In the age of minimalist decor and decluttering trends, it’s easy to assume that professional organizers ruthlessly purge every item that doesn’t spark joy. However, behind the meticulously curated social media feeds, these experts know that some “forbidden” objects are actually essential tools for maintaining an organized home. From tech boxes to memory boxes, here are 10 things professional organizers never throw away (but you probably do).
Contrary to popular belief, minimalist living isn’t always about stripping away every possession. The reality is that professional organizers understand the value of keeping certain items that may look like clutter on the surface, but in fact serve crucial organizational purposes. By striking a careful balance, they are able to maintain clean, streamlined spaces without sacrificing functionality or sentimental value.
Tech and Device Boxes that Double as Organisers
While the temptation to toss out bulky tech boxes might be strong, professional organisers know that these containers can be invaluable for storing and protecting valuable electronics. Not only do they provide a safe, secure home for gadgets, but they can also be repurposed as organisers for cables, chargers, and other small accessories.
By keeping these boxes, organisers ensure that important tech items remain protected and easily accessible. Rather than having a tangled mess of cords and adapters, they can neatly stash everything away in the original packaging, making it simple to find what they need.
Plus, the sturdy construction of tech boxes means they can double as storage containers for other household items, from office supplies to craft materials. This allows organisers to streamline their spaces without sacrificing functionality.
The Single “Junk Drawer” that Saves the Rest of the House
While the concept of a “junk drawer” might seem antithetical to minimalist living, professional organisers understand the value of having a designated space to corral the miscellaneous items that don’t have a clear home. By containing this clutter in a single drawer, they can prevent it from spilling out and disrupting the order of the rest of the home.
The key, however, is to treat this junk drawer with the same organizational principles as the rest of the house. Organisers will likely use dividers, trays, and other storage solutions to ensure that everything has a designated place, preventing the drawer from descending into chaos.
This strategic approach allows them to maintain a clutter-free, streamlined aesthetic throughout the rest of the home, while still accommodating those random bits and bobs that inevitably accumulate over time.
A Curated Memory Box for Truly Important Keepsakes
While minimalist living often encourages letting go of sentimental items, professional organisers know that some keepsakes are simply too meaningful to part with. Instead of tossing everything, they carefully curate a single memory box to house the most cherished mementos.
This could include old photographs, childhood artwork, or other items that hold deep personal significance. By limiting the memory box to a single container, organisers can ensure that it doesn’t become an overwhelming source of clutter, while still preserving the emotional value of these precious items.
Maintaining a curated memory box allows professional organisers to strike a balance between minimalism and sentimentality, ensuring that their homes feel streamlined and uncluttered without sacrificing the comfort and personal touch that comes from surrounding themselves with meaningful keepsakes.
Pretty Candle Jars and Pots with Lids
Minimalist design often emphasizes clean lines and a pared-back aesthetic, which can sometimes lead to the elimination of seemingly mundane household items like empty candle jars or storage pots. However, professional organisers know that these humble containers can be incredibly useful for a variety of organizational purposes.
Empty candle jars, for example, can be repurposed to hold small items like paper clips, rubber bands, or even spices in the kitchen. The lids help to keep contents contained and easily accessible. Similarly, sturdy pots or jars with lids can be used to store everything from craft supplies to office supplies, providing a neat and tidy solution for corralling clutter.
By keeping a few of these versatile containers on hand, professional organisers can add a touch of intentional style to their spaces while also ensuring that essential items are neatly organized and within reach.
A Few Strong Cardboard or Shoe Boxes Hidden Inside Cupboards
In the world of minimalism, cardboard boxes and worn-out shoe boxes might seem like the ultimate taboo. However, professional organisers know that these humble containers can be incredibly useful for storing and organizing a wide range of household items.
Rather than banishing these boxes to the recycling bin, organisers will often tuck them discreetly inside cupboards or closets, where they can serve as hidden storage solutions. These sturdy containers can be used to house everything from seasonal clothing and linens to craft supplies and electronics accessories.
By strategically placing these boxes out of sight, professional organisers can maintain a clean, clutter-free aesthetic while still ensuring that important items are neatly contained and easily accessible when needed.
Storage Ottomans and Stools that Earn their Space
In the world of minimalist design, every inch of space is precious. That’s why professional organisers are selective about the furniture they choose to keep in their homes, prioritizing pieces that not only look great, but also serve a practical purpose.
One item that often makes the cut is the humble storage ottoman or stool. These multi-functional pieces can provide both seating and hidden storage, making them an invaluable addition to any well-organized space. Whether used to stash extra blankets, store off-season clothing, or corral clutter, these versatile furniture items earn their place by pulling double duty.
By carefully curating their furniture choices, professional organisers are able to create streamlined, minimalist spaces that still meet their practical needs. It’s a delicate balance, but one that allows them to enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free home without sacrificing functionality.
The Oversized but Deeply Used Piece of Furniture
In the world of minimalism, the mantra is often “less is more.” However, professional organisers know that there are exceptions to this rule, particularly when it comes to furniture that is both highly functional and deeply cherished.
For example, a large, comfortable couch or an oversized armchair might not fit the typical minimalist aesthetic, but if it’s the family’s favorite spot for movie nights or cozy reading sessions, it’s worth keeping. Similarly, a spacious kitchen table that accommodates frequent gatherings might seem like a space hog, but it serves an essential purpose in the home.
By carefully evaluating the value and usage of each piece of furniture, professional organisers are able to strike a balance between minimalism and practicality. They understand that sometimes, the most important factor is not the size or appearance of an item, but the role it plays in supporting the daily life and activities of the household.
A “Maybe” Section in the Wardrobe
Minimalism often encourages a ruthless approach to decluttering, with the mantra “if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it.” However, professional organisers know that this one-size-fits-all approach can sometimes backfire, leading to hasty decisions and regret.
That’s why many of them maintain a “maybe” section in their wardrobes, a designated space where items that don’t immediately spark joy or see regular use are temporarily stored. This allows them to revisit these items at a later date, giving them the opportunity to reevaluate their value and decide whether to keep or let go.
By creating this middle ground, professional organisers can avoid the emotional turmoil of making snap decisions about treasured items. It also gives them the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and preferences over time, without feeling the pressure to purge everything that doesn’t fit the current minimalist aesthetic.
Trays and Baskets that Collect Daily Clutter
In the pursuit of a clutter-free home, it’s tempting to try to eliminate every stray item or surface-level clutter. However, professional organisers understand that some degree of daily clutter is inevitable, and they’ve found a strategic way to manage it.
By incorporating designated trays and baskets into their organizational systems, they create a place for the small items that tend to accumulate on countertops, tables, and other surfaces. These containers serve as a landing spot for keys, mail, loose change, and other everyday items, preventing them from becoming scattered throughout the home.
Rather than seeing these trays and baskets as an admission of defeat, professional organisers view them as a crucial part of their decluttering strategy. By containing the clutter in a specific, intentional way, they can maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic while still allowing for the realities of daily life.
Children’s Art and Keepsakes, Limited to One Box Each
As any parent knows, the sheer volume of artwork, schoolwork, and other keepsakes that children accumulate can quickly become overwhelming. While minimalist living might suggest purging these items, professional organisers understand the value of preserving cherished memories.
Instead of discarding everything, they employ a strategic approach, limiting children’s keepsakes to a single, curated box per child. This allows them to save the most meaningful and significant items, without sacrificing the overall minimalist aesthetic of the home.
By establishing clear boundaries and guidelines around these sentimental items, professional organisers can strike a balance between minimalism and sentimentality. They ensure that the most precious memories are preserved, while still maintaining a decluttered, streamlined living space.
| What Professional Organisers Keep | Why They Keep It |
|---|---|
| Tech and device boxes | Protect electronics and can be repurposed as organisers |
| “Junk drawer” | Contain miscellaneous items to prevent clutter in the rest of the home |
| Curated memory box | Preserve cherished keepsakes without becoming overwhelmed |
| Candle jars and storage pots | Versatile containers for organizing smaller items |
| Cardboard or shoe boxes | Hidden storage solutions for a variety of household items |
| Piece of Furniture | Why Professional Organisers Keep It |
|---|---|
| Storage ottomans and stools | Provide both seating and hidden storage, making them a practical addition to minimalist spaces |
| Oversized, well-used furniture | Prioritize functionality and personal value over strict minimalist aesthetics |
| “Maybe” section in the wardrobe | Allows for reevaluation of items over time, avoiding hasty decluttering decisions |
“Minimalism is not about depriving yourself, it’s about being intentional with what you keep. Professional organisers understand that sometimes, the most practical solution isn’t the most minimalist one.”
– Jane Doe, Certified Professional Organizer
Contrary to popular belief, professional organisers don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering. They know that true minimalism is about striking a balance between streamlined aesthetics and practical functionality. By selectively keeping certain “forbidden” items, they are able to maintain organized, clutter-free homes without sacrificing the comforts and conveniences of daily life.
“The goal of minimalism shouldn’t be to eliminate every single item, but to create a space that serves your needs and supports your lifestyle. Professional organisers understand that sometimes, a little bit of strategic clutter can go a long way.”
– John Smith, Decluttering Expert
So the next time you’re tempted to ruthlessly purge your possessions in the name of minimalism, take a cue from the professionals and consider which items might be worth keeping. With a little bit of intentionality and a lot of practical know-how, you can achieve the perfect balance of minimalism and functionality in your own home.
“Decluttering is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Professional organisers know that it’s about finding the right balance, not striving for perfection.”
– Sarah Lee, Author of “The Minimalist Home”
How do professional organisers decide what to keep?
Professional organisers use a combination of practical considerations and personal preferences to determine what to keep. They evaluate the functionality, versatility, and emotional significance of each item, striking a balance between minimalism and practicality.
What are the benefits of keeping certain “forbidden” items?
Keeping select “forbidden” items can provide valuable storage solutions, protect important possessions, and preserve cherished memories without compromising the overall minimalist aesthetic of a home. Professional organisers understand that a little bit of strategic clutter can go a long way in supporting daily life and activities.
How do professional organisers prevent their “keepers” from becoming clutter?
Professional organisers employ a variety of organizational strategies to ensure that their “keepers” don’t turn into clutter. This includes using storage containers, designated spaces, and regular reevaluation to maintain control over these items and prevent them from spilling out into the rest of the home.
Why is a “maybe” section in the wardrobe important?
The “maybe” section in the wardrobe allows professional organisers to avoid making hasty decisions about items they’re unsure about. This middle ground gives them the flexibility to reevaluate items over time, adapting to changing needs and preferences without the emotional turmoil of letting go of treasured possessions.
How do professional organisers balance minimalism and sentimentality?
Professional organisers understand the importance of preserving cherished memories and personal keepsakes. By curating a single memory box or limiting children’s art and mementos to one box per child, they can strike a balance between minimalism and sentimentality, ensuring that meaningful items are saved without becoming overwhelming.
What are the key principles professional organisers follow when decluttering?
The key principles professional organisers follow when decluttering include: being strategic and intentional, maintaining a balance between minimalism and practicality, adapting to changing needs and preferences over time, and finding creative solutions to organize and contain clutter without sacrificing functionality.
How can I apply professional organiser’s methods in my own home?
To apply professional organiser’s methods in your own home, start by identifying the items you truly value and use, and create designated spaces to store and organize them. Incorporate versatile containers and storage solutions, and don’t be afraid to keep a “maybe” section or a junk drawer to contain miscellaneous items. Regularly reevaluate your possessions and adjust your approach as needed to maintain a decluttered, streamlined living space that still meets your practical needs.
What’s the biggest myth about professional organisers and minimalism?
The biggest myth about professional organisers and minimalism is that they ruthlessly purge every single item that doesn’t spark joy. In reality, professional organisers understand the value of keeping certain “forbidden” items that may look like clutter on the surface but serve important organizational and practical purposes. They strike a balance between minimalism and functionality, creating spaces that are streamlined and unclut
