5 Things Professional Organizers Never Buy – And Neither Should You

Clearing and organizing even a small corner of your home instantly makes it more attractive and practical – but keeping it that way over time is the real challenge.

One of the easiest ways to maintain lasting tidiness is to invest in smart storage solutions, from tactile woven baskets to clear two-tier turntables that make everything easy to see and access.

Keep reading to discover the home organization ideas, storage ideas, and products professional organizers avoid – and the smarter alternatives worth buying instead.

1. Containers with Slanted Sides

When it comes to organizing small spaces, the right containers can make all the difference in your decluttering session. Breaking up cabinets and drawers into neat sections allows you to categorize items, keep surfaces uncluttered, and locate what you need in an instant. But Interiors Therapist Suzanne Roynon cautions that not all containers are created equal: rigid boxes with slanted sides can actually create wasted space and disrupt the flow of your storage.

‘If space is at a premium, choose containers with straight sides to maximize every inch,’ Suzanne advises. ‘For kitchen use, opt for materials that are easy to wipe clean. While woven options like wicker, willow, or bamboo are undeniably attractive, oil and grime cling to them, so it’s best to reserve these for decorative storage elsewhere in the home.’

She also recommends prioritizing visibility and accessibility when organizing kitchen cabinets: clear containers or those with removable lids make it easy to see and reach what’s inside, while uniform shapes stack neatly without wasted space. With the right containers, even the smallest cabinets and drawers can be transformed into a model of order and style.

If you want to introduce pretty woven storage into your home, reserve it for areas that are on display, such as open shelving, laundry baskets, or clothing storage. I’ve selected my favorite designs below.

2. Shower Curtains with Pockets

As a professional home organizer, Brenda Scott of Tidy My Space has seen her fair share of storage successes – and a few spectacular failures. One bathroom product she would never buy is a shower curtain with built-in pockets designed to hold bottles or bathing accessories.

‘This product failed because it became too heavy or awkward to slide open and closed,’ Brenda explains. ‘If the pockets face into the shower for easy access, they inevitably get wet. Over time, moisture seeps in, and the pockets can develop mold or mildew. Cleaning them is fiddly and time-consuming, and maintaining them ends up taking far longer than it’s worth.’

She recommends keeping bathroom storage simple and practical. Wall-mounted shelves, corner caddies, or clear acrylic organizers allow easy access without compromising hygiene or ease of cleaning.

Brenda also notes that choosing materials resistant to water and mildew – like stainless steel or plastic – makes a huge difference in longevity. ‘The key is to strike a balance between convenience and durability,’ she adds. ‘Products that promise clever storage but require constant upkeep ultimately create more stress than they solve.’ With the right approach, even small bathrooms can feel orderly and functional – without resorting to gimmicky storage solutions.

3. Poor Quality Clothes Hangers

Suzanne Roynon, an Interiors Therapist, always recommends investing in a set of high-quality velvet hangers, which she sources from Amazon. ‘Poor-quality hangers can stretch or warp clothes, causing garments to lose their shape,’ she explains. ‘When all your hangers match, your wardrobe instantly looks more organized and visually pleasing.’

For busy family homes, Suzanne has a clever tip: assign a different color hanger to each family member. ‘This makes sorting easier and eliminates confusion at ironing time,’ she says. ‘You immediately know which garments belong to whom, and it keeps everyone’s wardrobe running smoothly.’

Beyond aesthetics, velvet hangers offer practical benefits: their soft, grippy surface helps delicate fabrics stay in place, reducing slips and creases, while slim designs maximize closet space. Investing in a uniform set may feel like a small detail, but it’s one of the simplest ways to elevate both the look and functionality of your wardrobe.

These top-rated Amazon Basics velvet hangers are a personal favorite – and the ones I use in my own home.

4. Countertop Spice Racks

Countertop spice racks may look charming, but they aren’t always practical. Exposed to light, spices can lose their flavor, aroma, and potency far sooner than you’d expect. They can also take up valuable counter space, adding clutter and making it harder to keep your kitchen organized.

‘Because some spices degrade when exposed to light, I would suggest not purchasing countertop spice racks,’ explains Eryn Donaldson, a Home Organizer from The Model Home. Instead, she recommends storing spices in opaque containers tucked away in a cupboard or drawer, ideally in a cool, dry spot. This not only preserves freshness but also frees up your countertops for cooking and prep.

I’ve just added this three-tier bamboo expanding spice shelf from The Container Store to my cabinets, where its tiered design makes spice labels easy to see at a glance while freeing up valuable counter space.

By prioritizing both function and longevity, you can enjoy your spices at their best while keeping your kitchen neat – a small change that makes a big difference in everyday cooking.

5. Opaque Storage Bins

‘I love to use bins to help my clients organize out-of-season clothing, lesser-used pantry items, and sentimental belongings,’ says Lauren Saltman of Living Simplified. ‘Clear bins are always my preference over opaque ones, as being able to see what’s inside at a glance saves time and avoids endless searching. Labels are also essential – they may seem simple, but they make a huge difference in keeping everything in its place.’

Lauren also highlights the importance of thoughtful bin placement. Stackable bins maximize vertical space in closets or cupboards, while uniform sizes create a clean, visually cohesive look. She suggests grouping items by type or season and keeping frequently used items at eye level for easy access.

‘Bins aren’t just practical – they can also make storage feel curated and intentional,’ she adds. ‘When you see everything neatly contained, it encourages you to maintain order and even makes your space feel more spacious and serene.’

It’s no surprise that Amazon sells around 10,000 of these clear, stackable storage bins with lids – they’re simple, sturdy, and versatile enough to work in almost any space.

At the end of the day, professional organizers know that clever storage isn’t just about novelty – it’s about practicality, longevity, and ease of use. Avoiding products that create clutter, are hard to maintain, or don’t protect your belongings is just as important as choosing the right ones.

By investing in well-designed, functional alternatives, you can keep your home tidy, efficient, and stylish, proving that smart choices make a bigger difference than flashy gadgets ever could.