If you’ve ever wondered exactly what stands out to organization experts when they set foot inside of a messy home for the first time, now is your chance to get inside of their heads.

Here, three professional organizers cite the seven main issues that are always top of mind when they set foot inside a space that could use a bit of help. Identifying problems quickly makes it easier to take proper action in order to get everything in order once and for all.

Specific Problem Areas

For pro organizers, determining the first courses of action to take in a home is a no-brainer thanks to their years of experience.

Stephanie Treantos, a professional organizer and the founder of Lemonaid Solutions, notes that she can immediately spot specific problem areas in a home that need help when she walks through the door.

“I often focus on areas that accumulate daily clutter, like piles of mail on the kitchen counter or an overflowing dog bin,” she says.

Understanding where a family needs help is key as Treantos then carves out specific recommendations for what to do instead.

“I can quickly propose simple, strategic solutions that work with the flow of the home,” she says, citing the example of creating a designated spot for mail instead of scattering it all over a surface.

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Using Flat Areas as Storage

On a related note, Marine André, a professional organizer and the founder of En Route to Joy, notes that when she walks into a home and sees people using flat surfaces like tables and countertops as storage, this is an instant red flag.

Whether it’s stacks of papers, scattered objects, or piles of items that don’t have a designated place, these areas always catch André’s eye.

“It is the visible disorganization that creates a sense of chaos and makes the space feel more cramped and disordered overall,” André says.

Too Many “Convenience Spots”

Treantos can easily tell when someone has what she refers to as too many “convenience spots” within their home.

“I can spot right away when someone is keeping everything within arm’s reach,” she says. For example, she notes, someone might keep an array of spices out on the counter at all times or display all of their face creams out in the open on the bathroom vanity, and she encourages people to be mindful about what is sitting out in the open.

“When too much is kept ‘for easy access,’ it actually creates more clutter and chaos,” Treantos says.

Unfinished DIY Projects

Treantos is quick to notice when people have filled their homes with unfinished DIY projects and supplies from hobbies that they stopped keeping up with long ago.

“All of these can carry guilt or frustration,” she says, and explains that it’s more than ok to partr ways with these types of belongings. “The goal isn’t just to clear the space—it’s to help people let go of the pressure and create a home that actually fits their life right now.”

Overflowing Storage Units

Treantos also shares that she can tell as soon as she walks into a space whether someone needs to declutter their belongings or whether they simply need better storage solutions.

“Sometimes it’s a mix of both, but if you’re dealing with clutter, it’s important to first understand why things aren’t staying in place,” she says.

Overflowing counters, she explains, often suggest someone has run out of storage elsewhere.

“I have a laser focus for identifying if someone has too much stuff, and this is just one of the easy identifiers,” the organizer says.

André adds that when someone does have too much stuff, it’s important to address that issue first. Even buying the proper bins and baskets can only do so much. A common mistake is bringing in storage solutions before decluttering since it won’t optimize your space.

Unused Organizers

Unfortunately, getting organized once and for all may take a couple of attempts for some people.

Jennifer Du Bois, a professional organizer and the founder of Home with Jen D, can tell right away if someone has tried in the past to get organized but has since struggled with maintaining an orderly home. Signs of this include bins that are stuffed full, containers with labels that are not being used for their designated purpose, and the like, she says.

Messy Sections Throughout the Home

On a similar note, André can easily tell when someone doesn’t like to tidy up because of an overall state of disarray in the home. While it is essential to have systems in place, the organizer also understands that no two people are going to have the same definitions of what makes for a tidy home.

“The key is to understand what tidy means to you,” she says. “We’re working for your benefit, not your visitors’.”