Discover why professional organizers dread certain storage solutions and learn how to avoid them. Get expert tips on choosing effective alternatives for a clutter-free and organized home.
Image of Esmeralda Guttierez, founder of Decoriety
Written by Esmeralda Guttierez on November 19, 2024

Why Professional Organizers Hate These Storage Solutions: Expert Tips & Alternatives

We all dream of a tidy, organized home where everything has its place. But while we’re browsing aisles filled with clever storage solutions, we might miss the warning signs that some options are actually more trouble than they’re worth. Professional organizers, experts in creating efficient and functional spaces, have encountered their fair share of storage solutions that ultimately lead to more clutter and frustration.

In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why professional organizers often avoid certain storage solutions and provide you with alternative strategies for creating a truly organized home. By understanding the pitfalls of these commonly used solutions, you can make informed decisions about your own space and avoid common organization mistakes.

The Storage Solutions Professional Organizers Avoid

Every professional organizer has encountered those storage solutions that seem like a good idea at first glance but ultimately contribute to clutter and disorganization. Here are some of the most common culprits and why they should be avoided:

1. Oversized Storage Bins

Oversized storage bins are often marketed as the solution to “hiding” clutter, but they can actually create more problems. Here’s why:

  • Difficult to Access: Storing items in large bins makes it harder to find what you need. You might end up digging through the entire bin to find a single item.
  • Encourages Overstuffing: Large bins can be tempting to overfill, making them even harder to manage and access.
  • Space Inefficiency: Oversized bins often take up valuable floor space, especially when they’re not stacked properly.
  • Limited Functionality: Large bins are often not suitable for storing delicate or fragile items.
Pro Tip: Instead of oversized bins, opt for smaller, clearly labeled containers that allow for easy access.
Example: A large bin containing all your holiday decorations might seem practical, but it’ll be a nightmare to find that specific ornament you need during the holiday season.

2. Clear Plastic Storage Boxes

Clear plastic storage boxes may seem like a great way to see what’s inside, but they often contribute to visual clutter. Here’s why:

  • Cluttered Appearance: Even if the contents are organized, a room full of clear boxes can appear cluttered and messy.
  • Dust Magnets: Clear plastic boxes attract dust and fingerprints, making them look dirty quickly.
  • Limited Versatility: Clear boxes aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as other storage options and may not fit with your home décor.
Pro Tip: Choose opaque storage boxes in colors that complement your décor or use decorative fabric covers to conceal their contents.
Example: A stack of clear plastic storage boxes filled with linens might seem organized, but they can make a room look chaotic and sterile.

3. Under-Bed Storage

While under-bed storage seems like a clever way to maximize space, it’s often inconvenient and impractical.

  • Difficult to Access: It’s a hassle to pull out heavy bins or boxes stored under the bed.
  • Dust Accumulation: Items stored under the bed are prone to dust and cobwebs, making them less appealing to use.
  • Limited Visibility: You might forget what you stored under the bed, making it less efficient.
Pro Tip: Utilize drawer organizers, vertical storage solutions, or shelf systems to keep items within easy reach.
Example: Storing seasonal clothing or bulky items under the bed might seem convenient, but retrieving them can be a chore.

4. Stacking Shelves

Stacking shelves might seem like a good way to save space, but they can pose problems in terms of accessibility and stability.

  • Difficult to Access: Reaching items on higher shelves can be challenging, especially for smaller items.
  • Limited Visibility: You may not see what’s stored on higher shelves, leading to forgotten items.
  • Stability Issues: Stacking shelves can be unstable, especially when overloaded, and can easily tip over.
Pro Tip: Opt for shelves that are anchored to the wall or use a combination of open and closed storage to maximize space and visibility.
Example: While stacking shelves in a closet may seem like a space-saving solution, you might end up with a shelf that’s too high to reach, becoming a haven for forgotten items.

5. Over-the-Door Organizers

Over-the-door organizers are often marketed as a quick fix for storage, but they often lack functionality and practicality.

  • Limited Storage Capacity: Over-the-door organizers are often small and can’t hold many items.
  • Difficult to Access: Reaching items in the back of an over-the-door organizer can be challenging.
  • Door Obstruction: Over-the-door organizers can obstruct the door and make it difficult to open and close.
Pro Tip: Use drawer organizers, baskets, or shelves to create efficient and accessible storage solutions.
Example: An over-the-door organizer for shoes might seem convenient, but it can make it difficult to open and close the door, and it may not hold all your shoes.

Why Professional Organizers Prefer These Alternatives

Instead of relying on the storage solutions mentioned above, professional organizers recommend alternatives that promote efficiency, accessibility, and a clutter-free environment. Here are some of their favorites:

1. Vertical Storage Solutions

Vertical storage solutions utilize the vertical space in a room to maximize efficiency and minimize floor space. Here’s why they’re favored by professionals:

  • Space Optimization: Vertical storage solutions like shelving units, wardrobes, and tower organizers make use of unused vertical space.
  • Accessibility: Items are easily accessible, making it simpler to find what you need.
  • Visual Appeal: Vertical storage units can add visual appeal to a room and create a more organized look.
Pro Tip: Invest in tall cabinets, wardrobes, and shelf systems to maximize vertical space in your home.
Example: Instead of storing clothes in plastic bins under the bed, a freestanding wardrobe can offer ample storage while keeping clothes visible and accessible.

2. Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers are a versatile and efficient way to organize items within drawers, promoting a clutter-free and tidy look.

  • Maximized Drawer Space: Drawer organizers utilize every inch of drawer space by dividing it into compartments.
  • Improved Visibility: Clear drawer organizers make it easier to see what’s stored inside, eliminating the need for digging.
  • Easy Access: Drawer organizers allow for easy access to items, promoting a more organized and efficient workflow.
Pro Tip: Use drawer organizers in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and office to keep items tidy and accessible.
Example: Instead of stacking dishes haphazardly in a drawer, a drawer organizer can create dedicated compartments for plates, bowls, and utensils, making it easier to find what you need.

3. Clear Acrylic Containers

Clear acrylic containers are a popular choice among professional organizers for their versatility and aesthetic appeal.

  • Clear Visibility: Clear acrylic containers allow you to see what’s stored inside without having to open them.
  • Stylish Appearance: Acrylic containers are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional plastic storage boxes.
  • Easy to Clean: Acrylic containers are easy to clean and maintain.
Pro Tip: Use clear acrylic containers to store cosmetics, jewelry, office supplies, or other items you need to see easily.
Example: Instead of keeping your jewelry in a cluttered drawer, a clear acrylic organizer can showcase your pieces while keeping them organized and dust-free.

4. Open Shelving

Open shelving offers a modern and stylish way to store items while promoting a clutter-free look. Here’s why professional organizers recommend this approach:

  • Visual Appeal: Open shelves add visual interest to a room and make it feel more spacious.
  • Accessibility: Items are easily accessible and visible.
  • Flexibility: Open shelves can be used to store a variety of items, from books to decorative objects.
Pro Tip: Use open shelving in your kitchen, living room, or home office to showcase your belongings while maintaining an organized look.
Example: Instead of hiding your cookbooks in a cabinet, display them on an open shelf to create a decorative focal point in your kitchen.

5. Rolling Carts

Rolling carts are a versatile storage solution that can be used in various rooms to keep items organized and accessible.

  • Mobility: Rolling carts can be easily moved around the room, making it easier to access items.
  • Versatile Storage: Rolling carts can be used to store anything from craft supplies to cleaning products.
  • Space-Saving: Rolling carts can be tucked away under a desk or table when not in use.
Pro Tip: Use rolling carts in your kitchen, bathroom, or office to keep frequently used items close at hand.
Example: Instead of having separate storage solutions for cleaning supplies, a rolling cart can be used to store all your cleaning essentials and move it around the house as needed.

Beyond Storage Solutions: The Key to True Organization

While choosing the right storage solutions is important, it’s essential to remember that organization goes beyond simply storing items. Here are some key principles professional organizers follow to achieve lasting organization:

1. Decluttering First

The first step to achieving a truly organized space is to declutter. Professional organizers use techniques like Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” method or the “KonMari” method to help clients identify items to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

“The best way to organize is to get rid of things. You don’t need to organize your clutter. You need to get rid of it.” – Peter Walsh, Professional Organizer

2. Strategic Placement

Professional organizers understand that the placement of storage solutions is crucial for efficient use. They consider factors like accessibility, proximity to use, and visual impact when placing items. This ensures that things are easy to find and use, minimizing wasted time and frustration.

Pro Tip: Store items used frequently in easily accessible locations, and less frequently used items in less accessible areas.

3. Clearly Label Everything

Labeling is an essential part of organization that helps everyone in the household find what they need quickly. Professional organizers use clear labels with easy-to-read fonts and consistent labeling systems.

Pro Tip: Use consistent labeling throughout your home for a streamlined and efficient system.

4. Designate a Dedicated Space for Everything

Having a specific place for everything is crucial for organization. Professional organizers help clients create dedicated spaces for various items, even if it’s just a small drawer or shelf.

Pro Tip: Avoid creating “catch-all” areas where items are simply dumped without a designated place.

5. Consistent Maintenance

Organization isn’t a one-time event; it requires ongoing maintenance. Professional organizers emphasize the importance of putting things back in their place after use, as this prevents clutter buildup. They also encourage regular decluttering sessions to keep up with changing needs and preferences.

Pro Tip: Set aside a specific time each week to declutter and put things back in their designated places.

Conclusion: Making Informed Storage Choices

By understanding why professional organizers avoid certain storage solutions and embracing their recommended alternatives, you can create a truly organized and functional home that promotes a sense of peace and order. Remember, true organization goes beyond simply storing items; it involves decluttering, strategic placement, clear labeling, designated spaces, and consistent maintenance. When you combine the right storage solutions with these principles, you’ll create a space that’s truly organized and efficient, making your life easier and more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are oversized storage bins so common?

Oversized storage bins are often marketed as the solution to “hiding” clutter, giving people the feeling they’ve tackled a problem, even though it just gets buried. Large bins can also be cheaper than buying multiple smaller ones, making them attractive to budget-conscious shoppers.

Isn’t clear plastic storage good because you can see what’s inside?

While it can be helpful to see what’s inside a storage box, clear plastic containers can contribute to visual clutter if they’re not strategically placed or if the contents aren’t neatly organized. Clear plastic can also easily become dusty and scratched, making them look messy even with well-organized contents.

What’s the problem with under-bed storage if I can fit a lot of stuff there?

While under-bed storage can provide additional space, it’s often inconvenient to access. You’ll need to move bedding and furniture to retrieve items, and it’s easy to forget what you stored under the bed, leading to wasted space. Plus, dust can easily accumulate under the bed, making items less appealing to use.

I have a lot of small things; wouldn’t stacking shelves help me maximize space?

Stacking shelves can be helpful for storing items, but you’ll likely need to use smaller containers for visibility. Keep in mind that stacking shelves can be unstable, and reaching items on higher shelves can be a challenge. You may end up with a shelf that’s too high to reach, becoming a haven for forgotten items.

Over-the-door organizers seem like a quick and easy way to store things. Why are they bad?

Over-the-door organizers are often marketed as a quick fix, but they usually lack functionality and practicality. They often have limited storage capacity, making them unsuitable for larger items or collections. Accessing items in the back can be difficult, and they can obstruct the door, making it difficult to open and close. They’re not a long-term solution for organizing large amounts of belongings.

Isn’t decluttering a lot of work? I’m not sure I want to get rid of things.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it’s the foundation for true organization. Remember, you’re not just getting rid of things; you’re creating space for what truly matters and giving yourself the ability to find what you need when you need it. You can start small by decluttering one area at a time, and you’ll find the process becomes easier as you progress. If you find it difficult to part with certain items, try storing them for a set period and then revisit them later. You may be surprised how much easier it becomes to let go of things you don’t use or need.

Image of Esmeralda Guttierez, founder of Decoriety

About the author

Esmeralda Guttierez is a European home design writer and the founder of Decoriety. With a deep love for Mediterranean aesthetics and practical design solutions, she brings warmth and authenticity to every article. When she's not writing about interiors, she's working on her own renovation project — transforming a vintage 1960s home into an energy-efficient sanctuary. She believes beautiful design should be accessible to everyone, not just those with unlimited budgets.