10 Things Professional Organizers Recommend to Make a Messy House Look Tidy
Your house is a disaster. Ok, maybe not a disaster…it’s just cluttered.
You tell yourself it’s “organized chaos,” but deep down, you know that’s a lie. Something just always feels a little off. Every pile of clutter is a silent reminder of the to-do list you keep ignoring or the stuff you bought and never use.
Professional organizers? They see your mess, and they’ve got tricks to make it vanish faster than your motivation. No, it’s not magic—just smart hacks that actually work.
1. Using the ‘One-Touch’ Rule
Let’s start with your mindset. The one-touch rule emphasizes handling items only once. Professional organizers recommend instead of temporarily putting something down, just put it in its designated spot to begin with.
Training yourself to put things away immediately gets rid of the I’ll do it later mentality that’s been holding you back. It prevents mental and physical clutter from accumulating and maintains a tidy space.
It makes cleaning up after yourself like second nature without any extra effort. In fact, it’s so easy, and we shouldn’t even have to mention this one. But we do, so if you take it out, put it back. It’s that simple.
2. Decluttering Before Organizing
Decluttering is non-negotiable for professional organizers. It’s like hitting the reset button. It forces you to evaluate what you truly have, need, and use. Before investing in storage solutions, it’s crucial to declutter.
Removing unnecessary items simplifies the organizing process and ensures that only essential belongings occupy your space. This step is fundamental in achieving lasting order. And honestly, when you own fewer items, it’s easier to stay organized.
3. Utilizing Vertical Storage
Think of walls as untapped real estate. After living in multiple homes with less than 1200 square feet, I have learned so much about maximizing space.
Maximizing vertical space can significantly enhance storage capacity. Installing shelves or using tall furniture pieces helps keep items off the floor and counters, contributing to a cleaner appearance. This technique is especially beneficial in small areas.
4. Implementing the ‘One-In, One-Out’ Policy
To prevent clutter, adopt the one-in, one-out policy for every new item brought into the home, and remove an existing one. This practice maintains balance and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary possessions.
Some organizers even suggest a seasonal review to make sure you’re sticking to the rule. It’s amazing what can creep in when you’re not paying attention.
5. Establishing a Nightly Reset Routine
A nightly routine goes beyond self-care and cleaning up. It’s a ritual that sets the tone for the next day. Spending 10 to 15 minutes each evening to tidy up can make a significant difference in whether you wake up to chaos or not. Tasks like clearing countertops, putting away items, and preparing for the next day help maintain a consistently organized home. Pair it with some claiming music or a podcast to make it more enjoyable.
6. Assigning a Drop Zone
Designate a specific area near the entrance for items like keys, bags, and mail. Having a drop zone prevents these items from scattering throughout the house, keeping common areas clutter-free.
Add small baskets or trays for mail, keys, and wallets, or consider wall hooks for jackets and bags. I like to have a landing zone for shoes too. It just helps to keep everything cleaner with less maintenance.
7. Using Clear Storage Containers
Clear containers are the one thing professional organizers tell everyone to buy. They’re not just practical…they help you stay accountable. They allow you to see contents at a glance, making it easier to locate items, assess inventory, and resist hoarding.
This visibility reduces the likelihood of purchasing duplicates and helps maintain order. For an even tidier look, group similar items together and label the containers for added clarity.
8. Labeling Everything
Labels aren’t just for aesthetics—even though they are kinda cute to look at—they’re instructions for maintaining order. Professionals use printed or handwritten labels on bins, shelves, and drawers so that everyone knows where stuff belongs.
You can take it a step further by color-coding for different rooms and creating a system that works visually for you. It’s the consistency in returning items to their proper places that keeps it looking tidy and organized.
9. Scheduling Regular Decluttering Sessions
Clutter builds up faster than you think. scheduling monthly or quarterly decluttering sessions can help you stay ahead of it.
Organizers often recommend starting with one category so it feels less overwhelming. And eventually, it won’t take you as long and will start to feel like self-care. It makes me feel amazing.
Setting aside time periodically to assess and declutter your belongings prevents junk from piling up and keeps your home manageable.
10. Embracing Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture isn’t just for small apartments…it works wonders in larger homes, too.
Ottomans with hidden storage can hold blankets or toys, while a fold-down desk can double as a work or hobby space. I personally bought a bed with drawers, and I love it.
Investing in pieces that serve dual purposes keeps your home looking tidy without sacrificing functionality.
Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.
