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Declutter Your Life for 2026: Pro Organizers Share Dollar Tree Secrets!
As the new year approaches, many of us are feeling the urge to transform our homes into havens of calm and order. But before you break the bank on designer bins and custom shelving, listen up! Professional organizers are here to spill the beans: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your space in shape.
We chatted with three organizational gurus – Gillian Economou of Sort It Out, Olivia Parks of Nola Organizers, and Julie Peak from The Precise Place – to uncover their top Dollar Tree finds for a budget-friendly home reset. Get ready to tackle clutter with these 13 genius picks that will have you ringing in 2026 with a sparkling, streamlined home.
1. Clear Plastic Storage Boxes ($1.50)
These humble three-quart boxes are a game-changer for taming unruly pantries and chaotic bathroom cabinets. Their clear design means you can always see what’s inside, and their stackable nature makes them perfect for maximizing vertical space.
Economou raves, “They are great because you can see everything, and they stack well in pantries and under sinks. They work in just about any area of the home.”
2. Essentials Over-the-Door Hanger ($1.25)
Need more hanging space without the hassle of drilling? This simple metal hook rack is your new best friend.
With six hooks, it’s ideal for adding vertical storage in small apartments or dorm rooms. Parks loves them for “hanging over your closet door to hang jackets, hats, belts, scarves, your robe, etc.
[…] so they don’t end up thrown in your closet or in a pile on the floor.”
3. Essentials Drawer Organizer ($1.50)
Drawers are notorious clutter magnets, but Economou has a simple fix: these lightweight drawer organizer trays. They fit in most kitchen, bathroom, and desk drawers, transforming jumbled messes into neat, grid-like systems. She calls them “an easy fix for the classic junk drawer.”
4. 16-Compartment Drawer Organizer ($1.25)
For those tiny items that seem to multiply overnight, this fabric organizer is a lifesaver. Its 16 slots give everything a designated spot, making it clear when you’re overstuffing a category. Peak swears by this for “organizing socks, belts, scarves, underwear, and more.”
5. Jot Multi-Purpose Labels ($1.25)
Sustainable organization hinges on clear labeling. These 72 removable labels are essential for keeping everyone in the household on the same page.
Economou uses them in “pantries and linen closets. Simple labels like ‘Snacks’ or ‘Cleaning Rags’ tell everyone in the house where things go, which is important if you don’t want to be the only one putting stuff away.”
6. Essentials Vacuum Storage Bag ($1.25)
Reclaim precious closet space with these vacuum storage bags. They’re perfect for reducing the bulk of large items and protect contents from dust, moisture, and odors during long-term storage. Parks uses hers for “seasonal clothes or extra linens when closet space is limited” and suggests “labeling the outside of the bag with a Sharpie” for easy identification.
7. Jot Mesh Zipper Bag ($1.25)
From travel essentials to important documents, these versatile mesh bags keep everything secure and visible. The zipper closure ensures nothing escapes, while the mesh allows for quick glances at the contents. Peak finds them “a great option for organizing and packing outfits for a trip.”
8. Tool Bench Self-Adhesive Hooks ($1.50)
When you need a quick storage solution without the commitment of drilling, these self-adhesive hooks are the answer. Parks uses them in closets “for belts, hats, purses, or necklaces,” noting, “Just stick it wherever you need a quick storage zone.”
9. Jot Cardboard File Holders ($1.25)
Drowning in paper? These upright file holders can transform stacks of documents into manageable categories. Economou uses them to create a “simple To Do, To File, and To Read system for mail,” keeping papers “vertical and contained, rather than in piles on the counter.”
10. Closet Essentials Storage Container ($1.25)
This collapsible bin acts as a mini storage cube for closets and shelves. Its ability to fold flat makes it perfect for stashing away seasonal items, like holiday decorations, once they’re out of use. Peak loves the variety of colors and patterns, which “add personality to her home.”
11. Essential Slotted Basket ($1.50)
Whether you’re tackling a bathroom, pantry, or craft room, this small handled basket offers both portability and ventilation. Parks has them throughout her home, explaining, “The handles make them easy to grab and move around while keeping everything contained.”
12. Plastic Locker Bins ($1.50)
Economou recommends these locker bins for “drop zones like entryways and mud rooms.” They act as a “catch all product” for shoes, backpacks, leashes, and sports gear, preventing clutter from accumulating on floors and countertops near the door.
13. Essential Cabinet Wire Shelves ($1.50)
Maximize your vertical space with these lightweight yet stable wire shelves. Parks uses them in kitchens and closets to “instantly double your storage space,” whether for plates, cans, or even shoes.
The Bottom Line
For anyone looking to embrace a more organized and peaceful home in the new year, these Dollar Tree essentials prove that you don’t need a hefty investment. These small, expert-approved upgrades can make your home calmer, cleaner, and easier to maintain throughout 2026. Plus, buying in multiples at Dollar Tree creates a cohesive look, a key factor for long-term decluttering success, say our pros!