Thank you all for your wonderful comments on my office transformation! Helping people get organized and achieve their dream home is my passion.
One of the most common questions I get as a professional organizer is:
“How do I get my partner on board with getting organized?”
If you’ve ever felt like your partner isn’t on the same page about getting organized, you’re not alone. The good news? There are proven ways to encourage them—without frustration or arguments.
Let’s dive into my best strategies for turning home organization into a team effort.

1. Lead by Example
Before asking your partner to declutter, focus on your own space first.
💡 Have you ever noticed how easy it is to see someone else’s clutter but hard to part with our own?
Your partner may have sentimental reasons for holding onto things. Instead of forcing them to get rid of stuff, show them the benefits of organization by creating tidy spaces in areas you control.
✅ Organize your closet
✅ Declutter your desk
✅ Refresh your nightstand
The positive impact of your own transformation can inspire your partner to take action too!
2. Communicate Your Goals (Without Nagging!)
Instead of saying, “We need to declutter this weekend,” try:
💬 “I’d love to make our home feel more peaceful and organized. Want to help me tackle one small space together?”
Many times, clutter is just postponed decisions. If your partner is overwhelmed with work or other priorities, they might not see organization as urgent. Starting with a small, manageable project (like a junk drawer or a shelf) can help build momentum.
3. Respect Their Process & Decisions
Even if you think something is unnecessary, avoid saying:
🚫 “You never even use this. Just get rid of it!”
Instead, ask:
✅ “Do you still use this?”
✅ “Do you love it?”
✅ “Could someone else benefit from it more?”
Let them make the final call. Sometimes, they just need reassurance that it’s okay to let go.

4. Find Compromises That Work for Both of You
Decluttering isn’t always about getting rid of things—it’s about creating better systems for what stays.
If your partner insists on keeping an item:
✅ Give it a designated home – so it doesn’t clutter shared spaces.
✅ Rotate sentimental items – display some, store others, and go through reviewing them again seasonally. You may find that while something may seem important at one point no longer holds the same value as time passes.
✅ Create a memory box – for keepsakes that hold emotional value.
Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about making life easier.
5. Be Their Support, Not Their Critic
Decluttering together can feel overwhelming. Be their sounding board instead of making decisions for them.
When your partner hesitates, try asking:
💬 “When was the last time we used this?”
💬 “I haven’t noticed you using it-Do you still love it?
💬 “Would you buy this again?”
💬 “Do we have something else that serves the same purpose?”
The goal is to help them reflect rather than pressure them into letting go. Do it often so they can practice letting go.
Final Thoughts: Organization Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Getting organized as a couple takes patience, communication, and mutual respect. Celebrate small wins, focus on progress, rinse and repeat often and remember—leading by example is the most powerful motivator!
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Now, I’d love to hear from you! Which tip resonated with you the most? Have you tried any of these strategies, or do you have a go-to approach that has worked for you? Drop a comment below! ⬇️😊
5 Comments
I was just having a conversation with friends today about this very issue…I love to organized and I actually love to help other people organized eventually….but I can’t get my husband to get rid of anything and it’s so frustrating…….hopefully….I can get him on board in the future.
Hi, Suzanne!
I hear you. #thestruggleisreal
Don’t give up! When you notice some push back, pull away. But, don’t give up. Organize his stuff so that he can find it. When you do your seasonal cleaning ask him again. It’s a different perspective every time.
And, celebrate his and YOUR small wins.
I also run into this situation frequently. I think there is great power in making progress with your own stuff and having your spouse see the results. Badgering and arguing don’t work. Sometimes I can come in as a neutral party, taking the emotionalism out of the decision-making. This is an important subject, so thanks for posting!