September is officially here, and it’s a great time to get back into the swing of things—whether that’s at school, work, or home. From planning your weekly meal prep to organizing your desk, a seasonal reset always feels refreshing.
In our Shop This List series, organization expert Janelle Lam shares some clever ways to declutter your space. Her go-to finds include a new line of car-organizing tools (no more stuffing your groceries in the trunk!), an updated slow cooker so pretty you’ll want to keep it on your countertop, and a new take on the classic lunch box that’s perfect for both adults and kids.
Better yet, all of the affordable products she uses can be found at Target, making it easy to organize and optimize any space. Keep scrolling to see Lam’s picks, or add them all to your cart below with one click.
The gap between the front seats and the center console can be a bit of a nuisance—we often found ourselves dropping phones, coins, chargers, and the like on the sides. So Lam recommends this solution for filling the storage gap. Designed to make the most of that space (and save you from having to dig around in it), it installs by simply sliding the base into the opening. It features a pocket for your phone, sunglasses, garage door opener, and other essentials to keep them handy. You can even thread your phone charger through the side opening to keep it from getting tangled.
Want to watch a show, cook a recipe, or FaceTime a friend on the go? This flexible stand can be mounted to your kitchen counter or left to stand on its own, leaving your hands free. Lam says you can use it in the kitchen, at your desk, on your nightstand…even on the treadmill! This flexible stand adapts to your needs wherever you are, and it only costs $15.
With school ending and sports and extracurricular activities starting up again, car storage is becoming an essential travel companion. Luckily, Brightroom just released a new car storage product, and Lam is already a fan! This trunk organizer features three main compartments, a removable cooler pocket, and two side pockets for extra storage. It can hold groceries, shopping bags, drinks, sports equipment, first aid kits, and more. Simply pull it out when you need it, and easily fold it away when you don’t. The built-in handle makes it easy to carry, and Lam especially likes the velcro on the bottom, which keeps the bag from shaking around while you’re driving, even when it’s in the trunk!
Whatever you pack for work, this lunch set has you covered—and it looks cute, too. The set includes two four-cup, BPA-free containers that are microwave, freezer, and top-rack dishwasher safe. They’re also great for meal prep and toting lunches to work; both containers feature stain-resistant snap-on lids (though the PEVA lining is easy to clean on the inside, too), and the bag’s design lets you carry it like a tote. And thanks to triple-layer insulation, it’s not only stylish, but the brand claims it will keep your food fresh for hours.
With school back in session and busy weeknights approaching, Lam has upgraded her slow cooker to make it easier to get dinner on the table. With a six-quart capacity, it’s more than enough for family dinners or entertaining, and it’s also a great cooking tool. Plus, it features a travel-friendly locking lid and a leak-proof design that effectively prevents spills, making it perfect for dinner parties. Lam loves this modern green pan, calling it “very stylish on the kitchen counter,” but you can also opt for the black version if black is more your style. Better yet, it automatically keeps your food warm once it’s done cooking, ensuring it’s the perfect serving temperature.
Editor’s note: This item is out of stock and cannot be shipped, but depending on availability at your local store, you may be able to pick it up or have it shipped. Below, we’ve found similar items you might like.
From cell phone chargers to data cables, organizing all your cables can be a daunting task, especially when you have a busy schedule. Lam said these little silicone cable ties are both cute and practical. Simply loop your cables and tighten the tie to keep them secure. Not only do they help you keep things organized, but they also protect your cables from damage, according to the brand. The center of the cable tie is also magnetic, making it easy to organize. Lam also says they’re perfect for traveling, as they keep your electronics from getting tangled.
Editor’s note: This item is out of stock and cannot be shipped, but depending on availability at your local store, you may be able to pick it up or have it shipped. Below, we’ve found similar items you might like.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, these vegan leather cable ties are sure to add a touch of sophistication to your desk. Just like the silicone version, you simply loop the cable and wrap it with the tie. They support cables with a maximum diameter of 5mm, allowing you to safely store USB cables, headphone cables, etc. They’re both beautiful and practical – especially the gold button design! Lam thinks they’re perfect for any space, from home offices to bedrooms and living rooms, and they’re also a great way to keep cables clutter-free.
This set of three cable winders is designed to prevent tangling of charging cables, earphones, etc. The set includes grooves for the cables, so you can place the cables in the most suitable place. In addition, there is a circular notch on the case that is ideal for the smartwatch charger. According to the brand, such a rich selection also effectively prevents damage.
Editor’s note: This item is out of stock and cannot be shipped, but depending on availability at your local store, you may be able to pick it up or have it shipped. Below, we’ve found similar items you might like.
This customizable lunch box is sure to keep your little one’s dining room cool! The lining is made from warm PEVA material, which keeps the food inside cool while still providing fun. The lunch box comes with three charms and 22 hanging slots, so kids can decorate (or repurpose) their lunch box each day. (Reviewers note that it’s also compatible with shoe accessories you may already own!) It’s practical, too: large enough to hold a day’s worth of food, but small enough to fit in a regular backpack. Plus, it features reinforced zippers for durability and handles to make it easy for little hands to carry.
Want more customizable gear? From July 28 to September 8, Target will launch a “Personalization Station,” where students can personalize backpacks, water bottles, and other items with pins, patches, stickers, and more.
A classic lunch box that you can never go wrong with! The bag has just one zippered pocket for easy access to food and snacks, and the inside is easy to clean. Plus, if flowers aren’t your child’s cup of tea, you can choose from other designs like sharks, space, and dinosaur fossils.
Plastic food storage bags typically come in flimsy paper boxes that don’t fit into a drawer, so Lam likes this option from YouCopia. It features four independent storage compartments and 24 removable labels to keep your drawers neat and functional. The largest compartment is perfect for gallon-sized bags, while the smaller compartments are great for sandwich- or snack-sized bags. It’s perfect for those who buy in bulk because you can restock as needed by simply opening the lid! It only takes five minutes, but can completely change the layout of your drawer, according to Lam.
Batteries are difficult to keep organized and easy to lose, which is why Lam especially likes this storage box. Knowing where your batteries are stored, she says, can prevent repeat purchases that can lead to additional expenses! This zippered organizer and storage box has 150 slots specifically designed for common batteries like AAA, AA, and D, allowing you to see the battery type at a glance. It even includes an LCD battery tester!
Lam loves a turntable: “It’s a magical tool for organizing things,” she says. This one is especially useful because it’s larger than the average turntable and has adjustable dividers, allowing you to customize the size of each divider. Place it under your kitchen or bathroom sink to store cleaning supplies and personal care items, or in your pantry to store spices, sauces, and more!
With temperatures rising, many of us will soon be putting away our winter clothes and switching to sundresses, flats, and other warmer layers. Lam loves this Brightroom storage bin, which allows her to organize and protect sweaters and other out-of-season clothes. Short on drawer space? Use them to store seasonally folded clothes or even accessories like purses. The clear front makes it easy to see what’s inside.
Family photos are priceless, but many of us carelessly store them in shoe boxes, plastic bags, or even junk drawers. If that’s the case, this photo storage box is definitely for you! Inside the outer organizer are 16 small 4×6-inch photo boxes—enough space for 1,600 photos! Lam, who uses the box herself, says she uses the included tags to organize photos by family member and special occasion, though you can also sort them by date or time they were saved. There’s a handle for easy access in case of emergencies, and the snap closure and rounded corners help keep your photos safe and sound. Lam also uses it to organize her tech—no more untangling cords!
In our opinion, any product that serves two purposes is a good one, and this Pillowfort is no exception! It features a removable wooden tabletop that can be used as a stylish nightstand or coffee table, as well as storage. It can be used in a guest room to store extra sheets, in a TV room to store blankets, or even in a playroom; Lam says it’s also a great place to store kids’ soft toys! It’s easy to grab and put away, and everything is clear at a glance, making life easier and more convenient for both adults and kids.
This lunch box will make lunch time easier for kids! Not only does it have a built-in ice pack to keep food cool, but it also allows for easy access! Bentgo offers a variety of color options, so your child will be excited to pick out their favorite color!
There’s a reason the Shop TODAY team calls this product a gold medalist: It keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours, has a snap-on lid that keeps the spout clean, and comes in a variety of colors, to name a few.
Associate Editor Shannon Garlin previously shared that she “loves the flip-top lid and convenient straw, which make it quick and easy to sip water during a workout when your instructor only gives you three seconds to rest!”
Today, the editors and writers of the Shopping section scour the web for the best products on the market. We interview experts, read customer reviews, and even combine our own experiences to make the shopping experience more convenient for readers.
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Erica Marrison is an Associate Editor at Shop TODAY, covering fashion, beauty, deals and more. She joined the team in 2023 and has worked on a number of franchise projects, including Shop This List, which was a finalist for the 2024 Digiday Awards.
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