Getting your home neat and organized can be a daunting task. I’ve seen many people fall into the same organizational traps that can end up leaving things even more scattered, creating even more stress than before. Here’s my list of five organizational mistakes you may be making, and ideas to fix them.

Mistake number 1: Not Using “Hidden” Spaces 

One of the biggest mistakes I see is not utilizing those “hidden” spaces in your home. I have used closet spaces in just about every home we’ve lived in as offices or sewing spaces. Let me explain how you can create your own “cloffice,” and why I love this idea.

First off, you don’t have to keep this area super tidy, because you can just close the door when you’re done working and no one will see your mess. I’ve created make-shift desks and work tables using two filing cabinets with a large piece of lumber across the top. This concept works because you can customize the “desk” to fill the entire space of the closet. From there, you can get creative depending on how you plan to use your space. I’ve added shelves on the wall behind my make-shift desk with removable clothing rods, creating a dual-purpose space. I also like to mount shelves around the top of closets to create additional storage. From there, I bring in lidded boxes, file sorters, and other desktop organizers to control paperwork and office supplies.

Next, have fun with the space! Personalize your cloffice space for your enjoyment. Use colors, patterns and accessories you love. Paint or wallpaper the interior of the closet in a favorite color. Add framed artwork or photos to show off your personality.  You may have to have an electrical outlet installed in your home coffice if there isn’t one there. Outfitting a home cloffice can be a fun and creative way to utilize spaces in your home typically reserved for storage and clutter.

Mistake Number 2: Not Developing Zones for Everything In Your House

Here’s a little story about me. I LOVE candles. I didn’t realize how many I even ad until one day when we were moving and the packers were helping us clear out cabinets. One of them kept pointing out how many candles I owned all over the house! I didn’t realize how many I had because they weren’t all stored in one spot. This is a simple example of why it’s important to develop zones for everything in your house. When you use zones, as in storing alike items in one central location, you save time, and you’re less likely to over-buy because you can quickly assess how many/much you have. Organizational zones are the most efficient ways to arrange items and keep your home neat and tidy. When each room has a clear purpose, it should be easy to decide what you will store there. Organizing is an ongoing process, not a one-time project.  Once you have established what goes in each zone, this is where bins, baskets and cute cubbies come in handy, and this is when you label, label, and label some more.  Group items that are used together, like oil with vinegar in the kitchen, and socks and underwear in the closet.

Mistake Number 3: Not Using Space in Ottomans and Storage Benches.

These storage areas are great overflow solutions for full closets and dresser drawers.  Instead of a coffee table, use a storage ottoman to maximize space and storage inside.  Inside the coffee table, put things you will be using in that area such as board games, blankets, or toys. Another benefit to using storage ottomans in the living room items, is that they can go anywhere. Next to the sofa, in the corner of the room, adjacent to an entertainment center even between a seating arrangement to serve as a side table.  One tip I like to share is to always keep small storage area empty so you can quickly clean up when company is coming over..

Mistake Number 4: Not Setting Realistic Goals

“Setting an unrealistic goal is defined as any ambition that isn’t attainable, practical, or doable.  When you set unrealistic goals, you get bored or burnt out, and you quit early. To recognize unrealistic goals, check that each step of your plan is achievable.  To stop setting unrealistic goals, make your goals simpler.”  (https://goalengineer.com)

There is a lot of pressure in the world that people want to match what others expect of them, not what they expect of themselves.  Make sure you are setting your goals and realizing the extent of your abilities.  You want to make sure you set healthy goals to better your life.  What is your desire?  Don’t set higher goals only to beat yourself up if you don’t achieve everything you want. Unrealistic goals can defeat what you are trying to accomplish. Some days I put all the little things on my list that I have already completed. I literally write down that I completed breakfast, got dressed, put the dishes away, etc. Anything that I have accomplished. This way the action of physically marking off those attainable goals feels really good and that motivates me to add more and work my way up if I’m having a bad day or week. Another note to stress is that I am terrible about not giving myself credit for what I have already accomplished. I’m always looking ahead to what needs to be done, not what I have already accomplished. My husband is always good to point this out, and he is right. Don’t set goals so high that you are always disappointing yourself. People with unrealistic goals get frustrated by setting themselves up for disappointment. If your expectations are too high, you put a lot of pressure on yourself. You are capable of doing fantastic things, you just need to know how to set the right goals for yourself.

Realistic goals are ones that you can reach with the right motivation level, timeframe, skills, and abilities.  Realistic goals help you identify what you want to achieve. When each goal is realistic, you increase your chances of success. Setting goals maximizes your time, keeps you motivated, and boosts your self-esteem. You can’t just write down a general statement that you are going to organize your entire house. You need to split this up into smaller, more specific goals that are manageable. I always start small, for example, the closet in the front bedroom. Then I think about what I should keep, give away or throw away. Basically, if you wouldn’t like to give it as a gift, donate it to someone else! Start small. You may not even finish the closet that day but keep working on it until you do. Then move on to the drawers in the same room, getting rid of items or relocating them to create a space that works for each item. By picking ONE thing and making it happen, you will feel accomplished and proud.  Use those emotions to motivate you to clean and organize another area. Let the momentum keep building so you can really enjoy your space.

Mistake Number 5: Not Letting Go of Unused Items

Decide if you are going to put unuseditems away, fix them, donate them or throw them away.  Donating is the easiest way to get rid of unwanted items. Think of it as someone else getting to appreciate something you are not needing at the moment. If I am not using something, I figure that someone else needs it and I donate it. I don’t have the time it takes to take photos, post, and sell items and I don’t want to use the extra space to store them and sell them later in a garage sale.

You will see faster results when decluttering if you reduce the new stuff coming in or eliminate it altogether. Put yourself on a budget or do a no-spend challenge. If you want to declutter fast choose the donation method. Use the 80/20 rule. Statistically, we only use 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Your clothes are just wasting valuable time and space. You need to be ruthless and more decisive about what to keep and get rid of. Tip: If you need to ask yourself if you want to keep it, then you probably should let it go. There are benefits to getting rid of clutter, such as spending less time cleaning your house. When you own fewer items, you don’t need to tidy and clean up as often.  I am not a person who likes knickknacks sitting around the house, and I think it is because it adds time to dusting and cleaning. I have read several times in the past few weeks that too many toys can negatively impact children. Fewer toys allow better focus to explore and be more creative. You don’t have to get rid of all the toys, but, for instance, I would always rotate my kids’ toys, and every time I brought out the stored items, it was like Christmas all over again.

Use these mistakes and tips to help you get organized around organizing. Keeping your home strategically organized and decluttered will free up your time, space and create a peaceful home environment for you and your family.