One of the most common? Buying organizers without measuring.
#1 Trying to Do It in One Fell Swoop
Clutter is overwhelming; getting overwhelmed is a great way to make no organizing progress.
#2 Starting Without a Plan
Tidying is tidying. Organizing is changing the way you live. It takes longer to think about and implement a system, but the long-term results of organizing instead of tidying will be that you remain organized. A successful organization strategy is one that fits your life
#3 Tackling the Paper Mountain First
Don’t start with paper. It will bog anyone down because it is tedious and the most frustrating. Save that un-fun task for when your organizing momentum is already rolling or hire someone to help you.
#4 Trying To Buy Your Way Into Organized
Organization is an action, not something you can buy. Common culprits: renting storage space — which costs around $600 a year for a small unit — or sinking $400 into some deliciously chic, hand woven baskets.
Avoid overspending (and under-organizing) with two rules of thumb:
First, if you can live without something for months or years at a time, you likely don’t need it. Storage units are handy for moves and remodels, but in most cases, long-term use is an unnecessary budget-buster.
Second, an organized life requires very little investment. Clear plastic tubs cost $1.50 at IKEA. Plus, simple, clear containers allow you to actually see what’s inside, so you’ll never forget which $100 basket is storing your scarves again.
#5 Failing to Donate Your Donations
After going through the energy of sorting things to get rid of, make sure to complete the task by actually taking them out of the house. The cleared space will be a relief!
To avoid the build-up, don’t wait until you have a trunkful to run over to the donation center. Drop off a box after each room you organize. Hoarding items you want to give to a friend or family member? Put those things in a box by the door, and give loved ones a drop-dead date for picking them up. Don’t feel badly if they no-show. You don’t actually want it either, remember?
#6 Buying Storage Without Measuring
Shopping is fun. Measuring things is not. But don’t even think about walking into The Container Store before you know the size, shape, and dimensions of organizers you need.
#7 Ignoring Your Wall Space
Sometimes the best storage option has been right next to you all along: your walls. Forget tucking everything into a bin or taking up more precious floor space with yet another shelving unit. Wall space isn’t just available and efficient; it can make storage more accessible.
Adding hooks to make it easy to pick up and go is important — especially for kids
Floating shelves, pegboards, corner shelving, built-ins — even attaching finished wooden crates or hanging a shoe organizer on the wall — can transform your everyday vertical space into an organization mecca.
#8 Skipping a Labeling System
Putting labels on everything in the house may make you feel like a bossy taskmaster. But, in fact, it makes you a clever organization educator. Labels may seem over-the-top at first, but eventually, they make organizing second nature by training others (and reminding you!) where things belong.
#9 Allowing Your Organizers to Get Disorganized
Just when you thought your shelf full of tidy, clear, labeled containers were perfect, you open the one-marked “gloves” and spend 10 minutes trying to find a single matching pair.
Dividers and smaller boxes within bigger containers can help smaller items stay neatly corralled and categorized. Try this solution inside dresser drawers for a refreshingly well-ordered dressing experience. Now you can pat yourself on the back.
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Get organized! Contact Tricia via phone at 925-206-0103 or by email uniquelyyours@outlook.com to schedule an appointment today.
