9 things professional organizers wish you wouldn't spend your money on – and what's worth the spend instead

When it comes to organizing your home, not all storage solutions are created equal. While some products bring peace and order – others can actually attract more clutter and chaos.

From accordion file folders to vacuum storage bags, pro organizers reveal the nine items they wish you wouldn't spend your hard-earned money on, while explaining what to invest in instead.

Armed with the products professional organizers can't live without, you'll soon be relaxing in a sea of organizational tranquility.

1. Accordion file folders

Accordion files seem like a space-saving way to store important papers, but they usually end up crammed with old, dusty documents – making it difficult to locate important papers.

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, says, 'This is the all-time worst product. We want our items to not only go in easily but come out easily, but the accordion file is a nightmare in that regard.

'All storage solutions should be flexible and allow us to adapt. The accordion file is fixed and does not allow for a category to grow. Like binders, they create a sense of permanency for paper we probably don't need to hold on to anyway.'

Instead, consider investing in a filing cabinet such as this Ayani 7-Drawer Mobile Storage File Cabinet from Wayfair – or labeled hanging file folders. This method keeps documents sorted, accessible, and in better condition without the hassle of dealing with an overfilled accordion folder.

2. Huge storage bins

Large plastic bins may seem like an ideal solution for storing bulky items, but they often become catch-all containers that make finding things challenging. Overfilling them makes them heavy and awkward to manage.

Soreff says, 'Huge storage bins often seem like a great answer, with people thinking, I will put everything I own in this giant bin and be done. But that isn't organizing – that's just hiding stuff and hoping it will go away. Think about four huge dark bins stored in your attic. Whatever is in that bottom bin – you are never getting it out again.'

Instead, Soreff recommends opting for smaller, clear storage bins that can be stacked and labeled – such as these IRIS USA Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids from Amazon, which have more than 14,000 five-star customer reviews.

This system keeps items easily visible and encourages more thoughtful, segmented storage, helping you avoid the chaos that comes with huge, overstuffed bins.

3. Baskets

While baskets can add aesthetic appeal, they tend to accumulate clutter. Items thrown in them get jumbled and disorganized, making it hard to locate what you need.

Soreff explains, 'In terms of ease of use, inboxes and baskets seem awesome – I put something in and feel done. But what if we ever want to see that item again? If you ever have a basket containing more then one category of item, forget about it – it is simply a black hole.'

Opt instead for clear or labeled storage containers with lids, especially for small items. These provide visibility and ensure your belongings stay organized and easy to find. These Peaknip Sterilite 6 Quart Lightweight Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, available from Amazon, are stackable and easy to label.

Soreff adds, 'In the end, baskets with handles are horrible organizers and are better treated like decor. If you think they are pretty, focus on that and not as some magic answer to storage.'

For related tips, check out these seven things people with tidy homes never do.

4. Vacuum storage bags

Vacuum storage bags promise to save space but can easily tear, and the vacuum-sealed contents tend to expand over time, undoing the compression.

Amy Bloomer, owner of Let Your Space Bloom, says, 'While these technically do save space, there are a few big trade-offs. The contents can get severely wrinkled, they are difficult to store in aggregate because they aren't easy to stack neatly, and it's easy to forget the specific contents unless you take the time to carefully label them.

'As an alternative, I'm a huge advocate of Veno Moving Bags from Amazon. They come in many shapes and sizes, and protect the contents because they are sturdy with zippers. Many come with built-in slots for labels, which are very user-friendly, plus they're easy to stack and store neatly.'

5. Tensioned drawer dividers

Tensioned dividers often slip out of place or lose tension, resulting in a disorganized drawer. They can become more of a hassle than a help.

Bloomer says, 'While I like the idea of this product, they often don't stay in place and end up creating more harm than good. Instead, traditional drawer organizers in acrylic or bamboo are my go-tos for keeping the contents of drawers in place. They are sturdy, easy to clean and – when accurately measured and well-placed – don't shift around.

Bloomer recommends this Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bamboo Drawer Organizer Storage Box Set, available at Amazon.

6. Decorative storage boxes

Although stylish, decorative storage boxes can quickly become clutter magnets. Their lids hide the contents, making it easy to toss in random items and forget about them.

Instead, choose clear storage bins with lids, such as this six-pack of Rebrilliant Stackable Storage Bins with Lids from Wayfair, which offer both functionality and visibility. You’ll be able to see what’s inside, encouraging you to stay organized.

Check out our guide on how to maximize storage in every room.

7. Desk cord management boxes

Cord management boxes may hide unsightly cables, but they often create an inaccessible tangle, making it harder to charge devices or rearrange cables when needed.

Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, says, 'Designed to hide your cords, these boxes are often bulky and can overheat if you stuff too many cables in. Look instead for velcro ties or adhesive clips, such as these Velcro One Wrap Ties from Target, or these XHF Adhesive Cord Clips from Amazon. These are easier to manage and don’t take up space.'

8. Spice racks in drawers

Drawer spice racks might seem appealing when organizing spices, but waste valuable drawer space. They crowd out other kitchen essentials like cutlery or utensils.

Cotter says, 'These take up way too much drawer space for what they do. Plus, it’s hard to get to the spices at the back. A rotating countertop rack or magnetic spice rack that sticks to the fridge both offer a better use of space and make spices easier to access when cooking.'

This HuggieGems Magnetic Spice Storage Rack from Amazon comes in more than a dozen color options. For more inspiration, check out these Japanese organization techniques for your kitchen.

9. Over-the-door shoe organizers

These organizers take up precious door space and tend to create bulk, making it hard to close the door properly. Additionally, they can end up stuffed with random items, not just shoes.

Tommy Mello, owner of A1 Garage Door Service, says, 'These multi-pocket, over-the-door shoe organizers might seem like a great solution for storing footwear or small items. However, they can quickly become a trap for hidden clutter.

'Once these pockets start to fill up, it’s easy to lose track of what’s inside. In the end, you’re left with an overstuffed, unwieldy organizer that doesn’t actually solve any storage problems. Instead of cramming everything into these organizers, opt for a clear and adjustable shelving unit.

'I recommend the Whitmor Adjustable Shoe Rack from Amazon. Its open shelves make it easy to see everything at a glance and ensure shoes are stored neatly. Plus, it can be expanded as needed, giving you flexibility to customize based on your space.'

Check out our guide on how to hide shoe clutter in small spaces for more alternatives to an over-the-door shoe organizer.

So there you have it – what pro organizers wish you wouldn't spend your money on, plus what to get instead. By avoiding these common organizing shopping pitfalls and investing in smarter, more functional alternatives, you can create a clutter-free, well-organized home without wasting money on inefficient products.

Next, check out these time-saving organizing tips.