8 Things Professional Organizers Always Declutter First

Learn the 8 high-priority items professional organizers declutter first to eliminate mess, build momentum, and transform your home with fast, easy wins.

August 18, 2026 By Crafty Captain editorial team 9 min read

Person tossing a cracked plastic container lid into a trash bin next to glass storage containers and a digital timer. — Keep your hands moving and let go of items you can replace for under twenty dollars in under twenty minutes.

Phase 2: Active Sorting and Rapid Decision-Making

Work clockwise around the room and tackle one contained area at a time, such as a single drawer or shelf. Apply the twenty-twenty rule: if you can replace an item for under twenty dollars in under twenty minutes, let it go if you have not used it in the past year. Keep your hands moving and avoid reminiscing over memorabilia.