Why You Can't Simplify Your Life

Hello everyone! I'm excited to continue on with this small, basic organization series. If you missed the first post, here it is: Three Simple Reasons Why You Can't Organize Your Home.

Image C/O Rite Hutcheson Cobbs

Today, I'll be focusing more in depth on the simple mistakes that everyone makes when they organize- whether they admit it or not.

• Do all of your belongings have a home?

• Are any of your storage systems convenient to reach and get too?

• Do you think that organizing is fun and exciting?

• Does the amount of stuff you have equal the amount of storage space your home or apartment has?

• Do you remember things without having them strewn around your home?

• Are your storage systems easy to understand and follow?

If you answered “No” to one or more of these questions then you might be suffering from simple organizing mistakes. Don't fret though because it is super simple to rectify these mistakes and become organized.

Simple Ways to Correct Organizing Mistakes

Do all of your belongings have a home?

Why its a problem: All of your belongings should have a home- a specific location where it is stored until that moment when you need it. Unfortunately, there is no way around it but with a little elbow grease everything you own can have a a home. 

The solution: Take some time and find a location for everything that you own and stick to your decisions. If you have a hard time getting into the organization mood read this article on How to Be Organized at Home.

Are any of your storage systems convenient to reach and get too?

Why its a problem: Why would anyone want to follow a organizing plan that is inconvenient. If you can barely reach the storage bins or have to move several big totes to get to your closet you are definitely not going to want to put anything away, ever.

The solution: The only way to stick to a plan is to make sure that you make something that is fun and easy to follow. Use brightly colored boxes or line the inside of your drawers with colorful paper. Make your organization system fun, appealing, and easy to follow and you'll be more willing to follow your new system.

Do you think that organizing is fun and exciting?

Why its a problem: Not everyone thinks that organizing is fun or exciting. Trust me, even I have to be in the right mood to start digging through random junk in my house. I can always find something better or more fun to do than organize, but it takes time to become organized. There are things that you can't escape from and organizing is one of them.

The solution: Its best to just put on your favorite jams or a favorite television show and get down to work. To make it easier organize your home in chucks. Start with one section of a room or (if you're feeling frisky) an entire room.

Does the amount of stuff you have equal the amount of storage space your home or apartment has?

Why its a problem: Do you have too much stuff and too little space? I'm sorry but its impossible to store your things in a space that is inadequate.

The solution: The perfect solution to this problem is to get a bigger space. I know that a lot of us aren't blessed with having an option of getting a bigger space. So, try renting a storage building to keep all of your extra belongings in. If you don't want to invest any money or don't have the funds for it try getting rid of a few things by throwing a garage sale or donating things to a local thrift store.

Do you remember things without having them strewn around your home?

Why its a problem: I'm a big believer in out of sight, out of mind. I suffer from ADHD and while I don't use this as an excuse; I feel it is a perfect explanation of why I am the way I am. Plus, I know that a lot of people are this way-ADHD or not. If something isn't right under my nose the likelihood of me remembering it is slim to none. Having a few things like library books or homework setting on the table is okay but when the clutter and mess starts to spread and pile up you have a problem.

The solution: Here's a little something that I do to curb this terrible habit- I use sticky notes. Plus, if it is really important I'll leave somethings out on the counter so that there is no way I'll forget it.

Are your storage systems easy to understand and follow?

Why its a problem: Having storage systems that are clear, concise, and easy to understand goes hand in hand with having storage systems that are convenient and easy to get too. Make sure that your storage bins or totes are clearly labeled and you know exactly where everything goes. That way you won't get frustrated and give up on your storage system.

The solution: If you struggle with this try figuring out a way to make organizing easier.

If you have a question or problem with your organization system or plan, feel free to email me here.