7 Dollar General Organizing Finds Experts Use to Declutter Their Space

As more people look for practical ways to simplify their homes, affordable organizing products are becoming increasingly sought out.

Creating a calmer, easier-to-maintain home does not necessarily require custom cabinetry or expensive storage systems that drain bank accounts. Sometimes, a few thoughtfully chosen basics may make everyday routines feel far more manageable, plus, it's a great way to avoid wasting money on trendy products.

Professional organizers say the key is choosing organization products that have multiple uses, so that you can maximize overlooked areas, especially closets, drawers, and under-bed storage zones. That is part of the reason discount retailers like Dollar General continue attracting shoppers searching for inexpensive ways to reduce household clutter and save money.

These seven expert-approved finds may help bring more order to crowded spaces and free up your budget.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $2.25

According to former President of National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals™ New York Chapter, Barbara Brock, the Sterilite Plastic Shoe Storage Box offers far more flexibility than its name suggests.

While useful for footwear, she says these stackable bins are also great for storing "holiday items, photos, books, personal papers, clothing, and knickknack storage."

The clear plastic design makes it easier to identify contents without opening every container, which could help prevent duplicate purchases or misplaced seasonal items. Brock also likes the idea of introducing younger family members to organizing habits early by giving them their own labeled storage boxes.

Price: $18

The Wheeled Underbed Latching Storage Box ranks among organizer, and Brock's favorite decluttering tools because it turns unused under-bed space into valuable storage.

She says that "an infinite number of things that can be stored in this type of container including children's artwork, shoes, clothes, holiday items, photo albums, other keepsakes and more." Its slim shape may allow two containers to fit beneath larger beds.

Brock also notes that the built-in wheels help reduce strain when accessing stored items, something many older homeowners may appreciate. Instead of stacking bulky bins in garages or attics, this option could keep important belongings accessible while minimizing visual clutter in bedrooms.

Price: $10

Closet organization often becomes difficult when shelves and hanging rods are underused. Brock recommends the True Living Gray 4-Tier Fabric Storage Shelf because it adds vertical storage without needing to be permanently installed.

She says the hanging shelves could work well for sweaters, handbags, winter accessories, office supplies, or seasonal décor. Smaller homes, apartments, and retirement communities frequently lack extra closet space, so lightweight vertical organizers like this one "fits into any closet without taking up much space."

Price: $15

The Encore Home Decor Wall Shelf with Hooks combines two organizing functions in one simple design. Brock recommends it because the hooks create quick-access storage for daily essentials while the upper shelf provides additional room for decorative or functional items.

She says that a "home always needs hooks to various items when organizing including hats, belts, ties, scarves, lanyards, pet leashes and more." This shelf would be good for smaller homes, because it combines storage and décor and can help reduce clutter without making any room feel too full.

Price: $5

Messy drawers tend to become "catch-all" spaces surprisingly quickly. Brock says the Tan Rectangular Fabric Adjustable Drawer Organizer may help create smaller categories that keep items from shifting into disorganized piles.

She especially recommends it for "for lingerie items, for scarves, belts, socks, and other assorted clothing items," as well as delicate holiday ornaments. Because the compartments are adjustable, homeowners are able to tailor the layout to fit changing storage needs instead of purchasing multiple specialty organizers for different rooms.

Price: $8.50

Professional organizer Sarah Dunn of Ready Set Organize, San Diego's top-rated home organizing firm, recommends thinking beyond shoes when using the True Living Over the Door 24 Pocket Shoe Organizer. She says the hanging organizer works especially well inside coat closets for frequently used grab-and-go items.

Dunn recommends storing "sunscreen, totes, hand-sanitizer, sunglasses, doggy bags," and more inside the pockets. For busy households, keeping these smaller essentials visible and accessible near the front door is a great way to help reduce countertop clutter and last-minute searching before leaving home.

Price: $6

Dunn also recommends the Bella Storage Solution Lidded Storage Bin from Dollar General because its stackable design is good for people with a lot of vertical storage space. She says the bins work well for "everything from batteries and tape, to craft supplies like crayons and pens."

Lidded bins could also look cleaner on shelves because they hide loose items that can make spaces feel messier. Dunn particularly likes using matching containers together to create a more put-together and less overwhelming storage system.

Professional organizers say that successful decluttering is less about buying expensive storage and more about creating space in your homes for everyday items. These Dollar General finds are able to help simplify storage while making rooms feel easier to maintain throughout the year for a stress-free retirement.

It is also important to remember that organizing tends to work best when homeowners avoid overfilling containers. Leaving a little extra space inside bins, shelves, and drawers may make it easier to keep things organized long term instead of constantly reorganizing crowded areas to be able to stack boxes and fit lids.