Tackling a cluttered space can seem like a mammoth challenge, especially if you're not sure how to get started. Lucky for you, we're expert organizers who've seen it all! We've witnessed organizing missteps time and time again, and we have an experienced understanding of which systems are effective, and which good intentions end up causing more problems than they solve.

We’ve put together a list of the top five mistakes we've seen. Read on to discover what they are and how to avoid them!

1. Not having a plan & buying all the bins: When it comes to organizing, the biggest mistake is not having a plan and going overboard on purchasing bins. It's like jumping into a pool without checking if there's water! Avoid this by taking the time to plot out your strategy. Set clear goals and figure out what you want to accomplish, so you don't end up drowning in clutter. By making a solid action plan, you'll stay focused and organized throughout the entire process.

2. Not decluttering first: Another common mistake people make is not decluttering their space before they start organizing. It's important to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This will not only free up space, but it will also make it easier to organize what's left.

3. Keeping too much stuff: Perhaps the most common issue people have is keeping too much stuff. Having more than you need (or more than you can store) creates the issue of not having enough space to put things. If you’re holding onto items that no longer serve a purpose, it's time to let them go. This includes items that are broken or outdated, as well as things that you haven't used in a long time.

4. Not creating designated spaces: A lack of designated spaces is another common organizing mistake. It's important to create a specific place for everything, so you know where to find it when you need it - and just as importantly, you’ll know where to put things away! This will help you keep your space organized and clutter-free.

5. Not maintaining the organization: Finally, one of the most common mistakes people make is not maintaining the organization. Once you've organized your space, it's important to keep it that way. This means putting things back where they belong, and staying on top of clutter before it accumulates. It's not going maintain itself!

Avoid Common Organizing Mistakes to Achieve a Beautiful and Functional Space.

Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when you get started on an organizing project:

Start small

Don’t tackle the most challenging area on your first day! Start in a small area, with a small section.

Sort your belongings into piles

Keep, Sell, Donate, Garbage/Recycle

Categorize your “keep” items

Clothes, office supplies, tools, memorabilia, etc.

Take away items you don’t intend to keep, right away

Bring things to donation centers and eco-stations as soon as possible, so you start to see and feel the progress being made. If you let it sit around it will continue to be an unfinished task to complete, which can weigh people down.

Ask for help

If you're project is too much for you to tackle on your own ask for help. Whether you ask friends or family members, or you reach out to professionals, don't be afraid to get others involved.

Connect With Perfectly Purged Today!

As always, if you're looking for a home organizer in Edmonton, know that you're in capable hands with Perfectly Purged. If you're feeling overwhelmed in your space, we can step in and give you some needed peace of mind with a clean space. You'll not only see the difference, but you'll feel it too.

Did you know we can travel to you? You don’t have to be based in the Edmonton area to take advantage of our home organization services. Just get in touch with us, and we’ll come up with a solution that works for you!

Got questions? Fill out our handy online contact form. Or, if you’re ready to book your consultation, fill out our quick and easy consultation questionnaire.

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