Expert Home Organization Tips: Declutter and Define Without Breaking the Bank
Over the past decade, social media has been flooded with overcurated home organization content, showcasing perfectly lit pantries, closets, and bathrooms with items arranged in clear acrylic bins, often color-coordinated. While a tidy space is appealing, these images can be overwhelming, raising questions about the cost and time required for such pristine upkeep. Fortunately, experts emphasize that organizing your home doesn't require draining your retirement savings or sacrificing your peace of mind. In fact, Eryn Donaldson, founder and CEO of the luxury home organization service the Model Home, notes that buying numerous containers is a common misconception for achieving organization. "Good products help, but they're not the starting point," she says. "Good organization is less about aesthetics and more about reducing friction in daily life."
First, Declutter: Tackle Excess Stuff
Almost all home organizers agree that most people have too much stuff. Lori Williamson, a home and lifestyle expert, explains, "No organizing trick will work if you're working with too much. When you own less, there's less to manage, clean, store, and think about." However, decluttering is no small task, as Christina Bond, owner of the professional organizing company Creating Space DC, points out. "It can take a little time to go through things and make decluttering decisions," she says, adding that it generally won't happen unless you make it a priority and schedule it.
Start small by tackling one drawer, shelf, or basket, suggests Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of the Neat Method. Once you experience the impact of these small changes, you'll likely be motivated to continue. "Save the garage for after you have a few wins under your belt," she advises. Don't feel pressured to keep items just because they were expensive or special. Sharon Lowenheim, a certified professional organizer, notes, "People are often reluctant to get rid of something they paid a lot of money for, even if they are not using it. Holding on to it will not get you that money back, nor will it make you happier you spent so much on something you don't use." To minimize waste, donate unwanted items.
Implement the One Thing In, One Thing Out Rule
Williamson highlights that people often underestimate how much their space limits what they can own. "If something new comes into the home, I'm prepared to get rid of a couple of things," she says, based on her experience living in an 800 sq ft condo. This rule helps prevent endless accumulation and maintains order.
Live in the Now When Deciding What to Keep
Be realistic about your current lifestyle when deciding what to keep or discard. Lowenheim advises, "Every item should support the life you live now, not the life you used to live or you aspire to live in the future." This approach ensures your belongings align with your present needs.
Empty the Space You're Organizing
Whether organizing a drawer or closet, Marlena Masitto, founder and owner of Philly Neat Freaks, recommends pulling everything out first. This helps rearrange contents effectively and identify what you truly need. "Seeing items outside of their usual context resets the emotional attachment and helps you declutter intentionally instead of just shifting things around," she explains.
Define Every Space Clearly
Arranging a room is challenging without a clear purpose. Bond suggests asking how you want a space to feel and what its primary function should be. For example, is the den for watching TV or as a playroom? Defining each room prevents it from becoming a dumping ground. "If you haven't defined a purpose for each room, you risk ending up with a dumping ground," Bond warns.
Ensure Every Item Has a Home
If items lack a designated spot, they're likely to become clutter, says Williamson. When everything has a place, tidying becomes effortless. Masitto adds, "If you can reset every space in your home in 15 minutes or less, I believe you are organized." If it takes longer, you may need to reorganize or declutter further.
Use Labels for Clarity
Labelling storage containers is useful for quick identification, especially in households with multiple people. Hagmeyer notes, "Most people create a system and assume it's obvious to everyone in the household." Without clear labels, systems can quickly fall apart. Donaldson emphasizes, "It sounds almost too simple, but when everything has a clearly defined place and it's labelled, people stop guessing where things go."
Incorporate Daily Tidying Habits
Organizing is an ongoing task, not a one-time job, according to Williamson. Bond recommends spending 10 minutes at the end of each day tidying up, but shorter periods might suit others better. The key is to create maintainable systems. "Create systems that you can maintain on your busiest, most chaotic day," advises Donaldson.
Remember the Importance of Organization
Keeping spaces organized goes beyond aesthetics, as Britnee Tanner, a professional home organizer, explains. "It's essential to living more intentionally," she says. "Organization allows you to literally create space for the things you love, use, and need, and it will make you feel lighter." By following these expert tips, you can achieve a well-organized home without stress or excessive cost.
