Design Unscripted

Secrets to an Organized Home with Pro Organizer Isabelle Wood

• Manuella Moreira • Season 1 • Episode 3

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In this episode of Design Unscripted, host Manuella Moreira is joined by professional organizer and founder of Organizing Engineers, Isabelle Wood, to uncover the real secrets to creating a home that’s both beautifully designed and deeply functional.

From emotional clutter to practical systems that actually work, Isabelle shares her proven 6-step organizing process, tips for maintaining order, and the most overlooked areas of the home that desperately need attention (hello, mudroom!). Whether you're overwhelmed by stuff, unsure where to start, or just want your home to feel calmer and more intentional, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to take action.

✨ Isabelle blends her background in mechanical engineering with her passion for functional design to create sustainable systems tailored to your lifestyle—not just Pinterest-worthy perfection. She also shares her favorite tools (spoiler: you need a label maker) and how a simple mantra—don’t put it down, put it away—can change your habits for good.

📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why clutter is really just postponed decision-making
  • How to emotionally detach from items you’re holding onto
  • A step-by-step breakdown of Isabelle’s organizing method
  • The biggest mistakes people make when trying to get organized
  • Tools, habits, and systems that make staying organized easier
  • What “home” really means when it functions well

✨ CHAPTER MARKERS

 00:00 – Intro
 01:34 – Meet Isabelle Wood & her organizing philosophy
 04:52 – Combining function and aesthetics in organizing
 08:10 – Why clutter is postponed decisions
 12:00 – Helping clients let go of guilt
 16:05 – Isabelle’s 6-step organizing process
 26:14 – Decluttering tips and real-life examples
 31:48 – How to organize shared spaces
 34:20 – Maintaining systems with small habits
 37:00 – Entryway and mudroom organization hacks
 41:20 – One thing to do today to improve your space
 44:48 – Favorite organizing tools: Label maker & matching hangers
 48:00 – Fun rapid fire Q&A
 51:30 – What “home” means to Isabelle
 53:00 – How to connect with Isabelle online

📲 Connect with Isabelle Wood
Website: https://organizingengineers.com
Instagram: @organizing.engineers

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 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs a little organizing motivation!

#OrganizingTips #DeclutterYourHome #ProfessionalOrganizer #InteriorDesignPodcast #IsabelleWood #OrganizingEngineers #DesignUnscripted #HomeOrganization #FunctionalDesign #ClutterFreeLiving

Welcome to Unscripted, where thoughtful design meets effortless living. I'm Manuella Moreira, here to inspire you to create a home that's both beautiful and uniquely yours.

In this week's episode, we're diving into the world of organization — from creating systems that actually work to understanding the emotional blocks behind clutter.

My guest is Isabelle Wood, founder of Organizing Engineers. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep passion for functional design, Isabelle brings a highly analytical yet compassionate approach to organizing homes and workspaces. She’s helped countless clients—from busy professionals to overwhelmed families—transform chaotic spaces into calm, intentional environments.

Today, she's sharing her process, the most overlooked spaces in the home, and why organization is less about perfection and more about peace of mind. Let's get started.

Isabelle, welcome to the show. Thank you so much for being here today.

Isabelle: Thank you, Manuella. I'm very excited about this.

Manuella: I truly believe that great design isn't just about what we see in a space—it's about how we live. And your approach to organizing brings such an elevated and thoughtful layer to it. Can you tell us what your philosophy is? Is it about minimalism? Aesthetics?

Isabelle: So, we truly believe in both the function and aesthetics of organizing. When you think about organizing, function is very important because you want something that's going to work for you—it needs to be functional and easy to follow. But at Organizing Engineers, we also truly believe in the aesthetics. Everyone loves pretty things, and when something is both functional and beautiful, people feel more motivated to keep it that way.

That’s how I felt when I organized my own place. And when I started doing this for my clients, I saw how people reacted—not just to the order, but to how proud they were of their spaces. They were motivated to maintain that feeling of, “Okay, I know where everything is, and it looks really good.”

So again, it's about combining form and function.

Manuella: As a designer, I really appreciate that. Your point is so valid—when you're proud of something, you take care of it more.

And so often, when I walk into a new project—and you know we often bring you in—I’ll say to the client: “A big part of changing a space is decluttering.” You probably get calls from people who haven’t gotten rid of anything in a long time, right?

Isabelle: Yeah, absolutely.

Manuella: So how do emotions play a role in clutter? How do you help your clients get over the guilt of letting things go?

Isabelle: I believe clutter is postponed decisions. And we postpone those decisions because they’re hard. Everyone struggles with it—I do, too. For some people, it’s easier—like, for me, I love decluttering. But there are always sentimental things that are hard to let go of. It can be guilt, sentimental attachment, or fear.

We help by asking questions—not because I need to hear the answers, but because I want the client to hear themselves say it out loud. That helps them process whether the reason for keeping something is really strong enough.

And depending on their priorities, they may realize, “Actually, maybe I don’t need this.” Having a professional—or even a friend or partner—ask you those questions makes a big difference. It helps you think clearly and make decisions that support your goals.

Manuella: That’s such a good approach. Saying it out loud really does make a difference. It can make people realize they actually don’t need something—or that it’s lost its meaning.

Isabelle: Exactly. And it becomes fun, too. At first, clients dread it, but once they’re in the groove, they start saying, “Oh, that didn’t make sense at all—chuck it!” In the beginning, it’s hard, but then it becomes natural.

Manuella: I love that. So was this always your approach? Have you always been organized yourself? Or did this evolve through your experience?

Isabelle: In the beginning, like anyone learning the profession, I followed the step-by-step methodology. But as I worked with different personalities, I built up an “inventory” of questions to ask. And in my personal life, working with my husband helped too.

He wasn’t organized when we started living together. He’d say, “Everything’s fine. I don’t need to declutter.” It took a couple years—working little by little. And now he’s the one asking me, “Hey, I need new summer clothes, but I want to declutter first. Can you help me?” That’s when I felt like I made it in my profession!

Manuella: I’ve had the opportunity to work with you, and it really was life-changing. We met a few years ago, and you helped me organize my sample room—which, despite being proud of keeping my space organized, was always in chaos due to how much I had.

I was constantly on the go, and at the end of the day I was just too exhausted to organize. But you changed everything.

Isabelle: That was a fun project!

Manuella: Define fun. [laughs] But truly—it was life-changing. Can you walk us through your process? What happens first?

Isabelle: Sure! It’s a six-step process:

  1. Remove everything from the space. Whether it’s a closet or cabinet, take it all out and give it a good clean to start fresh.
  2. Categorize the items—sort everything into groups.
  3. Declutter—removing and categorizing first helps you make smarter decisions. When you see something in your closet for 10 years, it becomes part of the background. Seeing it out of that space—especially grouped with similar items—makes it easier to assess.

For example, in a kitchen, you may find five tongs. Ask yourself, “Do I need five?” (The answer is usually no!) Seeing multiples helps clarify what’s truly necessary.

  1. Contain—find a home for everything. This is where most people go wrong—they skip the earlier steps and buy containers too soon, which leads to just organizing clutter.
  2. Label—especially helpful in shared spaces like kitchens. Labels reduce mental load and keep everyone accountable.
  3. Maintain—the final step is building habits. Put things back in their place and regularly reassess. That’s how you keep the system going long-term.

Manuella: That makes so much sense. And does this process apply to every space—kitchens, closets, etc.—or do you adjust depending on the room?

Isabelle: The process is the same, but the systems we build vary by household. A single person’s needs are different from a family with kids. We tailor everything to your lifestyle, routine, and accessibility.

Manuella: I love that. Accessibility is so important. If something is hard to reach or store, it won’t stay organized.

So, what’s the biggest organizing dilemma you see?

Isabelle: Decluttering. Hands down. Everyone says, “I want to get organized, but I can’t get rid of stuff.” That’s the biggest roadblock.

Manuella: And once they start, do they get more comfortable?

Isabelle: Yes! Usually by the second session they’re faster and less anxious. A great tip is to start with things you’re not attached to—like tools. Once you build confidence, you can tackle more sentimental items.

Manuella: What about the infamous junk drawer? Why is it so hard to get rid of?

Isabelle: Everyone has one! But once your home is organized, you may find better homes for those items. Still, a miscellaneous drawer—especially in kitchens or entryways—is useful. The goal isn’t to eliminate it, but to make sure everything in there has a reason to be there.

Manuella: I’m going to label mine “Miscellaneous Drawer” and send you a picture. I’ve felt guilty about it for years!

What’s one space people always overlook?

Isabelle: The mudroom or entryway. People don’t hang out there, so they don’t prioritize it. But it’s a high-traffic zone—and often the first impression of your home. A good system here reduces clutter and stress.

Manuella: That’s so true. What are three tips to organize the entryway?

Isabelle:

  1. Designated spot for returns and packages.
  2. A catchall tray for everyday items like keys or earbuds.
  3. A home for accessories—seasonal items like hats, gloves, sunglasses, or sunscreen depending on the time of year.

Manuella: Those are so helpful. And so often, people just don’t know where to start. What’s one thing they can do today to feel better about their space?

Isabelle: Declutter—start with “no-brainer” items like dry cleaning hangers or shoe boxes. Just removing obvious trash or unnecessary things already makes a difference. It builds momentum for tackling harder stuff.

Manuella: That’s a great reminder. Now—what are a few habits people can build to stay organized?

Isabelle: My mantra: Don’t put it down, put it away. Repeat it until it becomes second nature. And of course, having systems in place makes it easier to follow through.

Manuella: I love that. What are two organizing tools you recommend?

Isabelle:

  1. A label maker—great for everything from kitchen zones to paper filing.
  2. Matching hangers—they reduce visual clutter and keep your closet tidy.

Manuella: Yes! Mismatched hangers always throw off the flow. And now, before we let you go, we have a few fun rapid-fire questions.

Manuella: What’s the weirdest thing or place you’ve ever organized?

Isabelle: Adult toys. Two full bags.

Manuella: [laughs] I wasn’t expecting that! What’s one space you’d be happy organizing forever?

Isabelle: Nurseries.

Manuella: That’s so sweet. What’s your biggest organizing pet peeve?

Isabelle: Product stickers. They’re hard to remove and make your space look like a store.

Manuella: Do you have a trick to get them off?

Isabelle: Yes! Use a hairdryer to heat the glue, then a scraper or knife. For clients, we use a heat gun and adhesive removers like Goo Gone.

Manuella: Amazing. And finally—what does “home” mean to you?

Isabelle: A place where you feel at peace and calm.

Manuella: Perfect answer. And what better way to create that than through great design and organization.

How can people find you?

Isabelle: Our website is organizingengineers.com, and our Instagram is @organizingengineers. We post tips and before-and-afters from client projects.

Manuella: I have to say—your Instagram is one of the most beautiful and satisfying feeds I follow. Isabelle, thank you so much for being here. You’ve been amazing, and I hope you’ll come back.

Isabelle: Thank you so much. This was so fun!

Manuella: And thank you for joining me today on Design Unscripted. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Whether you’re listening or watching, I’m so grateful you’re here.

See you next time—and remember: Don’t put it down. Put it away.