Can an ESTJ and ISFP live together in harmony?

Moving in with a new roommate or partner is always a fun new adventure. Combining things, decorating, falling into a new routine….and organizing? Common issues new roommates run into is realizing they have very different ideas of what it means to be organized. 

Here at Pixie’sDidIt, we have created organizational style types based on the Meyer’s Briggs System so you can easily identify your style type and find the perfect organization techniques to fit your style!

There are 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, all identified by different letter combinations. These letters are E/I, S/N, T/F, and J/P. They stand for Extraversion versus Introversion, Sensing versus Intuition, Thinking versus Feeling and Judging versus Perceiving. 

When two opposite organization types become roomies, frustrations can arise. But that doesn’t mean you can’t live in harmony with another organizational style! You just need to find a plan that works for both of you. 

All About ESTJ (Pixie Type: Classic Structure)

ESTJs are practical, realistic, and matter-of-fact. They can make decisions quickly, take action immediately and get results in the most efficient way possible. No procrastination here! ESTJ personality types are:

• Dedicated
• Reliable
• Honest
• Strong-willed

There’s a place for everything, and everything has its place! Our traditional organizers basically invented a filing system. Classic Structures essentially make the gears of society work, come hell or high water. You prefer to plan and structure your days and jive with routine. Order gives you peace of mind. You are punctual, tidy, friendly, and a logical decision-maker.

All About ISFP (Pixie Type: Fun Freedom)

ISFPs are quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind. They work on their own schedule and do their best when they can work on their own schedule. ISFP personality types are:

• Passionate
• Open-Minded
• Charming
• Creative

Fun Freedoms (ISFP) do well with most traditional physical organizing systems—filing cabinets, like with like, etc.—and you often only find yourself disorganized or overwhelmed with clutter because you haven’t had the time or inclination to focus on it.

Tips for making it work!

Congrats, Classic Structures (ESTJ)! You can keep your organization systems in place. Fun Freedoms (ISFP) also thrive with structure, however, sometimes things may pile up because Fun Freedoms (ISFP) work on their own time. 

Instead of getting frustrated, make it a weekly task to tidy up together! Turn on music, put things away, discard clutter, and enjoy a clutter-free space. It makes the task smaller when done frequently and fun if you make it a party. And if your Fun (ISFP) roomie doesn’t feel like doing it with you, Classic Structure (ESTJ)? Do it on your own. It’s more important to your inner Zen to have things just so in your home.

Classic Structures (ESTJ) can hoard too; you just tend to hide everything in one very messy closet. Use a similar process to go through your stash. Get rid of things you don’t need and find a place for everything else. 

Organizational harmony is possible! Check out our book —“Organize Your Way”— for more tips on finding the perfect organizational solutions for everyone in your life.