Who would have thought that tension rods could be used to organize cleaning materials, jewelry, hats, shoes, lids, kid’s clothes, bath toys, and even snacks? These genius ways to organize with tension rods will surprise you!

Tension rods are a secret organization tool, ready to turn chaos into order.

Here are 21 genius ways to organize with tension rods that will motivate you to tidy up!

1. Cleaning Products

Source: @cartersbarbados

My first genius way to organize using tension rods focuses on those less-than-attractive under the sink cabinets.

If your cabinet is small and cramped, a tension rod instantly offers loads of extra storage for cleaning products, brushes, and items that can hang.

An adjustable expandable tension rod like this is budget-friendly and requires no DIY skills to install.

2. Kids Shoe Organizer

Source: @livecomposed

Has your bench storage become a giant pit of shoes that are jumbled up, mismatched, and impossible to find the pair you’re looking for?

Add a few tension rods to create neat compartments and finally bring order to the chaos. Simple and easy!

3. Jacket & Coat Rail

Source: @kanamonohk

Don’t spend a fortune at a fancy store on a coat stand. A basic tension rod provides an instant solution at budget-friendly prices and is so easy to install.

Add some sturdy closet rod hooks like these and the family can hang up coats, jackets, scarves, bags, and hats when they arrive home.

4. Baby Station

Source: @draw_a_line_heianshindo

A new baby is a bundle of joy, but organizing all their necessities can be far less enjoyable.

Here’s an innovative idea to solve the problem. Mount a tension rod with long hooks that will support a shelf.

You instantly have surface space at a convenient height to hold baby shampoo, washing cloths, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and even toys.

5. Lid Organizer

Source: @familyhandyman

Mismatched lids need not be the bane of your life in the kitchen. This smart organizer uses a tension rod to create a lid compartment inside a drawer.

The lids and bowls each have their own section and stay neatly in place, making it easy to find the perfect match every time. A budget-friendly spring tension rod like this will do the job.

Check out these other great ways to organize tupperware.

6. Wall Decor

Source: @ms.baylysroom

This pro organizing hack is going to be my next rainy-day craft project!

Do you have an untidy or unsightly open storage alcove, cabinet, or shelf that irritates you every time you see it? Here is a fun idea to turn it into an attractive work of art.

Mount a tension rod across the top and get creative draping a curtain of decorative ribbons to hide it. If you don’t have enough ribbon scraps, upgrade your collection with this fabulous set of 10 colored silk ribbons.

7. Bath Toy Organizer

Source: @taylorflanery

Toddlers love bath toys, but they sure get in the way when the adults want to bath. I mean, do you want to try to relax and unwind with a yellow ducky for company?

A wall to wall tension rod with hanging baskets like these is perfect for organizing baby toys. You may even want to add a basket for each family member to store their personal care products.

8. Utensil Organizer

Source: @home.with.cheryl

Declutter your kitchen drawers and hang all your utensils on a tension rod like this.

I love the rustic vintage feel it creates, perfect for a cottage or farmhouse-style kitchen. I would even hang up a copper pot and pan to complete the look.

9. Doll Clothes Organizer

Source: @sortednola

How adorable is this mini closet for dolls? It’s a little girl’s dream!

The designer used a mini tension rod and mini doll clothes hangers like these.

She also chose small plastic containers to store accessories and labeled everything for a perfect finish.

10. Cap Organizer

Source: @housemadepretty

If you have a family of sporting fans, you probably have dozens of team caps scattered all over the house.

Tension rods are a game-changer for organizing! Just add some curtain rings with hooks like these to the rod, and you’ve got a perfect spot for hanging caps, keeping them all neatly displayed.

11. Kitchen Rolls and Foil Organizer

Source: @persimmon_souter_cov

Fed up with your kitchen paper towels and foil rolling away and unraveling before you even get a chance to use them?

Tension rods will keep them in check and easily accessible. This savvy homemaker has placed hers in a corner, making the best use of a small space.

You’ll want to see these other genius kitchen cupboard hacks!

12. Wrapping Station

Source: @living_an_organised_life

Until I came across this genius idea, special occasions were a disaster in my house. I had gift wrapping paper, ribbons, scissors, rulers, packaging, and Washi tapes spread all over every surface.

I organized by installing a tension rod to hold tapes and ribbons and a set of white plastic bins like these for everything else.

Now I’ve got a stylish wrapping station set up and ready for any occasion!

13. Freezer Storage

Source: @rebeccastuhlmiller

Small freezers pose another space challenge.

Tension rods in a freezer offer versatile storage for hanging up packets of meat or veggies, getting them off the shelf, and freeing up loads of icy real estate.

14. Kiddies Clothes

Source: @bringingupbabe

Do you find the clothes rails installed in closets are always too high for kids to reach?

This innovative Mom chose IKEA Kallax units to create a toddler wardrobe. She also installed a tension rod that is easy for her little one to reach.

Follow the steps in the post to create your own!

15. Pantry Drawer Organizer

Source: @mise_en_place_aus

How many cans can you stack one atop the other before they all come crashing down? Well, I am not even going to try!

But, I do know that I need loads more storage space for cans, and here is a genius way to organize them with tension rods like these.

Categorize your cans into like sizes and install tension rods to create compartments for a snug fit. Your cans will behave and never roll around again.

16. Kiddies Dress Up Corner

Source: @riasafford

Playing dress up will keep kids occupied for hours, but I know from experience that if the outfits aren’t easy to reach, the smiles can quickly turn into tears.

This cute cabinet is perfectly organized with a tension rod and set of kids hangers like these. A dream setup for any little diva!

17. Cleaning Station

Source: @takeuchi_sasai_kayoko

Are you struggling to find storage space in a tiny kitchen or pantry? This genius idea uses two tension rods and a wall grid panel like this to create a neat solution.

Mount the rods between the floor and the ceiling, attach the panel and hang up detergent bottles, brooms, and brushes. For items that don’t hang easily, place them into hanging plastic bins.

18. Hanging Shoe Rails

Source: @patricejwill

Are you head over heels for shoes? Well, flaunt your style, and don’t hide them in a dusty closet.

You can easily create this fantastic shoe display by installing tension rods along a wall. Now your dressing room looks like a stylish designer shoe boutique!

19. Hat Organizer

Source: @azroots_txboots

Hats are soooo difficult to store! They simply refuse to stack in any way. Let tension rods come to the rescue again.

This innovative homemaker used dollar store tension rods and a curtain rod clip set to make the perfect hat organizer. 

20. Snack Rail

Source: @label.lady.1

Do your kids complain when chips in a packet are crushed, smashed, and flattened? Hanging them up on a tension rod ensures they stay intact and remain perfect scoops for dips.

The rod is also great for holding candies, toffees, popcorn, and other treats that come in packets.

I LUV the inviting sign that tells people to ‘Please Help Yourself’. I’m going to make one using a picture frame like this!

21. Jewelry Organizer

Source: @theorganisedhousewife

My last genius way to organize with tension rods is for the ladies! Who doesn’t have a collection of necklaces, chains, and bracelets all tangled up in a drawer?

An elegant tension rod with small S hooks like these makes the ultimate jewelry organizer. Install it on a wall to showcase your collection!