How to Build Your Home Organizing Toolkit. When I arrive at a client’s home there are 20 essential home organization tools I bring with me that make it quick and easy to get organized. I help clients build their own home organizing toolkits too so that they have everything they need at their fingertips during the home organization process. I recommend packing all your home organization tools in a storage box with a lid so you don’t have to recreate your toolkit each time, and so it’s easy to bring with you anywhere you may find yourself organizing a space.
This list of essentials is a great starting point. You can stock up on everything all at once, or add items as you go. Ultimately, you’ll want to build your home organizing toolkit to include anything and everything that works for you. Your toolkit may include all the items on this list or more (or less) depending on the scope of your home organization project.
Here is my list of 20 essential home organization tools I recommend both to clients and new organizers who are creating their own toolkits:
Office Supplies
1–Pen
2–Pencil
3–Sharpie
4–Post-Its (1”, 3”)
5–Scotch Tape
Specialty Items
7–Tape Measure | I love to have a good old fashioned tape measure in my toolkit as well as a laser tape measure for when I need to measure entire rooms or maze-like locations.
8–Label Maker
9–Label Tape
10–Battery Tester ($5 on Amazon)
You may find that not all specialty items are necessary for your home organization needs, but I like to be prepared for any situation. A pro-tip on label makers and label maker tape: you can save money by stocking up at Costco (limited options available) or via Amazon rather than purchasing these home organization tools at office supply stores.
Bags
11–Ziploc Bags | Sizes range from snack bags to 2-gallon, to jumbo. Need something smaller? You can also buy mini jewelry ziplock bags from craft stores for super tiny items (2”x3” or 1.5”x1.5”).
12–Trash Bags
13–Recycling Bags
14–Donation Bags
15–Shred Bag
Boxes
16–Sorting Bins
17–Transport Box
Bags, bags, and more bags! Did you even realize there were so many options? Ha, I totally get that this is a little silly. But trust me, there’s a method to my madness. Various sizes of Ziploc Bags are perfect for smaller items that need to be compartmentalized. Once bagged, these items can be safely tucked into related sorting bins or organized in drawers. I like to separate trash and recyclables, and also have a bag or several bags dedicated to donation items.
Self-Care & Focus
18–Timer
19–Water
20–Snacks
This one’s fun and easy. Set a timer and make sure to take frequent breaks so you don’t burn out! One last pro-tip: if you are using your phone as a timer, make sure to put it on airplane mode so you don’t get distracted by incoming calls and messages.
Whether you’re a newbie professional organizer or simply want to de-clutter and organize your home, my top 20 list of essential home organization tools is the perfect place to start as you prepare your home organizing toolkit.
Not feeling totally prepared yet? Read about my 3 Easy Organizing Tips You Can Implement Today.
