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Are you tired of constantly battling clutter and disorganization in your home or workspace? You're not alone. Many people struggle with keeping their spaces organized, often falling into common organizing mistakes that hinder their efforts. In this post, we'll explore the top 10 organizing mistakes and provide practical tips on how to avoid them.
1. Purchasing organizing products/supplies before decluttering One of the most common mistakes people make is buying organizing products before decluttering their space. It's tempting to invest in fancy storage solutions, but without decluttering first, those products can end up being ineffective. Start by decluttering your space to reduce the amount of stuff you need to organize. You'll be surprised at how much easier the organizing process becomes! |
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2. Failing to measure your space/measuring incorrectly
Accurate measurements are crucial for maximizing space utilization. Failing to measure your space correctly can lead to wasted space and inefficient organization. After decluttering, take the time to measure your space properly. This will help you choose the right storage solutions and make the most of your available space. I love using the GoodNotes app on my iPad to take photos of the spaces so I can write the measurements right onto the photo.
Accurate measurements are crucial for maximizing space utilization. Failing to measure your space correctly can lead to wasted space and inefficient organization. After decluttering, take the time to measure your space properly. This will help you choose the right storage solutions and make the most of your available space. I love using the GoodNotes app on my iPad to take photos of the spaces so I can write the measurements right onto the photo.
I use GoodNotes for all client measurements!
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3. Using vertical space incorrectly or not using it at all
Vertical space is often underutilized in organizing projects. Don't overlook this valuable storage opportunity when organizing your space! Useful vertical space has a tendency to hide in plain sight. Some sneaky spaces I was able to take advantage of in my own home are:
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4. Storing commonly used things far from where you use them
Convenience is key when it comes to organizing! Make sure to store frequently used items in easily accessible locations to streamline your daily routines and minimize clutter in your space. Just remember - keep your items confined to a certain amount of space so your convenient collections don't grow out of control! 5. Overcomplicating storage solutions Influencers often promote elaborate storage solutions with countless containers and products. However, simplicity and sustainability are key. You don't need fancy containers for every little thing. Keep it practical and efficient, and avoid overcomplicating your storage solutions. |
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6. Failing to assign age-appropriate tasks to family members
Involving your family in the organizing process is sooo important! By making organization a collaborative effort, it not only lightens the load for you, but also teaches valuable organizing skills to everyone involved. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member to make organizing a team effort. This could look like:
Involving your family in the organizing process is sooo important! By making organization a collaborative effort, it not only lightens the load for you, but also teaches valuable organizing skills to everyone involved. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member to make organizing a team effort. This could look like:
- Infants: Did you know? There have been TONS of studies done that show a positive correlation between narrating our daily routes aloud and our infants' brain development. Even before they can speak on their own, babies can understand sooo much of what we say as well as what is going on in the world around them. Next time you're doing literally anything, consider explaining what you're doing and why you're doing it to your baby. I say it almost every single day but... it is NEVER too early to start teaching organized habits! :-)
- Toddlers: Start by simplifying their toy collections. I am a big fan of the cube organizers from Target! Put only one toy/activity in each cube. Allow your toddler to play with only 2 - 3 toys maximum at one time. When they go to get out a 4th toy, explain to them that they need to clean up at least one other activity that they are finished with before grabbing a new toy. Show them exactly which cube it goes into and have them put it away on their own. You will be surprised how quickly they catch on!
- Pre-Teens: Think about requiring your pre-teens to make their beds each morning before school, and to pick up their toys so their floors are clear before going to bed each night. By making their beds first thing, they are starting their day off with an instant success, and by clearing their floors at night, your morning routine will be a breeze! No more kids getting distracted with toys when they're supposed to be brushing their teeth or getting dressed, and no more stepping on stray legos as you go in to wake them up in the mornings!! You're welcome haha!
- Teens: I personally believe that teens should be capable of doing all household chores. If they can't at this age, they are going to be in for a rude awakening once they're out on their own! I'm not going to tell you how to parent your teens as that is out of my field of expertise (my 15 years of babysitting/nannying experience is mostly with younger kids) but my perspective is that teens should be responsible for both cleaning and organizing their rooms at the bare minimum. You are NOT a mean parent if you require your teens to help out around the house. Organizing and basic cleanliness are skills that we will need our entire lives. Better they are taught these skills sooner rather than later.
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7. Neglecting regular purging
Regular purging is essential to prevent clutter buildup. Set aside time at the beginning of each quarter (January, April, July, October) for regular purging sessions to keep your space organized and clutter-free. It's amazing how much lighter and more organized your space will feel after a good purge! 8. Thinking that once you get organized, you'll never be disorganized again As much as we all wish it was, organizing is not a one-time achievement. Life changes, and so do our organizational needs. Be prepared to adapt and adjust your organizational systems as your life evolves. Flexibility is key to maintaining long-term organization. |
Even your bakeware can be filed vertically!
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9. Stacking items on top of each other instead of filing them vertically
Stacking items can lead to disorganization and wasted space. Instead, file items vertically to maximize space, visibility, and accessibility. This simple change can make a big difference in the organization and functionality of your space, and therefore, your daily routines!
10. Not outsourcing or asking for help when needed
Don't hesitate to seek help when organizing becomes overwhelming. Life often gets in the way of organization. Whether you're a busy working professional who just doesn't have any extra time, a busy mom who needs help reclaiming the house, or someone who is suffering from the loss of a loved one, professional organizing services can provide valuable assistance and support, helping you tackle even the most daunting organizing projects. Moral support and a helping hand can go such a long way.
By avoiding these common organizing mistakes and implementing the tips provided, you can achieve efficient and sustainable organization in your home or workspace. Remember, organizing is an ongoing process, so don't be discouraged if it takes time to find the right systems that work for you. With patience and persistence, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful. Happy organizing!
Stacking items can lead to disorganization and wasted space. Instead, file items vertically to maximize space, visibility, and accessibility. This simple change can make a big difference in the organization and functionality of your space, and therefore, your daily routines!
10. Not outsourcing or asking for help when needed
Don't hesitate to seek help when organizing becomes overwhelming. Life often gets in the way of organization. Whether you're a busy working professional who just doesn't have any extra time, a busy mom who needs help reclaiming the house, or someone who is suffering from the loss of a loved one, professional organizing services can provide valuable assistance and support, helping you tackle even the most daunting organizing projects. Moral support and a helping hand can go such a long way.
By avoiding these common organizing mistakes and implementing the tips provided, you can achieve efficient and sustainable organization in your home or workspace. Remember, organizing is an ongoing process, so don't be discouraged if it takes time to find the right systems that work for you. With patience and persistence, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful. Happy organizing!
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