7 things pro organizers always notice in well-organized homes – and the lessons you can learn from them

When we first enter a tidy, well-organized home we might not spot anything ground-breaking. There is no clutter or mess to divert our attention, after all. Instead, everything feels calm, relaxed, and well-put together.

Although it might seem that these spaces and the homeowners are simply naturally tidy, there are often several hidden systems and habits working hard beneath the surface that help to keep perfectly practical homes ticking. Like a swan on the water, it takes hard work and dedication to keep perfect home organizing ideas afloat.

Luckily for us, professional home organizers have the well-trained eye needed to spot exactly what it is these households have in common so that we can learn from the best. With that in mind, we asked them to reveal the things pro organizers always notice in a well-organized home, and it boiled down to seven essentials.

7 things pro organizers always notice in well-organized homes

‘The first thing I notice in a well-organized home is just an overall feeling of calm and relaxation,’ begins Amy Berryhill, professional home organizer and owner of Spiffy Chicks. ‘There is less visual stimulation, and the atmosphere feels less chaotic in general. It’s like there’s this welcoming vibe that puts everyone at ease.’

How do they do it? These seven steps all play a part.

1. Everything has a home

One of the first things expert organizers notice when they enter a well-organized home is that everything – and they mean everything has a home. Not only does it make tidying up easier, but it is a great time-saving tip for organizing.

‘Aside from the obvious lack of excess clutter, they have thoughtful systems and routines in place so their belongings have a home. For example, there is a place for the children to hang their backpacks, a spot for keys and incoming mail, it’s easy to find what you need in the pantry, and finding a lid for the Tupperware doesn’t become an exercise in patience,’ reveals Amy Berryhill, professional home organizer.

‘Disorganized households can learn from these systems by taking a little time to think through daily routines and to set up systems that work for everyone as a collective group. For example, 'How about we put the keys on a small tray near the door so we don’t waste time looking for them? Would it help everyone if we put the sunscreen in every bathroom or do you prefer it to be in the garage so you can grab it on your way out the door?)'

‘As a professional organizer, we are constantly developing systems with the families we work for and it looks different for everyone depending on how they live life.'

2. Systems keep everyone in mind

One of the biggest organizing mistakes people make is forgetting to put systems in place after they have decluttered. In a well-organized home, however, these are the foundations for their daily routines, and it is noticeable shares Star Hansen, professional home organizer, and clutter whisperer. Perhaps more importantly, however, the systems

‘Systems have been created with everyone who uses the spaces in mind. When we build a home for one person’s way of thinking, that person becomes the “keeper” of the organizational tasks. That’s a huge burden on one person. Factoring in everyone’s needs and natural preferences can take longer up front, but maintaining the systems will be more effortless and less stressful.'

3. They make a good first impression

First impressions count, or so the saying goes. In a truly organized home. Professional organizers will always take stock of the entryway. Usually, this is one of the most well-organized spots in the home says Tina Priestly, professional home organizer and owner of Ready, Set, Refresh:

‘The first thing I notice in an organized home is the entryway, and it sets the first impression. When there are spots for shoes, keys, coats, and purses, it keeps everything neat and easy to find. This means no more hunting for lost items or tripping over clutter, leaving guests with a great first impression.

‘Messy homes can learn from this! Instead of clutter everywhere, everything has its place. Adding a mirror, a candle, or some incense makes your home look cool and feel cozy, like a warm hug when you walk in. Even small changes to organize an entryway can make a big difference. Turn your home into a neat and welcoming place.'

4. Systems are simple

Just because you have a system in place doesn't mean that it is a functional one. It is certainly possible for a home to be too organized. Professional organizers, upon entering a home, will always spot if a system is practical – usually by assessing how simple it is.

‘Instead of designing high-tech or complicated organizing systems, build systems for the worst-case scenario. Design your systems to be so easy that you can still use them no matter what state of mind you’re in,’ suggests Star Hansen, professional home organizer. ‘Even if you just got home from traveling, have a cold, and only have five minutes to find, use, and put away something. Ask yourself what is the easiest, lowest entry system for you and your family.’

5. Systems make tidying up easy

There are several reasons why you can’t stay organized, but it often comes down to tidying up being too difficult or requiring too much energy. Star Hansen, a professional home organizer points out that systems in well-organized homes don’t just make finding things easier, but putting them away as well:

‘Systems are created so you can easily put things away when you’re done using them. You want it to be just as easy to put things away as it would be to leave them out. Think outside the box here. Remove lids on boxes or doors on cabinets. Curate your spaces to serve your convenience.

‘Organizing is not about getting items out of your sight,’ she adds. ‘Most people organize in order to stop seeing the clutter. This leads to a lack of systems, which only leads to more stress. Instead of thinking “How can I put this away quickly?”, ask yourself two questions. Firstly, where will I look for (and use) this item? Secondly, what can I do to make putting this away just as easy as leaving it out? Create your systems based on the answers to these questions.’

6. Storage is well thought out

Speaking of storage, well-organized homes always have well-thought-out, thoroughly planned storage to help keep clutter at bay. It is usually also pretty to look at, points out Meaghan Kessman, expert home organizer:

‘One of the first things I notice in an organized home is the use of thoughtfully chosen storage pieces. Whether it’s stylish bins and baskets, sleek shelving units, or multi-functional furniture, the right storage solutions make a world of difference.

‘These storage pieces not only keep clutter out of sight but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. Disorganized homes can greatly benefit from investing in versatile and attractive storage options that blend seamlessly with their décor. This makes it so much easier to maintain order and adds a cohesive look to the space.’

7. There are no piles

With aesthetic organizing tricks and well-maintained systems in place, one of the key pointers that a house is well organized is a distinct lack of piles, says Lauren Saltman, professional home organizer and owner of Living. Simplified.

‘Another item professional organizers always notice is piles – piles of clothing that is ready for the laundry or ready to be folded. Piles of mail on the countertops. Piles of miscellaneous items on the floor or the couch. What this tells me is that systems need to be put in place to deal with the items. Well-maintained, organized homes never have these.

‘They do this by creating drop-zones around the home. For example, creating a mail drop zone so that whoever brings in the mail knows exactly where to put the mail.’ Similarly, there are laundry baskets in all key areas to stop piles of dirty laundry, and they set up routines for clothes to go away as soon as they are dry.

Similarly, items inside of cabinet and drawer storage are tidy – and drawers or closet doors are never ajar. ‘Why? Because open doors signify that the space is overstuffed and ready for a decluttering session,’ Lauren adds. ‘Yes, it's time to go through that kitchen junk drawer, edit out how many coats are in the front closet, and get rid of the kitchen utensil that constantly jams your drawer and prevents it from closing.'

A well-organized home doesn’t stop at good storage ideas. Their homes are also clean, and smell great, adds Tina Priestly, professional home organizer. ‘I've noticed that people often get used to the smell of their own home, but it's the first thing guests notice. To make a great impression and make a home smell nice, I light some candles or boil water with orange or lemon peels before guests arrive. This simple step makes my home smell amazing and feel even more welcoming and relaxing.'