Are you a ‘Stuff In’ or a ‘Stuff Out’ Person?

What’s your Organizational Style?

In decluttering and organization, one size does not fit all. The key to creating a peaceful and functional living space is understanding your personal preferences.

A – Are you the type of person who thrives on having everything in plain sight?

B – Or do you find peace in your things neatly tucked away?

We’re going to talk about the differences between being a Stuff Out person or a Stuff In person, and how embracing your organizational style can transform how your space works for you.

The Stuff Out Person loves Visual Organization

If you’re the kind of person who feels energized by a room filled with visible belongings — Congratulations, you have a “Stuff Out” Organizational Style!

For “Stuff Out” people, having items out and organized visually sparks joy.

Blank spaces aren’t just uninspiring, they’re a canvas you prefer to fill with the things you need at-the-ready.

For “Stuff Out” people, out of sight often means out of mind, and the thought of tucking things away in a drawer or cabinet means you’ll probably forget they exist.

Imagine a space where everything is organized in a highly visual way — where you can scan a space and instantly know what you have. Everything is within arm’s reach AND organized in a way that works for you.

Knowing your organizational style will save you time and frustration! If cabinets, drawer organizers, and other hidden storage options haven’t worked for you, now you know why!

The Stuff In Person loves Hidden Storage Systems

If you find clutter overwhelming and prefer a clear, clean slate before diving into any task, you have a “Stuff In” Organizational Style!

You find peace in knowing that your things are neatly stowed away behind closed doors, in drawers, or in cabinets.

For “Stuff In” people, a clutter-free environment = a clear mind.

Seeing lots of stuff out is overwhelming for this type. These people can keep track of items stored out of sight and appreciate the openness of a clear space.

Embracing Your Inner Organizer

Understanding whether you lean toward “Stuff Out” or “Stuff In” makes sure you can use organizational systems that are going to work for you!

Sometimes we get these ideas of the “perfect organization solution” from social media, Pinterest, home magazines, or even walking through the Container Store.

But, if they don’t align with you, then they’re unlikely to work for you.

If you’ve tried organizing in the past, and for some reason it didn’t “work for you”, this might be the reason why – you’re copying someone else’s organizing style.

Your ideal system should resonate with your lifestyle, needs, and most importantly, your own organizating style.

A Sponsor A Space Story

Our latest Sponsor A Space project is a great example of understanding the impact of knowing our organizational style.

This individual was new to managing their living space, and their kitchen had a unique arrangement: empty kitchen cabinets and a countertop and table piled high with items.

Through our discussions, it was clear this client was a “Stuff Out” person and they thrived on visible organization.

So, we tailored a pantry system that would work for them:

🔴 An open bookcase for visibility
🟠 Clear bins allowed for easy identification of items
🟡 High-contrast labels enhanced visibility and accessibility

The result — a beautifully organized, highly-visible pantry that not only catered to the client’s preferences, but also cleared the kitchen countertops.

This transformative solution made meal-prepping easier and, more importantly, aligned with the client’s organizational style, ensuring long-term success.

Which organization style best fits you?

Whether you’re a Stuff Out Enthusiast or a Stuff In Superstar, embracing your organizational style empowers you to create a living space that resonates with your unique needs and preferences.

So, which are you?
Are you a “Stuff Out” or “Stuff In” person?

Embrace it, celebrate it, and let it guide you to an organized and happy living space.

And if you don’t fit squarely into one camp or another – think about what aspects both styles feel best for you!

There’s is no right or wrong way to organize.

If something’s not working in a space, that’s just a clue to change something in your system so that you can set yourself up for success!