If you’ve spent hours rearranging your pantry or folding clothes just to find the mess creeping back a week later, you might be organizing all wrong. The truth is, most of us focus on the wrong part of the process. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there’s a better way! Professional organizers have shared some surprising insights that can completely transform how you approach organization.
Here are the shocking truths—and how to fix them:
1. You’re Skipping the Decluttering Step
One common mistake? Jumping straight to organizing without decluttering first. As Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, says, “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.” If you’re organizing items you don’t need, you’re simply rearranging clutter.
Fix it: Before organizing, edit your belongings. Go through each item and ask yourself if it truly serves a purpose or sparks joy. Let go of anything that doesn’t align with your vision for your space.
2. You’re Buying Containers Too Soon
Shopping for cute bins and baskets might feel productive, but it’s often a waste of money if you haven’t assessed your storage needs first. Professional organizer Shira Gill (Minimalista) advises, “Don’t buy storage products until you’ve finished decluttering. Otherwise, you’re just creating more clutter.”
Fix it: Declutter first, then assess what you actually need. Measure your space, make a list, and invest in storage solutions that fit your specific needs.
3. You’re Organizing for Looks, Not Function
A Pinterest-perfect pantry might look great, but if the setup doesn’t work for your daily life, it won’t last. As professional organizer Cassandra Aarssen (Clutterbug) says, “Organizing isn’t about making things pretty; it’s about creating systems that work for you.”
Fix it: Organize with practicality in mind. For example, store frequently used items within easy reach and group similar items together. Focus on making your space functional first, then add aesthetic touches.
4. You’re Keeping “Just in Case” Items
Holding onto items for “someday” is a major barrier to effective organization. As Peter Walsh, author of Let It Go, explains, “Clutter isn’t just the stuff on your floor; it’s anything that gets between you and the life you want to be living.”
Fix it: Be honest about whether you’ll truly use those “just in case” items. If you haven’t touched something in over a year, chances are you won’t need it. Let it go to create space for what matters.
5. You’re Ignoring Maintenance
Even the best-organized spaces can fall apart without regular upkeep. Professional organizer Julie Morgenstern (Organizing from the Inside Out) emphasizes, “Organization is a process, not a one-time event.”
Fix it: Build daily and weekly habits to maintain your systems. For example, spend 5–10 minutes at the end of each day resetting your space, and schedule a monthly decluttering session to keep things in check.
Organizing isn’t just about making your home look neat—it’s about creating systems that simplify your life and bring you peace. By shifting your focus from quick fixes to sustainable solutions, you’ll achieve spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Remember, as professional organizer Shira Gill says, “Less is more, and boundaries create freedom.” Start with small changes, and you’ll see big results! Ready to get started? Let’s talk!