Don’t “Get Organized”

One of the first questions people ask me is, "What organizing products do I need?" My answer is always the same: don't buy anything. At least, not yet. Decluttering is the crucial first step. If it turns out you don't need, use, or like something, there's no point spending time organizing it.

When I work with clients, I repurpose what we find around the home - boxes, baskets, trays, jars. If they decide they want to upgrade their containers later, that's perfectly fine. I love a great organizing product and have plenty to recommend. But I believe that hiring a professional organizer is an investment in change - not in more stuff. And certainly not more stuff to hold your stuff.

When you commit to getting organized, your first impulse should be to pare down. Drastically, in some cases. Marie Kondo encourages you to keep only what "sparks joy," and for many people that framing resonates deeply. The metric I prefer is simpler: Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it?

Some things you don't love and rarely use, but you need them (a can opener, ski clothes). Some things you don't strictly need, but they make life easier (for me, that’s a box cutter). And then there are things you don't need or use at all, but you love them - sentimental items and decorative objects tend to fall into this last category.

Brace yourself: the decluttering process can be equal parts tedious and anxiety-producing. But when you start to loosen your grip and see results, you'll feel lighter and energized. Once you've decided what to keep and where it belongs - mise en place! - then, and only then, is it time to look for storage solutions that maximize space, visibility, and functionality.