and design hack as much as the next homebody, but if you want to streamline your space, the right gadget can work wonders. Sure, robot vacuums and smart appliances can handle chores and daily to-dos, but we all know the sheer agony of sifting through months’ worth of unopened mail, purging the linen closet, and trying to justify why you need a dozen white T-shirts. Fortunately, Amazon is filled with a handful of incredibly intuitive accessories that can keep the clutter to a minimum.
At Good Housekeeping, we never gatekeep, so we’re sharing a few clever finds that are poised to make a huge difference in your home. The list below runs the gamut from a portable scanner to nifty cord management systems. Just add your Amazon cart and watch the clutter seemingly disappear before your eyes.
We know it’s virtually impossible to live in a home without chargers to power up your laptop, phone, and tablet, but let’s be honest: That jumble of cables isn’t doing your home any favors. Think of a wireless charging mat as a clever way to juice up those devices and cut down on superfluous cords. Not only does this pick have room to charge up to three gadgets at once, but it’s compact enough to throw in your work bag or suitcase.
Pillaging through your crammed sock drawer just to find one pair of tights or set of compression socks can be a total headache—but it doesn’t have to be this way. Add one of Joyoldelf’s organizers to your drawer and every sock, pair of tights, or even underwear will have its own place.
Short on cabinet space? Let this storage cart work its magic. This ultra-slim pick has four shelves so you’ll have a convenient place for jars and bottles of your favorite ingredients. However, thanks to its paneled edge, it can slip into a narrow, empty spot and none will be the wiser.
Thanks to Vacbird’s vacuum bags and corresponding air pump, you can finally hibernate your bulky throw blankets and sweaters during the warmer months. These shrinkable pouches can significantly reduce the amount of space your clothes take up—not to mention it’ll make your closet considerably easier to navigate. Plus, if you have any vacation plans, these bags will help you make the most of a very compact suitcase.
No matter how hard you try to the cut the cord, there are still a few electronics like a TV or video game console that need to be plugged in. Fortunately, Delamu’s Cord Cover Raceway can create the illusion of a cord-free space. Bonus points: If you have white walls, these plastic covers will almost hide in plain sight.
If you want to reduce the amount of stuff you have, invest in items that do double (or triple) duty. Case in point: This adjustable measuring spoon, which can scoop up an assortment of teaspoon and tablespoon quantities for a delectable dish.
Just because you have to plug in your speaker or electric toothbrush doesn’t mean it has to take up precious counter space. Our solution: Opt for this wall holder, which can comfortably hold your device without cluttering the space below.
Chances are, your recycling bin is overflowing with empty seltzer or beer cans, which is where HomeBuddy’s Can Crusher comes in. This compact gadget can help reduce a tin can to the fraction of its size, freeing up tons of space in your garbage. For added convenience, consider mounting it to your wall.
Keep bills and essential notes organized with a portable scanner like this one from Epson. Place this handy device near your home’s drop zone, scan the most important mail, and discard all the hard copies. The result: You’ll have key information on hand, minus the stacks of unopened letters you swear you’ll address soon.
Though this contraption from Togetrue is technically designed for plastic bags, it can also house your very generous tote collection. The magic lies in the elastic bottom, which will hold its contents inside but release a bag with a quick tug.
A surge protector might be a non-negotiable in most tech-savvy homes, but they can take up some floor space. When in doubt, reach for a wall charger with multiple ports. Here, five outlets and four USB ports provide lots of space to charge your devices—minus the visual clutter of a traditional extender.
A stack of photo albums is so 1997, so here’s your sign to pick up a digital frame. With Aura’s sleek offering, you can upload your most prized Kodak moments so nostalgia is well within reach and not collecting digital dust on your camera roll.
It doesn’t matter if you have a home office or tiny cubicle, let’s face it: Nobody wants to work under harsh, overhead lights. (If your company happens to employ blinding fluorescent lights, forget about it). But what’s the alternative? It’s not like your desk has enough vacant real estate for a table lamp. Fortunately, this option from Quntis is the best of both worlds: It affixes to the top of your monitor for a space-efficient way to score a soft glow.
Though throw blankets offer unparalleled comfort, they can be kind of an eyesore when idle. Fortunately, this ottoman can be, quite literally, the gift that keeps on giving. The hollow center is the perfect spot to place your cozy layers when you don’t need them. Meanwhile, a wooden top offers a sturdy foundation for candles, art books, and a beverage of choice.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your book collection can take up a lot of room on your shelves. So why not go digital? An e-reader such as Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite can hold your entire to-be-read list and travel with you on vacations and daily commutes. Best of all, you can reallocate your now-empty shelves.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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