Organization Glossary

Common storage and organization terms explained.

Storage Products

Bed Risers

Blocks placed under bed legs to raise the bed frame, creating additional under-bed storage space. Typically adds 5-8 inches of clearance. Available in various heights and materials.

Command Strips/Hooks

Adhesive mounting products that attach to walls without nails or screws. Removable without damaging surfaces when pulled correctly. Popular for renter-friendly organization.

Drawer Dividers

Inserts that partition drawer space into sections. Keeps items separated and visible. Available in adjustable, fixed, and customizable formats.

Floating Shelves

Wall-mounted shelves with concealed mounting hardware, creating the appearance of "floating" on the wall. No visible brackets underneath.

Lazy Susan

Rotating tray that allows access to items stored in the back. Commonly used in corner cabinets, pantries, and refrigerators.

Over-Door Organizer

Storage unit that hangs over the top of a door, utilizing the door's back surface for storage. Available with pockets, hooks, shelves, or racks.

Shelf Risers

Stackable shelving units that sit on existing shelves to create additional levels, effectively doubling shelf capacity.

Storage Ottoman

Ottoman with hollow interior accessed by lifting the top. Functions as seating, footrest, and storage. Can serve as a coffee table with a tray on top.

Tension Rod

Spring-loaded rod that holds itself in place between two walls by pressure. Requires no installation. Used for curtains, dividers, and organization.

Vacuum Storage Bags

Plastic bags that compress bulky items when air is removed via vacuum. Dramatically reduces storage volume for bedding, winter clothes, and pillows.

Furniture Types

Drop-Leaf Table

Table with hinged sections that fold down when not needed, reducing the table's footprint. Expands for use, compacts for storage.

Loft Bed

Bed elevated significantly off the floor, creating usable space underneath for desk, seating, or storage. Requires sufficient ceiling height.

Murphy Bed

Bed that folds up into a wall cabinet or closet when not in use. Also called a wall bed. Frees floor space during the day.

Platform Bed

Bed with a solid base instead of box spring. Often includes built-in drawers or lift-up storage in the base.

Secretary Desk

Desk with a hinged surface that folds up to conceal the workspace. Closes to look like a cabinet, hiding papers and work materials.

Organizational Techniques

Decluttering

The process of removing items you no longer need, use, or want. The essential first step before organizing—you can't organize excess stuff effectively.

File Folding

Folding method where clothes are folded into rectangles and stored vertically (like files in a filing cabinet) rather than stacked. All items remain visible.

One In, One Out

Rule where acquiring one new item means removing one existing item. Prevents accumulation and maintains organizational systems.

Zone Organization

Organizing by grouping related items together in designated areas. Items for specific activities stored near where those activities occur.

Concepts

Double-Hanging

Using two levels of closet rods instead of one, placing shorter items on each level. Doubles hanging capacity for shirts, skirts, and folded pants.

Landing Spot

Designated place to put items when entering the home (keys, wallet, bag). Prevents items from being scattered or lost.

Vertical Storage

Utilizing wall space and height rather than floor space for storage. Essential in small spaces where floor area is limited.

Visual Clutter

The overwhelming appearance of too many visible items, even if technically organized. Closed storage reduces visual clutter compared to open shelving.