17 Of The Most Amazing Professional Organizing Tips

1. Start With a Decluttering Session

The most important organizing tip I learned from professionals is that before you can organize, you need to declutter. I used to jump straight into organizing without getting rid of anything, which just made the process harder. Now, I dedicate time to sorting through my belongings and making decisions on what to keep, donate, or discard. Decluttering clears out the excess, making it so much easier to organize what remains.

2. Categorize Your Belongings

Professional organizers always emphasize the importance of categorizing your items. I started grouping similar items together in every room of my home, from the kitchen to the closet. In the pantry, I grouped all my baking supplies together, while in the bathroom, I organized skincare products in one area and hair tools in another. Categorizing makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for, and it’s a system that’s easy to maintain.

3. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule

I used to accumulate so many things over time without even realizing it. One tip that’s helped me maintain order is the “one in, one out” rule. Now, whenever I buy something new, I make a point to get rid of an older item. This keeps clutter in check and prevents my home from becoming overcrowded with unnecessary items.

4. Maximize Vertical Space

One of the best professional tips I learned is to maximize vertical space. I used to focus only on horizontal surfaces, like shelves and countertops, but vertical space is often underutilized. I added floating shelves in my bathroom, used vertical shoe racks in my closet, and even mounted hooks on the walls for hanging bags and coats. This has freed up so much space in my home and made it more functional.

5. Use Clear Storage Solutions

Clear storage containers are a favorite of professional organizers for a reason: they allow you to see exactly what’s inside without having to dig through opaque bins or boxes. I use clear containers in my pantry, fridge, and bathroom cabinets. It’s much easier to stay organized when everything is visible, and it helps me avoid buying duplicates of items I already own.

6. Create a “Home” for Everything

One tip that has revolutionized the way I organize is assigning a designated “home” for every single item in my house. If something doesn’t have a specific place where it belongs, it’s likely to end up as clutter. Now, whether it’s my keys, remote controls, or office supplies, everything has its place, and it’s easy to put things back where they belong.

7. Label, Label, Label

Labels are a game-changer when it comes to keeping things organized long-term. After I started labeling storage bins, shelves, and drawers, it became so much easier to maintain the organization I worked hard to create. It’s also helpful for family members or housemates—they’ll know exactly where things go, and everyone can stay on the same page.

8. Invest in Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers have made a huge difference in how I manage clutter. I used to just toss things into drawers, and they quickly became chaotic. Now, I use small trays and dividers in my kitchen, bathroom, and office drawers to keep everything neat and in its place. This makes it easier to find what I need without wasting time rummaging through a messy drawer.

9. Create Zones in Every Room

One tip I love is the concept of creating zones in every room. For example, in my kitchen, I have a cooking zone with pots, pans, and utensils near the stove, and a prep zone where I keep cutting boards and knives. In my office, I have a work zone with my computer and files, and a separate area for craft supplies. Creating zones helps keep everything organized by function, so I can easily move from task to task without searching for things.

10. Use Bins and Baskets for Quick Organization

Bins and baskets are my secret weapons for quick and easy organization. I use them in the living room to store extra blankets and in my closet for scarves and accessories. In the pantry, I use bins to corral snacks and baking supplies. Bins and baskets not only keep things tidy, but they also add a decorative element to your home.

11. Implement a Daily Reset Routine

One of the simplest yet most effective organizing tips I’ve adopted is a daily reset routine. At the end of each day, I take 10-15 minutes to tidy up—putting away things that are out of place, wiping down surfaces, and making sure everything is back in its “home.” This small habit prevents clutter from building up and makes it so much easier to maintain an organized space.

12. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible

A professional organizer once told me that the key to staying organized is making sure frequently used items are easy to access. I reorganized my kitchen so that the pots and pans I use most often are within arm’s reach, while less-used appliances are stored in the back of the cabinet. In the bathroom, I keep my everyday skincare products on the countertop or in the top drawer, and everything else is neatly stored away. This simple change has made my daily routines much more efficient.

13. Use Hooks and Racks to Reduce Clutter

Hooks and racks are a great way to keep clutter at bay. I installed hooks in the entryway for coats and bags, and I use a towel rack in the bathroom for extra storage. I even added a pegboard in the garage to hang tools and gardening supplies. Using hooks and racks has helped me keep the floors and countertops clear and created more space for other things.

14. Store Items Where You Use Them

A tip that has helped me streamline my organization is storing items where I actually use them. For example, I used to keep all my cleaning supplies in one place, but I found it more efficient to store them in different areas around the house. Now, I keep a set of cleaning supplies in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. This makes it easier to grab what I need without having to trek across the house to find it.

15. Rotate Seasonal Items

Professional organizers recommend rotating seasonal items to avoid overcrowding your space. I took this advice to heart and now store out-of-season clothes, shoes, and décor in labeled bins in the attic or garage. When the season changes, I swap out my wardrobe or decorations, and it keeps my closets and living areas free of unnecessary clutter.

16. Use a Calendar for Family Organization

Managing a household can be overwhelming, especially when you have multiple schedules to keep track of. To stay organized, I implemented a family calendar where we track appointments, activities, and important deadlines. Whether it’s a physical calendar on the wall or a shared digital calendar, it helps keep everyone in the loop and prevents scheduling conflicts.

17. Maintain a “Go” Bag for Essentials

One of the most helpful tips I’ve implemented is maintaining a “go” bag for everyday essentials. I keep a bag by the door stocked with things I need when I’m heading out—like my wallet, sunglasses, reusable shopping bags, and hand sanitizer. Having these items ready to go saves time and helps me stay organized when I’m running out the door in a hurry.

This post is all about the professional organizing tips!

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