Creating and maintaining an organized home can be such a challenge. Even our founder, Karol, finds it nearly impossible to have an organized home with two young children and a fondness for cashmere and wool sweaters. “I know I have an unnecessary amount of them, but I still love and live in them. Yet, I love an organized home. It makes me feel at ease.”
Perhaps we all feel that tension. We treasure our belongings and we want an organized home.
It’s no secret that we adore organized spaces as much as the professional organizers who make them possible, like Ashley Dixon, Nathalie Jones, Pia Thompson, and Riquel Olander. To help us make organizing easier, we reached out to some of our favorite organizers to gather their best decluttering tips and home organization advice.
Leading Professional Organizers’ Best Decluttering Tips
When it comes to organizing inspiration and helping people bring order to their homes, these women are leading the charge:
Kate Pawlowski and Ann Lightfoot, Done & Done Home
This mother-daughter team started Done & Done Home over a decade ago, and they’ve been helping clients transform their homes ever since. And if you’re trying to reduce clutter in your home, they recommend these tried-and-true decluttering tips:
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Watch the front door
In our consumer-driven world, it’s easy to bring in more than we take out. Before buying something new, ask yourself: Do I already own something similar? Do I have space for this? Do I really need it? Where will it go when I’m done with it? Thoughtful shopping leads to a more organized home. -
Follow the 10% rule
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Start by reducing what you own by just 10%. If you have ten pairs of jeans, donate one. Repeat the process regularly and you’ll quickly see and feel a difference.
Laura Ellis, Organized by Ellis
Based in Los Angeles, Laura Ellis believes that consistency and thoughtful systems are the foundation of any well-organized home. Here are her favorite decluttering tips:
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Be consistent
Stick to one system, whether it’s matching bins, uniform containers, or a single labeling style. A cohesive look not only elevates your space but also makes maintenance easier. -
Start with your closet
An easy upgrade? Matching hangers. They make your closet feel more luxurious and help clothes hang neatly, which protects fabrics and maximizes space. -
Decluttering comes first
Take everything out, assess what you truly need and love, and don’t be afraid to edit again. Decluttering tips like this one create space not only for organization, but for peace of mind. -
Shop last
Only purchase storage containers after you've decluttered. This ensures you buy only what’s necessary and prevents excess clutter from returning.
Elsa Elbert, Composed Living
Elsa understands the emotional connection we have to our surroundings. Her decluttering tips are rooted in creating peace and intention in the home:
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Start small
Tackle one drawer, shelf, or section at a time. These quick wins build momentum and lead to long-lasting change. -
Assign everything a home. When items don’t have a designated place, clutter follows. Create easy-to-use systems that make tidying effortless.
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Edit before organizing
Let go of clothes that no longer fit or suit your lifestyle. A curated closet makes daily routines simpler and more joyful. -
Create zones
Group clothing by category and color to make it easier to find what you need and maintain the order over time.
Kenika Williams, Tidied by K
After being inspired by Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, Kenika launched her own Atlanta-based business in 2019. Her decluttering tips are simple, actionable, and effective:
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Establish rules
Decide upfront what stays and what goes. “If I haven’t used it in 12 months, it’s time to let go” is a great place to start. -
Use a timer
Set a 15–30 minute timer for your decluttering sessions. This keeps momentum high and decision fatigue low. -
Follow through
Schedule a donation drop-off or pickup right away. Without a plan, purged items may linger and clutter your space again.
Decluttering doesn’t require a complete overhaul overnight. In fact, the most effective changes often start small. Whether you're editing your wardrobe, rethinking your purchasing habits, or finally tackling that junk drawer, the key is to begin. These expert-approved decluttering tips offer manageable, thoughtful steps you can start today and keep using throughout the year.
As you’re decluttering and organizing your clothing, don’t forget to choose storage solutions that protect your most treasured garments. Hayden Hill bags are made of 100% organic, soft cotton that is environmentally friendly and allows your favorite pieces to breathe. We deliver sustainable and beautiful garment care to preserve and protect the clothes you love most.
