One of the most common questions I hear when someone is ready to get organized is this: “What containers should I buy for home organizing tips?”
My answer often surprises people. “None!” At least, not yet.
As a professional home organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how buying bins and baskets too early can actually create more clutter instead of solving it. While matching containers can look beautiful, they should never be the starting point. Organizing is about function first, not shopping. Before spending money on new storage solutions, it’s important to declutter and take a close look at what you already own.
Clutter doesn’t disappear just because it’s tucked into a bin. True organizing starts with editing what you have and creating intentional systems that support how you live. When you declutter first, you gain clarity and that clarity leads to smarter, more effective storage decisions.
I love “shopping” from my clients’ homes. You’d be amazed at how many hidden storage solutions you already have just waiting to be reimagined. When everything has a home, organization becomes easier to maintain and your space naturally feels less stressful.
Storage pieces should always support your habits. If a system doesn’t work with your daily routines, it won’t last. That’s why I encourage clients to look at their homes with fresh eyes and get creative.
Furniture, in particular, offers incredible organizing potential. An unused armoire can become office supply central. A bench with storage can double as a filing station. Even items that seem purpose-specific can often be repurposed in surprising ways.
Small changes can have a big impact. Towel rods or hanging baskets can create vertical storage where none existed before. Over-the-door organizers aren’t just for shoes – they’re perfect for small toys, accessories or cleaning supplies. An old spice rack can find new life organizing screws, nails or paint supplies in the garage. Even a sturdy workbench doesn’t have to live in the garage – it can be a functional organizing hub in a craft room or laundry area.
The goal of organizing isn’t perfection, it’s peace of mind. When your home is set up intentionally, you spend less time searching for things and more time enjoying your space. A thoughtfully organized home helps create calm, reduce stress and support the way you want to live.
So before heading to the store, take a walk through your home. What storage solutions do you already have? What can be repurposed? You may find that the best tools for organizing are already under your roof.
And if you’d like a fresh perspective or expert guidance, I’d love to help. At Smart Organizing Solutions, my goal as your home organizer is to help you declutter, create practical systems and transform your home into a space that feels peaceful, functional, and truly yours. Reach out anytime through my Contact Denver Professional Organizer | SOS Organizing page. I enjoy working with families throughout Denver, Central Park, Park Hill, Cherry Creek, Aurora and surrounding communities.