15 Smart Ways Pro Organizers Embrace Sustainability at Home
Simple changes to help reduce waste, avoid overconsumption, and streamline your space.
Maintaining a clutter-free home doesn’t just help you navigate your space with ease—it can also lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. Let’s not overlook the level of calm you’ll enjoy, too! Need proof? For Earth Month, we tapped some of our favorite professional organizers to find out their go-to tips for creating a more sustainable home.
As Holly Blakey of Breathing Room puts it, being more organized results in reducing waste. "When you can see what you have—whether it’s in your fridge, pantry, or closet—you’re far more likely to use it. Food doesn’t get lost in the back of shelves, duplicate items aren’t accidentally purchased, and clothing actually gets worn instead of forgotten,” Blakely says.
Keep reading for more inspiring home sustainability tips from Blakey and four other organizing pros.
Organize by visibility to reduce overbuying.
"Clear, intentional systems, like labeled jars or open shelving, help us see exactly what we have—especially in the pantry—so we waste less and avoid duplicate purchases." — Ann Lightfoot, DDH Home Organizing and Move Management
Place donation bins in all closets.
"Keep a donate bin in every closet for quick, ongoing edits. This makes decluttering effortless so items leave your home before they become clutter. I do this for my 10-year-old son’s closet, since he is constantly outgrowing clothing and shoes." — Tonia Tomlin, Sorted Out
Keep things simple.
"Simplicity is sustainability. When your space only contains what you need and love, you naturally stop overconsuming. In my own home, I keep things clean, cohesive, and intentional, and that mindset alone keeps waste low." — Naeemah Ford Goldson, Restore Order Professional Organizing
Make your own staples.
"Make your own staples, like coffee creamer in glass containers, to cut packaging waste. This reduces single-use plastics while giving you control over ingredients and cost. I make mine out of coconut milk, and it just makes me feel healthier!" — Tonia Tomlin
Repurpose product packaging.
"Product packaging is a big deal, and lots of brands go out of their way to package products in eye-catching, sturdy, recyclable materials—think about your iPhone or favorite beauty product. If an attractive, sturdy product box comes your way, re-use it. There’s nothing wrong with sticking it in a desk or kitchen drawer as is, or, you can cover it with decorative paper so it blends perfectly with your home decor." — Maeve Richmond, Maeve's Method
Design systems that are meant to last.
"Sustainable organizing isn’t just about materials—it’s about longevity. We create simple, intuitive systems that clients can maintain long-term, reducing the need for constant reorganization and excess consumption." —
Ann Lightfoot
Edit with intention.
"Editing with intention is an everyday habit for me. When something comes in, I ask: Where will this live? Will we actually use it? That pause helps prevent over-accumulation, which is one of the biggest drivers of waste in the first place." — Holly Blakey
Use refillable containers and buy in bulk.
"Use refillable containers and buy in bulk to reduce packaging and clutter. Minimizes waste, while streamlining what you store and how often you shop. Also, this saves me space in my pantry." — Tonia Tomlin
Shop your home first.
"I encourage my clients to shop their home before spending a single dollar. A beautiful space doesn't necessarily require new products, but it does require intention. Often, the right container is already somewhere in your home waiting to be used correctly." — Naeemah Ford Goldson
Reuse glass jars.
"I reuse attractive kitchen glassware as storage and home decor. This is glassware from foods like apple sauce, balsamic vinegar, and my favorite, spice jars. Rather than rinse and send them to the recycle bin, I set these aside and repurpose them for use in my home. Some kitchen glassware have thin necks, making them ideal for use as vases, perfect for spring flower clippings. While others have ample necks and can be used to hold tiny items like sewing materials, loose change, or to display your favorite knick-knacks and memorabilia." — Maeve Richmond
Create a “use it up first” zone.
"Create a 'use it up first' zone for food and products nearing empty. This Prevents waste by making sure items are seen and used before they expire. I have this also clearly labeled in my pantry." — Tonia Tomlin
Donate with purpose.
"When it's time to let things go, I encourage donating with purpose. Find local organizations like domestic violence shelters or community programs that actually need what you're releasing. Your unwanted items become someone else's necessity. That's the full circle of a well-organized home." — Naeemah Ford Goldson
Purchase quality organizers.
"When my clients need to purchase organizing products, I steer them toward quality like glass, wood, and natural fibers such as woven baskets. They're beautiful, built to last, and won't end up in a landfill six months from now. A uniform, intentional space and a sustainable one aren't at odds." — Naeemah Ford Goldson
Hang solar decorative lights.
"Solar decorative lights are the easiest sustainable home decor and perfect for enjoying outdoors. Use solar lighting along your driveway, looped around your favorite tree, or more playfully, hang solar lanterns from plant hooks and stakes. Whatever you choose—string, stakes, or hooks—don’t be afraid to string lights generously." — Maeve Richmond
Avoid organizing for aesthetics alone.
"Perfectly matching containers can be tempting, but I always remind clients: function first, beauty second. When we organize for real life, we buy less, keep what we need, and avoid constantly redoing systems." — Holly Blakey
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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