Discover Your Organizing Style & What Works best for You
Because the best system is the one that supports your life, not someone else’s Pinterest board. Looking for more? Contact WhiteSpace Design Co. for a consultation!
Does this photo make you feel organized and a sense of calm, or does this image feel too orderly and restrictive?
How to get started with the organizing Process - You do You!
Getting organized isn’t just about matching bins and pretty labels. It’s about creating a space, a system, and a rhythm—that works for you. Whether you’re transitioning to a new phase of life, trying to feel more grounded at home, or simply craving a little more breathing room, organizing is a deeply personal journey. And like any journey, the first step is knowing where you’re headed—and why.
So let’s talk about how to discover your organizing style and set up systems that truly support the lifestyle you want to live.
Step 1: Start With Why
Before you open a single drawer or buy a single basket, pause and reflect:
What’s motivating me to get organized?
How do I want to feel in my space?
What’s not working for me right now?
What’s my bigger goal—less stress? easier mornings? being ready for guests at a moment’s notice?
Having a clear purpose helps guide every decision you’ll make—from what to keep, to how to store it, to when to ask for help. Your “why” becomes your compass.
Step 2: Set a Vision for Your Space
Close your eyes and imagine your ideal day at home. What do you see?
A minimalist, clutter-free haven?
A colorful, creative space with easy access to tools and materials?
A perfectly labeled pantry with rainbow-coded snacks?
Your organizing goals should align with how you want to live—not just how you want things to look. Sure, you can look at magazines, social media, TV shows, etc. for visual inspiration (I am all for this), but you also need to consider YOUR lifestyle and be realistic to ensure your organized space works best for you.
Step 3: Find Your Organizing Style
Not all organizing styles are created equal. What works for your friend or favorite influencer might not work for you—and that’s okay. The key is finding a system that suits your personality, habits, and home. I personally prefer a hybrid approach in my home - I’d describe my organizing goal to be ‘comfortable minimalism’. (Which is a subjective description - but it makes sense to me :)
Here are a few popular styles and philosophies to explore:
The Marie Kondo Method – “Does it spark joy?”
Marie Kondo’s approach is deeply mindful. It encourages you to evaluate every item in your home through the lens of joy and gratitude. It’s perfect for you if:
You’re drawn to simplicity, calm, and emotional clarity
You’re ready to let go of “just in case” items
You like doing things in focused categories (all clothes, then all books, etc.)
✨ Best for: Sentimental souls seeking peace and order.
The Home Edit Style – “Edit. Categorize. Contain. Maintain.”
Clea and Joanna of The Home Edit are known for their eye-catching, hyper-organized spaces with a splash of personality. Their approach is equal parts style and structure. It's for you if:
You love visual order and color coordination
You want your pantry to look like it belongs on a magazine cover
You enjoy systems that are simple enough to maintain daily
✨ Best for: Visual thinkers and creative spirits who want form + function.
The Neat Method – “Elevated essentials.”
The NEAT Method’s style leans into a clean, sophisticated aesthetic with high functionality. It emphasizes consistency and intentionality, blending practicality with luxury. It's ideal if:
You value beauty, quality, and uniformity in your spaces
You want organizing solutions that are both elegant and durable
You’d prefer fewer, better things that serve a clear purpose
✨ Best for: Lovers of modern minimalism and refined living.
The Clean Sweep Approach – “Sort. Purge. Assign homes.”
Popularized by the early 2000s show Clean Sweep, this no-nonsense method focuses on clearing everything out, making tough decisions, and starting fresh. It works well if:
You need accountability and structure to begin
You’re dealing with overwhelm or decades of accumulation
You’re ready for a full reset and fast results
✨ Best for: Practical people in need of momentum and motivation.
Step 4: Match Your Personality to the Process
Ask yourself:
Do I like visual systems or hidden storage?
Do I maintain routines well, or do I need low-maintenance systems?
Do I want to organize everything at once—or chip away room by room?
Do I want a curated home or a cozy one with lived-in charm?
There’s no right answer. Your preferences matter—and they should guide your process.
Step 5: Create Your Plan of Action
Once you’ve identified your why, your vision, and your style, it’s time to start:
Choose one space that would make a big impact (e.g., your entryway, closet, or kitchen).
Set realistic expectations for time, energy, and budget.
Use a blend of strategies from your favorite organizing philosophies.
Adjust as needed—because organizing is a process, not a one-time event.
Need help with that first step or creating a custom plan that works for your space, budget, and brain? That’s where I come in.
Step 6: Ask for Help If/when You Need It
Whether you're stuck in the sorting stage or don’t know where to begin, you don’t have to go it alone. I work with clients to create personalized organizing systems that reflect their values, lifestyle, and goals—without the overwhelm.
Let’s work together to turn chaos into calm, and make space for what really matters to you.
Ready to discover your organizing style and start fresh?
Book a consultation or reach out—I'd love to help you find the you in your home again.
Or, print this PDF guide to help you discover your Organizing Style.
Let’s make your space work for you—not against you. Reach out to me today and let’s create something functional, beautiful, and intentional together. Let’s connect ~ schedule a free 30-minute consultation today!
At WhiteSpace Design Co., I create custom environments that empower people to do their best work and live their best lives. By embracing the power of white space, I create clarity, efficiency, and inspiration in every space I touch.
