The Martha Stewart Storage Tricks You Should Be Using For Yourself

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Martha Stewart is the queen of storage and organization. She's been in the home and garden business for decades, with plenty of time to develop the best tips for keeping your space tidy and organized. "Here at my busy Bedford, New York farm, we try very hard to keep things clean and well-organized — in my kitchen, my office, my large Equipment Barn, my greenhouses, my hayloft, etc.," she wrote for The Martha Blog. "Staying organized saves time, boosts productivity, and helps minimize stress. I am always looking for useful and attractive storage solutions that optimize space and control the clutter."

From her years of experience, Stewart has developed and honed the best organizing strategies. And the great thing is that they don't always require purchasing an extensive storage system. Often, they don't require you buy anything at all. Stewart's genius can be as simple as folding your shirts in a slightly different way, so they're a little easier to see when looking inside your drawer. With that in mind, these are some of our favorite, tried-and-true, Martha-approved storage tricks that you should be using in your own home.

Keeping your baking sheets straight can be difficult, especially if they are just stacked on top of each other in a drawer. You can't always see what you need right away and have to take out every single tray to find what you're looking for. This isn't very efficient. As a fix, Stewart recommends using a tray divider and storing the trays upright instead — a bit like a shelf of books in a library. "We have two wonderful tray divider options that keep all your baking trays upright and organized," she shared on YouTube. "One is a tray divider in your cabinet and the other is a tray divider that pulls out for easier access."

Martha Stewart's smart tip for storing baking sheets works in kitchens of all sizes. And plenty of different organizers in various size can get the job done, depending on your needs. For example, the Dindon Pull Out Cabinet Organizer from Amazon is an option that comes in two sizes, so if you find that the 10 ½-inch option is too tall, swap it out for the 7 ½-inch size instead. This organizer also comes mounted on a track, so you can pull it out to easily see what you need. This way, even if the trays reach right to the top of your cabinet, it's still a useful option.

Stewart recommends making your life easier by keeping your kitchen organized by use." One of the simplest ways to get and stay organized is to keep the things you use most frequently nearby and to store things where you use them," she shared on her YouTube channel. That is, instead of adding thousands of extra steps to your daily routine, criss-crossing your kitchen in search of what you need — make it easier on yourself by keeping things in reach. "Pots and pans are best kept near the range or cooktop. Keep mixing bowls near the countertop you use for food preparation, and keep your coffee maker and mugs in the same space," she continued.

Stewart also recommends keeping things that are used together, close to one another. That is, if two things are part of a pair — even unofficially, like knives and cutting boards — keep them nearby to save yourself the time and effort. In an organized kitchen, things like spatulas, spoons, and even oven mitts should also be near the stove, so you don't have to travel far when you need them.

Corner cabinets tend to be very deep, which might seem amazing at first glance. However, anyone with these deep cabinets will tell you that the space is actually quite unusable because of its depth. It's too hard to reach anything or even see what you have stored back there due to limited visibility. There is a lot of loading and unloading, often at sharp angles, which can easily become quite frustrating. 

This is where the right tool comes in handy. Stewart recommends installing a lazy Susan to reclaim the space. "This lazy Susan makes the most of any corner cabinet, and it's just an incredible way to maximize your space," she told viewers on YouTube. "The more organized your kitchen is, the more you will enjoy everything you do." While Stewart's corner cabinet lazy Susan looks like a custom install, you can get plug-and-play solutions like the Rev-A-Shelf 2 Tier Pie-Cut Lazy Susan for Corner Base Cabinets, which is specifically shaped to slot right into your corner cabinet. But if your cupboard doesn't have an accordion door that gives you a wider opening of access, you can still use a more traditional option, like the Copco 18-Inch Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer.

This storage trick may be controversial to some, as the hanging pots and pans could be seen as visual clutter. However, in something like a modern farmhouse style kitchen, this idea only enhances the look. "Hanging [them] on a rack is such a handy way to keep your pots and pans," Stewart told CBS Sunday Morning. "It's very hard to use an under-counter space to store pots because they have to be stacked, and they're in small areas, and then you have to take everything out to get what you need."

In addition to keeping things more practical for storage, Stewart shared that this clever pots and pans storage idea that frees up so much cabinet space also makes your kitchen more usable, too. "You can see what you have and which pot you need for the specific job at hand, and grab it," she continued. You can hang the racks from both the wall and the ceiling, depending on what works better for your space. For example, the KES 30-Inch Kitchen Pot Rack attaches to the studs in the wall, while the Cooks Standard 36-inch Hanging Pot Rack hangs from the ceiling.

Keeping your pantry organized can be such a chore, especially when none of the many different types of food packaging seem to stack well with each other. To fix this, Stewart recommends ditching the branded packaging for something a little more uniform. "Another nice thing to do to keep your pantries looking organized and keep your groceries a little bit fresher is to do what I call decanting," she also told CBS Sunday Morning. "I really like having a pantry in which I can see where everything is."

For dry goods, consider the ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Canister with Lids. The set comes with different heights, but they are all the same width and depth, making them easy to stack. Because the containers are glass, you easily see the pantry staples like dry beans, pasta, or rice inside. It helps you know exactly where everything is and if you're running low on any essentials. For cold goods, one of the best tips to organize your fridge like a professional chef is to grab some deli containers like the Dipoo (120-Piece) Deli Containers with Lids set. They're stackable, but because of their snap-lock lids, you can keep liquids in them, too.

Linen closets are well known for getting messy, fast. This is especially true if you don't know how to fold a fitted sheet like a pro. Gathering matching sets can also be a nightmare if you store sheets and pillowcases separately. To make your life easier, Stewart recommends that you don't do that. "A quick tip for storing sheets is to put a complete set inside one of the pillowcases for that particular set," she told her audience on YouTube. "That set, one place, not mixed up in your linen closet. And, you just have to take out that pillowcase filled with everything you need to make your bed."

This simple trick also helps you keep track of what you actually have. Instead of rifling through stacks of mismatched linens, each bundle becomes a neatly contained sheet kit you can grab in seconds. Separating them on something like these Adjustable Metal Wire Storage Shelves can also help to keep them separate. To take the hack a step further, label the shelves for your pillowcase bundles with the bed size to know exactly what you're grabbing. The goal is to eliminate the guesswork, so making the bed becomes a quick, frustration-free task every time.

While most of Stewart's storage tricks can be implemented in a day, she also has some suggestions for more permanent solutions. If you are remodeling your kitchen, she recommends thinking of storage throughout the process, so you aren't left in the lurch after the fact. "Under the sink storage can be so well thought out, and a nice pull-out tray makes it easy to get cleaning products. They'll be right at your fingertips," she said on her YouTube channel. "And, only store things under the sink that won't get damaged in case of a leak."

A pull-out drawer system also helps you reclaim awkward, hard-to-reach space that would otherwise go underutilized. Consider adding adjustable dividers or small bins, so items stay upright instead of tipping over every time you reach for something. If your plumbing layout allows, you can also incorporate a narrow rack along the side walls for sponges, gloves, dishwasher pods, or trash bags. These come in ready-made options like the Kitstorack Under Sink Organizer or more low-key, stackable options like the Topmart 4 Pack Bathroom Organizer. And just in case, place a waterproof mat or tray at the bottom so any unexpected drips are contained, not soaked into your cabinetry. Something like the Sikadeer Under Sink Mat does the trick for a relatively affordable price.

Stewart often reminds her audience that great storage doesn't have to come from specialty organizers or pricey containers. Everyday objects, especially ones with a bit of age and character, can be repurposed into highly functional pieces that add charm to your home. "Vintage and antique crocks can be used to hold utensils on the counter," she wrote for The Martha Blog. "These strong, large jars are durable and easy to keep clean." Not only do they free up drawer space, but they also add a decorative, collected feel to your kitchen.

She applies the same philosophy outdoors. Stewart shared: "I use these metal garbage bins to store the wild birdseed. Look for storage solutions that are durable and long-lasting. These receptacles are inexpensive and easy to find at hardware stores and home improvement shops." Thinking in terms of longevity instead of trends helps you create storage that works harder and looks better. Before buying new, scan your garage, attic, or local thrift store for containers that can take on new life. Things like wooden crates for blanket storage, baskets for clothes, decorative jars for flowers and spices, and trunks as a swap for cardboard boxes or plastic bins. Whether you repurpose things you already have or decorate your home with flea market finds, upcycling is a great way to create a more eco-friendly home.

Stewart's approach to clothing storage is all about visibility. When your clothes are stacked in tall piles inside your drawers, the shirt you actually want usually ends up buried at the bottom. This leads to messy drawers and forgotten pieces, as you have to dig through the pile each time — or just decide to give up and use what's on the top. Instead, lining up items vertically gives you an at-a-glance view of everything you own and helps you use your wardrobe more intentionally. "Organize your t-shirts by folding them into thirds and arranging them folded, end up," Stewart advised on her YouTube channel. Think of it like looking through a record collection in a store, where you can skim your fingers along the top to find what you need.

As for off-season clothing items, store them in boxes out of the way. To avoid overcrowding, Stewart also recommends keeping only what's in the current rotation in your main drawers. Clear bins, labeled fabric boxes, or vacuum-sealed bags like the Cozy Essential Space Saver Vacuum Storage Bags work well and make it easy to swap things out when the weather changes. You want to keep your everyday wardrobe streamlined and visually organized, so getting dressed is quick and easy!

Keeping your kids' toys organized can be a full-time job, so Stewart recommends using storage solutions that can conceal. "These fabric drawers hold dolls, balls, animals, alphabet blocks," she told viewers on YouTube. The ease of the method is that, if you're in a rush, you can just chuck the toys into the bins without worrying about what it might look like inside, since they aren't see-through like clear plastic bins might be. Plus, these fabric drawers still give you a good framework to stay organized. You can sort different types of toys into different bins, like dolls in one and blocks in another, so they're easy for your child to find — and maybe even put away themselves. Consider labeling each bin, so you know what to expect inside without pulling them out. 

Apart from their functionality, these drawers can also give your space a bit of design flair. "They come in many different colors," she continued. "So, if you want a unisex room: Yellow. If you want a guest room, beige is a very nice color. And for... any little boy, the blue is perfect," she continued. Although the exact cubes Stewart uses aren't revealed, there are many comparable items you can find on the market, like the Sorbus 11-Inch Fabric Storage Cubes or the Oterri 4 Pack Foldable Storage Cubes. If these fabric bins aren't your style, the same concept applies to other materials, like woven baskets or stackable wooden drawers, such as the Dragan bamboo set from IKEA.

Pet gear has a way of scattering itself across the house. It's easy enough to find leashes by the door, treats in a random drawer, and grooming tools wherever they were last used. However, Stewart recommends using open-top baskets to offer a quick, stylish storage fix that doesn't require any complicated organizing. "I house often-used pet supplies in these woven rattan boxes. Items inside are hidden from view, but can be accessed quickly when needed," she wrote for The Martha Blog. 

Think of these baskets as grab-and-go stations. Keep one near the entryway for walk essentials and another in the living room for toys or grooming items. Because the tops stay open, you can toss things in without fuss. And, more importantly, your pets won't hear the telltale sound of a lid snapping open, so you won't get them riled up for nothing ... hopefully. If you don't like having the open bit of the bin on display, consider sliding them under the bench in your mudroom or entryway to keep them out of sight.

Most people tend to keep their knives in a butcher's block on their countertop. However, if you need to free up a little bit of space, Stewart's kitchen storage tip keeps knives sharp and counters clutter-free. To organizer the drawer, she explained to CBS Sunday Morning, that her preferred method is to lay the knives from smallest to biggest within the space. She also recommended lining the drawer with a cork liner, which protects both your drawers and your knife blades.

A dedicated knife drawer also gives you more control over how your tools are stored. Adding simple dividers or a custom insert keeps each knife in its own lane, preventing blades from dulling as they knock against each other. The addition of a cork liner adds grip and protects the edges, but you can also use a non-slip mat or bamboo insert if you prefer. If you opt for cork, you can cut it to size from something like a Con-Tact Brand Adhesive Roll. Whatever you decide, just be sure to pick a drawer in a spot that's easy to reach while cooking.