Why Multipurpose Belongings Make Organizing Easier
I have this scarf that always makes me smile. It’s not just pretty—it’s a perfect reminder of why we hold onto certain belongings. This one piece has served me in so many ways: as a sunshade on bright days, a wind barrier when the air is sharp, a cozy layer of warmth in winter, and even as a fun accessory that lifts my mood.
That scarf represents a core truth in professional organizing: the items that truly deserve space in your home are either those that bring you joy or those that serve multiple purposes. When the things around you either make you happy or work hard for you, your home becomes lighter, easier to manage, and naturally more organized.
The Problem with “Single-Use” Items
A great place to start when decluttering is to look at single-use items. These often hide in your:
◈ Kitchen drawers (specialized gadgets, duplicate utensils)
◈ Closets (clothing pieces that don’t mix well with others)
◈ Storage bins (appliances or hobby tools used once in a blue moon)
Here’s the key: if you love it and use it regularly, it earns its spot. For example, a melon baller that comes out every week? Absolutely keep it. But if you only use it once a year—and you could easily borrow one from a friend—it might be clutter that’s stealing your space.
Professional organizers often encourage clients to weigh each item by asking:
◈ Does it serve me often?
◈ Does it serve me in more than one way?
◈ Does it bring me joy or support my lifestyle?
If the answer is “no,” then it may be time to let it go.
Building a “Capsule Home”
You’ve probably heard of a capsule wardrobe—a curated collection of versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create many looks. The same principle applies beautifully to your whole house. Think of it as a capsule home.
When your belongings are multi-functional, you naturally reduce clutter and create a home where every item has a clear role. That means:
◈ Fewer items to manage
◈ Simpler storage systems
◈ Less stress when searching for what you need
Instead of drowning in duplicates and dusty “someday” items, you’re left with belongings that support your daily life and reflect your personal style.
The Professional Organizer’s Balance Formula
At its heart, home organization doesn’t have to be complicated. The balance is simple:
◈ More of what you use and love.
◈ Less of what you don’t.
This mindset shift makes it possible to maintain an organized home that’s not only functional but also joyful. When your environment supports you, you feel calmer, more efficient, and more in control of your space.
The Joy of Organized Living
As a professional organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how this approach transforms homes and lives. Clients often tell me they feel a physical weight lift when they finally clear away items that don’t serve them. Suddenly, there’s room to breathe, room to think, and room to live fully.
The scarf I mentioned? It’s still hanging in my closet. Not just because it’s lovely, but because it continues to earn its place by being useful, versatile, and meaningful. That’s what professional organizing is all about—helping you surround yourself with items that add value to your life while letting go of the rest.
Takeaway: Organizing isn’t about perfection or getting rid of everything. It’s about creating a space filled with purposeful belongings that either make you happy or truly support your daily routines. When you make this shift, staying organized becomes not just possible—but deeply enjoyable.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Susan Wilkinson @susan_wilkinson
