The 20 Biggest Home Organizing Mistakes You Might Be Making

Organizing Mistake #2: Not using vertical space.

Another mistake that many people make when organizing their homes is neglecting to use the vertical spaces available. Utilizing shelves, wall cubbies and other types of storage units can help you maximize your home’s potential without taking up too much floor space.

Moreover, we recommend getting creative with storage solutions! Use hanging baskets, mason jars and other unique items to help keep your home organized and clutter-free.

Organizing Mistake #3: Not making the most of drawers and cabinets.

We all have drawers and cabinets in our homes, but do we really use them to their fullest potential?

Not always!

So, make sure that you take the time to organize your drawers and cabinets properly. Label them, designate a specific space for each item, and use drawer dividers whenever possible. Doing so will help keep everything neat and tidy!

Organizing Mistake #4: Not decluttering.

Decluttering is one of the very FIRST things you should do when organizing your home! However, it’s something that many people neglect to do – and this is one of the biggest culprits of clutter and disorganization.

To avoid this home organizing mistake, take the time to go through all your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or want. This will make it much easier for you to stay organized in the long run.

Organizing Mistake #5: Neatly organized clutter is STILL clutter.

This is an important one to keep in mind, as it builds off of the last mistake we just discussed. Just because you neaten up your clutter doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s no longer clutter! So, even if you organize things neatly, be sure to go through and actually get rid of anything that’s still taking up unnecessary space.

Organizing Mistake #6: Buying organizers and storage solutions BEFORE decluttering.

Another mistake that many people make is buying organizers and storage solutions before they’ve decluttered their homes. This can be a huge waste of money and time, as it’s likely that you won’t need as much organization or storage once you get rid of all the unnecessary items.

Ironically enough, this can then just wind up creating more unnecessary clutter – which is the opposite of your goal!

So, make sure to declutter FIRST and then invest in any organizational tools you may need.

Organizing Mistake #7: Your counters are literally spotless.

This may sound counterintuitive, but having too-clean counters can actually be a bad thing. If your counters are completely spotless, it can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the thought of putting anything back on them – and in turn, this can lead to more clutter down the road!

Furthermore, you want to make sure that regularly-used items are still kept out on your counter spaces. This way, you won’t have to constantly search for them.

Organizing Mistake #8: Cleaning supplies are in the wrong spots.

In terms of home organizing mistakes, this is a BIG one! When your cleaning supplies are inconveniently placed (e.g. all under one sink, instead of being distributed throughout your home), it can make cleaning and tidying up a lot more challenging.

To avoid this think ahead! Place all of your necessary items in easily-accessible places such as underneath the kitchen sink near the entryway and/or in the closet. This will help you quickly clean up messes without having to worry about searching for supplies!

Organizing Mistake #9: Not giving decluttering, cleaning, and organizing the time it deserves.

Home organizing is NOT a quick process – it takes time and patience to get it right. However, if you try to rush it, you could end up losing your motivation halfway through and then giving up entirely.

So, don’t rush through it! Instead, give your decluttering, cleaning, and organizing processes the time they deserve. This will help ensure that you do a thorough job and end up with truly organized spaces.

Organizing Mistake #10: Your fridge is a mess.

This next home organizing mistake that we’ll discuss is one that you may not have considered – but it’s a huge one nonetheless! A messy fridge can be extremely overwhelming and time-consuming to clean up. Not to mention, it could be a safety hazard (as food may go bad without you even realizing it)!

So, take the time to organize it properly.

Set aside an hour or two on the weekend and make sure everything has its own place, from the condiments to the leftovers. This will not only make your fridge look better, but it’ll also help you stay on top of expiration dates and keep track of what’s in there more easily.

Plus, it’ll save you a lot of stress and headaches down the road!

Organizing Mistake #11: Your organized closet is aesthetically-pleasing – but not actually realistic for your needs.

Organizing your closet can be a process that takes up a lot of time and energy. As such, it’s important to make sure you do it right. One mistake that many people make is creating an aesthetically-pleasing organized closet, but not one that actually works for their lifestyle.

Basically, it looks great on Instagram or Pinterest – but it isn’t actually very practical in terms of your day-to-day life.

For example, you may have all the items neatly arranged by color, but if you usually wear the same few outfits over and over again, it’s not going to do you much good.

So, when organizing your closet, make sure to take a step back and consider what will work best for YOU – both in terms of style and practicality! Don’t just think about how nice it looks aesthetically. This way, you’ll end up with a closet that’s actually functional and easier to maintain!

Organizing Mistake #12: Not getting to the root of why you’re disorganized.

Obviously, one of the biggest home organizing mistakes that people make is not getting to the root of why their home is disorganized in the first place. Oftentimes, it can be easy to just want to jump right into cleaning and organizing without really understanding why your space became so chaotic.

However, this step is key! It’s important to take the time to reflect and really understand why you may have gotten into this state of disorganization in the first place.

For example, are you not setting aside enough time for organizing? Are you decluttering too much, so that your spaces are now too sparse? Do you keep buying items without donating or selling any of your old stuff? Is there a chance you have any hoarding tendencies?

By taking the time to figure out the underlying causes of your disorganization, you can then take the necessary steps to fix them. This way, you’ll be better equipped to tackle any organizational problems that come up in the future!

Organizing Mistake #13: Your entryway isn’t functional.

Having an entryway that isn’t functional is definitely a home organizing mistake worth talking about!

Your entryway should be inviting and organized, so that it’s easy for you and your guests to come in and out of the house without any hiccups. Ideally, this space should also have areas for storing items such as jackets and purses, so that they’re out of the way.

To make sure your entryway is functional, consider investing in some shelves, hooks, or storage bins to create a designated spot for each item. This will help keep the clutter down and ensure that you can find what you need quickly and easily.

Organizing Mistake #14: Not involving the whole family.

When it comes to organizing your home, it’s important to involve the whole family in the process! Everyone should have a say when it comes to which items stay and go, as well as how they should be organized.

Plus, having everyone on board will help make it easier to keep the house organized in the long run. Encourage your kids to put away their belongings when they’re finished using them. You should also ask your partner what kind of system would work best for them.

By taking everyone’s needs into consideration, you can create a household that works together as a team… And keeps everything neat and tidy, too!

Organizing Mistake #15: Focusing only on the main focal points, and not high/low space as well.

When organizing any space, it’s important to remember that your focus should not just be on the main focal points.

In other words, don’t forget about all those hidden nooks and crannies, such as under beds and behind couches, when decluttering and organizing. These forgotten spots can quickly become magnets for dust bunnies and clutter, which can make it difficult to keep the rest of your home neat and tidy.

So don’t forget to include these areas when organizing – they might just be the key to keeping your house clean!

Organizing Mistake #16: Every piece of paper doesn’t have its own home.

Whether it’s your mail, work documents, personal forms, or other paper-based items, it’s important to have a designated spot for all of them.

Having an organized filing system can be a great way to keep track of paperwork and make sure that nothing gets lost or forgotten. Invest in some file folders and label each one with the type of document they should contain. Moreover, you can add a cute little paper storage spot by your front door specifically for the mail.

This is also a good way to create a filing system that works for you, so that you can quickly find what you need!

Organizing Mistake #17: You don’t have time for regular maintenance.

Organizing doesn’t just mean decluttering and rearranging one time – it’s also important to stay on top of the process by doing regular maintenance going forward.

So, set aside a few minutes each day to make sure everything is in its place. This way, you’ll be able to identify any problem areas before they become too overwhelming.

You should also take the time every couple of months or so to go through items and get rid of anything that’s no longer necessary or useful. By staying on top of your belongings, you’ll be able to make sure that everything stays organized and functional!

Organizing Mistake #18: Not making a plan before you start.

Organizing can be an overwhelming process if you don’t have a clear idea of what needs to be done. That’s why it’s important to create a plan before you start.

Take the time to sit down and look at your space objectively – figure out which areas need more organization and what kind of system would work best for them. Then, make a list of all the tasks you need to do in order to properly organize each area and assign deadlines for each one.

Having a plan will make it easier for you to stay on track and make sure the job is done correctly. Plus, it will help ensure that your space stays organized in the long run!

Organizing Mistake #19: Not using labels.

Labels are one of the best ways to keep any space organized and easy to navigate. That’s why you should use them when organizing your home.

Labeling items will make it much easier for everyone in the household to find what they need quickly and without wasting time or energy searching for things.

You can also use labels on boxes and containers, so you know what each one contains and can easily grab the right item when needed. Plus, labels can also act as reminders of tasks that need to be done, such as returning library books or cleaning out closets.

Organizing Mistake #20: Not hiring a professional organizer to help.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task of organizing, don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional organizer!

Hiring someone who has experience and expertise in this area can make the process much easier and less stressful. They can provide valuable advice on how best to arrange your space, as well as ideas for storage solutions that will work for your home.

Plus, they can also help you stay on track and motivated by breaking down the task into smaller parts that are easier to manage. Professional organizers can be a great resource for anyone looking to get their home in order!

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, let’s wrap things up by answering some of the commonly asked questions about organizing your home.

Q: What are some tips for staying organized?

A: The key to staying organized is regular maintenance and planning ahead. Set aside a few minutes each day to make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be, and create a plan before you start any organizational projects. Additionally, labels are a great way to keep track of items and remind yourself of tasks.

Q: Are professional organizers worth it?

A: Yes! Professional organizers can be incredibly helpful in getting your home organized quickly and efficiently. They have experience and expertise that can make the process much easier, as well as ideas for storage solutions that will work for your home. Plus, they can also help you stay on track and motivated.

Q: What are the most common errors in organizing?

A: Some of the most common mistakes related to organizing include not making a plan before you start, not using labels, and not hiring a professional organizer to help. Each of these can make the process more overwhelming and difficult than it needs to be.

Taking the time to create a plan and use labels will help keep your space organized in the long run, while hiring a professional organizer can make the task much easier and less stressful.

Q: What are the 4 types of organizing?

A: The four types of organizing are:

1. Physical;
2. Mental;
3. Emotional;
4. And Time.

Physical organizing involves arranging objects in your space and creating a system that makes it easier to find items when needed. Mental organizing is about decluttering the mind and making room for creative ideas. Emotional organizing can help you identify limiting beliefs and create more positive energy. Finally, time organizing is about creating a schedule and managing tasks to make the most of your time.

Q: What should you NOT do when decluttering?

A: When decluttering, it’s important to avoid the temptation of buying storage containers or bins before you start. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and end up with more stuff than you need. Additionally, try not to be too hard on yourself if the process takes longer than expected – organizing is a marathon, not a sprint!

Finally, don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. Professional organizers can be incredibly helpful and make the process much easier.

Q: What should you remove first when decluttering?

A: When decluttering your home, it’s best to start with the most cluttered areas first. This will make the process much quicker and easier. Additionally, try to identify any items that you no longer use or need and remove them from the space. This will help reduce clutter and create more space for new items.

Q: What are five rules for staying organized?

A: There are five key rules to staying organized:

1. Create a plan and stick with it.
2. Use labels to keep track of items.
3. Don’t be afraid to let go of things you no longer need or use.
4. Don’t overbuy storage containers or bins – think before you buy.
5. Ask for help if you need it! Professional organizing can make the process much easier and less stressful.

These five rules will help keep your space organized and ensure that it stays that way in the long run.

Q: How do you create an organizational system?

A: Creating an organizational system can help you keep your space organized and make it easier to find items when needed. Start by making a plan of what needs to be done and how you want to set up the system. Then, label each area and item so that you know where everything is located. Finally, use storage solutions such as baskets, bins, shelves, and cabinets to keep items organized and off of the floor.

Q: What makes a good professional organizer?

A: A good professional organizer is someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and has excellent problem-solving skills. They should also be able to work with clients in a patient and understanding manner. Additionally, they should have strong communication skills and be able to create customized organizing plans that meet their client’s needs.

Finally, they should have a good understanding of the psychology behind clutter and organizing, as well as knowledge of different organizing systems.

Conclusion

Organizing your home can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right plan and professional help, it doesn’t have to be. By following these five tips and asking for help when needed, you can keep your space organized and make the process much easier. Remember to create a plan, use labels to identify items, let go of items you no longer need, don’t overbuy storage containers, and ask for help if needed.

Good luck, thanks for reading – and happy organizing!

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