Professional organizers — though they promise decluttering is a never-ending process — seem to have it all figured out. They’ve built a career on sharing helpful organizing advice and the best decluttering methods, but how do they live and function in their own homes?
Out of curiosity, I asked six professional organizers what things they’d NEVER do in their homes. Whether it’s keeping items out of guilt or designating a junk drawer, pro organizers urge you to ditch these habits right away — don’t worry, these small changes are easy to implement. “Organizing is never about perfection,” says Rachel Rosenthal, organizing expert and owner of Rachel and Company. “It’s about making your home feel easier, lighter and more personal every day.”
1. Follow organizing trends
Whether it’s a new organizing method or nifty gadget, not all organizing trends are worth trying. “Real organizing isn’t about trends — it’s about creating spaces that truly work for you,” says Rosenthal. “Gimmicky products often look cute for a minute but rarely hold up in real life. I’ve found that what lasts is always simple, intentional and tailored to you.”
2. Keep a junk drawer
We’ve all fallen victim to a junk drawer. It’s so easy to toss miscellaneous items into a crowded drawer without thought — but Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl never does it. You’re effectively decluttering surfaces, while creating clutter elsewhere. “I have had friends who actually open my kitchen drawers to see how organized I am in my own house,” Russo jokes. “Luckily for me, I’m organized everywhere! It’s like that saying: ‘How you do anything is how you do everything.'”
3. Save items for a special occasion
When something is precious — think a family heirloom, expensive candle or fancy outfit, we have the tendency to tuck it away and save it for the “perfect” occasion. Reality is, that occasion may never come. “I don’t believe in saving things for ‘a special day’ or letting things go hidden or stored away to preserve it. If something brings me joy, I use it,” says Jennifer DuBois, founder of Home With Jen D.
4. Store too many kitchen gadgets or appliances
From an avocado slicer to speciality appliances like a holiday-themed waffle maker, pro organizers never hold onto kitchen items they rarely use. “I’m not into collecting every trendy gadget. Instead, I make sure my kitchen flows — things I use often are within reach, categories are grouped logically and I don’t let unused tools take up prime space,” says Weiss.
5. Tolerate cord clutter
Tangled chargers and visible TV cords are a major no-no for pro organizers. “Even the most organized space can feel chaotic when cords are visible and trailing across the floor,” says DuBois. “I use simple tools like cord wraps, clips and discreet extension cords to keep cables neat and hidden.”
6. Buy storage bins before decluttering
For some, it may seem logical to buy storage bins and baskets with the intention of decluttering — but pro organizers warn against it. “I always sort and purge first,” says Nichole Gehman of Organize By Designe. “Buying cute bins before you know what you’re keeping is a trap and leads to more clutter. Know what you have, THEN problem-solve with product.”
7. Keep items out of guilt
There’s a lot of guilt associated with decluttering, especially if the items were a gift or you feel a sentimental attachment. Just because something holds meaning, doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever. “Whether it’s a gift I don’t love or something I spent money on but don’t use — if it’s not serving me today, I let it go,” says Sarit Weiss, founder of Neat & Orderly. “I’ve learned that holding onto things out of obligation just adds emotional clutter. I’d rather fill my home with items I actually enjoy and use.”
8. Organize by color
Unpopular opinion: Organizing pro Rachel Rosenthal NEVER arranges items — namely books — by color. “I love beauty in a space, but never at the expense of function,” she says. “If you can’t easily find what you need, the color-coding isn’t helping — it’s just visual noise.”
9. Let papers pile up
“One thing I never do in my home is let mail or paperwork pile up on counters or tables,” says professional organizer Melanie Summers of I Speak Organized. “I have a simple system for sorting and processing paper as soon as it comes in. I keep wall baskets by the entrance to our garage for papers that need to be filed (like bills or kid’s school stuff). Any junk gets immediately put into recycling and never makes its way into the house. We keep zipper pouches in the glovebox of the car for receipts and gift cards and those get sorted or used every month.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
