Watch any decorating show and they’ll tell you the key to great design is great lighting.  In my opinion, organizing have the same mantra.  The simple fact is that it’s impossible to keep things tidy if you can’t see the results.  Take my kitchen cupboards, for example.  Look in any of my upper cabinets you’ll find that they’re in pretty great shape.  They’re easy to see and easy to access so I tend to keep them really neat.  My lower cabinets are a whole different story.  Specifically, I’ve got two corner cupboards that are deep and dark and consequently end up jammed with stuff.  It’s not that I don’t have a decent system in place, it’s just that they’re dark and low to the ground so I tend to shove stuff back there rather than bend down and figure out where things should go.

Honestly, I don’t see a big problem with this.  The fact of the matter is that I rarely use most of the items that are back there – like the fragile glass salad bowl we got for our wedding or the trio of cheesecake pans I purchased years ago.  In my opinion, you should focus your organizing efforts on areas that get the most use and not stress over the spots that are rarely seen.  That being said, it is important to make things accessible.  After all, every now and then we have company over and I have to pull out the glass salad bowl for Sunday dinner.

One way I’ve found to simplify this process is to add inexpensive tap lights to the insides of my lower cupboards.  It’s amazing how much easier it is to find what I’m looking for when there’s a little light to guide my way.  Just being able to see the back of my cupboard without pulling everything out helps a ton.  For one thing, it helps me remember what I have – so when I’m trying to think of what to make for Sunday dessert I can check the pans cupboard and remember how many different dessert options I have.  Secondly, it helps me actually use what I have – because when the belgian waffle maker is easy to spot and easy to put away I’m much more likely to pull it out and whip up some scrumptious waffles for breakfast.  Finally, it keeps me from over-spending – because when I actually can see how stocked my cupboards are I’m far less tempted to buy the latest kitchen gadget.

I found my cheap tap lights at Wal-Mart.  I bought a pack of 4 for around $2.  I used 3M command adhesive strips to attach them to the ‘ceiling’ of the cupboard.  After using them for a few weeks, I ended up moving them down to the upper wall of the cupboard so I could see and tap them a little easier.  I’ve also upgraded to the LED-style tap lights (available at WalMart, Target or the dollar store).  They’re a little more expensive but they take far less battery power so you end up saving money in the long run; especially when you’re toddler discovers how fun tap lights are to play with.

Remember, the benefits of instant lighting aren’t limited to the kitchen.  They’re great for all your dark organizing trouble spots – like in the bathroom cabinets, under the backseat of your car, or under your kids beds.  I’ve got them stashed all over the place.  They’re simply a great way to keep things organized and under control.  Just thought I’d pass it on.