Do This, Not That: Home Organizing Mistakes to Avoid

Staying organized can feel overwhelming, especially when clutter starts creeping into every corner of your home. But often, the problem isn’t a lack of effort—it’s simply that certain organizing habits make things harder rather than easier. 

That’s where a "Do This, Not That" approach comes in handy. By making small but effective changes, you can transform your home into a well-organized, functional space without frustration. 

Below are the most common organizing mistakes—and what to do instead! 

General Home Organization 

✅ Do: Store items by category. 

❌ Not That: Store items wherever they fit. 

Why? Keeping similar items together makes it easier to find what you need, reduces duplicate purchases, and streamlines organization. For example, store all office supplies in one drawer rather than scattering them throughout the house. 

✅ Do: Use clear storage bins. 

❌ Not That: Use opaque or mismatched containers. 

Why? Transparent bins allow you to see what’s inside at a glance, reducing the need for rummaging and making it easier to maintain order. 

✅ Do: Label everything. 

❌ Not That: Assume you’ll remember where everything is. 

Why? Even the most organized person can forget where things are stored. Labels ensure everyone in the household knows where items belong, making tidying up a breeze. 

Closet Organization 

✅ Do: Use uniform, slimline hangers. 

❌ Not That: Use bulky, mismatched hangers. 

Why? Slimline hangers save space and create a streamlined look, making your closet feel less cluttered. 

✅ Do: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally. 

❌ Not That: Keep everything in your closet year-round. 

Why? Storing out-of-season clothing elsewhere frees up space, so you only see what you need, reducing visual clutter. 

✅ Do: Fold and file clothes in drawers. 

❌ Not That: Stack clothes in piles. 

Why? File folding clothes (folding them vertically) makes everything easy to see and access—no more digging through stacks that topple over. 

Decluttering & Downsizing 

✅ Do: Follow the one-in, one-out rule. 

❌ Not That: Keep accumulating items without removing anything. 

Why? Every time you buy something new, remove an old item. This simple habit prevents clutter from creeping back in. 

✅ Do: Donate items you don’t use. 

❌ Not That: Hold onto things “just in case.” 

Why? If you haven’t used something in over a year, chances are you don’t need it. Donating helps others while keeping your home clutter-free. 

✅ Do: Set a timer for decluttering sessions. 

❌ Not That: Try to declutter an entire home in one day. 

Why? Tackling a whole house at once can be overwhelming. Short, focused sessions (e.g., 20-minute bursts) make it manageable. 

Kitchen Organization 

✅ Do: Store items where you use them most. 

❌ Not That: Keep kitchen tools in random drawers. 

Why? Keeping essentials near where they’re used—pots near the stove, cutting boards near the prep area—makes cooking more efficient. 

✅ Do: Decant pantry staples into labeled containers. 

❌ Not That: Keep food in original, messy packaging. 

Why? Uniform containers reduce visual clutter, prevent spills, and make inventory checks easier. 

✅ Do: Utilize vertical space with shelf risers. 

❌ Not That: Stack items haphazardly. 

Why? Shelf risers, a lazy Susan, and under-shelf baskets maximize space and keep items easily accessible. 

Garage & Storage Spaces 

✅ Do: Use wall-mounted storage for tools and sports gear. 

❌ Not That: Pile everything on the floor. 

Why? Hanging items frees up floor space, making it easier to find what you need and keeping the garage functional. 

✅ Do: Keep seasonal decorations in labeled bins. 

❌ Not That: Toss everything into an unlabeled box. 

Why? Clear labels make it easy to grab what you need each season without digging through multiple bins. 

✅ Do: Store heavy items on lower shelves. 

❌ Not That: Put heavy items on top shelves where they can fall. 

Why? Keeping heavier items low reduces the risk of accidents and makes access easier. 

Kid & Family Organization 

✅ Do: Use baskets and bins for toys. 

❌ Not That: Rely on open shelves for everything. 

Why? Bins make it easier for kids to clean up quickly while keeping things looking tidy. 

✅ Do: Create a drop zone for backpacks and shoes. 

❌ Not That: Let kids drop things anywhere. 

Why? A designated space for everyday essentials prevents clutter from spreading throughout the home. 

✅ Do: Store kids’ clothes where they can reach them. 

❌ Not That: Keep everything out of reach. 

Why? When kids can access their own clothes, they’re more likely to keep things organized and learn independence. 

Final Thoughts 

Home organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making small, intentional changes, you can create a space that feels calm, functional, and easy to maintain. 

Start by choosing one or two areas to improve today, and you’ll be amazed at the difference these simple swaps can make! 

Want more professional organizing tips? Contact me today for a free consultation on how I can help transform your home! 

 Serving the Greater Boston Area with Expert Home Organization Services & Custom Closet Organization

At The Organized You, we offer personalized home organization services throughout the Greater Boston Area, including Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Newton, Medfield, Walpole, and beyond. Whether you need help decluttering, optimizing your closets, or creating a functional home office, we’re here to design systems that work for you. Learn more about our services in Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Newton, Medfield, and Walpole, and schedule your free consultation today!