By Meredith McKenzie and Shivani Vyas
Dec/January 2026 Abundance Issue | Macon Magazine

Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up on us no matter how organized (or not) we are. One minute everything may feel under control, and the next, our closets are overflowing with things we barely remember bringing in. And the holiday season doesn’t exactly help between the influx of gifts, decor, coats, wrapping supplies – and the occasional mystery boxes that somehow always end up in the guest room. But clearing our spaces doesn’t have to mean marathon organizing sessions. Just by creating a few smart systems early on, we can keep our rooms tidy for everyday living (not just our camera rolls), and in the process, design a home that feels both calm and intentional. So that’s why we’re sharing five storage solutions to help you stay organized all season long and add high style to your spaces right now.

But Before You Pick Your Organizers, Do This

Storage solutions can only do so much if you don’t take stock of what you have first. So, start here: open your drawers, peek into your linen closet, and get honest about what earns your space. Once you’re clear on what stays, it will be so much easier to map out the logistics of your storage solutions. Break it down: quantity, space, location, and type. For example, if your dining room moonlights as a home office, ask yourself, which storage solutions would make my everyday life less chaotic? Maybe your sideboard needs to pull double duty: store file-sized paperwork and small receipts while also housing serving dishes. This approach helps you get crystal clear on what you need to store and the smartest way to store it for your lifestyle!

Furniture That Moonlights

Moving onto storage solutions, double-duty furniture will be your best ally (especially if you’re short on space). Start by scouting pieces with built-in storage:ottomans with hidden compartments, beds with drawers underneath, or benches that open to stash extra throws or board games. And when possible, customize it! For example, you can easily restore antique and vintage finds with good bones by reupholstering them in a color palette or motif that speaks to you. Or use skirted tables to conceal a basket or two underneath. Timeless design tricks like these never go out of style and they’ll keep working for you for years to come.

Baskets, Boxes, and Bins

But not every storage solution needs hinges. Pieces like woven baskets, rattan trays, acrylic bins, and fabric-covered boxes can work just as well to keep your everyday essentials neatly stowed away. Look for handmade seagrass bins or lidded baskets from local markets or antique shops. Or opt for sleek acrylic desktop organizers from your favorite design-forward retailers. Pieces like these will add personality to even the tiniest nooks of your home (far more than bulk plastic containers ever could). You can also tuck each basket into open shelving or under entryway tables to corral shoes, toys, or seasonal decor.

Thoughtful Objects

To tone down visual clutter, you can also curate and style an assortment of accessories. But beware — this approach requires a bit of discipline, too! Buy too many, and you’ll find yourself back in a clutter zone before you know it! So, start with a few stacks of books, a ginger jar or two, and small ceramic bowls for keys. These pieces will help strike the perfect balance between beauty and function. You can also try a rattan tray on your coffee table to gather remotes and coasters or place a petite porcelain bowl on your nightstand to hold earrings and hair ties at the end of the day. In this way, bowls, trays, and catchalls can create thoughtful vignettes throughout your home while adding simple tabletop storage.

Use Your Home’s Architecture to Your Advantage

While adding furniture, bins, and accessories can elevate and organize your home, don’t overlook what’s already built in for you! Every home has hidden potential. For you, that may look like a space beneath your staircase that has the potential to turn into a closet, a window seat that can double-duty as a blanket chest, or a narrow hallway that can be the ideal spot for a shallow console or wall-mounted shelving unit. Even small adjustments, like adding built-ins around a sloped wall nook, fireplace, or framing a window with cabinetry in a laundry room, can help you reclaim forgotten square footage. The goal here is to treat your architecture as storage, not an afterthought.

We hope this season brings you everything and all that makes you smile… and that these simple design tricks help elevate your everyday living. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a grounding, gentle rhythm in your home, where your spaces begin to feel lighter (even as it holds more)! Because abundance isn’t really about what you own—it’s about living gracefully with what you love.