According to a report published by The Spruce, it’s not only people living in chaos who hire professional organizers — the most functional and peaceful homes also rely on expert guidance.
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The publication interviewed three professional organizers and identified the key elements that make a home truly organized.
1. Everything has a defined place
According to The Spruce article, organizers Olivia Parks and Lenora O’Keith say the starting point is simple: in functional homes, every item has a clear “home”.
Parks explains that this creates an intuitive system for everyone in the household:
“Everyone knows where to find each object and where to put it back.”
O’Keith adds that these “homes” are intentional, not random — which makes storing and locating items quick and easy.
2. Surfaces are kept clear
The Spruce also highlights comments from organizer Amanda Rivera, who notes that countertops and tables often turn into improvised storage for papers, keys, and objects.
She recommends a daily routine of less than five minutes to keep these spaces clear, something that, according to the publication, is present in all well-organized homes.
3. There is visual calm, not excess
The Spruce article emphasizes that organization does not mean aesthetic minimalism, but rather a sense of visual flow. O’Keith notes that collections and decorative objects exist — they simply don’t compete with one another or create visual noise.
4. Returns don’t pile up
With online shopping on the rise, Rivera told The Spruce that many homes have become storage spaces for overdue returns and boxes. In functional households, the process is completed quickly, preventing clutter and waste.
5. The space is not overcrowded
The report reminds readers that, according to Parks, functional homes respect the physical limits of the space. When there’s no excess of objects, maintenance becomes more manageable and cleaning easier.
6. Entry zones are controlled
Rivera also explained to The Spruce the importance of so-called “drop zones” — areas where coats, shoes, and bags are placed. The limit is clear: a moderate number of items. Beyond that, visual chaos sets in.
Source: The Spruce. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
