Which Of The 7 Most Popular Organizing Philosophies Fits You Best? TAKE OUR QUIZ!
Here at Organized For Good, we realize that January is often the time of resolutions for folks. However, we also recognize that not all resolutions pan out (which is why we usually see an uptick in business in early Spring when those resolutions need a big assist on the follow-through!).
In an effort to help with your intention of living more organized in 2026, we wanted to share about some of different organizing philosophies out there, and make a fun quiz to help you evaluate if you’re approaching your organizing project(s) in a way that makes sense for YOU.
We’ll lay it all out on the table: there’s no single “correct” way to organize. In fact, there are a number of organizing philosophies, and we’re betting there is one that will work for you. Different methods and approaches resonate with different people.
We know this because–while we are organizing experts in the KonMari Method®–we tailor our approach all the time to suit our clients’ needs, preferences, and lifestyles.
Let’s explore seven of the most popular organizing approaches—and help you find your fit.
1. The KonMari Method® (duh, we’re putting this one first—it’s how we cut our teeth as organizers.)
Developed by Marie Kondo, this approach centers on what sparks joy. Items that don’t align with your current self (notice the emphasis) are thanked and released. While this method was developed and made popular by Marie Kondo, much of its philosophy comes from Japanese housekeeping approaches and Shinto traditions.
2. Minimalism
Minimalism is a lifestyle approach which focuses on intentional living and reducing visual and mental noise. Less stuff, more clarity, and time for what matters most to you. Often minimalism gets a reputation as being extreme, and it certainly can be— we’ve heard of minimalists that don’t own any furniture because it’s not necessary. However, minimalism to maximalism is a spectrum, so how far you take it is up to you. Minimalism is more than an approach to organizing, it is truly a lifestyle choice that applies not only to personal belongings, but also how someone behaves as a consumer.
3. (Döstädning) Swedish Death Cleaning
Popularized by author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Margareta Magnusson, this method encourages you to organize with legacy in mind (as in, after your death)—leaving behind only what truly matters. This approach requires you to confront mortality and mindfully reduce your belongings with your family in mind, to ensure they can focus on celebrating your life rather than drowning in your belongings when you’re gone.
4. The Home Edit Method by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
Made famous by Nashville Instagram stars Clea and Joanna, this approach promotes organizing that results in a highly visual, color-coordinated, and Instagram-worthy space. This is perfect for those who love design and want systems that are as beautiful as they are functional. It’s also a helpful approach for maximalists who still crave organization: this method focuses almost completely on beautiful storage methods (think uniform clear bins and decanted snacks) and less so on decluttering.
5. The Clutterbug Method by Cas Aarssen
This method was founded by Cassandra Aarssen (Cas), who stars on Hot Mess House on HGTV. Cas introduced four different styles of organizing, and we each naturally gravitate toward one. Her approach can be helpful to determine what kind of storage might work best for you:
Ladybug (hides clutter in closed spaces)
Bee (visual, needs items out in the open, detail-oriented)
Cricket (hidden, highly detailed, loves small categories)
Butterfly (visual, needs easy access, hates closed storage)
This approach intended to help individuals and families organize in a way that will make maintenance easy and intuitive.
6. Capsule Lifestyle
Applied to clothing and beyond—a limited number of high-quality, versatile items that simplify daily decisions. This is similar to minimalism, however there’s an emphasis on quality over quantity, which aligns with people who like a “one in, one out” approach to keeping life and belongings in check. This is less of an organizing approach and more an outcome once organizing has been achieved, however having this goal in mind can certainly guide decluttering decisions.
7. ADHD-Friendly Systems
For some neurodivergent folks, getting and staying organized can be a real challenge. Approaches that emphasize visibility, accessibility, and simplicity can work wonders—transparent bins, open shelving, and intuitive zones. Often organizing with ADHD-friendly systems will include a clear labeling system and account for idiosyncratic, or personal, needs within systems and spaces.
Now that you have an understanding of some different organizing styles,
Take our Organizing Style Quiz:
Get a piece of paper, and be honest. If none of the options quite capture you, pick the next-best AND write down what you would do if it isn’t represented. Or, if you identify with several options, rank the order of importance. Keep track of your answers on a separate sheet of paper/digital note to tally your results at the end:
1. When I start decluttering, my first instinct is to…
A. Make sure I can see items clearly so I don’t forget they exist.
B. Hold the item and see how it makes me feel.
C. Ask, “Does this item serve a function in my life most days?”
D. Consider if my kids would want it or even know what it is.
E. Think, “I should color coordinate this first”
F. Figure out which broad category it belongs in and how to store it.
G. Decide how it fits with my other belongings.
2. My ideal home vibe is…
A. Easy to maintain, super visual, and “if I can’t see it, it won’t get used.”
B. A peaceful, intentional sanctuary.
C. Clean, spare, and low-distraction.
D. Meaningful and represents my life.
E. Bright, beautiful, and color-coded.
F. Personalized, practical, and tailored to my habits.
G. Streamlined and edited down to essentials.
3. When I buy new things, I usually…
A. Feel excited about the new thing. Dopamine hit!
B. Make sure the item lights me up.
C. Aim to buy less overall.
D. Think about whether I already have something like it, or if I will still want it in the end.
E. Consider how it will look with my aesthetic.
F. Choose things based on ease of use and accessibility.
G. Practice one-in, one-out.
4. What overwhelms me the most about clutter is…
A. It seems to grow out of nowhere, and I can’t stay on top of it.
B. Not having clear steps to follow or how to decide.
C. Nothing–clutter is easy to prevent or discard.
D. What to do with it if no one I know wants it.
E. Visual ugliness.
F. Systems that don’t match my natural habits.
G. Having too many choices that make my brain work harder.
5. You’re organizing your closet. What’s your move?
A. Use open bins, labels, and visible categories so I don’t forget what I own.
B. Pull everything out and put back only what I truly love.
C. Keep the bare essentials
D. Make sure everything I own has a purpose or meaning.
E. Create zones, make everything uniform, and rainbow-order it.
F. Group by type, sub-type, and figure out the storage system that will work for me.
G. Pick my core components for an outfit, edit out the unnecessary.
6. I prefer storage that is…
A. Open, labeled, and visually obvious.
B. Simple and soothing.
C. Minimal and discreet. Get it out of my sight!
D. Practical and easy for anyone to understand.
E. Transparent, stylish, and photo-ready.
F. Based on my specific organizing personality.
G. High-quality, intentional, and not excessive.
7. My relationship with sentimental items is…
A. They’re here, and I’d love to see them!
B. I keep only the ones that spark joy.
C. I am not very sentimental and see most things as clutter.
D. I keep things most important to me and will mindfully gift or release the rest.
E. I curate and store/display sentimental items beautifully.
F. I have a system for my sentimental items and plan to keep it up!
G. I keep a small, intentional collection.
8. My dream kitchen setup is…
A. Open shelving, with everything visible.
B. Calm, intuitive, and joy-filled.
C. Streamlined with only the essentials.
D. Pared down to what I actually need and use. Plus the heirloom tea kettle my daughter loves.
E. Bright, curated, and decanted beautifully.
F. A system that matches my household’s habits.
G. Stocked with versatile, high-quality basics.
9. My ideal decorating style leans toward…
A. Functional décor that doubles as cues and reminders of what I need to do.
B. Warm with sentimental touches.
C. Clean, uncluttered, and neutral.
D. Curated to reflect my personality and life experiences.
E. Chic, curated, and aesthetically-pleasing.
F. A functional manifestation of my habits, values, and character.
G. Practical yet curated, and designed to last.
10. Which statement about home organization sounds most like you?
A. “If it’s not visible, it might as well not exist.”
B. “My heart will decide.”
C. “Less is more.”
D. “My legacy extends beyond my belongings.”
E. “Aesthetics matter.”
F. “Every organizing style is unique–including mine.”
G. “Quality over quantity.”
11. How do you prefer organizing instructions?
A. Clear-cut, ideally mirroring the process of someone who “gets me.”
B. Step-by-step categories and a simple plan.
C. When in doubt, throw it out.
D. Universally comprehensible
E. A pretty mood board, please.
F. Customized to my unique tendencies.
G. Simple guidelines to keep things consistent.
12. My biggest obstacle to staying organized is…
A. Feeling overwhelmed when getting started for the first time.
B. Staying committed to see it through. Should it be taking so long?
C. I don’t really have a lot of obstacles…
D. Owning so much stuff that no one wants hurts my feelings.
E. Visual clutter, ugliness, and mismatched items.
F. Systems that don’t match my habits.
G. No clear vision for how to know what to keep.
13. My pantry organization fantasy is…
A. Clear bins, big labels, easy grab-and-go.
B. A small, curated selection of items that nourish my body and spirit.
C. Only foods that I’ll eat this week.
D. A pantry that suits my diet and is easy to navigate.
E. Row after row of beautifully decanted dry goods.
F. A system that matches my household’s habits.
G. A tight inventory of versatile staples.
14. When I imagine my future self, I want to be someone who…
A. Makes decisions effortlessly with fewer choices.
B. Lives in a home that is a joyful sanctuary to my values.
C. Isn’t tied down by physical objects.
D. Leaves behind a legacy of personal values and memories, not junk.
E. Has a home worthy of a magazine shoot.
F. Understands their organizing style and builds around it.
G. Makes decisions with efficiency and simplicity.
Tally and Score Your Organizing Style Results:
Mostly A’s → ADHD-Friendly Systems
Mostly B’s → KonMari
Mostly C’s → Minimalism
Mostly D’s → Swedish Death Cleaning
Mostly E’s → Home Edit
Mostly F’s → Clutterbug
Mostly G’s → Capsule Lifestyle
Almost Even Mix → Professional Organizer 😱
Results & Tips for Your Organizing Style:
🌸 Mostly A’s: “ADHD-Friendly Aficionado”
You thrive with visible, easy, intuitive systems. If you can see it, you can use it; if you can’t, it disappears. Simplicity and visibility are your superpowers.
What this says about you:
Your brain likes speed, clarity, and low-friction organization.
You prefer open storage, clear labels, and obvious homes for everything.
You do extremely well with grab-and-go systems.
Your organizing strengths:
You create systems you’ll actually stick to.
You understand your own habits and work with them, not against them.
Your organizing challenges:
Lids! Hidden storage! Closed-door chaos!
Systems collapse if they’re too complicated.
Your best next step:
Shift as much as possible to open bins, transparent containers, and wall-mounted solutions. Labels are your best friend.
⚡ ️Mostly B’s: “KonMari Spark of Joy”
You organize with your heart first. Joy, intention, and alignment matter deeply to you. You thrive when your space feels calm and connected to your current self—not your past, not your “someday,” but your now.
What this says about you:
You value emotional clarity and purpose.
You’re drawn to simplicity, but you’re not a minimalist.
You like rituals, mindful pauses, and creating meaning through your home.
Your organizing strengths:
You make decisions well when you tune into how objects make you feel.
You naturally create peaceful, grounding spaces.
Your organizing challenges:
Slower decluttering pace
Sentimental items can be a sticking point
Your best next step:
Try organizing by category (not room) and celebrate each phase with a little ritual or playlist that sets the tone.
🤍 Mostly C’s: “Modern Minimalist”
You crave space, air, quiet surfaces, and clarity. Clutter is your kryptonite. You’re not afraid of editing your belongings down to the essentials.
What this says about you:
You think clearly in spacious environments.
Visual noise stresses you out.
You prefer fewer, better items—even if others think that’s “extreme.”
Your organizing strengths:
You make decisions quickly.
You’re committed to intentional living.
Your organizing challenges:
Potential to overdeclutter or feel guilty about owning anything “extra.”
Staying minimal in a world that encourages accumulation.
Your best next step:
Intention is your friend. Make a detailed vision of your life and what you pursue on a day-to-day basis. Let this vision serve as a guide to decide when something is truly just adding noise AND as a battlement against unnecessary purchases.
🌿 Mostly D’s: “Swedish Death Cleaning Sage”
You think in terms of legacy, long-term calm, and simplifying life not just for yourself, but for the people you love.
What this says about you:
You’re reflective and grounded.
You value meaning and sentiment, but don’t want your belongings to become burdens.
You appreciate clean lines and clarity, but not necessarily minimalism.
Your organizing strengths:
You’re very thoughtful about what stays in your life.
You maintain systems well because they’re based on purpose.
Your organizing challenges:
This method can feel heavy or emotional at times.
You may struggle with items tied to identity or past roles.
Your best next step:
Choose one category (like old hobby supplies or paperwork) and ask, “Would I want someone else to sort through this for me?” If not, it’s time for an edit.
🌈 Mostly E’s: “Home Edit Honey”
Clear bins! Rainbow gradients! Highly visual, stylized systems! You love an organized space that looks gorgeous.
What this says about you:
Aesthetic matters. A lot.
You’re motivated to maintain systems that feel fun and pretty.
You like categorizing, decanting, and putting personality into your home.
Your organizing strengths:
You’re great at maximizing beauty and function.
You embrace maximalism but keep it in check with structure.
Your organizing challenges:
Systems can be more time-consuming to maintain.
Buying containers can become the fun distraction instead of decluttering.
Your best next step:
Choose one high-impact area—like a pantry or art supply cabinet—and bring in cohesive containers and labels. Little changes = big sparkle.
🦋 Mostly F’s: “Clutterbug Critter”
You believe organizing isn’t one-size-fits-all. You thrive when systems match your brain, your habits, and your natural tendencies.
What this says about you:
Personalization matters more than perfection.
You love understanding why you organize the way you do.
You adapt and evolve your systems over time.
Your organizing strengths:
You’re flexible and responsive to real life.
You maintain systems better when they match your personality.
Your organizing challenges:
It can take trial and error to figure out your exact organizing “species.”
Mixed-household needs require more intentional system design.
Your best next step:
Identify whether you’re a Ladybug, Cricket, Bee, or Butterfly (Cas’s Clutterbug types). Build your systems around that foundation. (And have fun taking Cas’s quiz!: https://clutterbug.me/what-clutterbug-are-you-test)
✨ Mostly G’s: “Capsule Lifestyle Curator”
You’re drawn to the simplicity and elegance of owning fewer, higher-quality, versatile items—whether that’s clothing, kitchen tools, or everyday essentials.
What this says about you:
You want your life to feel lighter and more intentional.
You dislike redundancy, excess, or decision fatigue.
You appreciate quality craftsmanship and long-lasting items.
Your organizing strengths:
You’re decisive and intentional.
You maintain your systems well because everything has a purpose.
Your organizing challenges:
It can be hard to find the “perfect” items that earn a spot in your life.
Other members of your household may not be as edited as you.
Your best next step:
Pick one category to “capsule-ize,” like makeup, linens, or outerwear. Keep the best, release the rest.
😱 Almost Even Mix Or Undefined: “(Hire A) Professional Organizer”
This goes one of two ways: you adapt easily to ANY system, meaning you can work within any or a mixture of the above OR it means you haven’t been able to find your style quite yet, and that’s fine too!
What this says about you:
You have the capacity to organize like a professional organizer who incorporates various methods OR
You’re overwhelmed by options and are completely uncertain how to approach and execute organizing at all.
Your organizing strengths:
The world is your oyster when it comes to organizing, however:
Your organizing challenges:
It may take time before you learn which methods suit you in the long term.
You may have to experiment in many styles before determining what works.
Your best next step:
Choose a small space and tackle it in any of the above approaches. Let time pass–this is essential! Note how the space works BEFORE and AFTER you organize and let it sit for a while. Does it stay maintained? Do you like how it functions? Did anything fall apart? Did it ever frustrate you and if so, why?
OR
Hop on a call with a member of the Organized For Good team, and let’s talk about how we can tailor your organizing journey based on our years of experience: book a call today!
In conclusion:
There’s beauty in finding what fits, and perhaps you don’t identify starkly with any specific organizing style, which is completely normal. We’re complex human beings, and sometimes it simply helps to know where to start and go from there. We hope this quiz gives you a great direction for your organizing goals (or confirms the direction you were already headed). And whether you crave visual harmony or functional flow, our team at Organized For Good can help you discover (and sustain) the organizing style that supports your life. We are just a FREE 15-minute call away :)
