10 Common Organizing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

I’ve always been the organized one. The kid who color-coded her bookshelf, the teen who actually liked cleaning her room, the adult who finds genuine joy in a tidy home.

But even with that natural instinct for order, I’ve learned that staying organized—especially as life evolves—isn’t just about being neat. It’s about creating systems that actually support your daily rhythms, your family, your season of life.

At The Orderly Space, I’ve seen inside hundreds of homes, from busy family kitchens to luxurious walk-in closets. And no matter the square footage, the same mistakes show up time and time again. But most organizing mistakes aren’t about laziness or lack of effort—they come from good intentions paired with the wrong approach.

So today, I’m breaking down the 10 most common organizing mistakes I see in homes of all shapes and sizes—and how to fix them with a little more strategy, intention, and grace. Let’s get into it!

1. Organizing Before Decluttering

I get it—there’s always a strong urge to make things look pretty. But organizing without first decluttering is like buying storage for things you don’t even need. You’ll either end up with excess bins and baskets, or you’ll end up rearranging clutter.

Fix it: Always declutter first. Be honest about what’s worth keeping. Then you can invest in organizing what remains.

2. Buying Storage Products Too Early

Raise your hand if you’ve ever impulse-bought a basket because the aisles at Home Goods were just a little too tempting? (Don’t worry, you’re not alone!)

Here’s the truth: the right product can transform a space, but the wrong one? It just adds more clutter.

Fix it: Measure your space, assess your needs, and wait until after you've decluttered. Organizing is meant to be a thoughtful, intentional experience—not rushed.

3. Not Creating Sustainable Systems

It doesn’t matter how pretty the pantry looks—if your family can’t keep it up, it won’t last. Make sure your organizational systems work for your real life!

Fix it: Design systems that reflect how you live. Use broad categories, make items easy to reach, and label clearly. And don’t forget: if your partner or kids can’t figure it out, it’s probably not be the right system.

4. Keeping Things Out of Guilt or Obligation

That sweater from your aunt that still has tags? Your grandmother’s china you’ll never use? Your home isn’t a museum for other people’s memories—or their expectations.

Fix it: Let go of what doesn’t serve you. Give yourself permission to release the “shoulds” and make space for what matters now.

5. Labeling Too Late (or Not at All)

Even the prettiest bins lose their purpose if no one knows what belongs inside. Labels are your best friend—for maintenance, clarity, and keeping everyone on the same page.

Fix it: Use simple, legible fonts and categories that make sense. If you need help deciding what label maker is the best choice for your needs, check out this Instagram Reel! Or if you’d rather we do the work for you, head on over to our Etsy Shop to shop our custom labels!

6. Ignoring Vertical Space

Especially in smaller homes or apartments, you have to think up—not just out.

Fix it: Maximize vertical real estate. Use wall shelves, tall cabinets, over-the-door organizers, and hooks to free up surface space while keeping essential products easily accessible.

7. Not Giving Everything a Home

That pile of mail on the counter? The “mountain of laundry” chair? It all adds up to create an overwhelming amount of clutter.

Fix it: Every single item needs a home. If it doesn’t have one, it becomes clutter. Plain and simple!

8. Organizing Once and Never Re-Evaluating

Your organizing systems should evolve with your lifestyle. The labels that once worked for your family, may not make sense a year from now.

Fix it: Check in regularly. Spend 10 minutes a week tidying one area and making sure it’s still organized in a way that works for you. It doesn’t need to be a full overhaul—just a touch-up. This is where the magic of maintenance lives!

9. Keeping Duplicates ‘Just in Case’

Two can openers, four travel mugs, six pairs of scissors... it adds up fast.

Fix it: Be honest about what you actually use. Keep the best, donate the rest. When everything has a purpose, your space breathes better (and so do you!).

10. Trying to Organize Everything All at Once

If you’ve ever burned out halfway through organizing your entire house in a weekend... you’re not alone.

Fix it: Start small. One drawer, one shelf, one corner of the playroom. Progress over perfection, always!

Final Thoughts

Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace. It’s about opening a drawer and actually finding what you need. It’s walking through your front door and feeling a deep exhale, not a to-do list staring back at you.

If you’ve been reading this and you’re thinking, “Okay…that’s me,” know this: you’re not failing. You’re just working with systems that don’t support you yet.

At The Orderly Space, we specialize in luxury home organization throughout Bellingham, Seattle, and beyond! We know how to create organizational systems that are as beautiful as they are functional—because your home should work for you, not the other way around.

Whether you're moving into a new home, navigating a season of transition, or simply craving more ease in your space—we're here to help. With the plan, the process, and yes, even the pretty bins (when the time is right 😉).

Book your complimentary consultation today and let’s bring more calm—and a lot more order—into your everyday!