Organisational Trays: The Secret to a Calmer, More Collected Home

Let’s be honest, nothing ruins a morning faster than hunting for your keys under a pile of unopened mail. Or digging through tangled jewellery when you’re already running late. A small but mighty solution? The humble catch-all tray.

At first glance, trays for keys, jewellery, and other little objects seem like a luxury. But in reality, they’re one of the easiest ways to bring order, beauty, and a sense of calm into your home. If you’ve ever wished your entryway or dresser looked a little more put together, this is your sign.

 

Why Do We Misplace Small Items So Often?

Think about it. Your keys might not always be in the same spot, your rings slide around in drawers, and how many times have you lost your trusty Bic lighter? Our brains thrive on systems, but most of us don’t create one for small essentials. Psychologists call this “decision fatigue.” When you don’t have a set home for something, you waste mental energy deciding where it should go. Over time, that adds up to stress, clutter, and misplaced items. A catch-all solves this by creating a dedicated landing spot. It tells your brain, This is where my keys live. Simple, but powerful.

 

What Makes a Great Organisational Tray?

Not all trays are created equal. When choosing a makeup tray or entryway catch-all tray, think about three main factors. Material is the first. Wood feels warm and timeless. Marble looks elegant. Resin and cement are trending for their modern, matte finishes. Size is the second. Too small, and your items spill over. Too large, and it becomes a dumping ground. Something about the size of a paperback book is ideal. Placement is the third. A tray is only effective if it’s where you need it. By the front door, on your nightstand, or beside your bathroom sink. Here’s an insider tip. Place trays near “transition zones” in your home. That’s where you naturally drop your belongings anyway, like the entry table or the bathroom counter. The Goodboy Palette is designed with this in mind. Made in Melbourne using durable cement, it’s heavy enough to stay put but sleek enough to work in any setting. Whether you’re using it as a key holder, for your jewellery, or to keep a candle and lighter handy, it’s the kind of piece you’ll actually use every day.

 

What Are Organisational Trays Used For?

These trays aren’t just for keys or rings. They’re versatile little helpers that bring order to nearly every part of your day. Jewellery storage means no more tangles, just an elegant way to display pieces. Entryway order keeps your keys, wallets, and sunglasses ready to grab on the way out. Bedside calm makes space for glasses, watches, and lip balm all in one place. Bathroom beauty turns a simple makeup tray into a neat home for brushes, perfumes, and skincare. Desk organisation gives you a place for paperclips, earphones, or even your coffee spoon. I once used a small cement tray in my kitchen to hold salt, olive oil, and a candle. It not only looked chic but also turned cooking into a ritual. If you’re curious about styling ideas, you’ll love HOW TO STYLE YOUR ENTRYWAY WITH A CATCH-ALL TRAY.

 

Which Tray Is Best for You?

Ask yourself, what do you lose most often? If it’s keys and wallets, then a key holder near the front door is perfect. If it’s earrings and rings, a soft-lined jewellery tray for your dresser is better. If it’s skincare and lipsticks, a makeup tray that can handle spills makes sense. If it’s all of the above, a versatile catch-all tray is your answer. Here’s a quick comparison:

Use Case	Best Material	Best Placement	Why It Works
Keys & Wallets	Cement or Resin	Entryway table	Durable, always within reach
Jewelry	Velvet/Leather	Dresser/Nightstand	Prevents scratches
Makeup & Skincare	Glass/Resin	Bathroom counter	Easy to clean, waterproof
Desk Items	Metal/Cement	Work desk	Heavy enough to stay put

 

Want more inspiration? Check out our guide to JEWELRY STORAGE IDEAS THAT ACTUALLY WORK.

 

Can Trays Actually Change How You Feel at Home?

Surprisingly, yes. Studies show that clutter increases stress hormones. A simple tray creates the visual illusion of order, even if what’s inside it is a little messy. I once moved apartments and unpacked in a rush. For a week, I felt overwhelmed until I set out my little catch all tray on the entry table. Suddenly, the place felt like mine. It was a small anchor in a sea of boxes. That’s the hidden magic of trays. They’re not just about storage, they’re about peace of mind. You can dive deeper into this idea in CREATING RITUALS AT HOME: THE POWER OF SMALL OBJECTS.

 

 

Are Trays Just a Trend?

While Instagram is full of stylish tray setups, these aren’t just a passing fad. Historically, trays have been used for centuries to serve tea, hold letters, or display cherished objects. What’s new today is the variety of materials and the emphasis on design.

Right now, cement and terrazzo trays are having a moment. They’re minimal, heavy, and sculptural making them practical and stylish at the same time. But timeless wooden trays or leather key holders never go out of style.

 

How Do You Start Using Trays Without Overdoing It?

Here’s the thing about trays. Less is more. Don’t put one in every corner of your home, or they’ll just blend into the clutter. Start with one or two in the areas where you struggle most.7 One catch all tray in the entryway. One jewelry tray in the bedroom. One makeup tray in the bathroom. That’s it. Master those before adding more. And remember, trays aren’t about hiding mess. They’re about making your everyday objects feel intentional.

 

Final Thoughts

A catch-all tray is a small investment with a big payoff. It saves you time, reduces stress, and makes your home look more put-together. Plus, it turns ordinary moments like setting down your keys into rituals that feel intentional.

So, where in your home could a tray make life easier? Your entryway? Your nightstand? Maybe your bathroom counter? Try just one, and notice how quickly you start to rely on it. Sometimes the simplest tools are the ones that change your day the most.