How to Stay Disorganized in 10 Easy Steps: The Most Common Organizing Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)
- Dianne Collins
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
Have you ever spent an entire weekend "getting organized" only to find that a few weeks later everything looks exactly the same?
You're not alone.
As a professional organizer, I see the same mistakes over and over again. The good news is that most organizing struggles aren't caused by laziness, lack of motivation, or not having enough storage. They're caused by a few common misconceptions about how organization actually works.
If you want lasting results, avoid these 10 habits that practically guarantee frustration, clutter, and abandoned organizing projects.
1. Ask "Where Should I Put This?" Before Asking "Should I Keep This?" (The organizing mistake I observe most often)
When we immediately look for a place to store something, we skip the more important questions:
How many of these do I already have?
Do I actually use this?
How often do I use it?
Do I use it in this room?
If I didn't already own it, would I buy it again today?
Organization is not about finding homes for everything. It's about deciding what deserves space in your home in the first place.
What to Do Instead
Before assigning a location, evaluate the item. The less you own, the easier it becomes to organize and maintain your spaces.
2. Buy Containers Before You Have a Plan
Beautiful baskets, clear bins, drawer dividers, and organizing gadgets can be helpful—but they're not magic.
Many people buy storage products hoping they'll solve the problem. Unfortunately, containers don't eliminate clutter. They simply contain it.
I've seen closets filled with expensive bins that are beautifully labeled and still overflowing with things the homeowner doesn't need.
What to Do Instead
Declutter first.
Determine what you're keeping, then measure your space, and finally purchase containers that support your system—not the other way around.
3. Move Stuff Around Instead of Decluttering
If you've ever transferred items from one room to another, then another closet, then the garage, you've experienced "clutter migration," or what I call "stuff shifting."
The home feels productive because things are moving. But in reality, nothing has changed.
You still own the same amount of stuff.
What to Do Instead
Focus on reducing volume before organizing.
Organization becomes dramatically easier when you're working with fewer items.
Remember: moving clutter is not the same as eliminating clutter.
4. Expect to Organize Your Entire House in One Weekend
Social media makes organizing look fast.
In reality, most successful organizing projects happen over time.
Trying to tackle an entire home in a weekend often leads to exhaustion, frustration, and dozens of half-finished projects.
What to Do Instead
Start smaller than you think you need to.
Choose:
One drawer
One shelf
One cabinet
One category
Small wins build momentum. Momentum creates consistency. Consistency creates results.
5. Focus on Aesthetics Instead of Function
Pinterest-worthy pantries and perfectly color-coordinated closets are beautiful.
But beauty alone won't keep a space organized.
If a system is impractical or difficult to maintain, family members won't use it. And if nobody uses it, the system fails regardless of how attractive it looks.
What to Do Instead
Function comes first.
Ask:
Is it easy to put things away?
Is it easy to find what I need?
Will everyone in the household actually use this system?
The most successful organizing systems often look simpler (and less polished) than the ones you see online.
6. Start With Sentimental Items
People often begin organizing by tackling old photographs, inherited treasures, baby keepsakes, or memorabilia.
Unfortunately, sentimental items require the most emotional energy and decision-making.
Starting there can quickly lead to overwhelm...and tears.
What to Do Instead
Begin with easy decisions.
Try:
Expired pantry items
Duplicate kitchen tools
Old magazines
Unused toiletries
Worn-out clothing
Building confidence with easier categories prepares you for the more emotional ones later.
7. Keep Everything "Just in Case"
This may be the most common source of household clutter.
We keep things because we might need them someday.
The problem is that "someday" rarely arrives.
Meanwhile, those items continue taking up valuable space, creating visual clutter and making it harder to manage the things we actually use.
What to Do Instead
Ask yourself:
"What is the realistic likelihood I'll need this?"
If replacing the item would be inexpensive or easy, you may be paying a much higher price in clutter than you would in replacement cost.
8. Create Overly Complicated Systems
Many organizing systems fail because they're too complicated.
Color-coded labels, tiny micro-categories, and elaborate filing structures can seem impressive initially. But they often require more maintenance than real life allows.
What to Do Instead
Keep systems as simple as possible.
If a system requires multiple steps to put something away, people will usually skip it.
The best organizing system is the one you'll actually use.
9. Organize Everyone Else's Stuff First
It's tempting to focus on what your spouse should get rid of, what your kids should clean up, or what another family member should organize.
But lasting change starts with your own belongings.
What to Do Instead
Lead by example.
When you simplify your own possessions and create functional systems, other household members are often more willing to participate.
Focus on what you can control.
10. Wait Until You Have More Time
Many people postpone organizing because they believe they need an entire free day—or even an entire free weekend.
The result?
Nothing gets started.
What to Do Instead
Use small pockets of time.
You can accomplish a surprising amount in:
10 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
One drawer today is better than waiting six months for the perfect weekend. And it builds that momentum and confidence (see step 4 again!)
The Secret to Getting Organized Successfully
The most organized homes aren't necessarily the prettiest.
They're the ones that function well for the people who live in them.
So if you've been struggling to get organized, don't worry.
You may simply be following advice that focuses on storage instead of strategy.
Start small. Focus on function. Celebrate progress.
And remember: every organized home begins with one simple decision at a time.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter or don't know where to begin, professional organizing can help you create realistic systems that fit your home and your lifestyle.
Together, we can turn frustration into progress—and create a home that feels calmer, more functional, and easier to maintain.
If you live in or around the South Carolina Upstate area, and you'd like help setting up categories, or just decluttering and getting organized in general, you can click HERE to schedule a discovery call or you can reach me directly at 864-280-9454. I'd love to help.
Until Next Time,
Dianne
Comments