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Photo Credit: Kostikova/Getty ImagesHere's a little secret: Despite writing extensively about organization and frequently consulting professional organizers for their insights, my own home often falls victim to clutter. Blame it on my kids, two dogs, and two cats! Nevertheless, I’m committed to making changes, so I turned to some expert organizers to learn about the things they absolutely avoid in their homes.
Surprisingly, the things pro organizers swear to never do are strategies that make perfect sense for maintaining both a calm, organized space and a peaceful life. So, why not try a few of these methods (I know I will!).
1. Stick to Only One Organizational Method
While it would be wonderful to discover a one-size-fits-all solution or an enchanted method that magically works for every family and home, finding an organizational approach that suits you may take a little trial and error. Even experts follow various strategies. For example, Jamie Hord of Horderly advocates for removing everything first and sorting through it before returning items to their places. In contrast, Becky Rapinchuk of Clean Mama believes that even small, incremental steps (like tackling just a few clothes or one drawer) can lead to significant results in a short period. "Trying to accomplish everything at once can feel overwhelming and result in giving up before you even start," she says.
I too was a Marie Kondo dropout, just like many of the clients Cian Ballentine of Cannonball Cleaners assists. "Acknowledging the emotional connection to an item makes sense, but for many of my clients, it left them paralyzed with overwhelm due to 'too many emotions at once,' preventing them from accomplishing anything," explains Ballentine.
2. Go Overboard With Organizational Products
The general recommendation here is to avoid mixing various styles of organizing products and to refrain from purchasing new items until you’ve finished decluttering and have a clear understanding of what needs storage. "I would never blend more than two or three different styles of containers and organizing products in a single space," says Katrina Teeple of Operation Organization. "Consistency and repetition are essential for keeping things looking neat and organized."
3. Accumulate a Huge Stockpile of Cleaning Products
Photo Credit: Floortje / Getty ImagesOrganizing and cleaning often go hand in hand, and while it might seem like professional organizers would have an extensive collection of products to cover every surface in their home, that's not the case at all. 'I use safe, natural cleaning products and prefer ones that serve multiple purposes. I don't need 12 different cleaning products when one can do it all,' says Rapinchuk.
4. Push Someone to Part with an Item
Yes, my collection of my children's artwork could certainly use some downsizing. But until I'm ready to let go, pro organizers suggest leaving it as is. 'We never force anyone to part with something,' says Hord. 'It's about understanding the item, how it’s used, and whether it’s meaningful or functional in your life.'
5. Store a Bunch of Disposable Items
Although plastic cups and paper plates may provide immediate convenience, they take up valuable space that could be better used for items with longer lifespans. Rapinchuk advises opting for reusable alternatives such as glass, wood, and natural fibers. Plus, it’s a win for the planet as well.
6. Drop Items in Places They Don’t Belong
Teeple’s advice is simple: 'Don’t put it down, put it away!' She suggests repeating this mantra throughout the day to help build the habit. By taking a few extra seconds to organize things properly, you'll feel more confident and maintain a clutter-free life.
7. Keep a Large 'To Donate' Box Taking Up Space
I’m guilty of this too. (At least four bags of items are ready for my local Buy Nothing group or food pantry.) Teeple advises, 'Get rid of things the same day or week you decide to donate them.' Sorting items into 'to-sell,' 'give to friend,' or 'drop off here and there' piles often leads to procrastination and adds unnecessary tasks that slow down the decluttering process.
Instead, Teeple suggests giving yourself permission to take the items directly to the nearest donation center, clearing them out quickly and allowing you to see immediate progress. 'You can be more intentional in the future once you’ve cleared the clutter,' she adds.
8. Keep a Lot of Items Out on the Counter
Let’s face it, the kitchen counter is a notorious spot for clutter. (And yes, I currently have a handful of small appliances scattered across mine.) Professional organizers are strict about putting everything they can away to maintain clear counters for cooking and make cleaning up at the end of the day much easier.
'I challenge my clients to reconsider what stays on the counter,' says Teeple. 'They’ll often tell me they need certain things out to remind themselves to use them, or don’t want to bother with opening a cabinet to pull out a mixer multiple times a week. By decluttering and creating space to store these items in cabinets and drawers, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and be able to remember exactly where things are.'
9. Embrace Imperfection When Things Go Wrong
Even the most seasoned organizers make mistakes (yes, including Marie Kondo). However, they don't let these slip-ups define them or make their clients feel judged. As Cian explains, "I wish I could claim that I never let my house get messy or that I always have clean underwear ready, but the truth is, I face the same challenges with cleaning as my clients do. Maybe the key is to stop feeling guilty for not staying on top of everything. Life is hectic, and I'm doing the best I can. If I wouldn't shame my clients for similar struggles, why should I shame myself?"
