Today’s organizing challenge is going to be easy because you get to go window shopping with a critical eye. I’m going to help you spot organizing tools that aren’t clutter.

Let’s face it. We’ve all bought something spur of the moment with the idea that it might be a clutter-buster. But then it settles into the house like a stack of bricks, never actually delivering on that promise. Bins are the worst! I can’t tell you how many families are caught in the cycle of buying more plastic bins, bigger plastic bins, different colored plastic bins, in the hope that simply putting stuff in bins will help them contain the clutter. But you know it doesn’t work that way.

In fact, there are very few organizing products that are actually a good idea, and even those aren’t great for every family. Many organizing tools you can make yourself, like sock drawer bins, jewelry organizers, chalkboard tags, and gift wrap collars.

Every now and then a specialized organizing product can really help the cause. But how do you know before you bring it home only to have it scream, “I am clutter in disguise”? Look for these signs that it will actually be a good investment:

• If the product solves a problem you haven’t been able to solve another way.
• If there isn’t a good DIY alternative, even after a Google or Pinterest search.
• If the product is attractive and sturdy.
• If the product uses vertical storage, allows you better visibility and access.
• If the problem actually solves a problem that you really have (as opposed to sounding like a good idea).

Many of you know that I write articles for a catalog called ShopGetOrganized.com. They’ve been providing space savers and clever solutions for decades, and they are based right here in Pennsylvania. But I’m pretty honest with them about what products of theirs that I love, and which ones I can live without.

Being the nice folks that they are, and just as happy as I am that January is National Get Organized Month, they are offering a $100 Organizing Products Prize to one of my readers to use on any of their catalog items. I’ve picked 4 lovely items that you could buy if you win the $100 Organizing Products Prize, giving you an organizing boost in your closet, your kitchen, your car and your gift wrap stash.

Of course, you don’t have to pick these 4 items if you win. You can pick ANY item in their catalog. But whatever you choose, or whatever you buy at Target or The Container Store or wherever else you shop, make sure that you are actually bringing home and organizing solution and not more clutter!

I can’t wait to see what items you like best. Just enter the Rafflecopter here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note that my standard disclosures and contest rules apply, no shipping to PO boxes or outside of the 48 states. There is no cash value to this prize, and the winner must specify in writing their choice of product for ShopGetOrganized.com not to exceed $100.

And be sure to enter the other big giveaways, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab4, going on now during the 31 Days of Clutter-Free Living Series.