Having an organized home creates a sense of peace and may even improve your mental health. That’s because when things are tidy, we feel less stressed and anxious, sleep better, and are able to better focus on other areas of our lives. Yet as beneficial as organization is, it’s also sometimes challenging, especially if you haven’t developed a routine. Here are some common organization mistakes you’re probably making (and how to fix them).
Creating Stacks
Stacks look better than piles, right? Well, not much. If you’re in the habit of creating stacks of items around your home, you’re contributing to it looking cluttered instead of organized. It’s easy to create stacks of mail on the counter, stacks of papers on your desk, or stacks of laundry on the table, but that doesn’t really get rid of the clutter or help your home feel more organized.
Instead, set aside time every day to file your papers and put laundry away. That way, the stacks don’t become overwhelming. And consider storage options that make staying organized easier. Try adding cabinets and folding areas to your laundry room, installing a new shelf, or adding custom storage to your closet to hold the items that are currently stacked around your home.
Inconvenient Storage
When we choose storage areas that are inconvenient for us, we’re less likely to use them. For example, if you keep all your cleaning supplies in one downstairs closet, it’s less likely you’ll want to do all the extra walking to return them to their place. This results in cleaning supplies left strewn around your home. Some people also inadvertently create disorganization by trying to keep everything out of sight. Haphazardly packing your cabinets and closets makes it difficult to see what you have, so items may be forgotten and repurchased.
Instead, think about convenience when it comes to storage. In the case of cleaning supplies, store needed appliances and cleaning supplies near where they will be used. For example, keep bathroom cleaner in the bathroom. And instead of shoving everything into closets and cabinets, keep frequently used items like coffee makers on the counter and consider open storage for things like coffee mugs and frequently used dishes. Save your cabinet space for items like food storage containers and infrequently used specialty appliances.
Keeping Too Much
Many of us are guilty of keeping too much. Maybe it’s a junk drawer in the kitchen filled with random parts to things you’ve long-since forgotten. Perhaps it’s a rack of outdated or too-small clothes you’re hoping to wear again one day. Or maybe you have boxes of items you thought you would use but never really have. Whatever the case, it’s not uncommon to have unused items taking up space in our homes.
A good rule of thumb to follow is getting rid of anything you haven’t used at least once a year. So keep things like Christmas decorations, but consider letting go of those pairs of jeans you haven’t worn since 2010. It’s fine to keep sentimental items, but in general, aim to sell, donate, or throw away anything that has outlived its usefulness. Decluttering your home immediately helps it look more organized and gives you more space for the things you do use.
Not Enough Storage
Finally, not having enough storage is a big mistake many people make. It’s hard to keep even a modest number of possessions organized if you lack cabinet space, have only single-rod closets, and don’t have adequate shelving. Unfortunately, not having enough storage space forces you either to go with a very minimalist aesthetic or deal with cluttered surfaces.
Instead, invest in custom storage. That way, you have space for everything you need. And because custom cabinets are built to fit your home, there’s no wasted space that could otherwise be functional. If you’ve been living with stacks of items all over your home, it’s time to get organized. Contact us today to see how custom storage can help.
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