10 organizing habits you’re doing wrong

Print this recipe
Organizing your home or workspace is often seen as a straightforward task, but many of us fall into common traps that inadvertently make the process more challenging. From holding onto unnecessary items to buying the wrong storage solutions, there are several habits that might be hindering your organizational goals. In this article, we’ll explore ten common organizing habits that you might be doing wrong and offer solutions to help you streamline your space effectively.
Getting organized is more than just tidying up; it involves creating systems that work for you and the way you live. Unfortunately, without a strategic approach, you may end up with cluttered spaces that are difficult to maintain. Let’s dive into these ten habits and see how you can shift them to create a more harmonious and efficient environment.
1. Hoarding Plastic Bags ‘Just in Case’
Many people have a drawer or cabinet filled with plastic bags, believing they might be useful someday. While it’s practical to keep a few on hand, an excess can quickly consume valuable space. Limiting yourself to a specific number, such as 10 to 20 bags, can help keep this collection from spiraling out of control. Consider using reusable bags as an alternative, and recycle the excess plastic bags at designated drop-off points in your community.
2. Hiding Clutter in Junk Drawers
Junk drawers are notorious for becoming black holes of forgotten items. Instead of using them as a catch-all for miscellaneous items, designate each drawer for a specific category. Use small containers or dividers to keep similar items together. For example, keep office supplies like pens and paperclips in one section, and batteries and tools in another. Regularly sort through these drawers every few months to ensure that unnecessary items are being discarded.
3. Labeling Bins with Cute but Vague Words
While it might be fun to label storage bins with quirky phrases like ‘Odds and Ends’, this can actually create confusion over time. Labels should be clear and descriptive, indicating exactly what is inside. Instead of ‘Miscellaneous’, opt for labels like ‘Chargers’, ‘Craft Supplies’, or ‘Winter Accessories’. This specificity will make it easier to find what you need quickly and keep your space organized.
4. Keeping Mystery Cords Forever
It’s easy to accumulate a collection of cords and chargers over time, especially as technology evolves. However, keeping every cord ‘just in case’ clutters your space and creates confusion. Once a year, go through your cords and match them with their respective devices. If you can’t identify a cord’s purpose, it’s time to let it go. Consider labeling cords with their device names to prevent future mystery buildup.
5. Procrastinating on Decluttering
Putting off decluttering can lead to overwhelming piles of items that take much longer to sort through. Instead of waiting for the ‘perfect’ time, schedule regular decluttering sessions. You could set aside 30 minutes each week to tackle a specific area, such as a closet or a section of your garage. By breaking the task into manageable chunks, you’ll prevent clutter from accumulating and make the process less daunting.
Next Page