Organize Your Home with Kids: Budget-Friendly, Eco-Smart Tips from Susan Santoro

Sigh—those perfectly organized kitchen photos on social media make it look so easy.

I’m not one of those people.

Still, I don’t love how my own kitchen counters and drawers look. I invited a professional organizer to discuss one of my weak spots—organizing—with an emphasis on two things I care about: saving money and protecting the environment.

I was furiously taking mental notes for my future pantry (after our kitchen remodel) as Susan explained her approach to repurposing everyday items.

Watch the video for her demonstrations, or read on to learn:

• How to turn creativity into practical organizing solutions
• Ways to be kinder to the earth (and save time) while creating systems that work
• Five reasons repurposing items is a smart, budget-friendly organizing strategy
• A simple fix for that “random drawer” feeling
• How organizing can become quality time with your kids
• Why involving children is a win-win, and tips to keep them engaged with the system
• One practical action you can take today to ease your mind about clutter

Can’t view the video? Watch Home Organization on a Budget on YouTube.

If you don’t have time to watch the full episode, here are the highlights and practical takeaways.

Home Organization Video Time Stamps

• 0:14 — We’ll get creative and focus on home organization that’s budget-conscious and environmentally friendly.
• 0:47 — Susan Santoro joins Healthy Parenting Connector to share simple organizing ideas for busy families. Her military background and frequent moves shape much of her approach.
• 2:12 — Susan explains how life experience and practical needs turned her into an organizing pro.

Eco-friendly Home Organization

• 3:44 — At Kitchen Stewardship we talk about taking care of the earth. Susan emphasizes using repurposed items as organization tools.
• 4:52 — She looks for containers and supplies already coming into the home—especially recyclable items—because reusing saves time, money, and resources.
• 6:03 — With recycling systems changing, reusing items you already have is often a better option than relying on recycling alone.

Home Organization on a Budget

• 6:50 — Repurposing is great for your budget. Fancy bins and shelving add up quickly, especially if you like to experiment or change layouts often.
• 9:00 — Organizing strategies change as your family grows. Items stored out of reach for toddlers can be moved lower when kids are older.

Practical Organization Tips

• 9:35 — We cover practical kitchen storage strategies to get started fast.
• 11:21 — Start by observing what already comes into your house. You might find many items that are perfect for organizing without buying new containers.
• 12:45 — Consider glass vs. plastic: for dry goods glass is ideal, while repurposed plastic can work well for office supplies or bathroom items.
• 13:22 — Susan shows her favorite containers and ways to use them efficiently.
• 13:58 — If you don’t need to stack containers, keep them lid-free for easier access and tidying.
• 15:38 — A simple method for corralling condiments and dressings makes daily use easier.
• 16:58 — Use small handmade clay pots to hold twist ties, rubber bands, packets, or paper clips.
• 17:45 — When a container loses its lid, repurpose the base for storing lids, dishcloths, or other small items.
• 19:14 — When each item has a clear place, it’s easier for everyone to put things away correctly.

Home Organization with Kids

• 19:55 — Involve kids in organizing. It’s a chance to teach responsibility and practical skills.
• 21:44 — Cover old cardboard boxes with wrapping paper and mod podge for a kid-friendly craft that creates useful storage.
• 23:37 — Color coding and labeling get children invested in the system and help them maintain it.
• 24:37 — Keeping kids engaged long term will change over time. Expect to adjust systems as your family changes.
• 25:08 — Explain why the system helps and make it easy for kids to use.
• 27:40 — If something isn’t working, change it. Take what helps and adapt until the system makes life simpler, not harder.
• 28:46 — Don’t let a perfect system come before relationships; if organization causes conflict, reassess.
• 30:02 — The episode ends with a concrete step you can take today to reduce stress and clutter.

Resources Mentioned for Home Organization

• Susan’s website and social channels for additional ideas and examples.
• Downloadable list: Items to Repurpose for Organizing Your Kitchen — a free resource with more than 40 ideas using things you likely already have.
• Articles on natural label removal, kitchen organizing ideas, moving and setting up a new kitchen, and tips for small spaces and efficient kitchen layouts.