Stick-on organizing products are a great way to add storage space or to solve life’s little problems without causing costly damage to walls and other surfaces. Whether you need some extra space for stashing cleaning supplies or for hanging your bananas (yep!), there’s a no-damage organizing solution for just about every problem in life.
But finding the right product in a sea of options can be overwhelming. And when it comes to actually applying adhesive pieces to walls and other surfaces, there is lots of potential to get it wrong and send a shelf crashing down to the floor.
To help you pick out the right stick-on organizers for your needs, we consulted experts and asked them what products they use to solve storage problems in their own homes. And, of course, we also asked them to share their tips and tricks for successfully applying adhesives to ensure they stay put until you’re ready to remove them.
What to know about stick-on organizers before getting started
“There are two main factors when applying stick-on products,” Suze Dowling, co-founder and chief business officer at Pattern Brands, says, “surface compatibility and preparation, as well as application technique.” Clean, smooth (i.e. nonporous) surfaces are the best for applying stick-on products. “In my experience,” Dowling says, “many textured surfaces, such as wallpaper or brickwork, will not be compatible with a successful and long-lasting experience.”
- Read the instructions to be certain you understand weight limitations, surface preparation requirements and recommended application techniques.
- Ensure the compatibility of the surface.
- Ensure the compatibility of the environment. There are no-damage organizing products designed specifically for indoor use, outdoor use, humid and/or wet environments like the bathroom.
- The surface should be clean, dry and free from dust or buildup.
- During the application process, apply firm and even pressure while attaching the product to the surface.
- Press firmly for a minimum of 60 seconds to ensure that the adhesive bonds.
- Do not use the product for at least eight hours to give the adhesive time to cure and bond with the surface.
- Do not reposition or adjust the product once it’s in place to avoid weakening the adhesive.
It is especially important to consult the usage instructions before getting started, says Julian Thomas, a DIY expert and Command brand partner, “The biggest tip I have is to read the instructions first! Trust me, I’ve made plenty of mistakes in the past that could have been easily avoided if only I read the instructions of the product first.”
How to prep a surface for stick-on products
Dowling and Thomas both stress that surface prep is critical to the successful application, especially in rooms where surfaces may have significant buildup. “My favorite place to mount no-damage organizing products is in the kitchen,” Thomas says. “It’s a great way to keep cooking utensils organized. However, kitchen surfaces are notorious for being greasy, and grease and adhesives do not get along.” Dowling provided the following method for prepping a surface before applying an adhesive product.
- Step 1: Mix a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water in a spray bottle.
- Step 2: Test on a small, inconspicuous area.
- Step 3: Spray the solution on the surface and wipe off with a clean, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth.
- Step 4: Allow the surface to dry, and repeat the process. “Trust me,” Dowling says, “the second time makes a big difference!”
- Step 5: Dry the surface and apply the adhesive.
“As with most things in life,” Dowling says, “it’s important not to rush — patience truly is a virtue! Oftentimes people will be so excited at the thought of hanging or using the item, that they skip over the preparation steps that will ensure its longevity.”
The best stick-on organizers according to experts
“This unit is by far my favorite,” Thomas says, “as it is very versatile. Whether mounting it on the inside of a cabinet to hold snacks or placing it above a desk to hold art supplies, there are numerous uses for this caddy.”
Multipurpose, versatile organizers come in lots of different styles, like this black wire basket that can be mounted to the wall using the included adhesives, so you can be sure to find one that matches your aesthetic.
Clear acrylic organizers are another popular style, like this set of two organizers that would be equally at home in an office or by the front door to hold mail.
“I always seem to have a bunch of bananas in the house,” Dowling says, “and used to experience bruises and soft spots when they ripened on the countertop —?but I didn’t want a banana stand as it didn’t exactly go with my more minimalist aesthetic. Finding this under-shelf, self-stick banana hook was a game changer.”
As Dowling discovered with her banana hook, there is a stick-on organizer for just about everything under the sun. If your hair-styling tools have taken over your bathroom, this clever adhesive organizer is for you.
“Living in a small space, storage is at a minimum,” Thomas says. “What I call the ‘cleaning combo’ keeps the most crucial cleaning tools off the floor but within easy reach.”
Thomas combines the mop and broom holder with this spray bottle hanger to complete his “cleaning combo” storage area.
“If you are willing to wait on shipping from the Netherlands,” Dowling says, “these handmade oak wall hooks add both warmth and function to any room.”
For something more colorful, Dowling recommends these small hooks, which she says are “lightweight yet surprisingly strong.”
Stick-on organizers are a smart way to keep small but essential things, like eyeglasses or cell phones, from getting lost by giving them a place to call home. This organizer even has a notch for the phone’s charging cord.
Stick-on organizers are a smart choice for controlling what Dowling calls “the cable mess that we all have,” and says that Poppin’s cable catchers are her personal favorite. “While they do offer a set in white, I love the whimsy of the colored multipack. Sometimes it’s about breaking up the neutrals with a fun pop of color.”
“I love these picture-hanging strips because they can be used more than for just pictures,” Thomas says, “like a picture ledge.”
“Speaking of picture ledges,” Thomas says, “3M makes no-damage picture ledges with the strips already installed.”
Dowling calls this weekly planner a must-have for staying organized. “I spend some time each Sunday planning out my week. I’ve found [this weekly pad] has the perfect amount of space to prioritize my key goal for the day plus meal plan.”
