Most Organized is a monthly series in which one of our style editors or a friend of Livingetc tackles the secret storage solutions that’ll transform your space into a style haven.
Few things streamline a space like Japanese organizers — and most of our spaces could benefit from a little tidying. While they’re undeniably sleek, Japanese organizers offer much more than just a pretty face. They’re smart, too. Proving that the greatest ideas are often the simplest, a lot of thought goes into each and every detail to maximize utility — yet, they’re incredibly minimal.
Living in Manhattan, where space is a hot commodity, I’m always on the lookout for closet organization ideas and any tips or tricks to maximize my space. However, I’ve often found myself frustrated with most organizers on the American market. After consulting some organizational experts, like Michelle Parravani at Designing with Less LLC, I discovered why Japanese organizers might be the perfect solution: ‘In Japan, where space is often limited, there is a strong emphasis on making the most of every available inch. Japanese organizing products are designed with this in mind, offering clever storage solutions that help maximize space utilization in small homes or apartments,’ she explains. ‘Japanese culture in general caters to a much smaller living experience, which is why their organizing products are better suited for smaller Western homes and apartments.’
I’ve spent hours following the advice of professional organizers and tracking down the crème de la crème of Japanese organizers (some of which I already own). My conclusion is crystal clear: they really are superior. This selection is based on expert insights, real reviews, and hard facts. Nowhere else will you find sleeker, more efficient organizers than right here. Who knows, you might just give Marie Kondo a run for her money.
15 Best Japanese Organizers
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According to home organizer Michelle Parravani, 'This sleek and minimalist storage solution is perfect for organizing towels, blankets, or clothing in a small space. It leans against the wall, saving floor space, and has multiple rungs for hanging various items. The design is both functional and stylish, making it a versatile addition to any room.' I've yet to try this Yamazaki rack out yet in person, but from what I've gathered after reading the raving reviews (4.5/5 stars out of 2,359 on Amazon), it seems that the people would agree. Most seem to use it for towel storage, often inside or near the bathroom, but I also think it would be lovely in a bedroom to store favorite accessories, such as scarves and purses.
Listen closely. If you take away one thing from this article, let it be this: the Yamazaki Steel Rolling Storage Cart is the best storage cart for small spaces, period. How do I know? I own this cart and live in an incredibly small studio apartment, so I can attest to its versatility. For one, I barely notice it, which is incredible given the size of my space. And secondly, it fits nearly everywhere. At just 5.1" wide, you can even slip it into that awkward gap between the toilet or bathtub/shower and the wall, quite literally optimizing every free square inch of space vertically at a generous height of 31.7".
Designed in Japan, this deskbar is a godsend for small spaces. What else can you use to hold a phone, keys, jewelry, watches, glasses, and more, all within a 9.6" x 3.8" space? I'll wait. Use it in the bathroom, on a desk, or even in a vanity area. For a more demure look, this organizer is also available in black. At just $35, this is an immediate add-to-cart item.
Hangers are an essential part of closet organization, but not all are created equal. If you've ever ruined the shoulder of a sweater, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Thanks to these hangers' rounded corners and padded clips, you can rest easy knowing your clothes will keep their shape without any creases or peaky shoulders. They're also incredibly slim, which maximizes your available closet space — yes, please!
According to Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer at Meaghan Kessman Home Organization, Japanese organizers ‘reflect Japanese zen principles, prioritizing efficiency and calmness. Unlike bulky Western styles, they're sleek and often modular, providing customizable storage solutions that fit snugly into tight spaces without being overpowering.’ Her Exhibit A? This entryway organizer by Yamazaki, ‘which hides drop-zone items (shoes, backpacks, etc.) behind the sleek front of a console table,’ exemplifying the quintessential combo of ‘elegance with practicality.’
When it comes to maximizing desk space (or really any space for that matter), the key is to build up. This six-drawer wooden organizer from MUJI does so beautifully, taking up just 3.3" x 6.7" of real estate. Use it to store desk supplies like pens, highlighters, and paperclips, or if you're a beauty aficionado like myself, consider using it for slim products like eye or lip liners, lip gloss, or even sample packets (so you actually remember to use them!). And if you ever grow tired of the vertical stack, the drawers are interchangeable and can be placed horizontally as well.
'This magnetic spice rack is a space-saving solution for organizing spices in the kitchen,' muses Michelle Parravani at Designing with Less LLC. It seems it might be the answer to my tiny NYC kitchen woes, as it can be easily attached 'to the side of a refrigerator or any metal surface, keeping spices easily accessible while freeing up counter or cabinet space.' And if you thought it was a one-trick pony, then think again: 'This product is so versatile it can be used in other areas of the home,' she adds. I'm imagining the white variety on the back of a white refrigerator, making for a barely-there look (right on theme).
According to Michelle, ‘Japanese organizing products often offer innovative solutions to common organization challenges’ — like modular storage systems. Gone are the days of an unkempt kitchen, desk, dresser, or even junk drawer, thanks to this brilliant design by none other than the queen of organizing herself, Marie Kondo. These systems fit neatly alongside each other and have hidden bottom grooves for secure stacking. Use one box on a countertop, two in a drawer, and more in the bathroom! The possibilities are endless.
Alright, so this isn’t an organizer per se, but I had to include this Yamazaki trash can. It’s tough to make a trash can look sleek and beautiful, and more often than not, their designs are clunky — definitely a no-go for anyone with a small bathroom. This one is hands-free to keep things sanitary and even has a hidden ring to help conceal garbage bags. I love the sleekness of the black, which I think would make a subtle statement in a light neutral bathroom, though if you prefer an ultra-clean look, it's also available in white.
We all love woven storage baskets — they're charming and conjure fond images of slow Sundays at the farmer's market, collecting fresh fruits and veggies. This option by Yamazaki offers the same characterful cheer but in a sleeker, more modern design. Plus, according to professional organizer Meaghan Kessman, it ‘reduces countertop messes and looks very chic in pantries, too.’ One of the many happy reviewers raves, ‘I love this basket! It's sturdy, lightweight, and stylish. I have one for my bathroom, a couple for my pantry, and even one for my dog's toys.’
We don't typically associate monitor risers with organization, but hear me out: a riser not only provides a comfortable viewing height but also frees up desk space, making it possible to stack books, notepads, or anything else below. Plus, this Marie Kondo-designed riser is chic and serene with its handmade bamboo construction, inspired by traditional Japanese shoji screens. It makes going into the office not so bad!
One of my qualms with many organizers these days is that they feature loads of bells and whistles (compartments and drawers galore), but the organizer itself is incredibly clunky. My first thought is always, 'Okay, but where do I put that?’ It seems more like an imposition than something actually meant to free up space. Enter this MUJI organizer, which fits right into any spare corner you might have. Use it to display your favorite decor, like a vase of flowers and a reed diffuser. I think it would be lovely in a reading nook, beside an armchair, allowing you to reach your essentials easily.
If you've yet to experience the bliss that is an acrylic organizer drawer, then let me enlighten you. Given their see-through construction, they take up minimal visual space, yet make the items inside look showroom-worthy and thoughtfully curated. There's a lot of options on the market, but Michelle Parravani at Designing with Less LLC recommends these ones from MUJI, which she says are 'ideal for organizing makeup, jewelry, or small accessories.' 'The stackable design allows you to customize your storage space and easily see the contents of each drawer' she adds, making them a 'practical and attractive option for decluttering your vanity or dresser.'
Before you roll your eyes at the price tag, know that this standing rack is handcrafted from locally sourced, high-grade Japanese hinoki cypress. The entire process takes woodworkers over a week to complete. All of that is to say that this is about as high-quality a piece as you're going to find, and I'll bet it will last you a lifetime. Consider placing this sleek and serene piece in a master bathroom to hang towels or in a living room for spare throw blankets.
Let's be honest: that space between the toilet and the wall is not the most attractive one in the house. But we all have at least one, so we might as well make it count. I've done quite a bit of digging, and nowhere else have I seen a toilet organizer as cleverly designed as this one. It has shelf space for a toilet brush holder and enough room for a spare toilet paper roll, all encased inside a tranquil wooden cover — out of sight, out of mind. Place your favorite bathroom scent on top, and you have a chic and slender bathroom side table addition (no one will know!).
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