What Professional Organizers Have on Hand When Organizing

Are you in the mood to get organized? Maybe you are a DIYer. Maybe you hope to wrangle a friend to help you. Perhaps you are anticipating an upcoming session with a virtual organizer. Whatever the case, any job is easier when you have the right tools on hand. Do you wonder what professional organizers have on hand when organizing? While organizing does not require that you buy a bunch of stuff, here are some of the “tools of the trade” you might want to for your next project.

General Organizing Tools

Some tools are useful for almost all organizing jobs. These are kind of the “nuts and bolts” supplies to assemble. Odds are you already have many of these.

• Measuring tape: I always tell clients, “I think better with my measuring tape.” I really do! I’d rather measure before trying to move something, and I’m constantly measuring if I want to order bins, dividers, or other organizing materials.

• Cutting tool: I always have a pair of scissors in my bag. They are useful for snipping off unwanted tags, dangling packaging, and bulky shrink wrap. I also periodically need to trim an object or a container. In addition, I always have a box cutter knife in my bag. The Slice is my favorite because it can hang from my belt loop, but any box cutter will do. Remember to retract the blade after each use.

• Scraping tool: You won’t always need one of these, but they are useful for removing labels. These may be labels on new products you are installing or removing old labels on containers you want to use for a different purpose. They save both fingernails and time.

• Marker: When organizing, you are likely to run into a need to make a note or a label. Permanent markers like these retractable ones work well. As with the box cutter, remember to retract the felt tip after each use.

• Sticky notes:  Adhesive notes are versatile tools for labeling temporary piles, stacks, folders, zones, and more. I like the 3M Post-it™ Super Sticky Notes because they adhere better. 3M also makes this product in tape form.  Another alternative is painter’s tape, which is cheap and won’t damage walls and furniture.

• Bags: Odds are you will need some bags when organizing. Some for trash, some for donations, some for recycling, one for shredding, etc. I suggest you use one color for trash (e.g., black) and another color for donations (e.g., clear or white) I also like reusable bags with handles for books and heavy objects, and cardboard boxes are good for odd-shaped or sharp objects.

• Zip-top bags: Depending on where you are working, you may find yourself sorting tiny objects (e.g., screws, paper clips, small toys, etc.). I find Zip-top bags are great for corralling like items. You may use them only during sorting, or you may find you want to use them to inside your storage system.

• Cleaning cloth: Once you’ve emptied an area for review the contents, take advantage of the moment to wipe it clean. You can use damp paper towels, wipes, a microfiber cloth, or other rag. If you don’t clean it now, you probably never will.

• Label maker: This isn’t a must, but I sure do like using one. I always have my portable Brother P-touch, with both clear and white tape.  I also have a DYMO Cube for when I want to make larger labels.  A “pro tip” is to make sure you also have extra label tape and either batteries or a cord nearby.

• Calendar & to-do system: As you organize, you may think of tasks you want to do as a result of objects you are finding. For instance, you may want to drop off an item to a friend that got left behind at your house, or maybe you want to drop items off at a donation location. Having your calendar nearby allows you to quickly decide when you can perform that task, and having your to-do system (notepad, app, journal, etc.) gives you a place to record the task so that you won’t forget.

• Clear sorting surface: I always recommend you remove items from where they are currently living (in a box, in a draw, on a shelf, in a closet, etc.) so you can give them a thorough review. This is much easier if you have a clear table, empty bed, or clear kitchen island to work on. Trust me when I saw that reviewing items on the floor is a quick path to a sore back.

For Paperwork Organizing

Paperwork is a specific type of object that requires a few extra supplies. If you are getting ready to head into a home office or study space, you might want to gather these supplies.

• Hanging files: These come in many colors and have metal hooks on each side so they can hang from metal rails. Most people will use the 8 ½ by 11-inch size. If you work with legal documents, you may find you need the 8 ½ by 14-inch size. Additionally, if your files are bulky, you may benefit from box-bottom files.

• Extra file tabs: These are the clear, plastic pieces that slide into the top of the hanging files. I like using the 3 ½ inch ones because they give you more space to write the name of the file. If you are starting with a new box of hanging files, you will probably have a fresh supply of tabs, but if you are reusing older files, you may want to order a fresh package of tabs.

• Manila folders: These are very handy for when you are sorting paperwork. It may take a bit of sorting to figure out which hanging files you want to establish, and manila folders (with a post it) can be a perfect temporary place. In addition, many people like placing the manila folders into the hanging folders, especially if you are keeping a couple of “subcategories” in each file, and/or if you want files accessible on the go.

• Banker boxes: These are the cardboard ones that come flat (along with matching lids) for you to assemble. Banker boxes are affordable, and are beneficial for holding archive files (e.g., old tax paperwork that you put in the attic), or temporary files (files you are organizing but not ready to put into a more permanent file system). They are also helpful for sorting other small objects, and for this reason are nice to have on hand for all organizing projects.

• File container: Once your files are sorted and labeled, you are ready to move them to a file container. Again, archive paperwork may go into a banker box. Active paperwork that you are using or referencing should be kept within reach. You may choose a traditional file cabinet, a file box/basket, or a file drawer. If you don’t have much paperwork, you might only need a desktop sorter. There are many varieties, from horizontal, to vertical, to hanging to stacking, so consider what works best for your paperwork and your space.

• Cord management tools: In this day and age, most people have cords. I often find a drawer or bin full of them. As you review them, it’s important to label the ones you keep, and to wrap them up with some sort of tie to keep them from becoming entangled.  I like hook and loop wraps that have a built-in label space. Silicone/magnetic loops are also nice and easy to use.

For Working in Closets

If you will be organizing a space with clothing, such as a closet or dresser, there are a few items that you might wish to get.

• Shirt folders: These are rigid boards that make folding simple, with the added bonus of having everything end up the same size. While perfect folding isn’t necessary, it does look nice, and for some people this is important. This board comes with a tool for both adult and children’s clothing.

• Matching hangers: In the world of professional organizing, we talk a lot about hangers. There are many kinds, and people have personal preferences as to which is best. Slimline are nice when your hanging space is limited. They come both flocked and not flocked. Wooden hangers are good for coats, suits, and bulkier items. But even generic plastic hangers can work well. The only ones I don’t love using are the wire ones from the dry cleaner because they don’t hold up well over time.

Tools for “Messy” Jobs

When I work in messy areas, like a garage or basement, I like to have a couple of other items on hand.

• Gloves: I keep both work gloves and garden gloves in my car.

• Broom and dustpan and/or vacuum: Just as I like to wipe out drawers and wipe down shelves, I like to sweep or vacuum a space once it’s empty.

• Roll of clear, packing tape: This isn’t necessary, but in attics and basements, I often come across boxes that are falling apart. Also, if, after reviewing items, I box up a bunch of them for storage, I like to be able to simply seal the box. (After making a careful inventory, of course.)

• First aid supplies: Hopefully you won’t run into anything dangerous, but when you are working in remote spaces, things happen. I always have bandages and some antibiotic ointment with me.

Extras

Aside from organizing-specific tools, there are a few other items you might find are helpful to have around.

• Furniture sliders: These are discs you put under the corners of furniture that make it easy to slide the furniture around. I have some like these, which can be left bare when sliding on carpet, or be fitted with fabric covers for when I want to slide on a wood or solid floor.

• Stepstool: I am on the short side, so I often need to climb up to reach a shelf or cabinet. A small/folding stool will suit most jobs, but if you are working in a tall space, you might want a small ladder.

• A timer: This can be a timer on your phone/computer/oven, or a visual timer like the Time Timer™. You may set a timer to hold yourself accountable to stay focused for a predetermined period of time before you allow yourself to quit. Alternatively, you may set it to keep yourself from getting so far into a project that you lose track of time.

A Few Common Organizing Products

I always tell clients not to go out and buy a bunch of containers at the beginning of an organizing project. It’s important to do the sorting, decluttering, and measuring first. At the same time, there are some items that I use on many jobs.

• Drawer organizers: These come in a variety of materials and sizes (hence the need for measuring). I tend to prefer clear plastic or bamboo, but this is personal choice. Some are individual boxes that you mix-and-match, while other inserts are one piece (often expandable). It’s pretty hard to keep a drawer of small items organized without the structural support of drawer organizers.

• Lazy Susans: These also come in a large variety of sizes and materials. They are handy for high shelves (when you can’t reach the back) and for corner cabinets. Some come completely flat, while others have a rim and some have removable sections.

• Shelf bins: Much like the drawer organizers, these are great for adding structure to accommodate small items in large spaces. They can be bins, baskets, clear containers, or even repurposed boxes you have on hand.

• Command™ hooks: Behind a door and on a wall often provide great spaces for storage. I like these hooks because they are quick to install and can be removed without damaging walls. Be aware that they come in various sizes to hold differing weights. Follow the installation instructions to be sure they work properly. advantage of wall space.

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Organizing is one of the few home improvement projects that can be done for little to no investment. These few items will help you get well on your way to an ordered space.

What have you found helpful when working on organizing projects?