The Founders of NEAT Method Spill Their Best Secrets for a Happier Home

Rip & Tan: Before we dive in, we’d love to hear a bit more about your journey together. NEAT’s practically its own empire at this point—how does it feel to look back on where it all began? 

Neat Method: It feels like yesterday that it all began. We truly can’t believe all that has taken place in the last 14 years and are genuinely humbled to have been able to lead this company. We are beyond grateful for our community and look forward to watching the next 14 years play out.

Rip & Tan: With any project, what’s step one? What did that look like in terms of Julia’s home?

Neat Method: Step one with any organizing project is to completely empty the space so you can start fresh and more effectively categorize and edit belongings.

In Julia’s home, our team did just that. Making sure to clear every shelf, drawer and cupboard—with the exception of the microwave and small fridge that we determined would stay put. 

Rip & Tan: Can you walk us through your general strategy for the kitchen?

Neat Method: In Julia’s kitchen, she has these gorgeous open shelves in lieu of enclosed upper cabinets. She already had her dishes and glassware displayed there as an extension of the kitchen’s design and it was functioning well for everyday use.

We focused instead on placing all the other kitchen items in the lower cabinets in order to tuck them neatly out of sight. And of course, we used our products to continue the elevated kitchen design behind closed doors.

Rip & Tan: And for the pantry?  

Neat Method: Our main goal in the pantry was to create an elevated system that stole focus from the less visually appealing microwave and fridge. We also knew we needed to incorporate Julia’s love for decanting. By placing her go-to pantry staples in matching canisters at eye level, we were able to draw attention there instead. And of course, every category was placed in order to prioritize what was being used most frequently. 

Rip & Tan: From glass jars to baskets, what are a few of your go-to tools for keeping things neat? 

Neat Method: Our canisters are a simple way to elevate any space in a functional way and are definitely one of our favorite solutions in the kitchen. We also love drawer dividers—they are a must for separating anything from dish towels to cooking utensils and their multi-tone acacia wood looks beautiful with a variety of decor. And maybe this one goes without saying, but we never met a space that couldn’t benefit from corralling categories in baskets. Our grid baskets are a favorite because they are offered in so many colors and sizes which makes them super versatile.

Rip & Tan: What’s the secret to finding the balance between a beautiful, pristine display and a realistic, livable functionality?

Neat Method: Function should always be the number one goal but the overall visual is a very close second for us. Selecting products that withstand daily use while blending seamlessly with your home’s decor is the most important part of finding that balance. We also look for features like air-tight canister seals and divided baskets that make the system that much more functional.  

Rip & Tan: Once a project is complete, what guidance do you give to homeowners for maintaining organization long term?

Neat Method: An organized system is most likely to unravel when items aren’t put back where they belong or when an excess of items are added to the space. We often stress to our clients the benefits of resetting the space at the end of each day. Make sure that nothing is floating on a shelf or in the wrong basket to avoid a larger overhaul later.

Most importantly, we remind them to shop with available space in mind. If that “salty snacks” basket is full of bags of chips, be mindful not to purchase any more until you’ve cleared some space. 

Rip & Tan: Approaching a home organization project can certainly be daunting. For those at home who may not have access to NEAT, what advice do you have for getting started? 

Neat Method: Start small! Don’t get overwhelmed with a large project right off the bat. A simple spice collection upgrade or multi-purpose kitchen drawer is the perfect place to kick off your organizing goals. This way, you’ll see results more quickly and will feel energized to take on a bigger project. 

Rip & Tan: Any favorite or underrated organizational tips you’d like to share? 

Neat Method: Labeling a system is the most underrated organizing practice. Making it clear what belongs where keeps everyone in your home on the same page. It not only simplifies clean-up but also clarifies where everything can be found. We also love how labels help determine what needs to be restocked after a canister or basket has emptied. Lastly, they are a must when differentiating canisters of dry goods that look similar such as flour and pancake mix.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Neat Method: Living well means making lifestyle decisions that impact the way you do life. We believe that wellness looks different to each person but typically encompasses some sort of combination of mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual routines that impact the way you live. Most of these habits get established in the home which is where we love to focus our efforts. When you are living well in one aspect of your life (your home) it makes it easier to implement change in other areas of your life.