How to get Organized according to your Personality

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A while back I decided I wanted that beautiful instagram-style kitchen look. Matching containers, perfect labels, and beautiful food. So I decanted pastas, sugars, spices all into beautiful jars and bins.

It was all fun and games until I bought more pasta... I realized, given the amount of space I had, I couldn't fit another pasta container. To make matters worse, styling a beautiful cabinet is also pretty darn expensive.

As a Professional Organizer, not being able to maintain my OWN organizing system really got to me. I mean, how can I preach about organizing if I was unable to have insta-worthy cabinets myself?

So I went back to the drawing board and took a hard look at my life, routines, and expenses to develop a system that I could work with and maintain with minimal effort.

If you've read any of my previous posts, you know I live for minimal effort-maximum impact ideas. The "work smarter, not harder" life hacks are my go-to for everything.

Creating a system that worked for my personality meant keeping my pasta in the box it came in, instead of decanting into beautiful clear containers. This made me come to terms with the fact that not having picture-worthy cabinets DID NOT make me any less organized.

This is why I've made organizing for people's personalities and capabilities rather than for what looks good in a picture my #1 goal.

Because after all, being able to maintain the systems you put into place is what will actually bring about the positive effects getting organized can have on your life.

So how do you get to know someone in a 20-minute consultation?

I like to ask people which one of my "Organizer Personalities" they relate to most, and which one of them they aspire to be.

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Organization-Personality Types

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01. The Smooth Operator

"Work Smarter, Not Harder"

Smooth Operators are naturally highly organized, productive, and logical. Organizing is less about ESTHETICS and more about EFFICIENCY.

Their belongings don't need to be contained in glass jars with exquisite cursive labels. They just need their items accessible and located exactly where they will be used.

They're the logisticians of the bunch and don't care if an item doesn't ideally belong where it's located or if it looks out of place, as long as it serves its purpose there.

They prefer hidden storage to display storage because visual simplicity allows for better focus.

They are great at decluttering since they do not get emotionally attached to their possessions but also don't take great care of their possessions for the very same reason.

Their homes are usually well-kept but not because they enjoy cleaning. They live for the "work smarter, not harder" life hacks and LOVE to incorporate tech-solutions to make tasks smoother and faster. Having less to take care of at home means less stress and more relaxing.

Does this sound like you?

Find Smooth Operator Organizing Solutions here.

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02. The Perfectionist

"A place for everything and everything in its place!"

Perfectionists are esthetic organizers. Their homes are spotless and typically look like they've been professionally styled.

They DO NOT procrastinate, which is why clutter is virtually non-existent in their homes.

They love to have designated areas where kids/pets can play (away from their white couches and valuables).

They love to display their aesthetically-appropriate belongings and love styling shelves, built-ins, couches, and coffee tables.

Perfectionists are also micro-organizers, there is always a subsection within a section within a zone.

They take great pride in their organization skills and love to show them off.

Does this sound like you?

Find Perfectionist Organizing Solutions here.

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03. The Illusionist

"Out of sight, Out of mind"

Illusionists are masters of deception. They appear like they've got everything together on the surface but one quick look inside their closet and you will be amazed at the chaos.

They're a hot mess in disguise but their hot-messiness kinda works for them.

They keep themselves clean, well dressed, and groomed. They care deeply about esthetics but lack the discipline to micro-organize the way Perfectionists do.

Illusionists are expert MACRO-organizers, while you won't find their clothes on their bedroom floor you will find it on their closet floor and that's where it's supposed to be right? Close enough.

Their surfaces may be clear of clutter but that's because it's all hidden in drawers.

They prefer broad categories, large bins, and LOTS of hidden storage to keep their items from overwhelming them.

They live for tidying up FAST and keeping their messes out of sight. For the most part, they can be OK with a concealed mess, and if this keeps them going who are we to judge?

Does this sound like you?

Find Illusionnist Organizing Solutions here.

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04. The Nurturer

"Others needs before my own"

Nurturer's are the selfless angels of the bunch. Their walls filled with doodles and growth charts. Their fridges adorned with school art projects and extracurricular calendars. You can find toys EVERYWHERE.

Nurturer's put everyone else's needs before their own and that goes for their organization systems, they make sure their families have their lunch ready, schoolwork done, haircuts scheduled, pets bathed, and everything taken care of before they take care of themselves or their areas of the home. (If they even have one)

If you're a Nurterer you've likely asked yourself "Did I eat today?" "When was the last time I had a haircut or bought something for myself?"

Nurturers take excellent care of their family's possessions but cannot seem to put that effort into their own possessions. Their needs always take a back seat to the families, however, this is what makes them genuinely happy.

They have great organizing systems in place for the family but little organization and/or effort is put into their own possessions and self-care. Nurturers tend to forget how important it is for them to recharge and spoil themselves so that they are able to be their best self for others.

Does this sound like you?

Find Nurturer Organizing Solutions here.

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05. The Collector

"More is More"

Collectors have everything they need and then some. They're known to have multiples of everything and they just LOVE to keep random items around the house "just in case" they ever need them in the future.

Collectors are sensitive and get emotionally attached to their possessions, making it very difficult for them to declutter. Because they care about their belongings they take very good care of their possessions, making sure they're clean, well-kept and properly stored.

They prefer display storage to hidden storage because it's very important for them to be able to see their belongings.

They also tend to believe the solution to getting their cramped closets and drawers organized is to get another storage bin, a shed, a storage unit, another house... anything if it means they don't have to throw anything out.

To them, the home is storage space and as long as there is more storage space they can continue to accumulate items. Collectors are also very generous so the key to creating a positive purge or decluttering experience is to try and find new "homes" for their belongings by selling, donating, and gifting.

Does this sound like you?

Find Collector Organizing Solutions here.

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06. The Pacifist

"Live and Let Live"

Flexible, easy-going, empathetic, and level headed. Pacifists just want a harmonious place to live in where they can enjoy the simple things in life.

They don't dislike clutter as long as its meaningful, beautiful, or useful. Their go with the flow attitudes and lack of urgency means they will eventually get things done... just not right now.

A precise, structured life and system is hard for them to maintain. They need custom personality-specific systems that require little to no maintenance because for the most part, they're ok with a little mess.

They meticulously care for the things they value, but have complete disregard for the things they don't value.

A good example is they will water and tend to their plants religiously, but won't fold or put away their laundry until they need the laundry basket for the next load.

Does this sound like you?

Find Pacifist Organizing Solutions here.

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07. The Socialite

"Life is the best party I've ever been invited to"

The most HIGH ENERGY of the bunch, they're not only the center of attention at a gathering, they're also hosting it, and bringing the fun with them wherever they go.

The home is usually an after-thought. They prefer going out, to staying in, and their homes are a reflection of that.

They have everything they need to get by, but there is no real logical order to anything except for the entertainment areas.

They have an abundance of entertaining aids, from glasses to serving trays and either have, or WISH they had even MORE entertainment areas in their home.

Gathering with friends and family is a weekly must, and no matter how hectic of a week they've just had, they are always down to make it happen.

They take good care of themselves and can be high maintenance but this usually doesn't translate to the home. Their self-care, beauty, and grooming aids can be found scattered about their surfaces.

Socialites deserve and should aspire to have a home that is organized, designed, and focused on entertaining. Open floor plans, large patios, large tables, bars, extra seating everywhere etc...

Making their home THE best place to gather is what will ultimately feed their soul and keep them motivated to keep their home tidy, organized, and presentable.

Does this sound like you?

Find Socialite Organizing Solutions here.

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08. The Influencer

"Nothing haunts me more than the things I didn't buy"

The person who has 20 different sneakers, or the latest technology, or is trying out the new workout or the latest make up trend. The influencer is always either in the know or on the hunt for it.

Influencers love the process of acquiring items more than they like the items themselves. They're the consumers of the bunch, always searching for the next big sale.

They love NEW stuff but as soon as they own something and use it a few times they move on to their next hunt or hobby, always looking for that next high.

They usually don't accept that this is them. They don't view their shopping habits as bad because they rationalize their shopping with phrases like "I deserve this" or "It's ok it was on sale".

They differ from collectors in that they do not get emotionally attached to their possessions. To them, getting rid of something opens up the opportunity to buy something new to take its place. They declutter very easily and the best way to get them organized is to get them into product shopping for organization. From labels to bins to racks, influencers will love to incorporate product into their homes and are most likely to upgrade their systems more frequently.

Influencers tend to focus their shopping energy on one category be it fashion, home decor, hobbies, tech, or entertainment. They also love to look GOOD, style is higher on their list of priorities than keeping their homes in order.

Influencers are also very passionate about their discoveries and eager to share their finds with everyone. Their homes are usually trendier, and something is always undergoing some form of never-ending improvement.

Does this sound like you?

Find Treasure Hunter Organizing Solutions here.

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09. The Creator

"Calm my chaos, but never silence my storm"

Creators have explosive personalities to accompany their turbulent and passionate way of living. They can't manage to focus on their home and surroundings because their minds are busy creating, calculating, innovating...

Their places can be unkept, and even lack designated areas for eating and sleeping.

They have no organization system in place, rarely buy anything, wear the same things constantly, and for the most part exist to satisfy their needs and pursue their passions.

They typically don't conform to cookie-cutter career paths and lack the discipline to get ahead in any type of structured environment.

They let their creative juices flow freely and are exceptional artists, inventors, engineers, innovators, and scientists. They live their lives for their passions and color outside the lines of convention. They require that their spaces adapt to them, instead of them adapting to their spaces.

Traditional homes are too restrictive for them, they need their organization systems to be original and custom-made to fit their unconventional needs. They're forces to be reckoned with who also need very personalized support.

Does this sound like you?

Find Treasure Hunter Organizing Solutions here.

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10. The Adventurer

"The world is mine to discover"

Adventurers don't spend enough time in their homes to merit having a traditional home. When they do have a traditional home they often struggle with the monotony and opt for vivid and bustling city living, nomadic living, off the grid nature living etc...

Suburban living would be hell on earth for adventurer types. They love to be on the road and they can get by with just the bare necessities.

They have very few sentimental possessions and great packing skills. They are minimalists, consider themselves collectors of skills and experiences rather than collectors of material things.

They're the swiss army knives of the bunch, can usually fix and navigate anything and everything. They love multi-use items and require low-maintenance systems so they can have enough time to spend outside, traveling, hiking, climbing a mountain, homesteading etc..

Their grooming session consists of a shower.

Does this sound like you?

Find Adventurer Organizing Solutions here.

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11. The Hustler

"Reap what you sow"

Hustlers are in perpetual grind-time. They're likely the most productive of the bunch but are also the most exhausted of the bunch. They don't buy or keep many possessions and are laser-focused on their personal and professional goals.

Hustlers are always on a journey, a debt-free journey, a wealth-building journey, a fitness journey, opening up a business, or on a path to greater education.

Hustlers require no-nonsense organization systems that keep them efficient and functional without any frills. They prefer easy to get to and easy to put away systems.

You can find them juggling multiple jobs, responsibilities, hobbies, family, and thriving at them all.

Always on a mission, hustlers invest in anything that will make them MORE productive. Hustlers are oftentimes very social, works well with others and have a loaded social calendar.

They thrive under pressure and chaos and tend to spend more time in their car than at home. On-the-go systems are perfect for them.

Does this sound like you?

Find Hustler Organizing Solutions here.

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12. The Multitasker

"I woke up like this"

The incredibly frustrating multitasker, has managed to somehow achieve the perfect home, garden, meals, body, inner calm, self-esteem, style, hair, and skin while juggling 6 kids and a successful career.

Odds are, half the neighborhood HATES this person but secretly aspires to BE like them.

Their defining quality is discipline and the ability to take on multiple tasks at the same time.

They're up hours before anyone else is, they prioritize their self-care and put in the time to get themselves together so that they can be their absolute best for their jobs, families, and homes.

A good example of a multi-tasker evening: while dinner is in the oven, they have a hair mask on, feeding a bottle to one child with one hand and answering emails with the other. They also do not work alone. Multi-taskers make it a point to share the load.

Does this sound like you?

Find Multi-tasker Organizing Solutions here.

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13. The Hoarder

"I think I need help"

As someone who grew up with hoarder grandparents. I saw firsthand how this psychological disorder changed their lives. They went from being treasure hunters to collectors to hoarders within 10 years.

I vividly remember taking out trash from their bedroom out to the sidewalk only for them to come pick it up and drag it right back into the house.

It can be incredibly frustrating for family members to get a hoarder to change their ways. I learned the hard way that seeking professional help is the ONLY way to go about these situations.

Getting a hoarder to part with their belongings is a life-altering and traumatic experience, it's not something to be tackled by a professional organizer or family member ALONE. Support from a mental health professional is key to preventing trauma and achieving positive change.

If you fear you or a loved one could be suffering from this affliction I urge you to speak to a mental health professional.

Going through my grandparent's hoard is what ultimately made me so passionate about organizing for people's personalities and capabilities rather than for what looks good in a picture.

Hoarding does not happen overnight and it can be difficult to recognize if you are headed in that direction.

Ask yourself if any one of the following premises apply to you?

- You categorize yourself as a collector but are unwilling to part with your items.

- Your surfaces (tables, countertops) are partially unusable due to the stuff on them.

- It's hard to fully open one or more doors in your home.

- One or more rooms or areas of your home are unusable or has been designated as storage.

- One or more of your appliances are not functional yet are still in the home.

- You become defensive when someone tries to discard something in your house.

- You become defensive when someone comments on the state of your home.

- You prefer to not have company rather than make your home presentable for company.

Not sure if this is you or a family member? Need to talk it out with someone? Don't know how to get help? Check out the American Psychiatric Association for more information and useful resources.

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Related: Professional Organizer Favorites: Kitchen Edition

Related: Check out my 25 Hacks to Speed Clean your Entire Home.

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FAQs

Can I be more than one type?

Absolutely, your organization style can change from room to room because people tend to favor or use one room over another.

I don't feel I'm represented here.

These categories are broad and not intended to fit you perfectly. I am currently working on adding more categories. If you'd like to contribute to my research contact me here.

I'd love to hear from you!

My partner and I are different types and have totally different organizing preferences, what should we do?

My partner is a Collector and I am a Smooth Operator. We compromise.

contact me here for help on this subject.

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Need extra help getting organized? I love answering all of your questions!

Contact me here.

XO

TFR