I’m no stranger to the allure of a well-organized home. There’s something undeniably satisfying about seeing everything in its place, neatly labeled and tucked away.
But let’s be honest: the quest for organization can sometimes lead us astray, with our well-intentioned efforts only adding to the clutter.
So, with a bit of self-deprecating humor, I’m going to share twelve organizing attempts that, in my experience, have only ended up adding more mess than magic.
1. The “Storage Bins Everywhere” Approach
It’s tempting to think that buying a few more storage bins will solve all our clutter problems. But too often, those bins just end up as more clutter themselves, taking up space and hiding items that we then forget we own. Instead, try decluttering first and using bins sparingly, for items you truly need to store.
2. Overloading with Decorative Shelves
Shelves can be a great solution for storing and displaying items, but they can also quickly become overloaded and messy. More shelves do not necessarily equal more organization. Instead, aim for a balanced, uncluttered display on each shelf, and remember that empty space can be just as beautiful as a well-curated collection.
3. The Unnecessary Labeling Frenzy
Labels can be handy for identifying items in opaque containers, but do we really need to label everything? From my experience, excessive labeling can actually make a space feel more cluttered and chaotic. Plus, it creates extra work to maintain and update those labels. Use labels sparingly and where they truly add value.
4. The “Buying More to Organize More” Paradox
It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of buying more items to help us organize the items we already have. But more often than not, this just leads to more stuff and more clutter. Instead, focus on decluttering and making better use of the storage solutions you already have. As the experts at House Beautiful suggest, sometimes less really is more.
5. The Excessive Use of Filing Cabinets
While filing cabinets can be a great solution for paperwork, they can also quickly become cluttered and unmanageable. Instead of filing away every single piece of paper that comes into your home, consider what you truly need to keep and what can be discarded or digitized. This can save both space and time in the long run.
6. The DIY Organizing Projects Overload
There’s no shortage of DIY organizing projects out there, from homemade drawer dividers to repurposed mason jar storage. While these can be fun and creative, they can also end up as just more projects to manage and more clutter to deal with. Be selective with your DIY projects and consider the time, materials and potential clutter they might add before diving in.
7. The Misuse of Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers can be a lifesaver for small items, but they can also become a dumping ground for miscellaneous clutter. Instead of throwing everything into a drawer organizer and calling it a day, consider what items truly need to be stored in this way and which could be stored more effectively elsewhere. It might take a bit more time to sort through, but the result will be a more functional, less cluttered drawer.
8. Overcomplicating with Color-Coding Systems
While color-coding can be a great way to visually organize items, it can also become unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming to maintain. Rather than color-coding every single item in your home, consider using this method selectively, for items where it truly makes sense to do so. You’ll save time and avoid the clutter of extra color-coding labels and markers.
9. The Illusion of Order with Hidden Storage Furniture
Hidden storage furniture can be a great solution for small spaces, but it can also create the illusion of order while simply hiding clutter. Instead of stuffing every available storage space full, consider what items you truly need and use regularly, and aim to keep these readily accessible. As this YouTube video shows, a little bit of decluttering can go a long way.
10. The Unnecessary Use of Wall Hooks
Wall hooks can be a great way to utilize vertical space, but they can also quickly become cluttered and chaotic. Instead of hanging everything on hooks, consider what items truly benefit from this type of storage and which might be better stored elsewhere. A few carefully chosen items can make a wall hook display both functional and beautiful.
11. The Cluttered World of Digital Organization Tools
Just as we can get overwhelmed with physical clutter, we can also get overwhelmed with digital clutter. There are countless apps and tools out there promising to help us organize our lives, but using too many can just add to the chaos. Instead, choose a few key tools that truly meet your needs and stick with them. It’s much easier to manage a few well-chosen apps than a whole arsenal of digital clutter.
12. The Trap of Constantly Buying New Organizing Gadgets
Finally, try to resist the temptation to constantly buy new organizing gadgets. It’s easy to get caught up in the promise of the latest and greatest organizing solution, but often, these gadgets just end up as more clutter. Instead, focus on decluttering, simplifying and making the most of what you already have. It’s not as glamorous, perhaps, but in my experience, it’s far more effective.
And there you have it, folks! Twelve organizing attempts that often add more mess than magic. Have you fallen prey to any of these? I know I have. But remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s creating a home that feels peaceful and functional for you. Happy organizing!