By recognizing these common organizing mistakes, you will be well on your way to creating a more organized, efficient and stress-free living space. Remember, your home is your sanctuary.
Not enough planning
Plunging into organizing with no plan can lead to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Take 10 minutes to evaluate the space you are preparing to declutter. Start small with a few simple steps. I highly recommend these three: Choose the area to start; remove the garbage from the space; implement the donation system.
A well-thought-out plan will keep you on track and make the process more manageable.
Getting storage solutions first
Stores are full of attractive boxes, containers and baskets that can tempt you to buy before you even start organizing. This method of organizing is like putting the cart before the horse. Suddenly, you have a house full of organizing gadgets and your home looks like a public storage.
Remember, you are trying to create a functional and beautiful home. Instead, declutter and sort your items first. This way, you’ll know exactly what storage solutions you need and avoid wasting money on unwanted or ill-fitting containers.
Keeping unwanted items
Holding onto items because you might need them someday is a common organizing mistake people struggle with, and likely the beginning of the challenge with clutter.
Be realistic about what you truly need and use. If an item hasn’t been used in the past year or more, it’s probably safe to let it go. This is typically true regarding accumulation of clothes and accessories. The thrill of buying and not wearing the clothes is as equally debilitating as any other addiction.
Not labelling storage containers
Unlabelled storage containers can create confusion and make it difficult to find things later. Take a few minutes to label each container clearly. This simple step will save you time and frustration in the long run, ensuring everything has a designated place and is easy to locate.
Not practicing daily maintenance
Organizing is not a one time occasion; it requires continuous maintenance. Commit to a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things back in their chosen spots. This daily habit will prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to maintain an organized space.
Using yo-yo organizing
This happens when we fly from room to room, looking for an easier solution to the clutter problem. This can be overwhelming as we waste valuable time, accomplishing nothing. Stay and work in the small space, steadily making decisions about your belongings.
Focus on one room, area or even a single drawer at a time. Celebrate your progress along the way and you’ll stay motivated to continue.
Not measuring space
It's important to measure your space before purchasing any storage solutions. Not measuring can lead to buying containers and furniture that don’t fit well, wasting time and money.
Always measure your shelves, drawers and other spaces to ensure your storage solutions will fit perfectly and maximize your available space.
Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email [email protected] or call 604.578.8954.
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