In the perpetual quest for a tidier home, we often imagine grand overhauls, expensive storage solutions, or a ruthless decluttering spree. But what if the secret to a more organized existence was hiding in plain sight – an unassuming hero you likely already possess? We’re talking about hooks.
Yes, those humble, often-overlooked fixtures can be transformed into mighty organizers, bringing order and efficiency to every corner of your home. Forget bulky bins and overflowing drawers – with a little ingenuity, hooks can revolutionize your living space.
Make the most of the best decluttering tips by unlocking the surprisingly powerful potential of this household staple with nine clever uses that will leave you wondering how you ever managed without them.
9 clever and useful ways to use hooks around your home for extra storage
1. Use hooks for entryway elegance
Installing hooks in your entryway can instantly organize the space.
The entryway is often a chaotic bottleneck, especially during the morning rush. If the moment you enter your home you're overwhelmed by clutter, a few hooks could be the answer.
Professional organizer Marie Potter, founder of Marie Potter Organizing Solutions, says, 'Jackets, hats, keys, wallets, reusable bags, dog leashes – there seems no end to the essentials that clutter the counters or floors of our entryways. Hooks near the door turn chaos into calm. I love a nice, rustic coat rack, with a small shelf above to bring those essentials into order and create a true command center.'
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, explains, 'Personally, I love this Deco Brothers Wall Key Holder and Mail Organizer from Amazon. Its bronze mesh means it looks elegant but you can easily see what's inside.'
This simple addition instantly creates a designated drop zone, making grab-and-go a breeze – just watch out for these entryway organizing mistakes.
Professional organizer Marie Potter recommends this sturdy, rustic, 29-inch entryway storage solution, which comes in multiple color options to suit all decors, including black, white, gray and brown.
2. Use hooks inside kitchen cabinets
Using hooks inside kitchen cabinets can organize them and free-up countertop space.
Using hooks inside your cabinets is one of the best ways to maximize your kitchen storage, freeing up drawer space and keeping items easily accessible.
Toner says, 'From measuring spoons to pot lids – there are so many small items that often get tossed into cluttered drawers or lost at the back of cabinets. This is not only messy, but it wastes time when you’re trying to find something quickly. I like to label the hooks or use color coding so no space develops into a catch-all.'
Dish towels, oven mitts, and even small cutting boards, are among the many other items that can easily be hung inside cabinets, transforming dead space into practical storage, and leaving your kitchen clutter-free.
Toner recommends this 3M Command General Purpose Wire Hooks Multi-Pack from Amazon, adding, 'They're perfect for lightweight items like spoons or gloves and won’t damage surfaces.'
You can also use Joseph Joseph adhesive pot lid organizers from Amazon to clear some of the chaos from your pots and pans storage area. Our Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, tried them and loved them for clearing cabinet chaos.
3. Use hooks for a shower sanctuary
Hooks can organize a shower or bath area and help items air dry.
Tired of shampoo bottles teetering on the edge of the tub or loofahs languishing on the floor? Adhesive hooks designed for wet environments are your shower's best friend.
Potter says, 'Washcloths, loofahs, wet bathing suits, kids' goggles – there are so many items that can easily get left soggy on the tub edge or draped awkwardly over the shower rod. A well-placed hook allows them to drip dry properly and stay mildew-free. Aim for three hooks max per shower to prevent clutter and maintain airflow around damp items.'
Potter recommends the Umbra Flex Adhesive Double Hook, which is rust-resistant, while Toner prefers the OXO Plastic Good Grips Suction Shower Hook from Amazon. Both are ideal for hanging loofahs and other shower accessories.
Available in multiple colors including black, pink and purple, this portable shower caddy has a deep 7.9-inch main storage, plus seven roomy outer pockets. Its breathable mesh allows water to drain easily.
4. Use hooks under the sink
Hooks can transform under-the-sink storage.
The cabinet under the sink is notorious for becoming a jumbled mess of cleaning supplies, sponges, and various odds and ends. Often, it gets to the point you can't fit everything in there, so the sprays and sponges spill out – often the reason clutter keeps creeping back into your home. Fortunately, hooks offer a simple yet effective solution.
Stick-on hooks – such as these iDesign White Plastic Stick-on Hooks from Target – can be applied to the inside of the cabinet door to instantly create vertical storage. Use them to hang cleaning gloves, keeping them aired out and easily accessible. Spray bottles, often bulky and prone to toppling, can be hung by their trigger handles, freeing up valuable shelf space.
You can also hang small caddies or mesh bags containing sponges, scrub brushes, or even extra bin liners, ensuring everything has its designated spot.
5. Use hooks for fridge-side smarts
Using hooks at the side of your fridge can provide new storage solutions for a more organized space.
Magnetic hooks are perfect for transforming the often-ignored side of your refrigerator into a prime organizational spot. Use them to hang kitchen towels, grocery lists, reusable shopping bags, or even a lightweight calendar. This keeps essential items within easy reach without cluttering your countertops.
Toner says, 'Loose produce and herbs often eat up counter or drawer space, and soft fruits like bananas can bruise when left in bowls. Hanging these items frees up prep surfaces and improves air circulation, which helps some produce last longer.'
Toner recommends these self-adhesive Foldable Banana Hooks from Amazon. Consider hanging fruit from them in these Lotus Sustainables Reusable Mesh Produce Bags from Walmart; they're breathable, BPA-free, and come in three sizes. Rotate contents weekly to avoid spoilage and keep things fresh.
Cleaning and home organization pro Karina Toner recommends these magnetic plant pots. She says, 'Lightweight but stylish, these planters are ideal for adding elegance without clogging your counters.'
6. Use hooks over bedroom doors
Using hooks on the back of the door can transform kids' bedrooms from messy to organized.
For parents, knowing how to declutter kids' toys is key to a calm and peaceful home. Tame the toy explosion and encourage independence in your children's rooms with over-the-door hooks. This not only keeps items off the floor but also teaches kids where things belong.
Potter says, 'Kids follow the path of least resistance. If it's toys, they'll look for somewhere easy to place it, and if it's clothing, they usually won’t take the time to open the closet door, find an empty hanger, pull it out, place the clothing on properly, hang the hanger back in the closet and close the closet door.
'But a simple hook (or bank of hooks) on a kid's bedroom door is a one-and-done move. Hoodies, pajamas, school uniforms, toys, backpacks – there are so many things you often see on kids' bedroom floors that can easily go behind their door.'
Potter recommends the IKEA KLYKET Folding Hook for its sleekness, plus its space-saving quality: it folds flat when not in use. She adds, 'Combine your new storage with the '24-Hour Rule' – if clothes or toys are left on the floor for more than a day, parents have permission to donate or toss!'
You can also use them in guest rooms to give visitors a space to hang coats and any items that need to stay crease-free, or in primary bedrooms for everyday favorites such as dressing gowns.
I have two of these over-the-door white metal hooks from Amazon over every door upstairs, expanding the functionality of my bedrooms and bathrooms. They're slimline, you cannot see them from the outside, and can be shifted along to wherever you need them without having to drill or remove stubborn adhesives.
7. Use hooks for utility room efficiency
Utility rooms and garages can benefit greatly from hooks for organizing items vertically.
From gardening tools to extension cords, hooks are invaluable in the garage or utility room, transforming these often-cluttered spaces into models of efficiency.
Pegboard hooks are a classic for a reason, offering unparalleled flexibility to arrange and rearrange tools, from screwdrivers and wrenches to paintbrushes and small garden implements.
For larger, bulkier items that consume precious floor space, sturdy screw-in hooks like these Hillman Steel Screw Hooks from Target can be strategically placed on walls or even overhead joists. Think about hanging ladders, bikes, outdoor chairs, or even sports equipment like tennis rackets or golf clubs.
This vertical storage approach not only declutters the floor, making it safer and easier to navigate, but also helps you quickly locate exactly what you need, saving time and frustration.
This heavy-duty peg board is ideal for storing items of various shapes, sizes and weights in your garage or utility area. Available in green, black or gray, you can also purchase hooks for as little as $10 per 100.
8. Use hooks for clothes closet clarity
Clothes closets can benefit from hooks, particularly for lighter items such as bras and scarves.
Your clothes closet isn't just for garments on hangers. Minor tweaks can transform your closet organization – and hooks should be part of that. They can prove a game-changer for smaller items such as scarves, belts, necklaces, and bras.
Potter says, 'Bras are a great example. Cramming them into drawers bends underwires and ruins shape. Plus, they're prone to warping if kept like this. Hooks preserve structure, provide quick visual access, and avoid bra tangling.
'Remember to curate what you hang. Keep 'go-to bras' most accessible and 'once-in-a-while bras' further back. Most importantly, if it doesn't fit or you haven't worn it in six months, it's time to let it go.'
The ODT method, gives a more detailed insight into how to declutter purposefully, according to what you actually need and use.
For easy behind-the-door closet clothes and accessories organization, consider Command Medium Designer Wall Hooks from Walmart, which come in a pack of 13.
9. Use hooks on the back of bathroom doors
Using hooks on the bathroom door can help you achieve a tidy, organized space.
Similar to kids' bedrooms, the back of a bathroom door can be optimized with hooks, especially in bathrooms where space is at a premium. These often underutilized surfaces offer prime real estate for practical storage. Install sturdy hooks for bathrobes, keeping them off the floor and airing them out after use.
Your best towels can also be neatly hung, making them readily available for guests or family members. For smaller items, a series of hooks can hold a hanging toiletry bag, a shower cap, or even hair tools like a hairdryer (ensure the hook is robust enough) or straighteners, preventing them from cluttering countertops.
Remember that bathroom items are particularly prone to gathering bacteria. Regularly sort through your bathroom items, and consider the 20/20 rule. If needed, could the item be easily replaced in 20 minutes or for $20? If yes, it may be time to let it go.
This 50-pack of lush, velvet hangers, with 360-degree rotation, offers another great use of hooks for convenient storage. They come in multiple color,s allowing for easy organization by category.
Organization expert Marie Potter recommends this solid wood door rack, which can be hooked over the bathroom door for instant storage, or screwed into the wall for a more permanent and sturdy solution.
Home cleaning and organization pro Karina Toner recommends this handy pack of more than 300 sticky tabs. She says, 'Label your hooks using these for quick and easy identification of categories.'
Meet the experts
Marie is an award-winning professional organizer with more than 20 years' experience in the industry. Fully qualified in both in-person and virtual home organizing, she is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC), and a proud recipient of the POC President’s Award.
With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning as operations manager at Spekless Cleaning.
So there you have it – the humble hook is the household item that can be used to organize any space, in any room in your home. The beauty of a hook lies in its simplicity, affordability, and adaptability. Transform your living spaces one clever hang at a time, whether it's adding a hook to a wall, inside a cabinet, or over a door.
Next, learn how to organize any space in six steps for maximum functionality.
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