Get your life back in order

After years of writing Redbook's Semi-Organized column, we've learned more space-savers, tidy-up tips, and clues to cleanliness than we can count. The ones you're about to read are what stuck -- the ultimate ways to fix trouble spots (kitchens, pantries, and linen closets, oh my), the key pieces you need to get clutter under control, and clever ways to use items you likely already own. Try them, and savor a renewed sense of calm, and the sensation that you magically have more times on your hands for the fun stuff.

Clear counters make us drunk with happiness, so we found fail-safe ways to organize the key stuff (and hide the rest).

It looks sleeker and lasts longer than wood or plastic. Then, ditch the soap bottles by the sink and fill one automated dispenser with detergent that's easy on skin, says kitchen designer Susan Serra. (She likes Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid). Her other tip: Cut down on germs by moving the sponge to a holder away from the faucet stream.

A stove-side lazy Susan is perfect for the usual suspects, like salt, pepper, and oil. Other counter-space-worthy items include your most-used spoons and spatulas (throw them in an old vase -- or even a coffee can). If you're slicing and dicing constantly, keep knives on a mounted magnetic board; it's much more streamlined than a wooden block. Then fold those towels and pot holders and store in a nearby drawer.

"If you reach for an item a few times a week, it belongs on the counter," says Serra. "Everything else goes in a cabinet." If you're like us and need caffeine in the a.m., put the coffeemaker and a tray with grinds and sugar in an easy-access spot, and push your second-most-used gadget further back. If you have a corner, tuck your all-the-time items there to avoid wasted space.

Start fresh: First, take everything out. If it looks like Antarctica in there, unplug your fridge for a half hour; otherwise, just wet a sponge with hot water and scrub away sticky spots and ice crystals. Kinda smelly? Wipe the sides and bottom with a mix of baking soda and water. When you put your food back in, don't cover the vent: Pros at Whirlpool and GE recommend leaving an inch or two of space in front of it to keep cold air flowing.
Store smartly: Glass containers with airtight tops are your most eco-friendly option for food storage — plus, you won't have to transfer contents to another container to nuke them. Plastic tubs and Ziploc bags are fine too, as long as they're freezer-safe. How will you know? For most brands, there's an icon on the bottom or it says so on the packaging.

Think in portions: You know you're not going to cook that entire raft of Costco chicken cutlets at once (and thawing and re-freezing food sucks out the flavor), so wrap pieces individually in foil or plastic wrap, then stick them in a container. The same goes for soups and sauces: Divvy them into realistic servings before freezing for better taste and quicker defrosting.
Save the date: Stop playing Will-this-kill-me? every time you take out leftovers. Keep a roll of masking tape and a Sharpie in a drawer near your refrigerator. Every time you freeze something, write down what it is on the tape (trust us, you won't remember if it's cod or halibut), along with the date, and stick it on. ER visit averted!

When we asked our office staff to find the pantry most in need of a serious overhaul, our creative director Holland Utley was first to raise her hand. Luckily, it wouldn't look like this for long. "First, we cleared the shelves and separated food into groups (baking goods, sauces, etc.). Then we threw out lots of expired stuff and packed a donation box with multiples (because nobody needs 10 unopened jars of olives). Finally, we helped her restock the smart way with these tips."
Put backups and big stuff on top: High up is the right spot for all your but-it's-on-sale Costco purchases.

Place jars and cans on tiered risers. This way, you can see what you've got (and the, cough, expiration dates, cough).
Dump out bags: Sacks of flour and sugar can be messy. The fix: clear canisters. (This is as Martha as we're gonna get.)
Spin a lazy Susan: Stop clawing your way to the back of the shelf to find the vanilla!

Create sections. First, label shelves. (The simple way is fine: Use colored tape and a Sharpie.) Then stick loose items in bins so your areas don't flow into each other.  Try this space-saver: Ditch those bulky boxes and fill a shoe bag with cereal bars, soup packets — you name it, says Los Angeles-based pro organizer Jill Pollack.