Product Pro Tips: Turntables
Organizational product is a big deal when it comes to sustainability. It’s the boundary for categories. In combo with the right label, it is what lets everyone in the household know exactly where items go. Can we get an amen???
But organizational products (which typically averages only $11 per item…) can add up quickly!
It’s important that we’re choosing the RIGHT product, the FIRST time.
Which is why we’re giving you the full-disclosure on the organizational product we love: what to buy, how to build it, what to use with it—and what to avoid altogether. You can pop over to our IG highlights to see various products we’re showcasing (found on the Product Pro Tips highlight.)
Turntables (sometimes called Lazy Susans) are possibly one of the most commonly used organizational products. But often they are misused.
Read on to see just how we used turntables, which versions are best for various categories, and also when we opt to set the turntables aside for another product.
Lazy Susans
With a variety of sizes and designs, it’s important to know which turntable is right for your space and when a different product just might work better. Before you head to the store, take a peek below. From pantries to kitchen sinks, we’re showing you just how our team chooses just the right Lazy Susan.
In the pantry
Turntables work great for sauces, vinegar, oils, supplements, and tall bottles. Typically these are shallow turntables with a small lip (not the taller divided option). A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to get 5 or more items on the turntable. Less than 3 items and you may not be utilizing your space as much as you can.
For the typical 11-12” pantry shelf, the 10.5” diameter Lazy Susan is your go-to option.
PRO TIP: Consider staggering if your shelf is deep and you want to squeeze in an extra turntable.
Depending on your home style, you can choose from acrylic, bamboo or white plastic design. (Our favorite is the bamboo which adds an elevated look without bumping up the budget.)
Our Favorite Pantry Options:
Under the sink
Here’s where we love a good divided option! Especially this one that has a round hole that is perfect for a scrub brush or other items with round handles!
Under the sink, we reserve Lazy Susans for DAILY USE ITEMS ONLY!
A counter cleaner, 1-2 sponges, dish pods, and hand soap are perfect.
Consider a larger bin such as a Deep Linus Bin for your overflow or less frequently used items. (Remember, you don’t want to have multiple of the same item open or piling up!)
And let’s not forget the bathroom sinks…. Keeping to the same rule of daily used items here. (They just aren’t great for overflow as it’s way too easy to find that multiple of the same item is open which is just a waste of many, energy, and space! 😉 )
Our Favorite Options for under the sink:
All around the house
While pantries and under sink areas are typically the most popular places for Lazy Susan’s, absolutely consider other places these can be useful!
We often use Lazy Susans for baking stations (think sprinkles and frostings), in smoothie stations (think supplements and powders) as well as for medicine stations (think daily vitamins and RX).
Laundry room Lazy Susans can a great place to store daily cleaners, detergents, and stain removers for easy to reach lower shelf storage. Our advice, keep them on lower shelfs and use bins with handles for higher storage options.
The options for using Lazy Susans can be endless! But before you grab one for every space in the house here are a few situations when our team considers alternative organizational product:
Items are falling over easily (be sure to think about what happens when not fully stocked)
Shelf space is much deeper than the Lazy Susan (consider Deep Linus Bins)
Items not in your “daily” grab and go routine (overstock items work better in larger bins)
Higher shelves that make it difficult to pull your items down or cause your belongs to fall out of place (consider a bin with an easy-to-grab handle)
Personal items are very small and will be hard to get in and out (think paper clips or tacks).
Items are stacking (layered items on a moving turntable just never work out… trust us!)