6 Myths About Getting Organised.
Castles, (with plenty of built-in storage), fairies with magic wands and small groups of talking animals that tidy up in time for the big event.
While I think a good decluttering session can work some magic there are a few reasons why people feel like “getting organised” doesn’t work for them. One of these is that they believe some common myths about it. Let’s see if any of these seem familiar?
Myth 1. It’s something you do once.
What it sounds like: “I just need to finish getting organised”
“Get Organised” is a common new years resolution. It makes it sound like something that is done once and then can be ticked off a list.
There are times where a big reset is required. Where clutter and disorganisation have crept up to uncomfortable levels but it’s not something you can then ignore for the rest of your life. Each age and stage has its own decluttering and organising challenges.
As we move through the years we acquire clothing, homewares, and gifts. We pick up hobbies and let them go. Children race towards adulthood with all the equipment, clothing, craft, and school gear that involves. It’s not something that’s ever totally finished, even after a big organising project there is maintaining and adjusting the work you’ve done.
Myth 2. You just need the right storage product.
What it sounds like: “What is the best storage tub for…”
Despite clever marketing and social media posts full of cupboards with beautifully matching storage products it is not the product that keeps a space organised over time.
Products do help manage and contain categories of items. However, if you don’t intentionally tidy and reset these areas they’ll get chaotic sooner or later.
Maintenance is about how you interact with your organisational set ups. Without this it’s likely to return to chaos sooner or later, that’s one reason people will claim “organising doesn’t work for me”.
Myth 3. You don’t need to declutter first.
What it sounds like: “I just need to sort my things”
I’ve noticed that when you declutter enough organising becomes much easier, spaces just work better with less in them. When every cupboard and drawer is jammed full it’s like doing a tetris puzzle to get things to fit. Why is this a problem?
It makes getting things out and putting them away hard work. If you have to move 10 things just to get the one thing a simple task is now a big drama.
Crammed spaces also create a disincentive to put things back because of the effort and frustration involved. What results is stacks and piles that grow in front of cupboards, shelves and drawers. The space now looks cluttered, this interferes even more with the feeling of being organised.
Some spaces need a good 30-50% removed to clear the way for easy organising.
Sometimes it just needs 10-15% less and bliss!
You can see what you have, your items aren’t crammed in. It’s simple to reach the thing you need and replace it when finished.
This is linked to the next myth…
Myth 4. The best use of space is where there are no empty gaps.
What it sounds like: “There is wasted space in there”
There is a strong tendency to want to fill every spare inch of storage areas with things*, and the belief that anything else is a waste. But as an organiser I can tell you that most storage spaces work best at about 80% full. That “wasted” 20% isn’t necessarily wasted, it’s what makes your space easy and stress free to use. It’s totally ok to have some spare space and it can be a gift if you have something new you need to store. I love when a freshly decluttered and organised space has an empty shelf or drawer now available for future use.
(*if you live in a compact dwelling you may need to fill your storage spaces more to accommodate your needs. But be vigilant with your decluttering to ensure you’re not taking up precious space for things that aren’t needed).
Myth 5. There is one perfect way to organise your belongings.
What it sounds like: “I can’t decide on the best way to organise my home”
The best or perfect solution are totally subjective, what’s best for me may not be best for you. There are many different ways your spaces can be set up, but there are probably some that make more sense than others for who you are and how you live.
Also remember that as the needs of your household change your organisational set ups are going to need to change too. What works best for you now may not suit in a few years time.
The belief that your organising needs to be perfect first time can be paralysing. One of the skills needed as an organising professional is to be flexible and understand that there are many possibilities and for each one there are upsides and downsides. Being open to compromise is needed to make progress. Testing things out and adjusting if needed are a part of the process.
Myth 6. It will be easier later.
What it sounds like: “I’ll do that when I retire”.
The myth that we will have more time, energy and motivation at some magical time in the future is a persistent one. We often fall into this thinking in other areas of our life too around areas like our health and financial affairs. It can sound like this:
“I’ll sort through my photos when the kids leave home.” (Missing out on the joy of viewing them right now because they are in boxes under the bed)
“When I’m on holidays.” (No, on holidays you’ll want to relax unless you find decluttering and organising fun😊)
“When things at work settle down.” (Do you have a reason to believe that things will settle down?)
Later you may have responsibilities you don’t have now, later may bring up situations where the clutter is a much bigger problem than it currently is. Later you may not have the time or health to do the task. Consider your legacy mindfully. Don’t underestimate how good you it will feel to no longer feel the stress the clutter causes and to enjoy your home now.
Where to from here?
Do you notice yourself believing these myths?
What is an alternate point of view to these myths?
Is your organising problem actually a decluttering or tidying issue - Check out this blog to work learn more about what the real issue might be in your home.
Do you need to let go of looking for perfect and aim for flexibility and progress?
Summary of the 6 Organising Myths:
Myth 1: Getting organised is a one-time task. Reality: it's ongoing maintenance through different life stages
Myth 2: You just need the right storage products. Reality: maintenance habits matter more than fancy containers
Myth 3: You don't need to declutter first. Reality: decluttering 10-50% makes organising significantly easier
Myth 4: Best use of space means no gaps. Reality: spaces work best at ~80% full for easy access
Myth 5: There's one perfect way to organise. Reality: what works is subjective and changes as your life changes
Myth 6: It will be easier later. Reality: later may bring more responsibilities and less energy; tackle it now
Looking for more help, ideas or encouragement?
Free Download:
5 Things Creating Clutter – Resource to help you deal with common clutter causes
Related Blog Articles:
How Clutter Affects Your Mental Health: What Science Says About Stress, Sleep, and Focus.
The psychology of stuff. Are you trying to use possessions to meet your deepest needs?
In-Depth Guides:
Creating Calm Spaces eBook – Comprehensive guide with organising systems and strategies ($14.95)
Home Systems Workbook – Simple activities to organise routines and reduce chaos ($9.95)
Newsletter:
A Calm Year - Tips and resources to help you declutter and organise
Connect:
Need Hands-On Help with Decluttering in Brisbane?
If you'd like support navigating the emotional and practical parts of decluttering and organising, learn more about how we can work together. Calm Space Professional Organising serves the Brisbane area.
Not in Brisbane?
Virtual Sessions can provide personalised help wherever you are.
