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There are roughly a dozen different things that I bring with me to every organizing project. These tools are incredibly useful when helping clients declutter and organize. Whether you’re tackling your own home organizing projects or are a fellow Professional Organizer looking for recommendations for your supply bag, check out these supplies!
1. A pop-up trash can and contractor bags
I always have this with me, and it’s a crowd favorite. It makes decluttering and throwing away bulky trash easy and, dare I say, inviting?
Plus they also make great temporary trash cans when hosting large parties.
2. A plastic box cutter
This is a must-have for any household. Keep one in your junk drawer for package opening ease. Plus you’ll be able to quickly break down boxes and prevent a cardboard pile-up from all those online orders. I love that it has a retractable ceramic blade, so there’s no more messing with open scissors or super sharp utility knives.
We use these all the time when organizing but especially when unpacking clients after a move. Speaking of which, it makes for a great housewarming present if you know someone in the process of moving!
(In this typically right-handed dominant world, I discovered these are not well designed for left-handed people, so check out this option for the lefties out there.)
3. Label makers
There are a few different types of options:
The basic one: Brother PT-90
This is my longtime trusty label maker that I rely on to get almost any job done. It makes it especially easy if you need to swap out labels from time to time.
The mid-level kind: P-Touch Cube
This will upgrade your labels because you can choose different tape sizes, borders, and more. Plus it’s Bluetooth enabled!
The fancy style: Cricut Joy
If you really want to level up the look of your labels (and are feeling crafty), try vinyl labels like the ones I use for my Kid’s Keepsake File Boxes.
4. A handheld vacuum
It’s perfect for getting dirt, dust, hair, or crumbs out of drawers after you’ve decluttered and before you start organizing and putting things back.
5. A lightweight step ladder
I particularly like this one because it’s sturdy, sleek, and easy to carry around the house. Use it to quickly grab items off the top shelves in closets, kitchens, and garages.
6. Shelf liner, a cutting mat, and a rotary cutter/ruler combo
I like to install shelf liners in cabinets and drawers of bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and pantries, especially in new homes to help protect any paint from getting scuffed or wood from accidental water damage.
I outline how I use these tools to make lining shelves as easy as possible in this blog post.
In addition, if you have a metal shelving unit with wire racks anywhere in your home, check out these pre-cut liners which help keep items upright and from falling through the cracks.
7. Measuring tape
There are three kinds to choose from:
Best for measuring smaller spaces like inside drawers and cabinets.
Good for medium to larger areas such as closets.
If a space is really big or there is a lot of clutter in it, making it hard to get proper measurements, this might be worth the investment.
8. A collapsable stool
If you need to be closer to the ground when decluttering or organizing, use a stool to sit on. Your back will thank you later! Plus, with this stool, you can adjust the height to your preference, and it’s great to keep on hand for picnics in the park, kids’ sporting events, etc.
9. Clear trash bags and blue trash bags
It’s a good idea to have these when you’re decluttering and want to keep trash, donations, and even recycling separate. I use the clear ones for donations and the blue ones for recyclables (and, if you recall from #1, contractor bags for garbage).
10. Sharpies and Post-it notes
I use these as temporary labels when planning out a new space i.e. a kitchen or pantry. Sharpies are also important when packing for a move so you can label boxes as you go.
11. Goo Gone pen
Forget the bottles of goo gone that are overly oily, and start using this pen form! It’s more compact, way less messy, and makes removing pesky label stickers oh so easy.
12. An apron
If you’ve ever waited tables, you may know this type of apron. Now it’s probably not for everyone, but if you’re a Professional Organizer like me, I highly recommend it for keeping your phone, box cutter, sharpies, etc. on you at all times while you work.
