Ten Organizing Tools We Can't Live Without

What could you live without? Some people can't imagine a world without their shoe and handbag collections. Others simply could not part with old records. Not us. Sure, we like our sandals and our Sinatra as much as any other gal, but it's the tools that make our lives run smoother that really get our hearts pumping. We're not saying we always have it together and that everything is always where it is supposed to be, but with these take-them-to-a-desert-island organizational tools, we can at least feel like we're on top of it all. Here's our list of favorites, why we love them so much, and what they can do for you:

1. Labels.

These little wonders deliver instant gratification. There might not be anything more satisfying then slapping a label on something. Add color and some cute characters for the kids with cute ones by Mabel's Labels (learn more at www.getbuttonedup.com/coolfinds) and they'll definitely be inspired to keep all the mittens in one box.

2. Digital Camera.

This organizing powerhouse does it all. It snaps shots of your valuables to help catalog for insurance. It takes pictures of your kids' artwork so you can toss the originals (memory kept, clutter tossed). Suddenly, you see your camera in a new light...

3. Canvas Bins.

Durable and light, they can be dragged all through the house without scratching the floors or causing tendonitis. Plus, they're opaque, so nobody sees the hundreds of toy cars held within. Clutter control in minutes.

4. Trash Cans.

These little guys are the Rodney Dangerfield of the organizing world. They really get no respect but they can be a great asset. Put one in every room and you'll keep clutter piles (not to mention leftover peanut butter sandwiches) at bay.

5. Trash Bags.

Perfect for purging on the go from room to room. Enough said.

6. Mail Sorter Station.

The mail pile can be a scary heap of unopened bills and unanswered letters from Grandma without this nifty tool that helps you prioritize the daily pile. No, you can't read People before you pay your electric bill...

7. Paper Shredder.

Pair it with the mail sorter and you get a double whammy of organizing power. Don't want that new Discover card offer? In it goes, and along with that wonderfully satisfying chewing sound, you're organizing mail and keeping your identity safe at the same time.

8. Notebooks.

Little scraps of paper are so 1990. Yes, that staple of every back-to-school supply list, the notebook, is all-powerful when it comes to organizing your life. It seems simple, but notebooks provide a place to harness all of your thoughts, dreams, and to do lists in one easy to find spot.

9. Filing System.

It doesn't have to be good enough for the Library of Congress. It just needs to be something that securely holds 10 to 12 files for your most important documents. It can be a three-drawer filing cabinet or an accordion file that sits on your bookshelf - as long as it serves its purpose as your go-to spot.

10. Wall Calendar.

It doesn't matter if it has pictures of tropical islands or canoodling kittens. Just get one with big squares where you can write in everyone's details. Place it in a central spot (the fridge, door going out to the garage, wherever you know everyone will look) so there will never be that nagging "when is the school play?" question again.