With September officially here, the time is right for getting back into routine — whether it's at school, work or home. From planning out weekly meal prep to organizing your office desk, a seasonal reset always feels refreshing.
For our Shop This List series, organization expert Janelle Lam stopped by TODAY to share smart solutions for getting our spaces in order. Her functional finds include a new line of car organization gear (no more groceries rolling around your trunk!), a slow cooker upgrade so pretty you'll want to leave it out on the counter and a fresh take on classic lunch boxes for both adults and little ones.
Better yet, all of the affordable products she uses can be found at Target, making it extra easy for you to declutter and streamline any space. Keep scrolling to browse Lam's picks, or add them all to your cart below in just one click.
Target organization previously seen on TODAY | How we chose | Meet the expert
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Gap Filler Storage
$10.00
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Gooseneck Mount
$14.99
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Large Transportable Storage
$20.00
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Bloomington Lunch Kit
$19.99
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Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker (6 Quart)
$49.99
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Silicone Magnetic Cord Bands (Set of 3)
$4.99
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Vegan Leather Cord Straps (Set of 4)
$4.99
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U Brands Silicone Cord Caterpillars (Set of 3)
$4.24
$4.99
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Kids' Baylee Charm Lunch Box
$14.99
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Kids' Classic Lunch Bag
$9.99
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4 Slot StoraBag Food Bag Organizer
$24.99
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Battery Storage Organizer Carrying Case
$19.99
$24.99
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SinkSuite Under Sink Turntable
$24.99
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Small Zipper Fabric Storage Cubes (Set of 2)
$25.00
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Photo Storage Box with Handle and Cases for Pictures (2 Pack)
$43.99
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Wire Kids' Storage Floor Bin White
$28.00
$40.00
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Bentgo Kids' Chill Lunch Box
$29.99
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Freesip Stainless Steel Water Bottle (24 ounce)
$27.99
Brightroom Gap Filler Storage
The gap between the front seat and the center console can be a bit of a trap — we’ve all dropped our phones, coins, chargers and more down the side. That’s why Lam recommends this gap filler storage solution. Designed to make the most of that space (and to save you from digging), just slide the bottom into the opening to install. It boasts a pocket that will fit your phone, sunglasses, garage door opener and more essentials, making things easy to grab or stow away in a pinch. You can even loop your phone charger through the side opening to avoid tangling.
Heyday Gooseneck Mount
Wish you could watch a show, follow along with a recipe or FaceTime a friend while you’re busy? Use your phone hands-free with this flexible mount that clamps to your counter or stands on its own. According to Lam, you can use it in the kitchen, at your desk, on your nightstand ... even the treadmill! Wherever you are, this flexible mount has you covered — and it’s just $15.
Brightroom Large Transportable Storage
With school drop-off, sports and after school activities back in action, car organization is the ultimate on-the-go hack. Luckily for us, Brightroom just launched a new car organization line and Lam is already a fan! This trunk organizer features three main compartments, a removable cooler bag and two side pockets for additional storage. It provides space for groceries, shopping bags, drinks, sports equipment, a first aid kit and more. Just pop it up when you’re using it, then easily fold flat when you’re not. Built-in handles allow for easy carrying and Lam loves that there’s a strip of velcro on the bottom, so when you place it in your trunk it won’t budge as you drive!
Fit & Fresh Bloomington Lunch Kit
No matter what food you like to pack for the work day, this lunch kit has you covered — and looking cute. It includes two BPA-free containers with four-cup capacity which are microwave, freezer and top rack dishwasher safe. They’re also perfect for meal prepping and taking your lunch to work; both containers come with snap lids that prevent mess (although the PEVA-lined interior is easy to clean if need be) and the tote style means you can carry it like a purse. But with three layers of insulation, it’s not just stylish — it’ll keep your food fresh for hours, per the brand.
Crock Pot Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker (6 Quart)
With school starting again and busy weeknights ahead, this Crock Pot upgrade is Lam's simple solution to getting dinner on the table. With a six-quart capacity, it's large enough to feed a crowd during family meals or when you're hosting, as well as a great tool for meal prep. Plus, with a travel-proof locking lid and tight seal designed to prevent spills, it’s ideal for bringing to potlucks. Lam loves this modern green, saying it's "so chic on your counter," but there's also a black version if that's a better fit for your kitchen. Better yet, an auto warmer kicks in when the cook time ends, holding your food at serving temperature.
U Brands Silicone Magnetic Cord Bands (Set of 3)
Editor’s note: This pick is out of stock for shipping, but may be available for pickup or delivery depending on your local store’s stock. We found a similar item you might like below.
From phone chargers to cable wires, it’s hard to keep all of your cords neat and organized, especially when you have a busy routine. According to Lam, these small silicone bands are cute and effective. Just loop your cables and stretch the bands around them to ensure that they’re neatly secured. Not only will they help with keeping your things organized, but they’ll protect your cables from damage, per the brand. The center is also magnetic, so you can stack them. And according to Lam, they’re great for on the go, allowing you to transport your tech without tangling.
U Brands Vegan Leather Cord Straps (Set of 4)
Editor’s note: This pick is out of stock for shipping, but may be available for pickup or delivery depending on your local store’s stock. We found a similar item you might like below.
If you’re into a slightly more elevated look, these vegan leather cord straps are sure to lend a sophisticated vibe to your desk. Like the silicone option, just loop your cords and wrap the strap around them. Made to support wires up to 5 mm in diameter, they’ll keep USB cords, headphones and more safe, stowed and aesthetically pleasing — especially with their gold-toned button! Lam thinks they’d match a home office, bedroom, living room and more — all while reducing cord clutter.
U Brands Silicone Cord Caterpillars (Set of 3)
This set of three cord winder organizers was designed to keep your charging cords, headphones and more knot-free. With cord grooves, you can slot your wires into the best position for them. And there's even a circular notch that's ideal for smart watch chargers. With so many options, it'll prevent damage too, per the brand.
Fit & Fresh Kids’ Baylee Charm Lunch Box
Editor’s note: This pick is out of stock for shipping, but may be available for pickup or delivery depending on your local store’s stock. We found a similar item you might like below.
The little one in your life will be making the cafeteria cool with this customizable lunch box! Lined with a thermal PEVA material, it keeps food chilled on the inside while focusing on fun on the outside. The lunch box comes with three charms and 22 charm slots, so kids can decorate (and redecorate) their lunch box every day. (Reviewers note that it's also compatible with shoe charms you may already have on hand!) But it's practical, too: big enough to fit a day’s worth of food, but small enough to slide into a standard backpack. Plus, its zipper is reinforced to withstand wear and tear, and the handle makes carrying simple for small hands.
Looking for more customizable gear? Target is rolling out "personalization stations" from July 28 to Sept. 8 where students can personalize supplies like backpacks and water bottles with pins, patches, stickers and more.
Cat & Jack Kids' Classic Lunch Bag
A timeless lunch bag never fails! With a single zipper pocket, it makes meal and snack times simple for little ones, and the inside is easy to clean for you. Plus, if flowers aren't their thing, there are other pattern options, like sharks, outer space and dinosaur fossils.
Target organization previously seen on TODAY
YouCopia StoraBag 4 Slot Food Bag Organizer
Plastic food storage bags come in flimsy cardboard boxes that can be difficult to fit neatly into drawers, so Lam loves this solution from YouCopia. With four separate slots and 24 removable, stick-on labels, this organizer will keep your drawer tidy and functional. The largest slot is great for gallon-size bags and the smaller ones for sandwich or snack-size bags. And it’s perfect for bulk buyers since you can refill it as needed by simply lifting the top off and reloading! According to Lam, it's a five-minute fix — but a total game changer.
Elitra Home Battery Storage Organizer Carrying Case
Batteries are tricky to organize and easy to lose track of, which is why Lam is into this carrying case. As she says, knowing where your batteries are can prevent double purchasing — a cost that adds up! This zippered organizer and carrying case makes it easy to see which types you have at a glance, thanks to 150 slots specifically sized for common batteries such as AAA, AA and D. It even comes with an LCD battery tester!
YouCopia SinkSuite Under Sink Turntable
Lam loves a turntable: "It's the GOAT of organizing products," she says. This one is extra handy because it's larger than your average lazy Susan and has adjustable dividers so you can customize each section size. Keep it under your kitchen or bathroom sink for cleaning products and personal care bottles, or use in your pantry for spices, sauces and more!
Brightroom Small Zipper Fabric Storage Cubes (Set of 2)
With the temperatures rising, many of us will soon be packing up our winter layers and replacing them with sundresses, flats and more warm weather looks. Lam loves these Brightroom storage cubes for stowing and protecting sweaters and other out-of-season clothing. Low on drawer space? Use them for in-season folded clothing, or even accessories such as purses. The clear front panel makes it easy to see what's inside.
- Brightroom Medium Zipper Fabric Storage Cubes (Set of 2), $30
- Brightroom Large Zipper Fabric Storage Cubes (Set of 2), $35
Iris Photo Storage Box with Handle and Cases for Pictures (2 Pack)
Family photos are precious — yet many of us keep them floating around in shoe boxes, plastic bags and even junk drawers. If you find yourself in that camp, this set of photo storage boxes is for you! The exterior bin holds 16 small containers made for 4x6 photos — enough space for 1,600 photos total! Lam uses this pick herself, noting that she organizes by family member and special events using the labels that come with the set, though you could sort by date or age, too. In case of emergency, there's even a handle for easy grab and go. Plus, the snap closures and rounded corners will help keep photos in good condition. Lam has also used these for tech organizing — no more time wasted untangling cords!
Pillowfort Wire Kids’ Storage Floor Bin White
Any product that works double-duty is a win in our books — and this Pillowfort pick is no exception! With a removable wooden top, it serves as a stylish nightstand or end table while pulling a second shift as storage. Use it in a guest room to hold additional linens, a TV room to store blankets or even in a playroom; Lam says it's a great place to keep kids' stuffed animals! It's an easy access, high-visibility spot to store your things, making life easier for little ones and adults alike.
Bentgo Kids’ Chill Lunch Box
Make your kids' lunch hour easier with this lunch box, which not only keeps their food cool thanks to a built-in ice pack, but separated and easy to access! Bentgo makes them in a ton of different colors, so the child in your life will be excited to pick their shade of choice!
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle (24 ounce)
The Shop TODAY team calls this a gold medal product for a reason: it keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours, the snap-lock lid keeps the mouth hole clean, they come in a variety of colorways and so much more.
Associate editor Shannon Garlin previously shared that she “love[s] the flip cap and easy-to-sip straw, it makes grabbing water during workout classes easy and quick when the instructor only gives you a three second break!”
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses, tries and reviews products to recommend that are sold by the advertiser. The advertiser does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
- Janelle Lam is a professional home organizer, the founder of Straighten Up by Janelle and author of The Folding Book. In addition to making major media appearances, Lam has worked with top names across entertainment and entrepreneurship. She has become known for creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, using her expertise to help clients streamline and optimize their homes.