We Just Got the Smartest Cutting Board Tip from a Librarian

One of the best parts of working at Kitchn (aside from getting to eat and write about food all day long!), is reading all the great emails from our readers. So many of you write in to tell us about your experience with a recipe, ask questions, and share tips. We love these emails and really do read every single one that comes in. For one, doing so helps us stay connected and gives us honest feedback. We also get a lot of great ideas from you guys. Take this cutting board tip that came in, for example.

“I use simple bookends to keep cutting boards and wooden, cork, and ceramic flat trivets organized,” says Julia, a reader who wrote in recently. “I’m a librarian and bookends are a part of my daily life everywhere. I think non-skid bookends are one unsung hero The Kitchn should look into.”

Related: The Best Way to Put Cheap Cutting Boards to Good Use

What a smart tip! A bunch of Kitchn editors have recently started storing their cutting boards on their sides, but while it does a lot to save space it’s not a perfect method. See, sometimes, the first board can slip, sending the whole stack toppling. You can put something heavy (a bowl, a knife block, or a canister, for example) at either end of the cutting boards, but that just adds something else to juggle. Julia’s tip for a bookend is so smart because that’s basically what bookends were designed for — but instead of holding up books, they’ll be put to use holding up cutting boards.

Julia’s bookends are flat and have a non-skid base to keep everything in place without taking up any extra space. We couldn’t find her exact bookends (she got them at Barnes and Noble at least 10 years ago!), but we did round up a few other options for you.

• Acrimet Premium Metal Bookends, $10
• fruitsuper Bookends, $32 at West Elm
• MaxGear Bookends, $14 for two pairs

Clearly, we want to hear more from you guys! Share your smartest organizing tips in the comments below!