As a long time home organizer who’s helped lots of busy people tackle their clutter over the years, I’ve seen it all. And let me tell you – some of the organizing advice floating around social media these days makes me want to bang my head against my perfectly organized filing cabinet!
Let’s talk about seven popular organizing tips that sound great in theory but can actually make your life more complicated. Plus, I’ll share what actually works in the real world, where we have jobs, kids, pets, and lives that don’t look like Instagram posts.
1. Drop Everything and KonMari Your Entire House!
You’ve probably seen this one: “Take everything you own, dump it in a pile, and don’t stop until you’ve touched every single item you own!” Sure, Marie’s method works great… if you’re living alone and have two weeks of vacation time to spare.
But for most of us? This is like saying you should run a marathon when you’ve never jogged around the block. You’ll end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and probably surrounded by even more mess than you started with!
What Works Instead: Start small, my friend. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or even just your sock collection. Small wins build confidence and momentum. Plus, you can actually finish what you started before the kids come home from school or your lunch break ends. Remember, you’re playing the long game here – slow and steady organization is way better than a crash-and-burn decluttering breakdown.
2. Toss Anything You Haven’t Used in 6 Months!
This rule makes me chuckle. Following it strictly means throwing out your winter coat in summer, your beach umbrella in winter, and probably those fancy wine glasses you save for special occasions. And let’s not even talk about that emergency kit you hopefully never have to use!
What Works Instead: Instead of following a rigid timeline, ask yourself some practical questions:
• Does this item serve a specific purpose in my life?
• When I do need it, is it important?
• Would replacing it be a hassle or expensive?
• Does it fit my current lifestyle (not my fantasy lifestyle)?
Sometimes keeping that rarely-used pizza stone is totally fine – especially if you make amazing pizzas every other month!
3. Buy All Your Storage Solutions First!
Oh boy, this one’s a classic mistake. You see those beautiful matching containers at the store and think, “This is it! These will change my life!” Next thing you know, you’ve spent $200 on bins and baskets, and they’re just… adding to your clutter.
What Works Instead: Here’s a revolutionary idea – declutter first, organize second, and shop third. Once you know what you’re actually keeping, measure your spaces and make a specific list of what you need. Those pretty containers will work much better when you know exactly what’s going in them! Plus, you might find you already have perfectly good storage solutions hiding in your home.
4. Make Everything Instagram-Worthy!
Listen, those color-coded bookshelves and rainbow-organized closets look amazing online. But unless maintaining a photo-ready home is your full-time job (and if it is, more power to you!), this level of perfection is going to drive you nuts.
What Works Instead: Focus on function over fashion. Sure, make it pleasant to look at if you can, but prioritize systems that work for real life. Your pantry doesn’t need to look like a Container Store display to be functional. If your family can find the snacks and you’re not finding expired food from 2019 hiding in the back, you’re winning!
5. Label EVERYTHING!
Some organizing gurus act like your house will fall into chaos if every container doesn’t have a professional-looking label. Sure, labels can be helpful, but do you really need to label the box of tissues or the fruit bowl?
What Works Instead: Use labels where they actually add value – like with similar-looking spices, storage boxes in the basement, or kids’ art supplies. For everything else? If you can see what’s inside or it’s obvious what something is, skip the label. Your coffee maker probably doesn’t need a “COFFEE MAKER” label, I promise.
6. Copy This Exact System That Works for Me!
We’ve all seen those viral organizing videos where someone shows off their perfect system. And yes, their method of organizing their fridge looks amazing! But here’s the thing – they might not have three kids who raid the fridge like tiny locusts, or a partner who believes putting things back is optional.
What Works Instead: Think of organizing systems like recipes – they’re meant to be adapted to your taste. Take inspiration from others, but modify everything to fit your:
• Space constraints
• Daily routines
• Family habits
• Energy levels
• Lifestyle needs
The best system is one that your whole household can (and will) maintain.
7. If It Doesn’t Spark Joy, Toss It!
While I appreciate the sentiment behind this famous advice, let’s be real – my toilet brush and tax documents don’t spark joy, but they’re kind of important to keep around! This oversimplified approach to decision-making can lead to some regrettable choices.
What Works Instead: Consider both practical and emotional value. Ask yourself:
• Is this useful in my current life?
• Does it make my life easier or better?
• Would I buy it again if I needed it?
• Does it have genuine sentimental value?
• Is keeping it worth the space it takes up?
Sometimes the most valuable things aren’t the ones that spark joy – they’re the ones that make your life run smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Remember, the goal of organizing isn’t to create a perfect space – it’s to create a space that works perfectly for you and your life. Don’t get caught up in the “rules” or picture-perfect examples online. Instead, focus on creating systems that make your daily life easier and less stressful.
Start small, be realistic, and celebrate your progress. And hey, if your sock drawer isn’t color-coded or your spices aren’t alphabetized, but you can find what you need when you need it? That’s a win in my book!
Now, go tackle that one drawer that’s been bugging you. Just that drawer. Trust me, it’s enough to get started, and you might even have fun doing it!
