7 classic organizational staples experts actually hate – and what to pick instead

As professional organizers, you would imagine there is not a single storage product they don’t love. Anything that compartmentalizes clutter, keeps visual mess to a minimum, or keeps a cabinet clean must be a win – right?

Wrong. In fact, there are several classic organizational products experts actually hate using and never bring with them to a project.

There is a good reason for it, too. They could be one of the many reasons you can’t stay organized. Here’s why the pros don't rate these organizational staples and what to use instead.

Organizational products experts hate and never use

Clearing out these duds and replacing them with storage pieces professional organizers always buy is an easy way to simplify your home over a weekend.

1. Oversized bins without dividers

Storage baskets and bins are an essential part of organizing a home, but bigger is not always better. For Cori McDougald, professional home organizer and founder of Meat & Potatoes Organizing, large bins without dividers are making most of our lives harder.

She shares, ‘While they might seem practical for storing lots of items, they often become cluttered and heavy, making it hard to find specific items later. Instead, I recommend smaller, clear bins with dividers or compartments for better categorization and visibility.’

We like the iDesign clear stackable bins from The Container Store, which come in two sizes and have built-in dividers. Learning how to use storage baskets properly, especially those on the bigger side, will keep your home more organized and these storage solutions more functional.

2. Non-transparent storage containers

Beyond the size of the container, Cori McDougald will also avoid containers that you cannot see into at a glance, ‘Solid or opaque bins can make it difficult to see what’s inside, leading to unnecessary digging and disorganization. Clear bins are a much better option for keeping items visible and easy to access.’

There is a reason clear bins help to banish stubborn mess, after all. However, Cori adds, ‘If you like the aesthetic of non-clear bins, simply add a label and bin clip for long-term organizing success.’

If this is the case, consider investing in a bestselling Dymo label maker, available from Walmart. It is one of the tools professional organizers can’t do their job without.

3. Hanging fabric shelves

Organizing a closet is tricky at the best of times, especially when organizing clothes like sweaters that cannot be hung up, and are bulky when folded. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that so many people will turn to tools like fabric hanging shelves for a boost in storage space.

Amy Berryhill, professional organizer and owner of Spiffy Chicks, however, avoids them like the plague, ‘These seem like a great solution for creating shelf space in a closet, but they often sag, fall apart quickly, and end up looking messy. Folded clothes tend to cling to the material, making them hard to access and put away. I’d recommend investing in some sturdy shelves instead.’

To keep sweaters neat on shelving, consider using acrylic shelf dividers, available at The Container Store, to keep stacks from falling over.

4. Cheap or flimsy shelving units

On the subject of kitchen or bedroom shelving ideas, you should never settle for a cheap shelving unit anywhere in your home, says McDougald. ‘These may be affordable, but they often lack durability and can become unstable. For long-term solutions, I suggest investing in sturdy, adjustable shelving that can grow with your needs. It will work out more affordable in the long run.’

If you're putting shelves up yourself, swerve these common shelving installation mistakes to help yours last, and be as safe as possible.

5. Ribbon Organizers

Whether you are organizing a craft room, or organizing art supplies on a desk, Amy Berryhill will always avoid single-use ribbon organizers.

She says, ‘I bought one with high hopes, but it was a total fail. It’s hard to tell when ribbons are running low, and they inevitably tangle inside the box. I prefer storing ribbons in clear bins or in a drawer.’

These stackable craft organizer drawers from The Container store have drawers deep enough to stack ribbons and keep them from falling undone. If your ribbon reels are always coming undone in a box, use a small piece of tape or a fine pin to hold the end down securely.

6. Single-purpose organizers

Of all the things professional organisers never buy, storage items designed with only one, ultra-specific purpose in mind are at the top of the list.

Cori McDougald, professional home organizer, says, ‘Products designed for one specific item, like oddly shaped gift wrap holders, can waste space. I prefer versatile solutions like large zippered bags [available at Walmart] or adjustable bins that can hold multiple types of items efficiently and can be reused as your lifestyle and decor preferences change.’

In fact, there are usually household items you can repurpose for storage and organization, too, like using a cakestand for beauty product storage.

7. Pre-packaged organizer sets

If you are desperate for an easy way to make your home look more organized fast, a prepackaged organizing set might look like the golden ticket. Amy Berryhill warns, however, that this is a one-way ticket to a system that may not work for you.

She explains, ‘Sets of mismatched baskets or drawer dividers seem convenient, but the varying sizes often look “off” when used together. Instead, measure your space, assess your needs, and purchase individual pieces that fit both your style and function. Consistency is key for a polished, cohesive look!’

The Container Store has a huge range of options.

It is not all doom and gloom, however. There are several storage products professional organizers can’t live without that do help make your home organizing ideas a breeze.