How to Create a Professional Organizer Toolkit

Professional Organizers often get asked about our professional tips and techniques when it comes to how we approach organizing.

I’ve had several clients ask me recently about my organizing toolkit.

What are the items we use most on the job? What can’t we live without?

So in the spirit of providing organizing solutions and answers, I thought it would be fun to do a full breakdown of what’s in my toolkit, and show you how to set up your own organizer toolkit to use at home when you tackle any organizing project – large or small!

The Evolution of a Pro Organizer’s Toolkit

There has been an evolution as to what has been in my toolkit over the years. Even the container that my toolkit travels in has changed – from a garden caddy with side pockets to a large camera bag and then a plastic rubbermaid tote. Most recently I have upgraded to a toolbox with a “handyman” style that I found for about $20 at Costco (and I love it!).

What is great about this toolbox is that it has many compartments for the smaller organizing items on the top and then a large space for bigger items below.

I like that this toolkit has a clear lid, which lets me what exactly what I have on the top quickly and easily. The rubber grip is also great, the handle closes tightly and easily. If I want to access the bottom compartment, I just lift the lid up and back, and it expands generously.

The only downside is the weight once it’s full! It’s not as easy to tote around from room to room, but I don’t mind the extra arm workout.

What Should I Include in My Pro Organizer Toolkit?

There are lots of items you can include in your toolkit – some more often used than others. Here is a list of what I have in my toolkit to get you started. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a printable version of this list.

• Plain paper for signs
• Notepad
• Black permanent markers
• Pens
• Rubber bands
• Binder clips
• Paper clips
• Scotch tape
• Moving tape
• Calculator
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet
• Pliers
• White trash bags- strong
• Black trash bags- strong
• Scissors
• Letter opener
• Box cutter
• Assorted sizes of Ziplock baggies
• Label maker
• Extra batteries
• Extra label tape
• Band Aids
• Windex or surface cleaner
• White rags for wiping down
• Plastic or rubber gloves
• Graph paper
• Colored permanent markers
• Pencils
• Small hammer
• White multi-use labels
• Velcro
• Envelopes (Small and large)
• White out

How to Put your Organizing Toolkit Together

Once you have purchased your toolkit items, it’s time to put everything together!

It will be most practical to start with your smaller items.

I keep small organizing supplies in the top compartment of my toolkit (If you don’t have one of these, use a tackle box like this one to keep them separate and organized). This area contains, pens, pencils, sharpies, highlighters, post-its, velcro, twist-ties, binder clips, paper clips, tape, glue and a boxcutter.

The lower compartment of my toolkit contains larger items like my label maker (plus extra cartridges and batteries), garbage bags, plastic gloves, tape measure, scissors, labels, file tabs, plus tools like my mallet, pliers, a hammer and a small bag of picture hanger nails.

I store my organizer kit in the garage near the tools, and keep it well stocked. Of course, I use my toolkit with clients, so it includes more items than you might need or require, depending on what sorts of projects you are working on. For instance, you may like to create a toolkit specifically for paper organizing. Have fun with it and remember: this toolkit is for YOU, so base it’s contents on your needs alone. You can always add to it as you go along.

This toolkit is great to have at home for everyday organizing projects. And since it’s totable, it is also a wonderful resource to have if you are helping friends or family to move, downsize, or organize, helping a child move to college, or relocating yourself.

If you are interested in more posts about organizing – See our articles on Big Rocks Organizing Blog

Happy Organizing!