The Home Edit

Have you ever felt like your room, your backpack, or even your mind was so cluttered you couldn’t think straight? In The Home Edit for Teens, professional organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin want to show you that getting organized isn’t about perfection—it’s about freeing your space (and your stress levels) so you can focus on what actually makes you happy. The authors argue that organizing your environment is a form of self-expression and mental wellness. When everything has a home, your brain finally has room to breathe. The book reimagines organization not as a chore, but as a creative lifestyle that celebrates individuality, efficiency, and fun.

Their mission is simple: empower teens to take control of their spaces—school, bedroom, bathroom, or any personal zone—and turn them into reflections of who they truly are. As founders of the globally recognized brand The Home Edit and stars of the Netflix series Get Organized with The Home Edit, Clea and Joanna bring their signature rainbow-colored organizing style into the teen world with humor, empathy, and flair. Think of this book as part life manual, part design guide, and part pep talk.

Why Organization Matters More Than Aesthetics

The book begins by asking readers who they are when it comes to organization: the always-tidy type, the chaos enthusiast who dreams of order, the budding entrepreneur, or even Clea and Joanna’s own kids (who inspired this project). The tone is playful but purposeful—organization isn’t about impressing parents or friends. It’s about making daily life smoother and creating calm where chaos usually reigns. Research cited in the book highlights how clutter impacts focus and mood, pointing out that organized spaces can literally improve well-being by reducing stress hormones and boosting productivity.

You can think of it as a wellness strategy. Just as exercise strengthens your body, decluttering strengthens your mind. Whether you’re designing a homework station or transforming a bedroom, you’re actually designing peace of mind and a sense of control over your environment. And that’s especially vital for teens juggling academics, friendships, social media, and self-discovery.

Turning Every Space Into a Self-Expression Zone

Clea and Joanna divide the book into themed sections—Where You Learn, Where You Play, Where You Dream, Where You Prep, Where You Celebrate, and Where You Go—revealing how organization intersects with every aspect of teen life. Whether it’s a desk, locker, backpack, or closet, these chapters are filled with checklists, “how-to” guides, and creative projects (yes, even a lemonade stand business plan). Each area serves both a practical and emotional function—helping you not only find things faster but also express who you are through color, arrangement, and personalization.

For example, organizing a locker might seem trivial, but decorating it with photos or wallpaper turns it into a mini-gallery of your personality. Turning your bathroom drawer into a “daily drawer” filled with only the essentials changes your morning routine from rushed chaos to relaxing ritual. And in the authors’ world, labeling, color-coding, and matching bins aren’t just aesthetic—they’re psychological shortcuts that make habits easier to sustain.

The Organizing Philosophy: Edit, Categorize, Contain, Maintain

Underpinning every room makeover and tip is The Home Edit’s four-step method: Edit (take everything out and declutter ruthlessly), Categorize (group by use or type), Contain (use boxes, bins, or baskets to define homes for each group), and Maintain (build habits that keep order alive). This method isn’t just for closets or bookshelves—it’s a mindset. It can apply to digital devices, social commitments, or even emotional clutter.

Teens are encouraged to use this structure to maintain order in every zone. The result? Less lost stuff, fewer morning meltdowns, and more time spent doing things that actually matter—like hanging with friends or pursuing creative passions. (This practical framework resembles Marie Kondo’s philosophy in The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, though Clea and Joanna make it far more playful and accessible to younger audiences.)

Organization as Confidence-Building

What sets The Home Edit for Teens apart is how it ties organizing to independence and confidence. Every project becomes a chance to take ownership—over your stuff, your schedule, and even your social life. Take the lemonade stand example: it’s not just a craft project, but a crash course in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and financial literacy. Or a closet makeover that teaches decision-making and mindfulness through the simple act of “editing” outdated clothes.

By turning mundane chores into creative challenges, the authors dismantle the idea that “being organized” means being rigid. Instead, the book argues that structure makes freedom possible. When your essentials are in order, you can improvise, create, and play more freely. Teens learn that order isn’t about control—it’s about empowerment.

A Rainbow of Order and Joy

Clea and Joanna’s signature touch is their devotion to rainbow organization—arranging items in ROYGBIV order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). This doesn’t just look gorgeous; it’s scientifically sound. Humans naturally recognize and recall colors faster than text labels, which means “the rainbow” helps your brain locate and return items easily. Beyond neuroscience, though, the rainbow symbolizes vibrancy—reminding readers that order can (and should) be joyful.

“Organized spaces don’t just look better—they help us feel better.”

Throughout the book, this ethos radiates: order as self-care, color as creativity, structure as confidence. The message to teens is clear: your space is your stage, and you deserve to design it intentionally. Organization isn’t just keeping your room tidy—it’s an act of editing your environment so you can live your best story.

The first major space Clea and Joanna tackle is the learning environment—your desk, locker, backpack, and digital setup. Their goal is to transform these areas from sources of stress into systems of success. They start by making a bold claim: when your learning spaces feel calm, creative, and functional, your brain performs better. That’s not just motivational fluff—studies from universities like Princeton show that clutter physically competes for your attention, draining focus and energy.

The Power of Routine

Before the school year even starts, Clea and Joanna suggest creating a “night-before” routine. This includes packing your backpack, charging devices, setting out clothes, and clearing surfaces so mornings feel stress-free. It’s not just about avoiding panic—it’s about mental readiness. A tidy environment builds predictability, and predictability builds confidence.

They also introduce a daily “drop zone,” a designated area for school essentials. Whether it’s a shelf, basket, or rolling cart, the drop zone reduces those frantic hunts for missing assignments or keys. The underlying principle mirrors productivity expert James Clear’s suggestion in Atomic Habits: reduce friction in your environment to make good habits easier.

A Locker That Reflects You

For many teens, lockers are more than storage—they’re a symbol of identity. Clea and Joanna recommend starting with a total “clean slate”—pull everything out, ditch the expired flyers and broken pens, and rebuild with intention. Then comes the fun part: add wallpaper, photos, faux plants, or mini mirrors to make it yours. Organization and decoration work hand-in-hand here, transforming a gray metal box into a mini museum of your personality.

Smart Backpack Systems

The authors emphasize five steps to a perfectly organized backpack: Edit (empty it and get rid of junk), Wash (fresh start!), Color-code (to help your brain locate things faster), Pouch up (small items in categories like writing, beauty, or snacks), and Customize (create a system that fits your life). The point isn’t to impose rules—it’s to give teens permission to build systems that make sense for them.

Digital Order Equals Digital Peace

Clea and Joanna even extend their rainbow logic to phones and tablets. Instead of organizing apps by category, they suggest doing it by color—because your brain processes visuals faster than words. It’s a stylish modification of UX (user experience) principles, making a teen’s phone both efficient and aesthetically consistent. By simplifying screen layouts, you clear “digital clutter” too—a growing issue in attention management research (Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism comes to mind).

“If you can’t see it, you can’t find it.”

From lunch prep to homework planning, the authors weave together productivity science and creative design. Their approach proves that learning spaces don’t have to be sterile—they can be stylish, colorful, and uniquely you. The takeaway? When your learning area supports your goals and reflects your vibe, every assignment feels easier to tackle.

After mastering the study zone, Clea and Joanna dive into where you play—the room where your imagination takes center stage. They start with a relatable truth: creativity flourishes in organized spaces. Chaos might seem fun at first, but disorganization ultimately stifles your ability to create. Whether it’s a LEGO station, art studio, or gaming corner, every fun space benefits from balance between accessibility and control.

Editing the Chaos

The first step mirrors the broader Home Edit philosophy: take everything out. Sort through old toys, broken pieces, and items with missing parts. If something hasn’t been used in months, it either needs to be donated or placed in what the authors call “purge purgatory”—a temporary holding bin to test whether you really miss it. This compassion-infused approach helps avoid guilt while still promoting progress.

Tools of Joy: Baskets, Bins, and Color

Woven baskets, labeled bins, and color-coded drawers are featured heroes in the play chapter. The system invites simplicity: red basket for games, yellow for crafts, blue for tech gear. Items you use daily—like art markers or controllers—stay within reach, while seasonal or less-used items are neatly stowed away. In developmental psychology, such visual cues reinforce independence, helping teens maintain organization without constant reminders.

Creativity as Entrepreneurship

One standout example is the lemonade stand—a collective project that teaches creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. The book provides lists for supplies, signage, and even marketing tips (pro tip: Sunday sales get the most traffic!). Beyond organizing the stand itself, Clea and Joanna make this a metaphor for life: when you plan thoughtfully and present clearly, you can turn passions into profits. It’s playful learning by design.

“Organizing actually makes life more fun.”

From content corners for budding creators to sports bins that prevent last-minute scrambles, the message is steady and empowering: structure doesn’t stifle fun—it fuels it. By decluttering your environment, you’re clearing space not just for your stuff, but for your imagination to expand.

Your bedroom, the authors remind us, isn’t just a room—it’s your sanctuary. It’s where your style, habits, and emotions all meet. Clea and Joanna turn the traditional goal of a “tidy room” into an adventure of self-definition. They show how organizing your closet, drawers, and decor can unlock self-confidence and even creativity.

Closet Confidence

The “Closet Checklist” is one of the book’s strongest tools: 1) Take it all out, 2) Edit items that no longer fit or spark joy, 3) Assign categories, 4) Stick to a system, and 5) Put it on display. Displaying accessories like headbands, shoes, or hats not only brings order but also visual inspiration—turning morning outfit decisions into moments of creativity. Slim hangers and ROYGBIV organization transform even cramped closets into chic boutiques.

Storage Innovations

Clea and Joanna suggest using overlooked areas—like the back of doors or under beds—for high-traffic items. Over-the-door organizers for shoes, baskets for seasonal items, or labeled bins for sentimental objects maximize space and visibility. The principle: visibility increases usability. If you can see it, you’ll actually use it (and keep it put away afterward).

Balancing Screen Life and Real Life

Modern bedrooms blur the line between living and digital worlds. The authors address this by promoting balance over banishment: create corners for music, gaming, or content creation, but also designate screen-free stretches for rest, hobbies, or reading. This balance echoes research from psychologist Jean Twenge, who found that reducing digital clutter leads to higher happiness and better sleep among teens.

Collecting Without Cluttering

Whether it’s LEGO sets, sneakers, or trading cards, the authors encourage collectors to proudly display their treasures—just in an organized way. Labeling binders by theme or organizing display shelves by size or color transforms clutter into curation. Their motto: “Store the stuff, but make it meaningful.”

Through every detail, this chapter emphasizes autonomy. When you decide how your sanctuary looks and functions, you’re literally shaping your mental landscape. Organization becomes a daily affirmation of who you are and who you’re becoming.

Bathrooms are notoriously tricky to keep organized, yet Clea and Joanna transform them into hubs of self-care and serenity. Their advice? Treat your bathroom like a mini spa—with designated zones, daily systems, and beauty displayed like art. This section blends practical organization with self-confidence, showing that when your space supports your rituals, even brushing your teeth feels better.

Taming the Hair and Beauty Jungle

From hair tools to skincare, bathroom supplies multiply fast. The authors propose sorting everything into clear categories: products, tools, linens, and extras. Each category gets its own container—no headbands in with hairbrushes! Joanna even shares her love for displaying headbands visually, proving that utility and charm can coexist.

They also reimagine the under-sink cabinet as prime real estate—not a dumping ground. Dividing it into four zones (cotton items, backups, linens, and bulkier tools) turns this overlooked space into efficient storage.

The “Daily Drawer” Method

If you only do one organizing project in your bathroom, Clea and Joanna insist it should be the Daily Drawer. This holds your essentials—face wash, toothbrush, deodorant—items you use twice a day. By separating these from less frequent products, mornings and nights flow seamlessly. It’s micro-habit design in action, similar to behavioral scientists’ “habit stacking” concept: make tiny actions easier, and consistency follows.

Creating Routines—A.M. and P.M.

Using checklists for morning and night, the authors weave organization into wellness. Your A.M. Routine includes washing, brushing, skincare, and prep; your P.M. Routine becomes a ritual with music, diffusers, and quick tidying. The message is clear: self-care thrives in consistency. (This mirrors Arianna Huffington’s call for structured nighttime rituals in The Sleep Revolution.)

“Morning you will love nighttime you!”

From towel-folding tutorials to shower caddy upgrades, this chapter transforms a utilitarian space into a daily confidence zone. The underlying idea: by bringing mindfulness to your routines, you can make even the most ordinary acts feel meaningful and empowering.

Clea and Joanna believe that organization doesn’t stop at personal spaces—it also powers social joy. The Where You Celebrate chapter teaches readers how to host with heart, from epic sleepovers to pool parties and backyard movie nights. The genius of their method is that it turns event planning into a repeatable, stress-free process anchored in preparation and creativity.

Party Systems, Not Panic

Their checklists cover everything: guest lists, themes, supplies, and even inclusivity reminders (make sure no one’s left out and check for allergies). The architects of order show that when you prepare well, you can enjoy the moment fully. Treating parties like mini-projects makes them manageable—and magical.

Sleepovers, Movie Nights, and Pool Parties

Each event type comes with its own organization strategy. Sleepovers get “zones” for snacks, crafts, and bedtime essentials. Movie nights emphasize comfort (pillows, dim lighting) and concession-style snack bars. Pool parties mean towels, sunscreen, and labeled bins for gear. Through structure, spontaneity becomes sustainable—no last-minute scrambles required.

Celebration as a Life Skill

Beneath the Pinterest-worthy setups is a deeper philosophy: planning celebrations builds empathy, leadership, and creativity. You anticipate others’ needs, manage logistics, and design experiences—skills that translate far beyond parties. This echoes Brené Brown’s notion in The Gifts of Imperfection that shared joy requires vulnerability and intention. Clea and Joanna’s systems give teens practical tools to host joy, not just tidy rooms.

In the end, every celebration chapter reminds you that being organized doesn’t kill fun—it multiplies it. When you’re free from chaos, you can show up as your best, most present self—and create memories that last far longer than any streamer or snack tray.

In their final section, Clea and Joanna take their philosophy on the road—literally. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, school camp, or summer vacation, travel is the ultimate test of personal order. They show teens how structured packing can reduce anxiety and boost anticipation for the experiences ahead.

Pack Smarter, Not Heavier

Their number-one tool: packing cubes (or ziplock bags if you’re improvising). By folding clothes upright instead of stacking them, you can see everything at once, preventing suitcase explosions by day three. Assigning cubes to days or outfit types (like swimwear vs. pajamas) ensures effortless access.

Trunk and Camp Organization

For campers, they provide a foolproof packing list covering clothes, toiletries, linens, stationery, and even flashlight batteries. The twist: they recommend clear bins inside the trunk so everything stays visible and accessible. When you treat your trunk like a mini closet, unpacking feels exciting, not exhausting.

Prep and Independence

Through these travel systems, teens learn foresight and confidence. You check off what you need, prepare backups (like wet bags for swimsuits), and manage your belongings like a pro. It’s a masterclass in mindful planning disguised as packing tips. As Clea and Joanna note, “Adventure starts with editing.” Organization isn’t just about control—it’s about readiness for life’s next great moment.

In the end, The Home Edit for Teens closes with a simple truth: structure sets you free. Whether at home or halfway across the world, being organized allows you to meet life with less stress and more excitement. You’re not just packing things—you’re packing confidence.