Alexandria, VA, January 20, 2026 — Wondering what pro organizers are always quick to take stock of when they set foot into other people’s houses? We were curious, so we asked a handful of experts throughout the South to spill the deets! Below, they pinpoint five areas in particular that always seem to stand out, for better or for worse.
Mismatched Bins And Baskets
While using bins and baskets to conceal clutter is always great, pro organizers notice when you’ve cobbled together a bunch of different styles within your space. “Even if there aren’t many items, having bins and baskets that are different colors, textures, and styles never looks good,” says Katia Basley, the founder of Vision and Hammer in Houston, Texas.
Clutter All Over the Countertops
When there is kitchen drawer space available, use it! Basley doesn’t like seeing clutter-filled countertops when there is clearly room for items to be tucked away elsewhere.
Too Many Types Of Hangers
Basley recommends streamlining your hanger situation to avoid chaos, particularly in hallway closets. “Clients tend to leave dry cleaned clothes on dry cleaning hangers, suits on bulky wooden hangers, and add in random plastic or velvet ones,” she says. “This can take up more space and make a neat closet that guests might see look much messier than necessary.”
Chaotic Landing Zone Surfaces
A home’s landing area is the first spot people see when they set foot inside of your house, and organizers notice when it’s become overwhelmed. “If mail, keys, bags, shoes, chargers, or sunglasses are scattered around, it tells us there isn’t a designated home for these items,” says Tonia Tomlin, the founder of Sorted Out in Dallas, Texas. “Visual clutter is building right where you need clarity the most.” Lavender Menakaya, the founder of Lavender Organizes in Alexandria, Virginia, shares similar views. “Clutter on surfaces tells a story about habits: where items get dropped, what doesn’t have a home, and which routines are breaking down,” she says. “Surfaces become catch-alls when storage systems aren’t working or are too inconvenient.”
Whether The Bathroom Is Prepped
Don’t forget to stay on top of the state of your bathroom, whether or not a pro organizer is coming by! “I always notice when someone has thoughtfully considered in advance inconvenient situations that may arise,” says Sarah Anthony, the founder of Organize & Design in Morgantown, West Virginia. “No one wants to leave the restroom to ask the homeowner for a plunger, scrub brush, or feminine item should the need arise.”
These principles apply across any organization service, whether delivering a tailored Home Organization Service or scalable Commercial Organization Services for offices and businesses.
Media Contact:
Organization: Lavender Organizes
Website: https://lavenderorganizes.com/
