Previously, we uncovered two reasons why you may be hitting roadblocks when it comes to home organization. I mentioned that there are 11 common hindrances to getting organized. Today, we will uncover a third common hindrance. Let’s get started learning how to declutter and organize your home.

Hindrance #3: Your System is Too Complicated to Keep Up

What exactly does this mean? Simply stated, it means you already have some sort of system of organization, but it is so complex that you fail to follow through. If you are trying to declutter and organize, you want to have a system you can maintain easily. Some common complaints you might say are…

-I have color codes and numbers for each category of items.

-I have multiple smaller containers and boxes inside larger containers.

-I have six different drawers for my files.

In short, you have overcomplicated your organization process. An example of this might be creating a separate folder for every piece of paperwork that comes in, although those papers fall into the same category. A far simpler method would be to create a simple file system for each category of papers. 

To explain further, let’s look at the topic of car insurance. If you took every sheet of paper related to your car insurance and filed it in separate folders, you could have as many as ten to fifteen different folders, especially if you insure multiple vehicles.

You might have a folder for statements, a folder for claims, a folder for coverages, a folder for proof of insurance, a folder for each vehicle, and on the list goes.

It would be far simpler to have one folder for car insurance instead of multiple folders because it creates such a complex and confusing system. 

The goal is to actually file those important papers as they come in, but if your system is complex, you likely won’t follow through. You don’t want to create more work for yourself if you don’t have to.

Another example of this is toy organization. While toys can easily take over the home, putting them away should not be overly complicated. Children should be able to put away their own toys, so try to make it easy for them. Sort toys by category, but keep it simplistic. Try putting stuffed animals in one storage bin and toy cars into another. Clean up should not take more than ten minutes. If it takes too long, you may need to simplify your system.

The goal of organization is to be able to access what you need quickly and efficiently. So, you’ll want to declutter and organize your papers.

Now, let’s determine HOW you can overcome this hindrance. First, evaluate an area of your home where this is happening frequently. You will likely be able to identify it by looking for piles and determining what is in those piles.

Next, you SIMPLIFY your system. Get rid of unnecessary steps. Returning items to their “home” should involve only 1-2 steps. If it involves multiple steps, zippers, drawers, cupboards, stacks of boxes with lids, etc. it simply won’t do. Create a simple, manageable system that will encourage you to follow through. Declutter and organize what you intend to keep, and then simplify your system.

How can I make organizing easier? How can I simplify it?

Organizing can be made easier and more straightforward by implementing some practical strategies and adopting a minimalist approach. Here are some tips to simplify and streamline your organizing process:

1. Declutter Regularly:
   • Regularly go through your belongings and declutter. Keep only the items that are essential, valuable, or bring you joy.
   • Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need. You can also join my declutter series on the blog. We declutter 30 minutes a days, 5 days a week to declutter the entire home in a year.
2. Set Clear Goals:
   • Define specific goals for each area you want to organize. Having a clear purpose will help you stay focused and efficient. It helps me to make a list. Try working on one area at a time.
3. Use Storage Solutions:
   • Invest in storage containers, bins, and organizers. Transparent containers can help you easily identify the contents. You don’t have to spend lots of money here. I like and use the dollar stores for my plastic organizing bins.
   • Utilize storage furniture with built-in compartments, such as bookshelves, cabinets, and drawer organizers.
4. Categorize Items:
   • Group similar items together. Create categories that make sense to you, and keep related items in the same location.
   • Label containers and shelves for quick identification. For children’s toys you can even use photos on the storage bins for little ones that cannot read yet. For example, a small picture of a car can be placed on the storage bin that holds toy cars.
5. One-In, One-Out Rule:
   • Implement a rule that for every new item you bring in, you remove an old one. This helps prevent clutter from accumulating.
6. Digital Organization:
   • Organize digital files into folders with clear and logical names. Delete unnecessary files and emails regularly.
   • Use productivity tools and apps to streamline your digital tasks.
7. Daily Maintenance:
   • Spend a few minutes each day tidying up and putting things back in their designated places. This prevents clutter from piling up. I have a homemaking ebook that can help you create a basic cleanup schedule.
8. Prioritize and Simplify:
   • Identify the most important tasks or areas that need organizing and start with those. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to organize everything at once.
   • Keep systems and processes simple. Overcomplicating organization methods can lead to confusion.
9. Create Routines:
   • Establish routines for organizing specific areas of your life. For example, set aside time each week to go through your mail, clean out your inbox, or organize your desk.
10. Be Realistic:
    • Set realistic expectations and avoid perfectionism. Aim for progress rather than perfection, and recognize that organizing is an ongoing process.
11. Involve Others:
    • If applicable, involve family members or roommates in the organizing process. Collaborate on systems that work for everyone to maintain order collectively. Again, keep it simple. Putting things away should be easy.
12. Evaluate and Adjust:
    • Regularly assess your organizing systems and make adjustments as needed. What works today might not work in the future, so be flexible and adapt as circumstances change.

By incorporating these tips into your organizing routine, you can make the process more manageable and create a more organized and efficient living or working space.

Happy Organizing!

Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll tackle another common hindrance to organization. Read part 4 in this series here.

Need to deep clean? I have lists for you to guide you along.

My How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen list can be found here.

My How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom list can be found here.

My How to Deep Clean Your Kids’ Rooms list can be found here.

My How to Deep Clean Your Living Room list can be found here.

My How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom list can be found here.

Also, to keep up the general housework, you may need to create a daily housekeeping schedule that suits your specific needs. To do so, I have created a helpful series you can read here.

Need to Declutter Every room? I have declutter checklists for every room and every space in your home to guide you along below.

Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can find that here.

Struggling with the daily housekeeping chores? Check out my ebook on this topic, entitled Make Over Your Homemaking. Use this link to get it at a discounted price.

How to Declutter the Guest Room or Your Kid’s Room checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Laundry Room and Patio checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Coat Closet/Hall Closet/Linen Closet checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Home Office checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Attic checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Garage checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Living Room checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Kitchen Checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Entry/Foyer/Mudroom checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Clothing checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Bedroom checklist can be found here.

How to Declutter Your Bathroom checklist can be found here.

Need some Inspiration to Declutter and Organize? You can sign up here. Join us for the Year Long Through Declutter Series by subscribing by email below.

Happy Decluttering!

To Subscribe to my Year Long Thorough Declutter Series, drop me a comment below. Your email will be sent to me but will not be posted publicly. You’ll receive a daily declutter task via email for the daily task we are working on. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We declutter and organize 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The Year Long Thorough Declutter Series is designed to help you declutter every room and every closet in your home. When you subscribe you’ll receive a daily task in the room or area we are currently working on decluttering. To Subscribe, leave a comment below.

Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.