People often assume that an organizer’s home looks perfectly styled, color-coded and is filled with matching containers. While my home is neat and tidy, with a place for everything, some of my organizing choices may surprise you. The truth is, organizing isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that work for your habits and help you maintain a calm, functional home.
Here’s a peek inside this professional home organizer’s everyday organizing style.
Organize Spices by Use, Not Alphabetically
I don’t alphabetize my spices or keep them in matching jars with custom labels. This typically surprises most people and I understand that. Instead, I organize them by use and cuisine. Italian spices are grouped together, baking spices are kept in one area, and sweet and savory are separated. This system works better for how I cook and makes meal prep easier. While matching containers look beautiful, I focus on function first and choose what creates the most efficiency.
Files Organized by Frequency
I also don’t alphabetize or color-code my file drawer. Instead, I organize files by how often I use them. The documents I access most frequently are placed at the front for easy retrieval. I do use a label maker to keep everything tidy and consistent, but the overall system is built around convenience and daily use.
Closet Hangers That Fit My Needs
Matching hangers can create a polished closet, but I use a mix that works best for different clothing types. I do however, have hangers that are the same color to give a uniform look to the space. Slim velvet hangers are great for delicate items, plastic hangers work well for casual pieces like t-shirts, and wooden hangers support structured clothing like dress shirts and pants. The goal is to keep my closet functional while still maintaining a tidy appearance.
Embrace Empty Space
One of my favorite organizing principles is leaving room to breathe. I don’t feel the need to fill every shelf or surface. Empty space helps create calm and reduces visual clutter. Simple nightstands, open shelves and minimal décor help maintain peace of mind and make cleaning and organizing easier.
Use Containers I Already Own
I’m not constantly buying new organizing products. While I love matching bins and baskets, I often repurpose what I already have. Some of my storage solutions have been in use for years and they still work perfectly. Organizing doesn’t have to mean purchasing new containers – it’s about creating a place for everything using what you already own.
Keep a Donation Box Ready
I keep an ongoing donation box in my home. When I come across something we no longer need, it goes straight into the box. Once it’s full, it’s dropped off at a donation center. This simple habit makes it easier to declutter regularly and keep our home feeling tidy.
Every home organizer is different and every client is different. The best organizing systems are the ones designed around your lifestyle. When I work with clients, my goal is to understand your habits and create systems that help them maintain order, reduce clutter and create calm. Even simple systems work when everything has a place, just like I share in my Two Habits of Organized People guide.
If you’re ready to declutter and create a home that truly works for you, you don’t have to tackle it alone. As a professional home organizer, I help clients throughout Denver, Central Park, Park Hill, Wash Park, Cherry Creek, Aurora and surrounding communities create functional, tidy homes with lasting peace of mind. Contact Denver Professional Organizer | SOS Organizing to get started—I’d love to help you create calm and order in your space.