Pro Organizers Reveal What They Avoid Doing at Home

From keeping a junk drawer to buying storage bins before decluttering, here are the things pros say they would never do.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Professional organizers share the organizing habits they avoid in their own homes, including following trends, keeping a junk drawer, saving items for special occasions, and buying storage bins before decluttering. They emphasize the importance of creating personalized, functional spaces rather than relying on gimmicky products or aesthetics.

Why it matters

This article provides insight into the mindset and best practices of professional organizers, who have unique expertise in creating efficient and clutter-free living spaces. By understanding what organizers avoid doing in their own homes, readers can learn from their experience and apply those principles to improve organization and reduce unnecessary clutter in their own lives.

The details

The article interviews six professional organizers who share the organizing habits they avoid in their own homes. These include: not following organizing trends, which they say are often gimmicky; refusing to keep a junk drawer, as it just creates clutter elsewhere; not saving items for special occasions, as those occasions may never come; limiting the number of kitchen gadgets and appliances they own; keeping cords and cables neatly organized; decluttering before buying storage solutions; and not holding onto items out of guilt. The organizers emphasize that true organization is about creating personalized, functional spaces, not just aesthetics.

  • The article was published on February 3, 2026.

The players

Rachel Rosenthal

Organizing expert and owner of Rachel and Company.

Cheryl Russo

Founder of Organizing by Cheryl.

Jennifer DuBois

Founder of Home With Jen D.

Sarit Weiss

Founder of Neat & Orderly.

Nichole Gehman

Founder of Organize By Designe.

Melanie Summers

Professional organizer at I Speak Organized.

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What they’re saying

“Real organizing isn't about trends — it's about creating spaces that truly work for you. 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.”

— Rachel Rosenthal, Organizing expert and owner of Rachel and Company

“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.”

— Jennifer DuBois, Founder of Home With Jen D

“Even the most organized space can feel chaotic when cords are visible and trailing across the floor. I use simple tools like cord wraps, clips and discreet extension cords to keep cables neat and hidden.”

— Jennifer DuBois, Founder of Home With Jen D

“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.”

— Nichole Gehman, Founder of Organize By Designe

“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. 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.”

— Sarit Weiss, Founder of Neat & Orderly

The takeaway

This article highlights the thoughtful, personalized approach that professional organizers take to maintaining order and minimizing clutter in their own homes. By avoiding common organizing pitfalls like following trends, saving items for special occasions, and accumulating unused gadgets, these experts demonstrate that true organization is about creating functional, intentional spaces tailored to one's unique needs and lifestyle.