By Bay Area decorator Alison Johnston.

It’s back to school! And even though I no longer have kids in school, I still feel like September calls me to reorganize the whole house. Let’s look at those items in your home that just never have a place. If your closets are full, here are the containers that will house those items and still add a decorative wow to the space.

And, scroll down to the end to find my Hot Tips on organizing your home.

First up? Baskets.

Ok, this one is pretty obvious, but have you thought about how baskets can add style to your space? Add a little whimsy with this one or this one from Anthropologie. These would be perfect for blankets in a guest room.

Striped or checked from Zara Home for the yoga mats.

I never turn down a polka dot!

How about some fun colored ones like this or this to hold the dog toys?

(and if you are really dedicated, let’s watch the video of the dog putting its own toys away. Wishful thinking since I couldn’t even teach my kids this!)

Now let’s talk about some large scale baskets that are more serviceable.

This large scale basket tucks right behind a sofa for maximum storage, but minimal space.

Laundry does not have to be ugly. Wouldn’t you enjoy having a basket sorter instead of a pile of clothes on your chair?

I have stairs and leave things for people to put away as they are walking up. If I had this basket from Target, I wouldn’t have to see those piles!

 This is also an option for great good looking general storage.

Next on our list? The bar cart! I love a rolling cart as it can be for display or for storage. It’s beautiful, tucks into a small space, and is mobile!

Jonathan Adler is having a fabulous sale right now. I would snap up either this one or this one. They’ve given you an idea of how to style these for a bar. And they are really good for storing extra glassware. But don’t think this is all they can be used for!

Here’s a great wicker one from Serena and Lily.  They’ve shown it as a great plant stand or a place for a little lamp. This would be a sweet entry table!

Don’t be afraid of a fun color! These can also be used as little libraries or storage for toys or a craft cart.  Just wheel it out when it’s time to play! What a find from Amazon.

I love how this blogger turned her Ikea cart into a homework station!

My last category is decorative bins and boxes.

Unless perfectly styled, open shelving can always look cluttered. The best way to employ this storage is to use repetition. A whole series of the same container will make the room feel clean and stylish.

Here are containers I would use to create a seamless look. This fantastic set of felt boxes comes with stylish wood lids.

Perfect for a nursery. These would hold everything from diapers to toys to socks.

Books on shelves? Expected. Books as storage? Well, it’s our little joke.

A scalloped basket would create a great sense of rhythm to shelving!

A super fun travel accent! This suitcase set would stack beautifully on the shelves.

Singular boxes make a big statement. You can have one of these in a corner or on a coffee table and you will only notice the storage… not the clutter! Jonathan Adler again for the win! This butterfly box would be the best remote control storage in a living room.

Brass boxes are elegant and practical.

A marble scalloped box adds texture and color.

HOT TIP: Decluttering. Let’s face it. All the pretty baskets in the world are not going to organize your home if you have too much stuff. After years of raising children, we had collected everything from strange costumes to forgotten trophies to aging craft supplies. I could put it all away but my drawers were bursting. Whether you Marie Kondo everything or use the FlyLady method, it may be time to review your ‘collections.’ My new mantra?

Clutter is deferred decision making.

So let’s make a plan to release some of our stuff and then we can feel good about organizing the rest! If you enjoy seeing these selections, go to my Pinterest Board ‘FabList’ to see all the options I consider for these posts!