Top 5 DIY Organizing Mistakes: And How to Avoid Them

Organizing your space can feel like a fresh start. But if you’ve ever tried and still ended up feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. These are five mistakes I see all the time when people try to tackle it on their own (and exactly what to do instead).

Organizing Backwards

Jumping straight into detailed sorting before you’ve done a general sort of all items in the space makes the process longer and more overwhelming. Don’t start by separating pens by ink color, start by piling all pens or stationary and go through each category later on in your roughly sorted space.

Do this instead

Begin with a broad sweep, generally categorizing all items. Once that’s all done it’s time to look at editing/purging each category and eventually fine sorting those pens now that you know what’s actually staying.

Mixing Up Your Piles

Tossing everything into a “sort later” bin or letting piles blur together (like “keep,” “donate,” and “trash”) can make sense in the moment, although this causes major confusion and backtracking.

Do this instead

Label piles clearly as you go, keep, toss, donate, relocate, etc. Keep them physically separate to avoid mix-ups and decision fatigue.

Buying Product Too Soon

It’s tempting to start with cute bins, baskets, and labels, but buying storage before you’ve decluttered often leads to wasted money and unused containers.

Do this instead

Wait until after you’ve edited and grouped your items. Then measure the space(s) and the amount of space each category needs. Buy only what fits your actual needs, not just the products you like or think you might use.

Trying to Do It All at Once

Tackling an entire room or the whole house in one go is a recipe for burnout and half-finished piles.

Do this instead

Pick one drawer, one shelf, one category, or a small space if you feel up to it. Small wins build momentum, and a little progress is much better than a rushed mess.

Not Giving Items a Home

Even after a good declutter, if your stuff doesn’t have a consistent “home,” it’ll quickly pile up again.

Do this instead

Every item needs a landing spot. Make sure everything has a designated place that’s easy to access and just as easy to put back.

You don’t need to do it perfectly.

Just knowing where the common missteps are can help you move forward with more confidence and way less stress. You’ve got this, and if you want help, you know where to find us.

You don’t have to do it all alone.

Whether you’re tackling a catch-all space or your whole home, I’m here to help when you’re ready. Leave a comment if you want to talk through your next steps!

xo Chloe