Here’s what’s really in a professional organizer’s tool bag
Everything you need to organize like the pros
Being a professional organizer for the last twenty years, I’ve had quite some time to figure out what I really need to get the job done. Here is the list of everything in my bag to make sure I’m prepared to tackle any organizing project. Hint – it’s not fancy bins or color-coordinated tapes and markers.
Sharpies
And lots of ‘em! I carry them in all different sizes – regular, fine-tip, chisel tip. My team and I go through these like crazy! We use them for everything, from labeling to writing on boxes.
Sticky Notes
These are a great tool to keep things organized while you’re working. They are the perfect temporary label!
Label Maker
I use this work horse so often that my team jokes about getting me a holster for it! This device is portable, it’s quick, and it makes everything look neat and uniform.
Trash Bags
While regular kitchen trash bags will do the trick, these contractor bags are one of my holy grails. They can hold so much more than a regular trash bag, and the plastic is thick so that it won’t tear. Not only do they work for garbage, but also for donations of soft goods.
Scissors
You never know when you’re going to have to tear through a tangle of yarn, zip ties, or who knows what else.
Blue Tape
If you don’t have a label maker, blue painter’s tape does the trick just as well! I am a firm believer that it is more important for your systems to be effective, not beautiful. Slapping a piece of blue tape on your bins and using that handy dandy sharpie will still tell you that the holiday decorations are in that box. Tape also comes in handy when you’ve just moved in and need to remind the household where everything is now!
Pens
I’m going to let you in on a little secret – these are my favorite pens of all time. I carry about five of them in my purse wherever I go, and I won’t use any other pen. However, any pen will do to keep you organized! Use the ones that are overfilling your pen cup, and declutter while you work. Decluttering tip – while you are on a boring Zoom call, test out all the pens at your desk to make sure they work or if you like them.
Rubber Bands
These come in handy when you need to keep things together! Get them in a few different sizes and thickness, so you’re prepared for anything.
Paper Clips
Papers get lost and shuffled too easily. Having paper clips on hand will keep all of your documents nice and tidy.
Resealable Bags
These are great for storing small things that get lost easily! Make sure you have a few different sizes so that you can fit all of your odds and ends.
These are the ten things that I don’t go into an organizing job without, but it doesn’t mean that you need to have every single thing on this list to get yourself started decluttering. The only thing you really need to start is time and a good attitude, and maybe a friend to help along the way. These tools are a fantastic way to keep yourself organized through the process, but don’t let their absence keep you from starting! You can do it with just your own two hands.
Tracy McCubbin is the founder of dClutterfly, one of America’s top decluttering companies. Tracy looks at the root of our clutter to find the real cause and ways to find real solutions.