1. Buying Bins, Totes, or Organizational Systems First
It’s tempting to run to the store and grab all the pretty bins and storage solutions before you begin organizing. But this is a big mistake! If you don’t declutter first, you won’t know how much you need to store, what sizes will work best, or even where things will go.
When you buy storage products first, you’re more likely to focus on filling the bins rather than creating a functional system.
Instead, declutter and assess your space first—then purchase the right storage solutions that fit your needs and the space. It always helps to measure how much space your items will take up to know how many bins or storage solutions you'll need before purchasing.
2. Thinking You Can Organize Without Decluttering
Many people try to jump straight into organizing without getting rid of unnecessary items first. But you can’t organize clutter! If you try to organize without decluttering, you’ll waste time rearranging things you don’t need.
Before you start sorting and categorizing, start with removing trash. Then go through your belongings and remove anything that is broken, doesn’t fit or no longer serves you.
Decluttering first makes the organizing process much smoother and more effective.
Use the four-bin method, have a bin for trash, donations, items that need to be relocated to a different room, and items you’re keeping in the space.
Once you know what you’re keeping in the space, then it’s time to organize!
3. Creating a Small Solution for a Pile of Clutter
It’s easy to grab a bin or basket to contain a messy pile, but this doesn’t actually solve the problem—it just moves clutter around!
Instead of addressing small areas individually, step back and look at the whole room. Consider how you can create a functional system for long-term organization rather than just temporary fixes.
Investing in a well-thought-out storage system for the entire space often costs the same (or less) than repeatedly buying small storage solutions that don’t truly work.
Think of a large bookshelf to hold multiple items, or a cube shelf that can hold bins, baskets or photo boxes to store items in.
Also, think about using as much vertical space as possible. Floating shelves are a great way to use up that vertical space whether it’s displaying items or storing contained items.
4. Storing Infrequently Used Items in Busy Areas
A common organizing mistake is using valuable storage in busy areas of your home for items that aren’t used daily. For example, many clients struggle with kitchen table clutter but claim they lack space for everyday items.
Look at nearby storage options in the kitchen or dining area, like a hutch, buffet table, or built-in cabinets. These often hold rarely used items like Grandma’s china or memorabilia.
Instead of using these prime storage areas for infrequently used pieces, relocate them to a safer spot and re-purpose the space for functional needs.
Create a designated zone for daily essentials such as a bill pay station, arts and crafts, a kids’ school drop zone, or a mail drop zone—keeping your kitchen table clear and functional.
5. Using Large Totes to Hold Multiple Categories
Large totes may seem like an easy storage solution, but mixing multiple categories in one bin creates chaos and is a top organizing mistake!
When you need something, you’ll have to dig through a mix of items, making it hard to find what you’re looking for.
Instead, use smaller bins for individual categories and label them clearly. This makes retrieving and reorganizing items easier.
Large totes should only be used for single-category storage, such as seasonal decorations or bulkier items and make sure to label each tote.
If you’ve made any of these top 5 organizing mistakes, don’t worry —we’ve all been there!
The most important thing is learning from them and adjusting your systems as needed. Creating a home that is easy to tidy and functional for your lifestyle takes time, but with the right approach, it’s possible.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need expert guidance, I’m here to help! Let’s work together to create a clutter-free, functional space that works for you.
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