Want a Tidy Home? Ditch These 10 Things Like the Pros Do
Professional home organizers help you let go of what no longer serves you. Instead of working around clutter, they create intelligent systems that are practical, personal, and easy to maintain.
If you’re not sure where to begin, The Model Home offers full-service support—from closets to basements to full-home transitions. Whether you're preparing for a move or tackling long-overdue storage issues, their team builds solutions tailored to your needs.
Letting go is the first step toward a home that works better for you—and it starts today.
10 Things to Ditch for a Tidy Home—According to the Pros
A tidy home isn’t about adding more storage; it’s about removing what doesn’t serve you anymore. Professional home organizers often agree that editing down what you own makes it easier to stay organized and less stressed.
Let’s look at ten things you can let go of.
1. Excess Plastic Containers
The drawer full of plastic containers is where clutter loves to hide. Mismatched lids, stained tubs, and old takeaway containers pile up quickly.
Most decluttering experts recommend keeping only the items you use every week. The rest? Toss them or recycle them. Getting rid of extras makes meal prep and kitchen cleanup faster, especially when you can find the lid you need.
It’s a small step, but a smart one in any decluttering services checklist.
2. Clothes That No Longer Fit or Suit You
Clothes that are too tight, worn out, or simply no longer your style take up valuable space. If it’s been untouched for six months, it’s time to let it go.
One method professional home organizers recommend is to review your closet at the start of each season. Pair that with simple closet organization strategies, like grouping by category or color, to see what you wear—and what you don’t.
Decluttering your wardrobe helps you get dressed faster and reduces decision fatigue.
3. Outdated Paperwork
Drawers stuffed with expired warranties, old receipts, and outdated manuals are a common source of clutter. These stacks often grow unnoticed until they take over valuable space.
Professional home organizers recommend scanning essential documents and shredding the rest. It’s a simple change that frees up your desk and filing areas. If it's been on your to-do list for too long, home organization services can help build a system you’ll use.
4. Expired Food and Spices
Pantries are often easy to overlook, especially when it comes to old spices and dry goods that have expired. These items occupy space and are usually left unused.
Decluttering experts suggest using a “use first” bin to rotate older items to the front. This keeps your pantry fresh and helps reduce food waste. Even a quick reset can make cooking feel more efficient.
5. Broken or “Just-in-Case” Electronics
Old cords, broken chargers, and forgotten gadgets usually end up shoved in drawers “just in case.” But if you haven’t touched them in a year, it’s time to let go.
Most decluttering experts recommend a biannual electronics purge. Recycle anything broken and donate what still works. You’ll clear out storage areas fast—and avoid the mess piling up again.
6. Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets
It’s easy to end up with multiples: two garlic presses, three ladles, or five bottle openers. But most households only need one of each. The rest just clutter up drawers and slow you down.
Professional home organizers often recommend conducting a drawer-by-drawer check and setting aside any extras that you don’t use. This works well when paired with a simple declutter checklist you can reuse across different rooms.
Less duplication means more drawer space and less time rummaging for the right tool.
7. Unused Toys and Games
Toys have a way of piling up quietly. As kids grow, interests change—and what once sparked joy might now just take up floor or shelf space.
Involving your children in the process can help. Let them pick a few items they’re ready to part with, especially if others could enjoy them. While decluttering, many parents realize just how helpful home organization services can be in keeping play areas neat in the long term.
Donate what you no longer use, and store the rest in a location that’s easy to access and rotate in and out.
8. Seasonal Decor You Never Use
We all have boxes of seasonal items we swear we’ll use “next year.” But if something hasn’t been displayed in two or more seasons, chances are it’s not coming out again.
Professional home organizers often recommend sorting items by category—such as holiday lights, wreaths, and table settings—and keeping only what you truly love and cherish. For the rest, donate or discard.
This is also a good time to create storage zones by season. Having one area for each—spring, summer, fall, and winter—makes it easier to swap items in and out without the mess.
9. Mismatched Bedding and Towels
Old sheets, single pillowcases, and worn-out towels often take up more space than you realize. If you wouldn’t use it or offer it to a guest, it’s probably time to let it go.
Decluttering experts suggest keeping just a few complete sets per bed and repurposing extras for pets or cleaning. A quick sort can clear your linen closet and make laundry easier to manage.
10. Forgotten Items in Storage Bins
Garages, basements, and attics tend to hold boxes no one’s touched in years—old gear, unused decor, and items from past moves.
A seasonal review in spring or fall helps you reassess what’s worth keeping. Decluttering experts recommend walking through each zone every few months to stay on top of the buildup.
Start small. When you organize your garage with a clear plan, it’s easier to manage tools, gear, and seasonal items. You can also look into
basement organization services to reclaim space for storage, hobbies, or a laundry setup.
Moving Soon? This Is the Best Time to Declutter
The best time to declutter is right before a move. Fewer items mean faster packing, easier transport, and lower moving costs.
Professional home organizers recommend starting a few weeks in advance, beginning with low-traffic areas, such as guest rooms or storage spaces. This helps reduce stress and ensures you’re only bringing what fits your current lifestyle.
Suppose you're using packing and moving services; a decluttered home speeds up the process and creates safer, more manageable workspaces. For larger moves, move management services can provide checklists, timelines, and hands-on support to keep everything on track.
Why Decluttering Experts Get It Done Faster
Professional home organizers work faster because they follow clear systems and remove emotion from the process. They know where to start, how to group items, and which questions help you decide what stays.
Their approach helps reduce overwhelm and keeps you focused. For families feeling stuck, industry experts in decluttering bring structure, speed, and experience that make a noticeable difference.
Having someone guide the process also makes decisions easier. You spend less time overthinking and more time making real progress.
Why Work With Professional Home Organizers?
Getting organized isn’t just about clearing stuff; it’s about having a plan that fits your space, schedule, and goals. That’s precisely what professional home organizers at The Model Home offer.
They go beyond tidying. Their structured, step-by-step plans are tailored for your lifestyle, whether you're a busy parent, downsizing, or preparing for a move. From custom closet setups to kitchen flow, every solution is practical and easy to maintain.
For bigger projects, many families start with decluttering services to clear out what’s no longer needed. Once the space is simplified, they move into complete home organization services to bring lasting order and ease.
It’s not about perfect spaces; it’s about creating a home that works better for you.
FAQs
What do professional home organizers do?
They help sort, purge, and organize every room in your house efficiently.
Is hiring decluttering experts for small spaces a worthwhile investment?
Absolutely. Small spaces benefit the most from thoughtful organization strategies.
How often should I declutter my home?
Most decluttering experts recommend a seasonal reset, about four times a year.
Can I hire help just for moving prep?
Yes! Check out The Model Home’s Packing and Moving Services.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve
Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Orange County, CA,
Los Angeles, and many more locations.
Tidy Living Starts with Smart Letting Go
Old electronics, unused bins, and extra clutter add up fast. Soon, you'll be managing things instead of enjoying your space.
With help from professional home organizers, decluttering becomes simpler, faster, and more effective.
Whether it's one room or your whole home, The Model Home offers personalized support to help you stay organized for good.
Schedule a service today and discover how simple and effective professional organizing can be.
