9 Things Professional Organizers Would Never Store on the Floor
It could create big problems down the road.
When it comes to tidying up your home, you might think it all comes down to your bin-and-label system. These tried-and-true organization methods help, but so does where you store things—and when was the last time you looked down? All that stuff on the floor can turn into a clutter problem over time, or an even bigger problem in the case of a flood, fall, or other disaster.
“My general rule is that the floor should be a place for walking, not long-term storage,” says Kimberly Savel-Turek, professional organizer and founder of Room to Breathe Professional Organizing. “Keeping items off the floor makes a home easier to clean, safer, and instantly calmer. If items keep ending up on the floor, ask yourself why. It may not have a convenient or logical home.” Here’s what to move ASAP.
Pet food
It may seem easier to keep your bag of puppy chow by your pup’s bowl, but it makes it much easier for pests to get into the bags. “You also don’t want your pets getting into the food and potentially getting sick from eating too much," says Charlotte Slankard, a professional organizer and owner of CHAR & CO. Professional Organizing. "Ideally, pet food should be stored in a cabinet, on a higher pantry shelf or in a sealed container off the floor."
Electronics
This one should be a no-brainer, but sometimes we look the other way for convenience's sake. "Laptops, iPads, tablets, and other electronics should never be stored on the floor as they can easily get stepped on, cracked, or damaged because someone simply doesn’t see them," says Slankard. Keep them on a desk, shelf, or other designated spot.
Shoes
Try to avoid kicking off your shoes after a long day at work and leaving them on the floor. "Shoes scattered across the floor create visual clutter and a tripping hazard," says Turek. "A shoe rack, basket, or bench with storage near the entryway gives them a defined home."
Tools
You may be tempted to leave some tools out for easy access for your next DIY project, but this is a no-no. "Power tools definitely shouldn’t be stored on the floor, especially if you have children or pets," says Slankard. "They should have a designated home in the garage, such as a tool chest, cabinet, shelving system, or workbench." It also makes your tools easier to find.
Cardboard boxes
You should try to keep cardboard boxes off the floor if you can help it, says Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. "Whether they are filled or empty, cardboard boxes make a great hiding spot for bugs," says Hagmeyer. "If using cardboard boxes or storing them flat for later, place them on a shelving unit, table, or upper level of a closet."
Cleaning supplies
This is especially true if you have young children or pets. "Ideally, they should be kept in a higher cabinet, on a shelf, or somewhere kids and pets can’t easily reach them," says Slankard. "Bottles can also get kicked or knocked over when they’re sitting on the floor, and products containing bleach or other chemicals could damage rugs, furniture, or flooring if they spill."
Mail and loose papers
Never store bills and important papers on the ground. "Not only can this make it more difficult to organize, pay bills, or quickly find important papers when you need them, but it also prevents you from easily vacuuming, dusting, or cleaning," says Wendy Trunz, partner and head organizer of Jane’s Addiction Organization. Instead, store these documents in a bin on the table or in the home office.
Jewelry
"Small pieces can easily fall out, get lost, stepped on, or accidentally vacuumed while cleaning," says Slankard. "I recommend keeping jewelry on top of a bedroom dresser, inside a drawer, or in a designated area of your closet.” Your pieces will be more protected and easier to see.
Clothes
"Clothing on the floor creates an instant mess and future problems when it comes time to clean up," says Trunz. "It can also become a tripping hazard and get in the way of vacuuming or cleaning your home." Instead, put clothing away in a closet, drawer, or hamper until it's ready to wear.
Casey Clark is a freelance consultant who is interested in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She learned from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.
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