13 IKEA Organizing Finds Experts Use to Declutter Their Space

If you're embarking on a home organization overhaul or maybe trying to finally tackle that closet categorization project you've been putting off for months, professional organizers say that some simple (and cheap) products from IKEA can make the process a whole lot easier.

IKEA has built a reputation for flat-pack furniture and storage systems that pair Scandinavian design with budget-friendly prices, and its lineup ranges from small fabric boxes to full wardrobe frames that can be customized room by room.

The organization experts we spoke to tout the following 13 products as not just organization gold mines, but also smart shopping hacks that'll help you keep more of your money.

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

Price: $29.99

To organize your office, kids' room, or even kitchen, the SKÅDIS Pegboard is a top choice for organizers, Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer at Valley Organizing, explains.

"One of my favorites is the SKÅDIS Pegboard and accessories," Pfeiffer says. "I like that it works well in so many spaces and especially for crafting areas."

The SKÅDIS pegboard is made from fiberboard and comes in several sizes and colors, including a 22-by-22-inch and a 30-by-22-inch option, with prices for the pegboard alone ranging from about $5 to $25 depending on size and material. 

IKEA sells a wide range of matching accessories, such as hooks, shelves, containers and clips, so shoppers can build a custom storage combination. The pegboard can be mounted directly on a wall or attached to a desk or wardrobe with connectors sold separately, and it holds an average customer rating of about 4.6 out of 5 stars on IKEA's website.

Price: $14.99

Pfeiffer also recommends the KUGGIS box, which comes in several different sizes, for the product's clean look and versatility. The price above is for a mid-sized bix (roughly 10-by-13-by-6 inches).

"These are some of the best storage organizers I have found," he explains. "They stack, have lids, come in five different sizes, and have a really clean aesthetic."

KUGGIS boxes and lids are made of durable, partially recycled PET plastic and are designed so different sizes stack neatly on top of each other. The line ranges from a small 7-by-10¼-by-3¼-inch box up to a large 14½-by-21¼-by-8¼-inch box, with lids sold separately for most sizes. 

Many of the smaller boxes are sized to fit BILLY bookcase shelves, while the larger ones are made for BESTÅ storage units, making it easy to mix and match sizes across a room. Customer reviews frequently praise the boxes for their clean look, sturdy build and easy-to-wipe-clean surface.

Price: $4.99

These magazine holders are made from oak-patterned recycled paper and are as stylish as they are functional — plus $4.99 for a two-pack is a total bargain.

"I love the HÄSTVISKARE wooden file folders," Pfeiffer says. "They are perfect for storing and hiding paperwork, notebooks, and other small items."

Each file is made from 100% recycled solid cardboard designed to hold letter-size and A4 paper, and shoppers can turn the high or short end toward them depending on whether they want the contents hidden or on display. Because the files come as a two-pack, buyers get two organizers to split between rooms, such as a home office and a kitchen counter, for that same $4.99. 

IKEA recommends wiping the cardboard clean with a dry cloth rather than water, since the material isn't intended to get wet, and the files can be combined with other pieces in the HÄSTVISKARE collection for a matching look.

Price: $49.99

The KALLAX shelving system, which was recommended by multiple organization experts, can be purchased in a variety of sizes and be used vertically or horizontally. The price above is for the single, four-shelf unit.

"My go-to without fail is the KALLAX shelving system," Jo Rich, a designer with Raydoor Sliding Walls & Doors, says. "It's endlessly configurable and looks extremely clean when styled."

KALLAX units are available in cube configurations from a single 1x1 up to a large 5x5 grid, in colors such as white, black-brown and oak effect, with the top surface rated to hold up to 55 pounds. 

IKEA sells matching inserts, doors and drawers separately so the same frame can be reconfigured as storage needs change.

Pro tip: The KALLAX system accepts blinds, drawers, and doors, Rich says, "so it transitions from entryway to playroom to office effortlessly."

Price: $200

The PAX storage system is another gem, Rich says, particularly for organizing wardrobes. The price above is for the wall-mounted storage frame, which can be added to and adjusted however customers see fit.

"PAX are what I typically use for wardrobes and built-in style storage," Rich says. "The modular sizing and drawer/rail options let you get boutique-custom storage at a fraction of the cost."

PAX frames come in multiple widths, depths and heights, from about 20 inches wide up to nearly 79 inches wide, and in finishes including white, black and gray-beige. IKEA backs the frames with a 10-year limited warranty, and adjustable feet help compensate for uneven flooring. 

Doors, drawers, shelves and other interior organizers from the KOMPLEMENT series are sold separately, letting shoppers build out a wardrobe piece by piece as their budget allows.

Price: $39.99

These utility carts are equipped with three shelves and can be rolled into small spaces wherever you need them in the home — and they look quite stylish, too.

"RÅSKOG utility carts are great for bathrooms, craft rooms, or bar organization," Rich says.

The RÅSKOG cart is made of steel and measures about 13¾ by 17¾ by 30⅜ inches, with mesh shelves that let air circulate and make it easier to see what's stored. Lockable casters keep it steady once it's parked, and it comes in colors such as white, black, gray-blue, pink and red-brown. 

IKEA also sells a smaller version, at 11 by 15 by 24 inches, for tighter spaces like bathrooms. Reviewers often mention using the cart for kitchen tools, craft supplies, bar carts or bathroom essentials, and note that it's sturdy enough to roll fully loaded.

Price: $4.99

You really can't beat the price of SAMLA bins when it comes to easy storage. The price listed above is for a 3-gallon bin with lid, but the SAMLA bin is also available in 6-gallon ($6.99) and even 12-gallon ($9.99). You have the option to buy the the 3-gallon one without a bin for $2.99. If you plan on stacking them, that's a neat trick to save money.

"SAMLA clear boxes are fantastic for pantry and craft storage," Rich explains.

SAMLA boxes are made of clear, durable plastic so it's easy to see what's inside without opening the lid, and a built-in click-lock keeps the lid secure while making the boxes stackable. 

Beyond the 3-, 6- and 12-gallon sizes, the line goes up to 17-gallon and 34-gallon boxes for bulkier items such as sports gear or seasonal decor, and the largest size comes with wheels for easy moving. SAMLA is also designed to fit inside shelving units like IVAR and BROR.

TROFAST system is a tried and true solution for keeping kids' rooms organized, Satoko Turnbull, who works with SH Residential Holdings, says.

"For kid-friendly solutions and in children's nurseries, the TROFAST system is easy to use with a good frame and removable bins," she explains.

The price listed above is just for the frame, which gives customers the opportunity to design and organize their systems as needed.

The TROFAST frame is made of particleboard with a paper foil finish, while the accompanying boxes are plastic or mesh, at least 50% recycled, and come in various colors. 

Guide rails inside the frame let shoppers reposition boxes and shelves as kids grow or storage needs change, and taller room-divider versions are available for splitting a shared bedroom or playroom. Lids for the plastic boxes are sold separately for dust protection.

Price: $8.99

SKUBB boxes work great with the KALLAX system or on their own to help you keep bedrooms, closets, and more tidy, Turnbull says — and you can't beat the price of $8.99 for a set of six.

"SKUBB bins and drawer divers are lightweight, malleable, great for bins in drawers or under beds, and work in closets," she explains.

SKUBB boxes are made of polyester that's at least 90% recycled, and the six-piece set includes two of each size: roughly 5½-by-5½ inches, 11-by-5½ inches and 11-by-11 inches, all about 5⅛ inches deep. 

They're designed to fold flat for storage when not in use, and IKEA recommends cleaning them by vacuuming or using a lint roller rather than washing them. Shoppers often use them to sort socks, lingerie, accessories or craft supplies inside dresser drawers or on closet shelves.

Price: $14.99

Another SKUBB classic is the hanging organizer. It's an excellent option if you're looking for more space to keep folded clothes out of the way.

Hang the organizer right in your closet or on a freestanding rack for a simple, cheap storage solution.

This hanging organizer measures 13¾ by 17¾ by 49¼ inches and attaches to a closet rod or freestanding rack with a hook-and-loop fastener, and it folds flat for easy storage when it's not needed. It's sized to fit inside PAX wardrobe frames that are 22⅞ inches deep, and it comes in white or dark gray. 

Shoppers can pair it with a separately sold SKUBB box with compartments to keep smaller folded items, like socks or scarves, contained within each shelf.

Price: $39

Turnbull points to the BILLY bookcase as one of the items she finds "best for versatility."

The simple, modular design can be used in many different ways when it comes to home organization, from storing books to knick-knacks to frames and photo albums.

BILLY was first launched in 1979, and IKEA says a BILLY bookcase sells somewhere in the world roughly every five seconds. 

The bookcase comes in widths of about 15¾ and 31½ inches and heights ranging from 41¾ inches up to 93¼ inches with a height extension unit, in finishes such as white, oak effect, black oak effect and brown walnut effect. Shelves are adjustable, and glass or solid doors can be added separately for a more closed-off look.

Price: $100

The IVAR cabinet is another one of Turnbull's recommendations for versatility. The price above is for the cabinet at its most basic in pine, a 31-by-12-by-33-inch piece.

"These items are well-loved because they are modular and aesthetically pleasing," Turnbull says, adding they are also functional and easy to style practically to suit your needs.

The IVAR cabinet is made of untreated solid pine, a natural material that can be painted, oiled or stained to match a room, and it ages and develops its own character over time. 

IKEA notes the IVAR storage system has been around for more than 50 years and is used in attics, living rooms, pantries and bedrooms. The cabinet also comes in a deeper 31-by-20-by-33-inch version, and it can stand alone or be combined with other IVAR shelving pieces.

Price: $179.99

The HEMNES shoe cabinet is another favorite for organizers, Turnbull says. The price listing above is for a four-compartment cabinet that is sleek and thin enough to subtly place in an entryway, off to the side in bedrooms, or wherever you're hoping to store shoes out of the way.

The cabinet holds roughly eight pairs of shoes and has slatted doors that let air circulate to keep shoes from getting musty. Because it only has legs at the front, it can sit flush against a wall above the baseboard, and IKEA notes it should be fastened to the wall using fixings suited to the wall type, sold separately. 

HEMNES also offers coordinating pieces, including a two-compartment shoe cabinet, so shoppers can mix pieces for a matching entryway or bedroom look.

In addition to comparing prices and making sure you are shopping with the best cash back credit cards, carefully considering what sort of storage works best for you is key to avoiding wasting money, time, and effort.

The great thing about IKEA, the experts we spoke to say, is that many of these items can be used on their own or built up for cheap, versatile storage solutions.

Most of the IKEA products mentioned above can be returned within 365 days for a full refund, and IKEA Family members can get the difference back if a price drops within 90 days of purchase, so it's worth watching for sales before committing to a full room overhaul. 

Mixing modular pieces, like KALLAX or PAX, with smaller organizers, like SKUBB or SAMLA, lets shoppers build a system gradually instead of buying everything at once.