11 Mistakes to Avoid When Organizing Your Home
Being organized can make life simpler and every day living more efficient, but organizing missteps can leave you disappointed and overwhelmed. Avoid these mistakes so that you can tackle your post-holiday urge to organize without the frustration.
Is this you? You’ve taken down all the Christmas decor and suddenly feel the urge to organize everything.
Maybe it’s the cleared surfaces calling for a fresh start, or maybe it’s the realization that you’ve been shoving wrapping paper into an overstuffed closet for years.
No matter what your motivation is, that post-holiday organizing itch can leave you with an organizing nightmare if you aren’t careful.
So before you go on a container-buying spree or start tossing everything into random bins, take just a moment to read these tips and avoid these common pitfalls.
Not Decluttering Before You Begin
You might think that organizing is the same as decluttering, but it isn’t. When you shove stuff into neat piles or pretty bins without getting rid of what you don’t use, all you’re doing is just rearranging clutter.
Start by sorting through your items and letting go of anything you no longer use, love, or need, or that is broken.
Trust me, those six tangled strands of half-lit Christmas lights you saved “just in case” don’t deserve a spot in your newly organized space.
Buying Storage Supplies Prematurely
Ah, the lure of shiny new bins and baskets. But buying storage supplies before you know what you’re organizing is a recipe for frustration.
Wait until you’ve decluttered and measured your space. Then take stock of what’s left that actually needs to be organized.
That way, you’ll avoid ending up with a pile of mismatched containers that don’t fit anywhere.
Buying Containers at Random
Speaking of containers, not all bins are created equal. Choosing the wrong ones can lead to wasted space or a not-so-fun treasure hunt every time you need something.
Don’t always choose the least expensive. Cheap containers might seem like a good deal but can crack, warp, or fail to hold up over time, costing you more in the long run.
So be intentional—select good quality containers that work for your specific needs and fit your space.
Not Using Labels
Labels might seem unnecessary, but they’re your best friend when it comes to staying organized.
They help everyone (including yourself) remember where things go, so there’s no excuse for mistaking salt with granulated sugar. Ask me how I know.
Overfilling Spaces with Containers
Too many storage containers can create chaos instead of order. Remember, the goal is to simplify, not build a fortress of glass jars or plastic storage tubs.
Keep only what you need, and don’t cram every nook and cranny full of containers.
This isn’t a contest to see how many bins you can fit into your space—it’s about creating a functional and organized system that’s easy to maintain.
Not Creating Zones
Would you put all of your Christmas decorations in one giant box? Of course not.
Organizing without creating zones is like putting all your Christmas decorations in one giant box—confusing and impractical.
Group similar items together so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Not Having a Designated Space for Items
The secret to an organized home? A spot for everything – even those pot lids that rattle around in your cabinet and create havoc.
A dedicated space for each item, whether it’s pot lids or scissors and tape, ensures it doesn’t wander off or contribute to the clutter again.
Not Customizing Your Approach
What works for your sister or best friend might not work for you. Tailor your organizing system to fit your habits, space, and budget.
If you’re a visual person, maybe you need things in plain site. Clear bins might be your jam if you need to corral small items. Or maybe specialty storage solutions (ie: shoe organizers) would work best in your situationl.
Trying to Organize Your Entire Home at Once
It’s easy to want to tackle every room in one go, but believe me – this will quickly lead to burnout.
Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks—start with a single drawer, a shelf, or one room at a time.
By focusing on one area, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and avoid the chaos of having half-organized spaces everywhere.
Procrastinating Regular Organization Upkeep
You’ve done all that work – don’t let it fall apart. A little upkeep now and then prevents you from starting from scratch.
Think of it as tidying up your organization—not nearly as scary as doing it all over again.
Bonus – Be Kind to Yourself!
No matter how small, progress is progress. It doesn’t have to be perfect and it doesn’t have to be done all in one day!
Be kind to yourself is best idea.
Great ideas! Thank you