57 Home Organization Tips You’ll Wish You Knew All Along

Mail on the table. Misplaced car keys. Expired spices in the pantry. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to get organized. I’ve been a professional organizing expert for more than 20 years, and I know how hard it is for people to get and stay organized—if they don’t know a few simple tips and tricks. And I do mean simple. That’s because when it comes to home organization, two things are always true: The best solutions are always the easiest, and when you see instant results, it’s very motivating.

These solutions will make the biggest difference for the least amount of effort. Read on for the best pantry organization ideas, fridge organization strategies, closet organizing ideas and quick clean-up suggestions for every room. They will help you get ahead of the mess so you feel less overwhelmed and more in charge of your space, which will make you want to stick with them. Trust me: These tiny tips can change everything.

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It’s hard to remember exactly what’s in bins and storage containers, whether they’re in your attic, your closets or even your pantry. Sure, you may have put the stuff in there, but you’ll forget the specifics over time—and your family may not have ever known what was where in the first place! “Consider labeling containers with attractive, easy-to-read labels,” says Olivia Parks, owner of Professional Organizer New Orleans. “This DIY closet organization tip streamlines locating items and ensures every family member can effortlessly contribute to maintaining an organized home.” Plus, a quick glance at it will let you’ll know what’s missing.

Do you have a precariously teetering tower of pots and pans stacked in your kitchen cabinets? You can never find anything, and when you do, you run the risk of having everything come crashing down—literally. Thankfully, there’s a better way. I love this Ordora pots-and-pans organizer, which is adjustable, roomy enough to accommodate pots and pans of all sizes, and ensures nothing gets scratched. Bonus: It’s super easy to put together. Time for an upgrade? Here’s the safest cookware for your various cooking needs.

Lids for food storage containers have a way of multiplying like gremlins in your kitchen drawers in the messiest of ways—and even though you have a bunch, you can never seem to find a match. Corralling them all into one divided organizer will prevent this problem, says Christina Del Famma, a personal assistant and professional organizer for LifeSquire. Designed specifically for storing lids, these ingenious tools will totally transform your cabinets or deep drawers, keeping lids upright and easily accessible. You seriously won’t know how you ever lived without this product—or this home organization tip.

It’s all too easy to get sidetracked from organizing, even when you’re returning an item to its proper spot. After all, once you get there, you might notice more problems in the next room or get distracted by a family member. A “move-it bin” can solve that problem. “If you’re pulling things out while organizing and find an item that does not belong in that room, resist the urge to put it away immediately,” says Sarah Giller Nelson, owner of Less Is More Organizing Services. “Instead, put it in the ‘move elsewhere bin,’ and keep going with your sort. Only when you are done organizing the space should you leave the room to put the collection of items away.” A collapsible laundry basket makes an efficient move-it bin that can fold away when not in use.

Stop losing your jewelry with this tip from professional organizer Ellen Delap: “Place a small, decorative dish in your kitchen and bathroom for frequently worn jewelry that you take off at home. It keeps your jewelry safe and where you can find it.” For the rest of your favorite baubles, try these jewelry organizers.

“Alphabetizing spices allows you to quickly find what your recipe calls for and makes putting them away just as fast,” says professional organizer Amy Trager. And there’s another surprising benefit to arranging your spices this way: You can figure out which ones are missing from your cabinet, so you don’t encounter any unwelcome surprises in the middle of making a meal. By the way, spices don’t last forever, so make sure to replace them periodically to maintain their full flavor.

“I am obsessed with spring-loaded drawer dividers,” says Nelson, noting this is probably something only a professional organizer would say … though you might be saying it too after you realize how handy they are. Drawer dividers create structure within a large, open space, and they can corral odd-shaped items in the kitchen and throughout the house. “I often use one to create a section in the Tupperware drawer for lids, and I use another to keep grilling utensils that are too long to fit into standard drawer organizers neat and tidy. It is remarkable how one vertical line creates a sense of order that is very satisfying.”

Nelson’s trick for creating a custom, built-in look? “Buy them in the same color as the finish on the inside of your drawers.” Here are more kitchen storage ideas to free up space and organize what you have.

We all get tons of catalogs and magazines, and it’s all too easy to leave them right on your kitchen counter. After all, you’re going to look at them soon, right? That thought is exactly how clutter starts. Delap suggests relocating this to-be-read pile from your kitchen counter to a stylish rack. Put everything in a narrow rack right where you do the rest of your reading. When it gets full, it’s time to purge. If you’re getting too much junk mail, here’s how you can stop it—for good.

A zippered mesh laundry bag is the answer to preventing mysteriously disappearing socks, according to Jennifer Truesdale of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services. “Use a clothespin to clip a zippered mesh laundry bag to each person’s laundry hamper,” she advises, noting that the socks should go there instead of the main hamper. “When you’re ready to do a load of laundry, throw the bag in the wash, then transfer it to the dryer. You won’t ever have to sort socks or look for missing ones, because they stay together through the laundry cycle.”

Another pro tip: Choose a bag with anti-rust zippers and a zipper lock to prevent the bag from opening in the wash. While we’re on the topic, check out their comprehensive guide to doing laundry the right way.

Wish you could have perfectly folded piles of clothes like they do in stores? You can with this home organization tip from professional organizer Denise Clifford, author of The Decluttered Effect. “When folding my laundry, I usually keep out one item as a guide,” she says. “This way, I’m making sure that all of my sweaters, for example, are being folded the same size and will fit nicely into my drawer or on my shelf without my having to refold anything.” You can also use a FlipFold to ensure the same fold every time.

Your car is your home away from home, and as such, it can get just as messy—especially when you’re toting a lot of stuff (and people!). Ashley La Fond, founder of the home organization company Of Space + Mind, has a car hack that will stop problems before they start: “Keep your car tidy with a trunk organizer for tote bags, kids toys and groceries.” A sturdy, collapsible organizer with compartments can be folded flat when not in use … though chances are, it will always be filled.

Keepsakes and treasures are lovely … until you start drowning in the clutter of the past. “If you’re keeping something purely for sentimental reasons, take a picture and then provide the item away or throw it out,” suggests Sarah Krivel, owner of Kleriti Business Solutions. “After all, it’s usually the memory you cherish, not the actual item.” Create a slideshow of all your favorite mementos with a Wi-Fi-enabled digital photo frame. You’ll get to take a walk down memory lane every time those memories pop up! This also makes a great gift idea for nearly any occasion.

Receipts are a headache. You cram them in your wallet, then forget about them. Or you put them all in a folder … only to be faced with a disorganized mess when you need to return an item or sort out expenses during tax season. Instead, “get a monthly divided sorter to keep receipts in for a year,” says Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ. “Then you always know where they are when needed for a return.” Look for an expandable accordion folder with slots for each category so you can put your receipts in the correct spot right away.

Color coding is key to keeping seasonal decorations organized, according to Lee Silber, author of Organizing from the Right Side of the Brain. The key? Match holidays with the colors they’re associated with so you know exactly what’s inside each storage container. So, Halloween decorations should go in orange tubs, Hanukkah decor in blue bins, Christmas items in red ones and so on. “You don’t even need to be able to read a label to recognize what’s in there,” says Silber.

“The last thing anyone wants to see when they come home after a long day is clutter piled near the front door,” says Dawn Falcone of The Chaos Liberator. “Creating an entryway drop station will keep things off the floors because shoes, backpacks and other belongings will now have a dedicated storage space.” Your best bet will be a decorative multitasking structure that has a storage bench, shoe cabinet, shelves and hooks for coats, backpacks and even keys. Trust us—it’s a total game-changer!

It’s an unfortunate truth: If you don’t see it, you’ll often forget about it—no matter how much you loved it when you bought it. That’s doubly true when it comes to jewelry. But a wall-mounted jewelry organizer can change all that. “Store pieces where you will see them so you will use them,” suggests Delap. Find one with designated spots for necklaces, bracelets and even a basket for rings. Bonus: Depending on what you choose, it can be organization and decor all in one!

“Digital clutter can be just as burdensome as physical clutter,” says Maura Thomas, author of Personal Productivity Secrets. A quick glance at your crowded, unorganized inbox or the tens of thousands of photos on your phone will corroborate that statement! To cut down on this, Thomas suggests a multi-tiered effort. “Set up a secondary email account for things like newsletters and promotional mail,” she says. “Also, take five minutes every so often to clear out your pictures, text messages, music and other electronic files on a regular basis.” Finally, free up storage space (on Android or iPhone) by sending backups of your photos to the Cloud or downloading them to a smartphone storage saver.

It may seem like a little thing, but all those little moments you spend searching for ingredients to make a regular snack or meal will add up. Fridge bins, however, can save you a ton of time and energy. “Instead of grabbing each item off a different shelf, place them together,” says Emily Rosenthal, president of Masters of the Day and an expert in organization and leadership. “For example, if you are making a smoothie, put all the ingredients in one designated area—ideally, a single container you simply grab from the fridge.” Choose clear, easy-to-wash plastic bins with helper handles, so when you’re ready to whip up your go-to, all you have to do is pull out the bin and start prepping.

Deep cabinets seem great—oh, the storage!—until you realize that your things tend to get lost behind one another. My solution? The YouCopia Roll-Out Under-Sink Organizer. Because it doesn’t require a bracket, there is no installation, making it ideal for homeowners who don’t want to drag out the tool chest or renters who don’t want to put holes in the cabinets. Plus, it has plenty of room, as well as dividers to keep your items organized. Roll one under the sink, in a cabinet or even in the refrigerator to totally transform those spaces.

Do you really need a dresser? According to Stacy Erickson Edwards, a professional organizer with Home Key Organization, the answer is … nope! “Swap traditional dressers for wooden cube organizers with bins,” she suggests. “This way, clothes don’t always have to be perfectly folded to close a drawer. Bonus: It will be easier for kids (and adults) to put clothes away.”

If the room is overrun with cute toys, it looks anything but cute. But a hammock can change that in a flash. You can use a proper patterned one to go with your decor, or you can hang a mesh net in a corner of a room a few feet down from the ceiling, says Roth. For the latter, you might not even need tools for installation if you use sticky hooks. Once your hammock is hung, use it as a guide to gauge how many things are in the room. “Once it’s full, stop buying stuffed animals,” says Roth. That part may be easier said than done, of course! Now that the stuffies are off the floor, find out how to organize your kid’s closet.

Stop stuffing arts-and-crafts supplies in drawers, where they can get lost and damaged. Instead, Delap suggests containing them on a rolling cart. “A cart makes it easy to see your inventory,” she explains. “Plus, you can wheel it over to the work area, then roll it away.” You can choose a pretty one in a color that coordinates with the room it will mostly live in, whether that’s silver, white, navy or even pink.

Stay on top of mail by taking care of unwanted papers right away rather than letting them pile up. Krivel suggests putting recycling bins where they’ll be used—like the entryway, kitchen and office. Don’t worry: You don’t have to go with the industrial-looking blue ones. You can opt for a slim, sleek container or even a vintage-looking basket. No one has to know it’s a recycling bin except you!

“If space is limited, tap into your vertical space,” advises Urban, who likes to hang clear shoe organizers over her doors. Why? Because they let you quickly see what you have and locate exactly what you need without searching all the compartments. And get creative: That shoe organizer can be used for a lot more than just shoes. You can also use it to store office or crafting supplies, pantry items, beauty items, toys, video game controllers, accessories and pretty much anything else that will fit in them. In fact, they’re so helpful, you may want one in every room!

Remember desk blotters? They may have gone out of fashion for their original purpose, but clutter coach Claire Tompkins suggests using one to mark off untouchable space on your desk. That way, even if you are still piling too much stuff on your work surface, you’ll at least have a piece of prime real estate where you can sit and work. Opt for a bright color to work as a visual cue that you’re not allowed to put anything on that particular spot.

To make the most of the storage space under the bathroom sink, try adding clear bins with drawers. They add tons of space and create an easy-to-follow system. “Covered clear drawers are great for under-counter bathroom storage because you can easily see what’s inside while keeping things contained,” says Truesdale. “They are also stackable and slender, so you can usually build a system around any pipe layouts that might be difficult to put larger bins around.”

If not every hanger in your closet has an item of clothing hanging from it, it’s got to go (at least temporarily). This little tip will go a long way toward streamlining your closet. “Store empty clothes hangers on a hanger organizer to use your hanging space only for clothes” suggests Delap, who says, “hanger organizers keep your space tidy, and the hangers are easy to find when needed.” Plus, when mixed in with clothing, empty hangers make the closet look messy, and they can catch on and damage clothes. Choose an organizer with easy carry handles to tote empty hangers to the laundry room, where you can hang clothes before they wrinkle.

You’ll finally have space to park your car in the garage if you install Rubbermaid FastTracks. “They are my favorite way to get garage stuff out of the way and on display,” says Amy Bloomer, who has a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Columbia University. All you have to do is attach the tracks to the wall, then add hooks, baskets and bins to store bikes, tools, car-care items, garden supplies, lawn chairs and pretty much anything else. While you’re tidying up, though, toss out these items in your garage.

Here’s my tip for keeping your car tidy: Get in the habit of removing everything from the car that belongs elsewhere after each trip. Yep, every single one. That includes gym bags, work stuff, random papers, water bottles and, of course, trash. And speaking of trash, collect it in a waterproof bag or trash bin specially made for your car. Hang it on the back of a headrest, where it’s easy for everyone to reach—and easy to dump every time you fuel up the car.

“Wrangle the avalanche of plastic grocery bags—the ones you currently store under the kitchen sink—into an organizer,” advises Nelson. When compressed, those bags will take up just a fraction of the space. No more plastic bags in your town? Do the same with your reusable bags. A sturdy, over-the-cabinet organizer will make use of the wasted back-of-the-door space and be the perfect place to tuck the bags until you need them.

Turn those piles of paperwork on your kitchen counter or desk into a functional to-do list by organizing them in a small desktop file box. “These boxes can be maintained with a small number of hanging folders responding to the action required,” says Truesdale. “For example, bills to pay, things to read, things to respond to, coupons/gift cards to use and things to return.” Make sure to label sections with action verbs so you’re motivated to do the things you need to do. That visual cue will make all the difference.

A simple hanger swap can make a big difference in your closet. “Did you know that 3 inches of plastic hangers equals roughly 1 inch of velvet hangers?” asks Urban. “So upgrading to velvet is a no-brainer if you need more room. Plus, the velvet will provide your space a more luxe look and feel, and you’ll prevent your clothes from slipping off the hanger and getting lost at the bottom of your closet.” Translation: With these space-saving hangers, you’ll instantly have a more uniform and polished space for a minimal investment.

Does your handbag feel like a black hole where you put things and somehow never find them again? You can avoid this problem, says Delap, by using mini mesh zip bags to store all the little things. Designate separate bags for medicines, receipts, makeup and charging cords, using different colors for different categories. Bonus: They may be mini, but these bags can hold a surprising amount of stuff!

Gift wrap is awkwardly shaped and tricky to store, and it can be all too easy to lose tape, ribbons and bows—unless you have a special gift-wrap organizer, that is. Professional organizer Lisa Cantu, owner of An Organized Home OC, loves this hanging organizer by ProPik. “The clear pockets are great for holding cards, ribbon, tape, gift wrap and more,” she says. “And it’s thin enough to fit in any closet while taking up minimal space.” You’ll never lose the tape again!

Did you forget the dry-cleaning again? Or that item you meant to return? A to-do bag stationed right near your door (where you can’t miss it) can be stashed with stuff, then transported right to your car, says Rosenthal. Clip a note to the bag for items that need to stay refrigerated until you are ready to leave, and to keep your hands free, choose one with a comfy shoulder strap.

We all have those things they can’t part with—and, quite honestly, shouldn’t. That said, they can certainly organize them! Get a bin for each family member and use it to collect sentimental items. “When you come across a keepsake, just add it to that person’s bin,” says Elsa Elbert, founder and CEO of Composed Living, a Los Angeles–based professional organizing company. “When the bin is full, you know it’s time to review the items and declutter if necessary.” You can also choose proper storage for more delicate items. Creating a home for these items gets them out of your day-to-day space while keeping them safely stored out of sight.

The floor of the closet is not the ideal spot for shoes. You can’t see what you have, and it’s all too easy to toss them in there when you’re trying to clean up in a hurry. Instead, try a tiered shoe rack, so you can see and easily reach your shoes. I also like to align shoes toe to heel, so you can fit more shoes on each shelf. Choose racks that are sturdy and easy to wipe clean, and place a welcome mat under the rack to catch any falling debris.

Why can’t family members empty their pockets before throwing their clothes in the hamper? It may be the eternal mystery of life, but at least now you’ll have an easy place to put all that random stuff. “Keep a clear jar in your laundry room for holding items found in pockets like coins, receipts or lipstick instead of leaving them loose on top of your washer, where they can get lost,” says Nina Ward, professional organizer, designer and regional director at ShelfGenie. Opt for a clear plastic jar so you can see what’s in there and when it’s getting full—and because it won’t shatter if it drops.

All those cables and cords—yes, you need them, but they’re so unpleasant to look at! To get rid of this type of visual clutter, Urban suggests using a cable management box to hide power strips, adaptors, chargers and cords. “Many cable-organizing products on the market have a beautiful aesthetic and are still very functional,” she says. “They’ll keep your cords bundled together so they’re not a free-floating, tangled mess.”

To avoid getting overwhelmed with home organization, especially when you’re just starting out, try setting a timer for 30 minutes, suggests professional organizer Felice Cohen, author of 90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet (or More). When the buzzer goes off, you can stop. Seeing progress is motivating, and you’ll probably surprise yourself with how much you get done in a short period of time. You also won’t mind doing it again, since it doesn’t derail your day. This is also one of their favorite expert-recommended ways to create good habits you’ll stick with.

Between the balls, bats, racquets, clubs and helmets, the garage can get messy—fast. I suggest getting a heavy-duty sports rack to keep gear organized and garage floors clear. With two wire-grid bins, a ball basket and upper organizer, this one from the Container Store will ensure that everything has a spot … and that everyone knows where their items go when they get back from practice and games.

You know all those items from your second floor that get scattered throughout your house and left there seemingly forever? Clifford keeps an empty basket at the bottom of the stairs to corral those random things. At the end of the day, right before bedtime, she takes the basket upstairs with her and puts everything away in its proper spot. That makes for a much better day tomorrow—and every day afterward!

Unless you carry a flashlight with you, seeing what is stored in the back of a deep shelf, under the sink or on the floor of a closet can be difficult. Well, battery-operated, motion-activated, bright LED lighting will be your savior. No need to hire an electrician either: These super-bright lights stick on most surfaces. And the real benefit? When you can see your space, you can keep it tidy, making finding what you’re looking for a whole lot easier. Here are some other closet lighting ideas for every type of closet.

Get your family in (organizational) shape by creating a family command center using self-adhesive white-boards decals. They’re just like dry-erase boards, only better, because they don’t require nails and, therefore, won’t damage your walls. Stick one to the inside of your kitchen cabinet or in the mud room, where you can’t lose it and everyone will see it. Truesdale says it’s great for keeping track of schedules, meal planning and even your organizing and cleaning to-do lists.

Don’t forget: Your cleaning tools can also get messy! I like to keep them tidy and ready to grab in a wall-mounted organizer. This IMillet organizer has five spring-loaded grabbers to keep brooms and mops upright and hanging by their handles. I also hang my dust pan and cleaning towels from the hooks.

No more torn-open bags messing up your pantry! Instead, pour pet food into a rolling container for the ultimate in home organization. The scoop makes it easy to dish out, and your pantry will stay organized. Large bins can hold up to 50 pounds of dog food. Just remember to look for something with an airtight snap latch to keep out moisture, humidity and pests.

Need more shelf space for shoes, jeans or folded sweaters? Skip the contractor, and go with shelf extensions instead, says Cantu. And these closet organizers aren’t just for clothes. You can slide a telescoping shelf wherever you need more storage space, like in the pantry for cereal, in the hall closet for board games, over the toilet for towels or above the washing machine for supplies. These shelves are so versatile, you’ll find ingenious uses for them all over your home.

Go back to the basics with this handy home organization trick. “Hang a pegboard above your desk or command center to keep smaller items from getting cluttered,” suggests Urban. “With the pegboard, you can incorporate trays and containers for storing markers, pens, scissors and elastic cords for paper items like photos, cards, artwork and school papers.” Plus, a pegboard will keep your desk essentials close at hand while giving you more surface area to work on.

Make use of the wasted storage space under your bed—and prioritize the things you need. Store out-of-season items in shallow containers, and slide them under. Voila! You’re done. But one note: Think beyond just swapping out clothing. Rotate all your seasonal items, including shoes, accessories, bed linens, decor, throw pillows and blankets, so they’re out of the way and in great shape when you need them.

Warning: “It isn’t enough to pull out all the stuff you don’t need,” says professional organizer Evan Zislis, author of ClutterFree Revolution. “You need to purge it from your home by trashing it, recycling it, thrifting it or consigning it.” Set up bins lined with heavy-duty bags for items you are donating, consigning or sharing through a local Buy Nothing group. Those bags are key, because when the bin is full, you simply take it out and remove it from your home.

Whether you live solo or with a large family, charging devices can seem to take over your house (especially in the latter situation). That’s why it’s a smart idea to find one place to plug in and charge all small electronics like cell phones, laptops, iPads and earbuds. You’ll just need a multi-port, high-speed charging station to power up your entire household. And here’s a bonus pro tip from Falcone: “If your charging center can be placed in your entryway, this will prevent you from leaving the house without one of your gadgets.”

We know—you have the best intentions when you stock up on food at the grocery store or pack up those leftovers. But they can get forgotten in the craziness of the week and buried in the fridge, and by the time you look at them again, they’re past their prime. One simple trick will prevent this, says Lauren Hayes of Star Domestic Cleaner: Buy a clear container with a well-fitting lid so you can see what’s inside, and always store it in the same spot in the fridge. You’ll basically be training yourself to go to this spot first. In the end, you’ll save time and money, not to mention reduce food waste.

“For long-term results, make filing fun and pretty,” says Zislis. “This will provide you the inspiration you’ll need to maintain your newly organized systems.” No drab legal folders here—try these floral options or any others that are more your style.

Roth uses shelf dividers to separate one shelf into multiple, more functional, compartments. They’re also great at “preventing tall piles from tipping over, as well as propping up things, like handbags.” Designed for wooden shelves, these clear, thin dividers from the Container Store simplify this concept—there’s no need for screws or even adhesive.

Getting off-season items out of your closet feels great—until you have to go searching for something you need. Think: vacations, transition seasons and even pulling out everything again next year. That’s why I always use these Periea storage boxes with zip-down window panels. I can see what’s inside and retrieve things without un-stacking them. In addition to being perfect for clothing storage, they’re also great for guest linens and seasonal throws. A total bonus is the fact that the steel frame folds, so the box collapses and can be stored flat when not in use.

For a quick kitchen reorg and a little bit of morning magic, create an at-home coffee bar. Take coffee pods and tea bags out of their boxes, and store them in stackable bins so they not only look neater but are also a whole lot easier to access. This mDesign two-pack organizer designates one container for tea bags, with its four sections; the other has space for 48 coffee pods. It also comes with 32 preprinted labels, so you’ll be able to easily identify your favorites.

Lazy Susans aren’t just for the kitchen. Also, they aren’t lazy at all—they’re total home organization workhorses that you can use in nearly any space, including the bathroom. “This is the ideal way to keep bathroom products together for easy access every morning while your countertop stays organized,” says Delap. You can also try this in your home office and even in your den for your collection of remote controls.

Now that you’re fully organized, keep your home in tip-top shape with these cleaning tips for every room.

Additional reporting by Charlotte Hilton Andersen.

Originally Published: July 22, 2021

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Professional Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know

The two main products used for teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Unlike a whitening toothpaste that uses an abrasive ingredient to mechanically remove surface-level stains, the oxygen molecules within these whitening agents weaken your tooth stains on a molecular level.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips, kits and pens also use a form of peroxide. The difference between these and professional teeth whitening is the chemical concentration.

“In the office, they use a very high percentage of hydrogen peroxide because they have the capability to isolate the teeth,” says Joseph Michael Brofsky, head of pediatric dentistry at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York. “We use a special rubber dam to protect the patient’s gums because if peroxide gets onto the gums, it would burn them.”

Like at-home whitening products, there are a variety of professional teeth whitening methods. In-office professional whitening is a quicker, albeit more costly way to lighten up your pearly whites. Meanwhile, custom take-home trays fall somewhere between in-office professional whitening and an OTC whitener in terms of treatment time and cost.

In-office professional whitening treatments are typically completed in several short appointments but will depend on your unique needs. A whitening agent is left on for 15- to 30-minute increments, and the entire appointment should take no longer than an hour and a half.

There are a few types of in-office whitening treatments:

Halogen light and laser light increased teeth lightness more than hydrogen peroxide alone, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry. After three weeks, study participants in the halogen and laser light groups still had the white teeth color achieved during treatment while the non-light group had “shade rebound” after just two weeks—initially brightened teeth became darker.

However, some studies show no benefit from using a light tool such as a laser or lamp over a whitening gel alone.

Aside from effectiveness, is light exposure safe for your smile? A 2020 study in Materials found that tooth cells recovered well after LED light-accelerated technology, concluding that most side effects are “temporary and transient.”

In-office whitening typically involves several steps:

Even if you stick to your dentist’s recommended regimen of resisting bright foods, coffee and wine, your teeth may appear a bit darker a few days after whitening. But don’t be discouraged. The dehydration caused by teeth-whitening makes them look immediately bright right after your procedure. After a week, if your teeth are not at your preferred shade, speak with your dentist about whether or not there’s potential for them to become lighter with at-home products or more in-office visits.

While in-office whitening is fast, custom take-home trays require some diligence on the part of the patient. They may be your only treatment or a follow-up treatment to in-office whitening if your dentist believes your smile is prone to getting new stains again soon.

With a professional take-home-tray, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth for a custom-fabricated tray. Because this tray will fit perfectly to the shape of your mouth, it will typically provide you more comprehensive whitening results than OTC trays. Instead of a hydrogen peroxide-based gel, you’ll most likely get a carbamide peroxide-based gel to place in the tray and use at home. Even though it doesn’t whiten as quickly as a hydrogen peroxide-based gel, you’re less likely to experience sensitivity if you accidentally get it on your gums, cheek or tongue.

The concentration of the gel your dentist gives you for your custom-fit trays ranges from 10% to 38% carbamide peroxide, according to the American Dental Association. Your duration of treatment will also vary, from wearing your tray from two to 10 hours a day, and for up to 28 days. Over-the-counter trays come with a similar percentage of carbamide. The difference in quality is in regards to fit. A custom tray will fit directly around your teeth, giving little room for the gel to slip up to your gums or miss whitening hard-to-reach crevices.

Everything You Need For a Brighter Smile

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10 Tips For Nurturing Professional Relationships Even When You're Busy

"Build your network" is common advice given to professionals looking to find new jobs, make major business moves and succeed in their careers. But when the busyness of life and work sets in, it can sometimes be difficult to build and then nurture those relationships so they maintain their strength over time.

Without these relationships, you may miss out on potential opportunities or connections that could play an important role in your future success. To help you find the balance needed to manage both your network and your personal life, 10 members of Young Entrepreneur Council offer their top advice for maintaining professional relationships while also prioritizing your personal ones.

As with all things in life, networking should be done intentionally. If you are busy, focus on keeping in touch with a small group of people whom you believe can add value to your development and provide you with opportunities. Schedule meetings or calls on a regular basis and always keep them in mind. Send them an article. Tag them in a post. Share information that they would be interested in. Make sure they know you are thinking about them. - Zane Stevens, Protea Financial

I join high-level mastermind groups that typically meet six to eight times per year. If your time is limited, that amount is pretty much all you need when you are part of the right groups. These groups typically communicate via Facebook or a similar platform throughout the year. The people that are worth staying in touch with will make the time. But the reason I like these types of mastermind groups is because in those six to eight days of the year, you are doing most of the networking you will need to skyrocket your business. - Philip Smith, PJP Marketing

Trying to build, nurture and maintain a network can feel like a full-time job in and of itself. You’re not only busy running a business and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, but you're also scheduling meetups to strengthen professional relationships—it can be a lot to juggle. But those connections you make can impact your life and business for years to come. What was a simple introduction a year ago could turn into a valuable opportunity today. You might meet a lifelong mentor, a business partner or a like-minded friend. Just as you would with anything else important, schedule in time for networking activities and industry events. Block out time once a month where you attend an event, reach out on a video call or meet at a local coffee shop. Even just 30 minutes goes a long way in nurturing network relationships. - Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker

Leverage technology to maintain connections efficiently. Schedule virtual coffee chats via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, use video conferencing for meetings and stay engaged with your network through social media platforms or professional networking sites. - Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

Spend some time engaging with your network on LinkedIn all day. Sometimes a small comment in support of somebody will keep you top of mind. I also make a point to see people when I travel, so I always check before traveling to see who I know in a city, contact them and set something up to meet in person. You might as well take advantage of the fact that you're in the same city to meet up. People will appreciate this. And, always encourage them to contact you when traveling to your city. Letting people know you're always open to meet is half the battle. - Andy Karuza, NachoNacho

The best way to maintain and nurture network relationships is by contributing to the community. Professionals often tend to seek benefits from their network, but they're laid back when it comes to giving something back to the community. With this frame of mind, they may be able to grow their network at the start, but it would be difficult for them to maintain their connections. So, it's great to share something of value from time to time and be a giver for the community. It'll be a win-win for all and help you ensure fruitful relationships in the long run. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

Your personal passions can be networking opportunities. If you love working out, get a gym membership and have some business cards on hand for those inevitable chats that happen. This applies to any activity you might be passionate about. You may want to supplement by getting into the habit of sending out a few invites on social platforms each day as well. Use the platform where you are most active to do this. Don't provide up if there is no action right away. Keep up with your hobbies and invites, and make sure you have something to offer, as it is not a one-sided ask. Know what you can provide in a conversation, not just what you want to get. - Tyler Bray, TK Trailer Parts

You don't have to do a lot to actively maintain a network, especially when you're busy. Just try to make small gestures like leaving a comment or sending a quick note. Anything to let people know you're thinking of them goes a long way. Small gestures are far more effective than making effusive overtures after gaps in communication. Focus on engaging in small ways time and again and this will keep your network alive. - Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner

Navigating a busy schedule and maintaining a network can seem challenging, but it can be managed effectively with "Just Saying Hi" calls. Use your driving or commuting times to personally connect with your network. Pick up the phone, no agenda, just to check in and see how they're doing. This seemingly simple act brings a personal touch to a digitally saturated world and keeps relationships warm. In an era when people crave genuine connections but are often hesitant to initiate, you'll not only stand out but also strengthen your bonds. - Devesh Dwivedi, Higher Valuation

I've found the best way is to incorporate networking into my everyday actions. Scrolling through LinkedIn? I like, share or comment on stuff people from my network posted—any interaction does the trick. I'm texting my wife? I haven’t talked to John in a while; let's ask him what's up. I just read an interesting article? I’ll share it and get a debate going. Someone tells me about a professional issue he has? Well, I know just the person to solve it, so I'll make the connection. If you're not used to networking this way, just start training that muscle and, eventually, it'll come naturally. - Idan Waller, Bluethrone