10 messy things in your home that instantly stress out professional organizers – and the easy fixes they swear by

Professional organizers are experts at turning chaos into order, but certain cluttered areas in your home can make even the most seasoned organizer cringe.

From overflowing entryways to chaotic pantries, these problem zones aren’t just unsightly; they also hinder productivity and create unnecessary stress.

Fortunately – whatever the reason clutter keeps creeping back into your home – every disorganized mess comes with a simple, effective solution to restore calm and functionality back to your space.

1. Overstuffed drawers

Drawers crammed with mismatched items make it hard to find anything. Instead, organizers love neatly arranged dividers that categorize everything by purpose.

Professional organizer Amélie Saint-Jacques, founder of Amelie Organizes, says, 'Top of the things that stress me out as a home organizer are messy junk drawers – looking at them gives you a headache, plus you can never find anything in there! Drawer divider inserts are a must to corral items and keep like with like. That way, it becomes a utility drawer that is actually functional!'

For more tips, check out these things people with organized drawers always have.

2. Piles of paperwork

Stacks of unsorted mail and old bills can quickly become overwhelming. Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Whether it’s bills, junk mail, or kid’s artwork, stacks of paper can quickly overwhelm counters and workspaces. The simple solution is to implement a paper sorting system with labeled trays or folders for incoming, outgoing, and long-term storage. Digitizing important documents also helps minimize physical paper.'

A streamlined filing system with labeled folders brings relief and order. Toner recommends the SimpleHouseware 6-Tier Document Organizer from Amazon. She says, 'This handy tiered organizer keeps paperwork categorized and tidy, making it easier to manage the clutter.'

Saint-Jacques adds, 'Hanging organizers like this EASEPRES 5 Pocket Mesh Hanging Wall File Organizer from Amazon can also be a great way to stay organized while saving on space. Separate items into categories, like “Bills to pay” or “Papers to archive” and make sure to recycle or shred everything you don’t need!'

For shredding, Toner likes the Amazon Basics 6-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, which has a 'manual reverse' feature to clear any paper jams. If you don't have a shredder, head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden tried a security stamp roller and says it's the easiest and quickest way to hide sensitive data on paperwork before recycling.

3. Cluttered coffee tables

Toner says, 'Coffee tables piled with books, remotes, and knick-knacks can make the living room feel overcrowded.

'The alternative is to use a tray to contain remotes and small items, and minimize décor to a few key pieces. Regularly clear unnecessary items to maintain a clean look.'

The Everly Quinn Norvan Narrow Coffee Table Tray from Wayfair looks great and comes in multiple color options, including navy blue.

4. Tangled cords

Messy cords not only look untidy but can also pose a safety hazard. Cable organizers or neatly-routed cords create a cleaner, more functional setup.

Toner says, 'Cables from electronics or chargers left tangled on desks and floors create visual clutter and make cleaning more difficult. Cable organizers or boxes can keep cords neatly bundled and out of sight, reducing stress and keeping spaces sleek.

Toner recommends using adhesive cord clips like these XHF Adhesive Cord Clips from Amazon to secure wires along baseboards or behind furniture, keeping them off the floor, then placing power strips and cables inside a cord management box like the he site's D-Line Cable Management Box from Amazon to keep them out of sight.

She adds, 'Label each cord near its plug to make future adjustments or troubleshooting easier.'

Our dedicated guide on how to organize cables has more handy tips and tricks.

5. Overflowing entryways

Toner says, 'Shoes, bags, and jackets scattered around the entryway create a messy first impression and make it hard to move through the space efficiently. Use a storage bench with cubbies for shoes and hooks for bags and jackets. Designating spaces for each item keeps the entryway tidy and welcoming.

Toner recommends the VASAGLE Entryway Bench with Storage from Amazon, adding, 'This multifunctional piece combines seating and storage, perfect for keeping entryway clutter under control.'

Find more tips in our guide on what not to store in your entryway.

6. Busy fridge doors

Toner says, 'A fridge door covered with magnets, papers, and old schedules can look chaotic and contribute to visual clutter. Magnetic or wall-mounted organizers for frequently used items, paired with a digital calendar for schedules, can significantly reduce clutter while keeping everything accessible.'

Toner recommends this Magnetic Dry Erase Board for Fridge from Amazon, adding, 'This board keeps reminders, schedules, and grocery lists organized without adding clutter to the fridge door.'

7. Stacks of cookware

Pots and pans piled haphazardly in cabinets waste time and space. Organizers favor vertical racks or nested arrangements for easy access.

Saint-Jacques says, 'Stacks of cutting boards, pans, and cookware are a stressful sight. There’s no way to access what’s on the bottom of the pile without everything toppling over! Get a rack like this Stock Your Home Chrome Steel Baking Pan Organizer Rack from Amazon to organize them vertically and thank me later.'

Our guide on kitchen storage ideas contains plenty more organizational tips and tricks. Our content editor Chiana Dickson tried a peg board organizer for her messy pots and pans and absolutely loved it.

8. Sharp knives stored loosely

Knives thrown into drawers are both dangerous and disorganized.

Saint-Jacques says, 'There are few things more stressful than knives stored loosely in a drawer. People get hurt all the time because they can’t see the blade when they grab something! Plus, the blade gets dull much more quickly if it’s not protected. Use a knife block like this KNIFEdock Plastic Knife Drawer Organizer from Amazon to make sure the blades are secured and you can reach into your drawer safely!'

9. Chaotic pantry shelves

Pantries full of unorganized food items frustrate anyone trying to cook. Clear containers and labeled bins are among the many small pantry ideas that make it easy to find and use ingredients.

Toner says, 'Pantries with mismatched containers, half-empty boxes, and scattered snacks make it hard to find what you need and waste food. Instead, use clear, stackable containers for dry goods and label them for easy identification. Add tiered shelves or a lazy Susan for better access to canned goods.'

Toner recommends this OXO Good Grips POP Container Set from Amazon, adding, 'These airtight containers keep food fresh and make pantries look visually organized and functional.'

10. Empty boxes everywhere

Toner says, 'Empty Amazon or delivery boxes pile up quickly, taking up valuable space and creating a cluttered look. Break down boxes immediately after unpacking and recycle them promptly. For future organization, invest in collapsible storage bins that serve a purpose.'

Toner recommends Amazon Basics Collapsible Fabric Storage Cubes, adding, 'These bins are perfect for stashing items while being easy to collapse when not in use.'

So there you have it – 10 things in your home that instantly stress out home organizers, and what they love instead.

By addressing these stress-inducing areas, you can transform your home into a space that fosters calm and efficiency. A little effort goes a long way in creating a more organized, enjoyable environment.

Next, learn how to organize any space in six steps for easy decluttering and streamlining with minimal stress.