37 Simple Storage Gadgets For Anyone Working, Eating & Sleeping In the Same Space
05 October 2021
I've worked from home since before it was a trend, so I feel confident in my opinions about how to be productive and maintain that ever-important work-life balance. The first piece of advice I would give anyone is to figure out a good schedule and stick to it. One of the biggest pitfalls of working from home is that you never really get away from the work. It helps a lot to have steady days and hours for work and to give yourself free time every day and, ideally, two days a week with zero work scheduled. I also find it helps to designate a workspace and keep it sacred. For a lot of folks that's a desk, though I have a spot on the couch that's my work zone.
There are also lots of simple storage gadgets that help anyone working, eating, and sleeping in the same space. It's important to keep office products organized, snacks handy, and the coffee station ready to go. Plus, you gotta make sure your bed and lounging area are comfy and inviting. We deserve to rest after all that work!
Amazon
If you've ever wished your workspace had an extra drawer, this is the gadget for you! Install a Bonus Drawer in under a minute, no tools or hardware needed. Just heat up the adhesive patches on top of the drawer with a hairdryer for a few seconds, peel off the protective film, then place the drawer where you need it.
Amazon
I need these Adjustable Bamboo Organizers for pretty much every drawer in my house! The spring-loaded dividers expand from 13 and 17 inches deep to fit snugly inside the drawer and encourage organization. Check out the Amazon customer reviews for lots of photo inspiration.
Amazon
Got limited space? If so, it's helpful to find gadgets that do two jobs at once. In the case of this Mini Fridge, it fulfills two needs everyone has: access to cold drinks and snacks and a handy place for reminders. This cute little electric fridge is big enough for a 6-pack of sodas and includes three neon markers that work beautifully on the exterior for erasable messages.
Amazon
I'm ordering this Bedside Shelf for my teen daughter so she'll have a handy spot for her phone and lip balm. It's a simple yet genius solution for anyone who doesn't have a bedside table or just wants a tidy spot for a few small items. My favorite feature is that it installs in seconds thanks to the included adhesive strips. No hardware or tools are needed!
Amazon
Here's another 2-in-1 gadget I'm ordering for my workspace. Made of smooth plastic, this Tissue Box Holder holds a standard tissue cube and includes a built-in storage tray on top. Use the top to display a plant or other decorative item, or for a more practical purpose like loose change.
Amazon
If you have a small kitchen, you know that every inch of storage potential must be maximized. This Stove Shelf is a brilliant way to add storage space to the under-utilized spot atop the stove. This smooth, steel shelf sticks securely thanks to magnets--no installation or tools required. Comes in black, white, or silver finishes.
Amazon
Where was this Slim Trash Can when I had my first (tiny) apartment? Designed with RVs in mind, this super-compact trash can is a smart solution for any bathroom with limited space. It measures just 7.7 x 4.4 inches and features a liner bucket that can be lifted out for easy emptying and cleaning. And there's a built-in toilet brush, too!
Amazon
I researched a bunch of desk accessories before picking this Desk Organizer as my top recommendation. It features a genuine wood base and a set of modular, magnetic storage containers that can be moved to suit your preferences. It's earned an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star average rating from Amazon customers.
Amazon
Versatile and affordable, this Wheeled Storage Cart creates extra storage space where you need it most and takes up practically no floor space. Measuring just 5 inches wide, it features four adjustable shelves and comes in black, white, or gray.
Amazon
This Magnetic Tool Holder seems like a much more practical solution than the old-fashioned toolbox my dad always used. This set includes four sturdy magnetic bars, each measuring 12 inches long. Each can hold up to 5 pounds of weight. They're also great in the kitchen for storing knives!
Amazon
I have two pairs of earbuds I constantly switch between - one for my phone and one for my laptop. When not in use, I tend to stuff them in my pocket, which leaves them horribly tangled. I'm ordering two of these Nest Earbuds Cases in the hopes that I'll finally take better care of my earbuds and keep them tangle-free!
Amazon
What I love most about this 8-Pack of Interlocking Bins is how versatile it is. The plastic containers can be mixed and matched to fit the drawer, and you can even split them up into two drawers if you prefer. Customers say they're "great for junk drawers" and "Love that's made in the USA and by women."
Amazon
All these boxes of plastic wrap, foil, and baggies make me kind of crazy. They're indispensable, yet take up way more than their fair share of space in the kitchen cabinet. I'm slightly less annoyed now that I've found this Box Organizer, an inexpensive solution for wrangling those boxes into order.
Amazon
Snacks look so much more appealing inside this Classic Cookie Jar! Made by OXO, a high-quality and reliable brand for kitchenware, this sturdy plastic jar features a push-button lid that creates an air-tight seal. Your favorite snacks will stay fresh much longer!
Amazon
This is the fun and practical purchase your at-home coffee station needs! Made of coated steel in your choice of black or white, this Coffee Pod Holder fits dozens of K-cups. Amazon customers are rating it five stars and calling it, "beautiful," "sturdy," and "just what I need."
Amazon
This Floor Lamp is a low-cost way to make a big impact in your bedroom or living room. Standing 62 inches tall, the engineered wood base includes three shelves perfect for displaying plants, framed photos, or other small decorative items. It could also double as a bedside table and make space for your phone to charge overnight. Choose from black, white, gray, pink, aqua, navy, or tan.
Amazon
I admit that the first thing I noticed about the Desk Potato was its adorable name. Then I realized how useful this gadget would be in my workspace! The 12 by 14-inch tray clamps onto the edge of a desk or table up to 1.75 inches thick. It swivels so you can stow the tray under the surface or bring it out when you need to access it.
Amazon
As cute as it is practical, this Fabric Storage Bag is a stylish solution to anywhere you wish you had a little more storage space. Customers have found it useful at the door, above their desks, or right next to their beds. Comes in a bunch of colors and designs; I'm partial to the tropical print!
Amazon
Do I need Dragon Book Ends/Pencil Cups? No. Am I ordering them anyway? You'd better believe it! The moment I saw these babies I was clicking add to cart faster than Smaug could desolate the countryside. They're about six inches tall, sturdy, heavy, and made of resin.
Amazon
I don't blame you if you haven't searched for a "banana hammock" on Amazon, because most of the results have nothing to do with produce. But once you find this Fruit Hammock, you'll realize that you probably want one! It's a simple, cotton net that hangs from two included hooks to provide a safe spot for fresh fruit and veggies.
Amazon
I don't have a desk at home, so I usually sit in bed or on the sofa with my laptop to work. I'm intrigued by this Foldable Lap Desk and I think I might have to order one. It has so many thoughtful details, including a recessed cup holder, a slot that can hold a tablet or other accessories, and sturdy legs that fold flat for storage.
Amazon
When I'm chopping veggies for a big recipe or doing meal prep for the week, I must get a thousand extra steps in going back and forth to the trash can. I'm going to save time and energy by getting this nifty little Kitchen Trash Can that hangs on a cabinet or drawer to provide a perfectly sized spot for scraps.
Amazon
I've had this Dinosaur Dish in my wish list for weeks, waiting for the right moment to share it with the world. Today is that day! This whimsical, unexpected home accessory is probably not right for everyone. But it's definitely right for someone. Use it as a candy dish or to hold keys or other small items. Or just perch it on a shelf and love it forever.
Amazon
These Hanging Wall Shelves are brimming with possibilities. The Amazon customer reviews are filled with praise with customers calling them "a great value" and "easily assembled." Check out the review photos for design inspo!
Amazon
Modern and unexpected, this Metal Locker adds functionality to your space at a lower price than most end tables. It measures 27 inches tall and includes two shelves inside. Choose from mint, blue, orange, or yellow.
You already know the benefits of a good quality pair of headphones. But if you're still just tossing them on your desk when you're done, you need to hear about this Headphones Stand. It mounts to the size of your monitor, which is the perfect spot for keeping your headphones handy and neat.
Amazon
I was at a friend's house for dinner and a movie, and when our take-out arrived she popped open the top of her coffee table to provide an eating surface. Impressed, I asked her to send me a link. This Lift Top Coffee Table earns excellent ratings from Amazon customers and comes in your choice of five finishes.
Amazon
This may not be forever furniture, but it's an inexpensive and practical purchase that serves a need. Made with a metal frame, wood top, and foldable fabric drawers, this 5-Drawer Dresser is a helpful addition to the bedroom, playroom, or closet. Comes in six different colors.
Amazon
I'm not ashamed to admit that when I spotted this Magnetic Organizer Rack, I yelped with joy. I've been trying to figure out a smart way to add more storage space to my small kitchen, and this is the best solution I've found. It measures about 15 inches tall and features a shelf with a guard rail, hooks, and a hanging rod perfect for paper towels.
Amazon
If you're the throw-shoes-in-a-heap kind of person, feel free to keep scrolling. But if you love new ways to keep things tidy, these Shoe Racks might just spark joy in your neat freak heart. They're as easy as they look: just stick them to the wall with included adhesive to create the perfectly sized spot for a pair of shoes.
Amazon
A better option than rubber bands, these Stretchy Silicone Bands are useful for everything from ponytails to loose cords. They come in a pack of 48 in your choice of colors.
Amazon
I already own a billion ways to store food, so what drew me to this Set of 7 Food Containers? It's not only the rainbow color and clearly marked measurements but also that they make it so easy to portion food for healthier eating. They're made of recycled, BPA-free plastic and are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Amazon
These Stackable Drawers will be so handy in my kitchen! Each drawer measures 4.5 inches tall and is designed to stack neatly and safely with other drawers. Customers love them for coffee pods and small snacks like granola bars.
Amazon
I am completely smitten with the boho charm of this Macrame Caddy. Made from cotton, this pouch is designed to hang from the side of your bed or sofa and provide the perfect spot to store a few essentials you want close at hand. Features four pockets, and comes in either ivory or gray.
Amazon
Is it just me, or is this Work Table the most ingenious piece of work-from-home furniture you've ever seen? This desk is tall and enough and wide enough to fit over a queen bed, providing a spacious work surface for computers, books, and even breakfast! The Amazon customer reviews are filled with praise along with handy tips on assembly
Amazon
Cute enough to put on display, yet practical enough for serious storage, this Wire Basket is a handy solution to any odds and ends that need a home. Choose from three different sizes in a variety of finishes. One happy Amazon customer calls them, "Shiny, cute, functional."
Amazon
Beloved by Instagram fashion influencers, this Leaning Ladder Rack is a modern, stylish way to store and display favorite clothes. Measures 65 inches tall and comes in seven different colors.