Understanding your Different Organizing Styles and What Products to Use
One of the biggest secrets to maintaining an organised home isn’t just about having the right containers or perfectly labelled shelves — it’s about understanding your organising style. Knowing your style is the first step to choosing the right organising products that actually work for you, making it easier to maintain order in your space. Listen to our founders Rae and Vanessa talk more about these 4 different organising styles in our We are Orderly Podcast Episode 3 in more detail here.
At Orderly, we often talk about the four main organising styles: Micro-Visual, Micro-Hidden, Macro-Visual, and Macro-Hidden. These styles were first popularized by Cassandra Aarssen of Clutterbug, and they’ve become a fundamental part of how we help our clients organise their homes.
Want to know which one you are? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Are You a Macro or Micro Organiser?
Macro Organisers prefer simplicity. They group similar items together in broad categories without fussing over the tiny details. Think of a single bin for all paper products (toilet paper, tissue boxes, and napkins all together). This style works best for those who want a quick, easy-to-maintain system.
Micro Organisers love structure and detail. They prefer to have separate categories for everything. So instead of one large bin for paper products, they might have one for toilet paper, another for tissues, and a third for kitchen towels. This style is perfect for those who feel calm when everything has its own dedicated space.
Are You a Visual or Hidden Organiser?
Visual Organisers thrive when they can see everything they own. Clear bins, open shelves, and labels are their best friends. For them, “out of sight, out of mind” is a real struggle, and they need to see their items to remember they exist.
Hidden Organisers prefer a clean, clutter-free look. They feel calmer when things are neatly tucked away in opaque bins or behind closed cabinets. For them, a clear surface is a peaceful one.
Micro & Visual
Why Knowing Your Style Matters
Choosing the right organising products becomes so much easier when you know your style. For instance:
If you’re a Macro-Visual Organiser, you might prefer large, clear bins where you can toss similar items without over-categorising.
If you’re a Micro-Hidden Organiser, stackable drawers with labels that keep everything neatly tucked away are your go-to.
Want to know what organising products to use? Drop your email below and receive a free guide to our recommended organising products based on your organising style!
