The IKEA Hacks That Professional Organizers Actually Use in Their Own Homes

Chuvic - November 9, 2025
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Professional organizers often turn to IKEA for its versatile and affordable solutions to maximize space and minimize clutter. The popularity of IKEA hacks among professionals underscores the brand’s ability to offer creative, accessible options for home organization. These innovative adaptations not only enhance functionality but also reflect a personalized touch in home design.

1. KALLAX Cubes for Modular Storage

1. KALLAX Cubes for Modular Storage
A neatly organized KALLAX shelf unit with modular storage, showcasing a variety of items on its open shelves. | Generated by Google Gemini

The KALLAX unit serves as a versatile foundation for customizable storage solutions. Professionals often stack or arrange these cubes horizontally or vertically to fit various spaces, such as entryways, offices, or children’s rooms. By incorporating storage bins or baskets, they achieve a clean, organized appearance while concealing clutter. This adaptability allows for personalized configurations that meet specific organizational needs. For more on KALLAX’s versatility, visit the official IKEA page:

2. RÅSKOG Utility Cart as a Rolling Workstation

2. RÅSKOG Utility Cart as a Rolling Workstation
A compact RÅSKOG utility cart with three mesh shelves, perfect for organizing kitchen utensils or office supplies. | Generated by Google Gemini

The RÅSKOG utility cart is a favorite among professional organizers for its portability and versatility. Its compact size and maneuverability make it adaptable to any household need. Organizers often use it as a mobile cleaning caddy, crafting station, or bathroom storage. For inspiration on how to utilize the RÅSKOG cart in various settings, you can refer to this article: (housebeautiful.com)

3. BILLY Bookcase Custom Closets

3. BILLY Bookcase Custom Closets
A custom closet featuring a Billy bookcase with shelves and hanging rods, organizing a wardrobe efficiently. | Generated by Google Gemini

Transforming BILLY bookcases into wardrobe systems offers a cost-effective method for building custom closets. By adding doors, baskets, and extra shelves, organizers can maximize vertical space and keep clothing tidy. This approach allows for personalized configurations that suit individual needs. For inspiration and detailed guidance on creating custom closets with BILLY bookcases, refer to this article: Apartment Therapy: How to Turn BILLY Bookcases into a Custom Closet

4. SKÅDIS Pegboards in Every Room

4. SKÅDIS Pegboards in Every Room
A white SKÅDIS pegboard mounted on a wall, featuring various hooks and containers for organized workspace storage. | Generated by Google Gemini

SKÅDIS pegboards offer versatile vertical storage solutions suitable for various spaces, including kitchens, mudrooms, and offices. Professional organizers enhance these boards with bins, hooks, and shelves to store tools, mail, and gadgets, ensuring items remain visible and easily accessible. This adaptability allows for personalized organization tailored to individual needs. For creative ideas and inspiration on utilizing SKÅDIS pegboards, visit IKEA’s official page:

5. VARIERA Boxes for Drawer Dividers

5. VARIERA Boxes for Drawer Dividers
A VARIERA box with adjustable dividers neatly organizing kitchen utensils in a drawer. | Generated by Google Gemini

Professional organizers utilize VARIERA boxes to transform disorganized drawers into neatly compartmentalized spaces. These versatile bins fit seamlessly into kitchen or bathroom drawers, effectively separating utensils, cosmetics, or office supplies. By customizing drawer layouts with VARIERA boxes, items are easily accessible and the overall organization is enhanced. For more information on VARIERA products, visit IKEA’s official page: IKEA VARIERA Box

6. TRONES Shoe Cabinets as Mudroom Storage

6. TRONES Shoe Cabinets as Mudroom Storage
A sleek white TRONES shoe cabinet mounted in an entryway, neatly storing shoes and small essentials. | Generated by Google Gemini

Slim-profile TRONES units go beyond shoes: organizers mount them by entryways for gloves, mail, and accessories. The flat top doubles as a drop zone for keys or decor, maximizing small spaces. For more details, visit the product page: (ikea.com)

7. LACK Shelves for Floating Displays

7. LACK Shelves for Floating Displays
A sleek black floating shelf elegantly displays minimalist decor, enhancing the room’s modern aesthetic. | Generated by Google Gemini

LACK floating shelves are a staple for displaying books, plants, and photos without occupying floor space. Professionals often stagger them vertically to create the visual illusion of height while organizing small objects. This arrangement not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also maximizes wall space efficiently. For more information on LACK shelves, visit IKEA’s official page: IKEA LACK Series

8. HEMNES Dressers in Entryways

8. HEMNES Dressers in Entryways
A stylish entryway featuring a white Hemnes dresser, offering ample storage and a welcoming atmosphere. | Generated by Google Gemini

HEMNES dressers, originally designed for bedrooms, are repurposed by professional organizers as entryway storage solutions. Their wide drawers accommodate seasonal gear, bags, and other essentials, while the spacious top surface helps maintain a clutter-free environment. This dual-purpose use enhances both functionality and aesthetics in entryway spaces. For styling tips and inspiration, explore IKEA’s entryway gallery: (ikea.com)

9. BEKVÄM Spice Racks as Bookshelves

9. BEKVÄM Spice Racks as Bookshelves
A wooden BEKVÄM spice rack mounted on the wall, holding children’s books and small toys. | Generated by Google Gemini

Professional organizers repurpose IKEA’s BEKVÄM spice racks as wall-mounted bookshelves, particularly in children’s rooms. By installing these racks at accessible heights, they display books with covers facing outward, encouraging reading and maintaining tidiness. This cost-effective and space-saving solution adds a decorative touch while promoting literacy. For more details on the BEKVÄM spice rack, visit IKEA’s official page: IKEA BEKVÄM Spice Rack

10. DOKUMENT Magazine Files for Paper Clutter

10. DOKUMENT Magazine Files for Paper Clutter
A sleek, three-tiered metal organizer neatly arranges documents and files on a modern desk. | Generated by Google Gemini

Professional organizers utilize DOKUMENT magazine files to keep mail, paperwork, and manuals tidy on counters or shelves. These files can be used vertically or laid flat as trays, ensuring surfaces remain paper-free. For more organizing tips, visit: Real Simple: IKEA Organization Ideas

11. SAMLA Boxes for Attic and Garage Storage

11. SAMLA Boxes for Attic and Garage Storage
A well-organized attic featuring clear SAMLA boxes neatly stacked on shelves, maximizing storage space. | Generated by Google Gemini

Clear SAMLA bins allow organizers to store and view seasonal décor, sports gear, or memorabilia at a glance, keeping garages and attics clutter-free. The transparent plastic reveals the contents inside, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. For added protection against dust and to make the boxes stackable, consider completing them with SAMLA lids. (ikea.com) For more organizing tips, you can watch this video: Garage Organization Tips – IKEA Home Tour

12. FINTORP Rail System for Kitchen Walls

12. FINTORP Rail System for Kitchen Walls
A sleek black FINTORP rail mounted on a kitchen wall, adorned with hanging baskets and utensils for organized storage. | Generated by Google Gemini

Hanging utensils, pans, or herb pots from FINTORP rails keeps counters clear. Organizing pros even use them in bathrooms for towels and beauty supplies. This versatile system offers a stylish and functional solution for various storage needs. For more organizing tips, visit: (homestyling.guru)

13. GODMORGON Trays for Bathroom Drawers

13. GODMORGON Trays for Bathroom Drawers
A sleek Godmorgon tray neatly organizes bathroom essentials, enhancing drawer efficiency and style. | Generated by Google Gemini

Acrylic GODMORGON trays separate beauty products and toiletries, making morning routines faster and drawers clutter-free. Stackable and clear—essentials stay visible. Details at: IKEA GODMORGON Box with Lid, Set of 5

14. IVAR Cabinets as Kids’ Toy Storage

14. IVAR Cabinets as Kids’ Toy Storage
A Scandinavian-style IVAR cabinet with open shelves and baskets, neatly storing toys in a playroom. | Generated by Google Gemini

Wooden IVAR cabinets are rugged yet customizable with paint or doors. Pros use them as kids’ toy storage, creating visually calm playrooms with bins or baskets tucked behind doors. This approach not only organizes toys effectively but also maintains a tidy and aesthetically pleasing environment. For more ideas, visit: (ikea.com)

15. FLISAT Wall Storage in Children’s Spaces

15. FLISAT Wall Storage in Children's Spaces
A FLISAT toy storage unit with wheels, a children’s bookshelf, and organized kids’ room essentials. | Generated by Google Gemini

Wall-mounted FLISAT units place books and toys at children’s eye level, promoting independence and order. Professionals often incorporate them into playrooms or entryways to store school gear. For inspiration, see this DIY playroom makeover featuring FLISAT shelves: DIY PLAYROOM MAKEOVER | How to Make IKEA FLISAT Shelves

16. BOAXEL Systems for Complete Customization

16. ALGOT (BOAXEL) Systems for Complete Customization
A well-organized closet featuring the BOAXEL system with adjustable shelves and storage baskets. | Generated by Google Gemini

The BOAXEL system offers a flexible and durable wall-mounted storage solution, ideal for creating personalized storage spaces in bedrooms, smaller walk-in wardrobes, and utility rooms. Its modular design allows for easy adaptation and expansion, enabling you to tailor the system to your specific needs. The open storage design ensures that items are easily accessible and visible, enhancing both functionality and organization. For a comprehensive overview and to explore various configurations, visit IKEA’s official BOAXEL system page: (ikea.com) For a visual guide on assembling the BOAXEL system, you can watch this official IKEA assembly video: BOAXEL Assembly Video

17. BROGRUND Towel Holders as Charging Stations

17. BROGRUND Towel Holders as Charging Stations
A sleek stainless steel BROGRUND towel rail with a built-in charging station and cord organizer. | Generated by Google Gemini

BROGRUND towel rails can be repurposed to create a clutter-free charging zone by hanging tech charging bags near outlets, containing cords for a tidy setup. This innovative use keeps charging areas organized and accessible. For a detailed guide on this DIY project, refer to the article: (ikeahackers.net)

18. KNAGGLIG Crates for Open Storage

18. KNAGGLIG Crates for Open Storage
A sturdy KNAGGLIG wooden crate, perfect for open storage, showcasing its natural pine finish. | Generated by Google Gemini

Sturdy KNAGGLIG wooden crates store everything from pantry goods to shoes; professionals stack or hang them for rustic, flexible open storage solutions. These versatile crates can be customized with paint, stencils, or hardware to fit various decor styles. For inspiration and detailed guides on transforming KNAGGLIG crates, explore these resources:

Apartment Therapy: 12 Ikea Knagglig Crate Hacks
Pillar Box Blue: Denim Upholstered Ottoman
Hester’s Handmade Home: Storage Box with Elastic

These examples showcase the adaptability of KNAGGLIG crates in creating functional and stylish storage solutions for various needs.

19. SKOGHALL Hooks Everywhere

19. EKBOLL Hooks Everywhere
A minimalist wall hook made of ash wood and metal, perfect for organizing coats and accessories. | Generated by Google Gemini

Organizers install SKOGHALL hooks under cabinets, in hallways, or closets for bags, headphones, or kitchen tools—tapping into otherwise unused vertical space. These self-adhesive hooks are easy to attach without drilling, making them ideal for various applications. For more details, visit the product page: IKEA SKOGHALL Hook

20. STUVA/SMÅSTAD Benches as Hidden Storage

20. STUVA/SMÅSTAD Benches as Hidden Storage
A white IKEA STUVA bench with a cushioned seat and hidden storage compartment. | Generated by Google Gemini

STUVA/SMÅSTAD benches conceal toys, shoes, or linens under their seats, serving as entryway or bedroom seating. Organizers enhance them with cushions and baskets for effortless tidiness. For more details, visit IKEA’s official page: IKEA STUVA Series

21. TILLSLAG Box as Nightstand Organization

21. TILLSLAG Box as Nightstand Organization
A sleek bamboo nightstand organizer with a pull-out drawer and open shelf for versatile storage. | Generated by Google Gemini

The TILLSLAG box, crafted from bamboo, is ideal for organizing essentials on nightstands. It effectively holds items like keys, glasses, or charging cords, keeping your bedside area tidy and accessible. For more details, visit the product page: IKEA TILLSLAG Box

22. MOPPE Drawers for Craft or Office Supplies

22. MOPPE Drawers for Craft or Office Supplies
A wooden MOPPE mini chest with multiple drawers, ideal for organizing craft supplies and small items. | Generated by Google Gemini

Small wooden MOPPE drawers are a professional’s go-to for storing tiny office, craft, or hardware supplies. Label each drawer for easy access and customize with paint for a personal touch. Creative uses include transforming them into farmhouse-style storage units or adding decorative legs for a stylish upgrade. For more inspiration, see these creative uses: Better Homes & Gardens: Awesome IKEA MOPPE Hacks

Conclusion

Conclusion
A cluttered kitchen transformed into an organized, efficient space with streamlined storage solutions. | Generated by Google Gemini

By creatively repurposing simple IKEA products, professional organizers can transform everyday items into efficient storage solutions, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in any space. These innovative hacks demonstrate that with a bit of imagination, even the most basic pieces can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Consider trying one of these hacks to create a more organized and personalized environment in your home.

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