"Experts advocate abandoning this pretentious home-organizing task for effortless cleaning of your residence"
In the realm of home organization, a common pitfall is the excessive use of labels. This performative task, while seemingly productive, can turn into a part-time job and lock individuals into an organizing system that may not work for them in the long run.
Michelle Urban, the owner of The Organized House, advocates for the "Great Over Good" method, which prioritizes functionality over aesthetic appeal. This approach is often employed with her clients to create practical and efficient organizing systems.
However, ditching labels can provide more flexibility for future changes in the organizing system. Labels should be used sparingly, such as on opaque containers or when organizing specific spaces like attics or garages with too much stuff. Reusable chalkboard labels can be wiped clean and refreshed as needed, offering a practical solution for those who find themselves needing to adjust their organization regularly.
Professional organizers warn against using labels before a system is in place. Instead, they suggest focusing on decluttering methods to clear out unused items and organize containers and storage units logically.
Alternative decluttering methods to over-labeling for an effective home organizing system include structured item reduction challenges, daily small decluttering routines, and creative storage solutions that focus on simplicity and repurposing rather than extensive labeling.
One such method is the Five a Day system, where individuals aim to remove five items daily. Other methods include the 100-Thing Challenge, which restricts personal possessions to 100 items, and the 12-12-12 method, where items are donated, tossed, and returned in multiples of 12.
Short, timed projects such as 10-minute decluttering bursts or consistent daily habits help reduce clutter gradually. These routines focus on momentum and consistent progress rather than organizing by labeled categories.
Maximizing underutilized areas, such as under-bed storage and garage vertical space, and using clear containers to visually organize items reduce clutter visually without necessarily employing abundant labels.
Room-by-room sorting and simplified container systems also help reduce the need for over-labeling. Items are grouped by their actual usage location, and matching stackable containers or repurposed items are used to provide visual order and practicality.
For sentimental items like children's artwork or paperwork, scanning and storing digitally can declutter physical space without the need for elaborate labeling systems.
In conclusion, effective home organization can rely on goal-oriented decluttering, consistent small actions, and smart utilization of space and containers with minimal or well-chosen labeling. These methods emphasize progress, simplicity, and practical storage over heavy reliance on detailed labels. By adopting these strategies, homeowners can create organizing systems that not only look good but also make their homes easier to live in.
[1] Source: [Blog Post Title] (URL) [2] Source: [Blog Post Title] (URL) [3] Source: [Blog Post Title] (URL) [4] Source: [Blog Post Title] (URL)
- Adopting an 'organizing by category' lifestyle can lead to overuse of labels, making it essential for homeowners to consider alternative decluttering methods like the Five a Day system, the 100-Thing Challenge, or the 12-12-12 method, which focus on reducing items and repurposing storage, thereby reducing the need for extensive labeling.
- For a functional and practical home-improvement solution, focusing on home-and-garden storage areas like attics or garages may require sparing use of labels due to their high quantity of belongings. Reusable chalkboard labels provide a solution as they can be easily wiped clean and adjusted as needed, offering flexibility for future changes in the home organization system.
