…and why they’re the secret to lasting organization success!
You went and bought the clear bins and pretty jars, maybe even binge-watched a few organizing shows, but somehow, your space still feels out of control. If that’s you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. As a professional home organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how small tweaks can make a huge difference in whether your systems last or return to chaos.
Here are 5 things pros do every time and how to apply them in your own home to get real, lasting results.
1. We Schedule It Like a Job
Organization doesn’t just happen. It’s not something we squeeze in between errands or while the pasta’s boiling. We dedicate time (usually a full day) and we treat it seriously.
Why this matters:
When you don’t schedule time for organizing, you’re more likely to quit halfway, get distracted, or never start at all. It’s easy to jump ship when things get messy (and they always do before they get better).
How to do it like a pro:
Pick a specific day. Book it off work if you need to and send the kids to grandma’s. Turn off your phone notifications. Show up ready – with snacks, trash bags, and a clear plan. You’re not just organizing; you’re transforming your space and creating peace for you and your family.
✨ Want to learn how to complete your own professional-level organizing day?
Join one of our online courses where I walk you through the exact process, step-by-step, from prep to product selection to processes and mindsets that lasting systems.
2. We Have All the Right Tools Ready
We have an organizing toolkit on hand with all the essentials to make the organizing process as efficient as possible. Whenever you have to go look for a garbage bag, label maker, etc, the likelihood of us getting distracted and not returning to the organizing task increases. We always recommend having all the essentials on hand in your organizing toolkit!
Why this matters:
When you’re in the zone, interruptions derail progress. Having your tools ready makes the process seamless and actually enjoyable.
Pro tip:
Check out our Organizing Toolkit Blog Post for a list of my must-have supplies that work in any space.
3. We Label Everything
If I could only give one piece of organizing advice, this would be it: Label it. Always.
Why this matters:
Labels make your system functional and maintainable. They tell your brain where things go and make it easy for your family (and future you) to keep it that way. No more “where does this go again?”
What to do:
Use a label maker, get pre-made tags like these ones here, or even cut up paper and use masking tape over it. Just don’t skip this step. Label containers, shelves, drawers, anything you’ve organized. It’s the secret sauce to long-term success.
🎉 Ready to practice labeling with us?
Join our free live Spice Jar Workshop, where I guide you through a simple real-time organizing session. You’ll walk away with a beautifully labeled spice drawer and the confidence to keep going! Sign up here
4. We Make You Get Brutally Honest
Every time I am working with a client helping them decide whether to keep or let go, we work through the same three questions over and over again:
- Do you need this?
- Do you use this?
- Do you like this?
If the answer is no, it’s time to let go.
Why this matters:
Most clutter isn’t caused by a lack of space, t’s caused by indecision. When you avoid making tough calls, you hang onto things that take up precious space and energy. Let’s stop this right now, because you deserve and are capable of a more peaceful home!
Try this yourself:
Ask those three questions for every item you touch. Be honest. This is where the real transformation happens.
5. We Remove Donations Immediately
Once you’ve done the hard work of letting go, don’t let the bags sit in your entryway, car trunk, or hallway for weeks. We take donations away right after the session is done.
Why this matters:
If the clutter lingers, so does the mental weight. Your space won’t feel truly finished and the temptation to “pull a few things back out” is real. Pro Tip: Never let your little kids find these bags!! Your hard work will be quickly undone.
Do this:
As soon as you’re done, load your car and drive to the nearest donation drop-off. Just Google “donation drop off near me” and go. You’ll feel the difference instantly.
Final Thoughts: Learn to Organize Like a Pro
You don’t have to hire a professional to get professional-level results. You just need to borrow our approach: be intentional, prepared, honest, and decisive.
Organizing isn’t about buying more bins or achieving Pinterest perfection, it’s about creating a home that works for you. And once you implement these five simple shifts, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter, calmer, and more in control you feel.
🌿 Want to dive deeper and organize with real confidence?
Explore our organizing courses and LIVE Workshops to learn the full system we use with clients – plus get access to live Q&As, printable guides, and real-time support.
Let me know in the comments: which of these five steps have you been skipping?
