Fixing the house doesn't always mean making it more functional. If the organization systems are not adapted to your routine, they may end up creating even more disorder, frustration and stress. Experts identify five common mistakes you should avoid.
© Shutterstock
29/08/2026
by
Qwith the way some things are organized in your home does not adapt to your routine, the storage can be counterproductive and hinder more than helps.
Organization experts highlight the five most common errors that make your home a source of stress.
1. Buy storage items before getting rid of unnecessary things
Many people feel that to organize the house they need to buy boxes, baskets or drawer storage systems to define the space for each object. However, what they really need is ‘distorting’.
“The result is beautiful packaging filled with things that shouldn’t be there,” notes Regina Lark, an organization expert. “Or worse, tidying solutions that do not fit in the space or habits of those who use it. This leads to constant changes and frustration.”.
What to do: first, you must get rid of what you do not need and then choose organizers based on the objects you want to store.
2. Create ‘aspirational’ systems instead of suitable systems
Inspirations from Pinterest or your favorite magazines may give you great tidying ideas, but make sure they adapt to your space.
“ Many systems are designed for the person that people would like to be — someone who labels everything, folds clothes perfectly and rearranges spaces daily,” Lark says. “When real life happens, the system fails and people interpret it as a personal failure.”.
What to doPlan on thinking about those days when you'll have less energy. Lark notes that if the tendency is to drop things around the house, you should bet on open boxes. If you don't like folding clothes, then hang more.
3. Ignore Labels
Even well-organized systems can collapse when nothing is tagged. “Without labels, people can easily forget where things are and what they are, which leads to searching boxes to find what they need and to mess up the systems that have given so much work to create, causing frustration and stress,” says professional organizer Olivia Parks.
What to do: identify packages clearly and simply. “You don’t need a sophisticated label, a simple reference will facilitate system maintenance by all family members,” says Parks.
4. Store loose objects
A well organized and exposed collection is not the same as a mixture of randomly accumulated objects on top of a shelf.
“ One of the biggest mistakes people make is to keep loose objects on shelves, cabinets or drawers without using boxes,” Parks says. “When things don’t have a definite place, they tend to spread and accumulate.”.
What to do: make sure that all objects have a right place, through boxes, baskets, drawer partitions and other storage solutions.
5. Save to avoid decisions
When fixing things becomes a way to postpone decisions, something common in relation to sentimental items, projects for a day or inherited belongings – this creates a hidden mental burden. “The mess may be out of sight, but unresolved decisions remain and reappear.”.
What to do: consider tidying as a temporary waiting zone, not a permanent solution. Relief usually comes not from the perfect organization, but from the reduction of to-does.