3 Steps for an Organized Home The Pros Don’t Tell You!

Ever get so caught up in the excitement of a home project that you forget to take “before” photos? Yeah… me too.

That’s exactly what happened during the biggest—and most emotional—home makeover I’ve ever done. It was for none other than Jessica McCabe from “How to ADHD.”   While I shared the beautiful reveal, (you can see it here) – I realized I never walked you through the step-by-step process.

So today, I’m doing just that. And I’m sharing with you organizing tips that I haven’t shared anywhere else.

This isn’t just a pretty makeover—it’s a blueprint you can use to transform your own home into a space that works for you, even on your worst days.

Step 1: Know the Purpose of Your Space

When I first walked into Jessica’s main floor, I didn’t focus on the clutter. Instead, I asked: What is this space supposed to be?

Sure, it’s a living room. But what else?

After talking with Jessica and her partner Raphael, I found out they love music, board games, and time together unplugged. Yet, none of that was reflected in the space. The ukulele, the Chinese checkers board, even their favorite games were tucked away or forgotten.

When assessing your space – your room should remind you what you love doing. Use visual cues—like game tables, instruments on display, or bins for hobbies—to set the identity of your space.

We even turned a meaningful keepsake (a vintage Chinese checkers board from Jessica’s mom) into a centrepiece using a beautiful nesting table. Now, it invites them to play together.

Step 2: Assess Your Storage Reality

Once you know what a room is for, take a look at how you’re storing things. Are your storage solutions actually serving the room’s purpose?

Jessica had what I lovingly call “doom cabinets”—big pieces of furniture filled with randomness. We needed storage that matched how they naturally live.

Jessica isn’t a “hanger.” So instead of a coat rack, we used 3M hooks on doors for bags and outerwear. The clutter? 90% gone. Done and dusted with a few adhesive strips.

We didn’t eliminate their doom cabinet tendencies—we honored them. I swapped in slim mesh-front IKEA cabinets with labeled baskets that visually cue what goes where. I even left one bin empty for overflow—because let’s be honest, stuff happens.

And here’s the key: put storage where the clutter naturally lands. This one trick makes organization last.

Step 3: Organize for Your Brain

This might be the most important step: know your organizing style and set up your space to catch you on your worst day.

Everyone can organize on their best day. But what about when you’re exhausted, running late, or juggling too many things? That’s when your system needs to work hardest.

Jessica’s a natural piler. So we created visual zones with labeled baskets and hot spot resets.

One trick? Set a 5–15 minute timer every day to reset a messy zone. You’ll build muscle memory, and before long, you’ll start putting things away instead of just down.

What About the Rest of the House?

We didn’t stop on the main floor. Upstairs, we tackled the kitchen and her daughter’s play area.

For the toys: We ditched the chaos of the toy box and used vertical storage—tall bookcases and labeled bins for each category (Barbies, dress-up, cars, etc.). It looks better, functions better, and keeps cleanup easy.

For the kitchen: When you’re short on time, start where your hands go most. In their home, that was Raphael’s coffee station. We zoned the mugs and supplies nearby, so everything’s one step away. Then we made the dishes, plates, and kids’ stuff easy to grab and put back.

The goal? Encourage laziness. I mean it. When organizing is the easier option, you’ll actually do it.

The 3-Step Framework (In a Nutshell)

Here’s how you can recreate this in your own home:

1. Define the Purpose of Each Space

Ask yourself: What do I want to do in this room? What’s important to me and my family? Let that guide your design.

2. Create Storage that Matches Reality

Don’t fight your habits—work with them. Observe where clutter collects and give those spots a home (hooks, baskets, bins, drawers). Small changes make huge differences.

3. Organize for Your Style

Are you visual? Detailed? A big-picture person? Your organizing system should support you on your worst day. Set up your home to catch you, not to impress others.

Jessica’s makeover wasn’t just about decluttering—it was about reclaiming joy, purpose, and ease. That’s what your home should do too.

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to start, pick one room. Ask what the room is for, observe your clutter patterns, and tweak your storage to suit you. You’ll be amazed how fast the transformation begins.

Watch Jessica’s Makeover Video Here: https://youtu.be/o5pWTuI-qvc?si=AY1NxeqP8bOJpHXR
Listen to our Podcast Interview Here: https://youtu.be/po44n-6g27c?si=ZdPWUi4NUJZSA9j9

🎙Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

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