Professional Organizer Shares 5 Organizing Items at Costco You Should *Never* Buy
In stores like Costco, it can be tempting to stock up on bright and shiny organization tools - you know, storage vessels designed for storing items that come in their own storage vessels. But in actuality, a lot of these organization items can actually create clutter and be a waste of money.
The professional organizer behind the TikTok account UnClutterCO recently posted a video filmed at her local Costco, where she shared "organizers you don't need" at the wholesale chain store. Read on for the list!
Countertop Food Dispensers
UnClutterCO pointed out the OXO Countertop Food Dispenser at Costco, noting that "nobody needs this at all" as it takes up so much room on your counter." These dispensers are typically used for things like cereal, nuts and grains - but it's easier to just keep these items in their original packaging. If you do need to take them out of their original packaging, I recommend relocating them to washed jars that once held things like tomato sauce and pickles!
Plate Sets
"I never recommend buying plates that you can't repurchase somewhere," UnClutterCO explained, pointing to Costco's Stoneware Dishware Set. If one chips or breaks, you won't be able to order a single replacement. Instead, opt for a dish set where you can purchase individual pieces.
Drink Dispensers
"Same as the cereal dispenser, this just takes up so much space on your counter," UnClutterCO said, showing the Studio Drinkware Glass Drink Dispenser With Ceramic Stand. "Nobody needs this."
If you are making a mixed drink and want to display it, simply opt for a glass pitcher or a bowl with a ladle.
Cutlery Sets in Caddies
The Oneida 24-Piece Flatware Set With Caddy comes with stainless steel utensils for eight people, all tucked inside a woven caddy with collapsible handles. While it may seem handy for a picnic, UnClutterCO doesn't think it's worth it. "I think this is dumb," she said. "It's like a one-use situation. You can just carry your cutlery outside."
Storage Bins That Don't Stack or Are Made of Thin Plastic
Though it can be tempting to pick up a few storage bins on a whim, UnClutterCO warns against buying any that don't neatly stack on top of each other or nest inside of each other. She also recommends not buying plastic storage bins, as they are prone to cracking - and when they do, you probably won't be able to easily find a replacement.
Watch her full video below:
@unclutterco There's so much noise out there and so much that we can purchase all the time. These are all the things that I saw at Costco this week that I would pass on for several reasons. You never want organizers that take up so much space that they're their own thing. Nobody needs to store cereal on their kitchen counters. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments. #deinfluencing#organizingtips#homeorganization#costcotiktok#whatnothaul
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM.