Top 5 Organizing Mistakes

You implemented the simple 5S steps to organizing. Fortunately, you are happy with your results. However, it seems like it’s unsustainable. Every time you turn around your freshly improved space seems to be sliding back into its old appearance. What’s going on? Below I’ll dive into some of the top organizing mistakes I see.

Remember, 5S is a foundational skill. There are many processes and systems that rely on its principals to prove their functionality. Improper execution of 5S is likely to contribute to any regression. Unsurprisingly, at the core of a 5S failure is probably a bigger problem like time management, a broken process, lack of buy-in from others and so on.

With each pitfall, I’ve provided a corresponding why analysis that may or may not be reflective of your situation. It’s just an example and it’s not all inclusive but hopefully it will resonate well enough to spark your thinking. If you don’t solve the correct why? you’ll continue to spiral. Therefore, I encourage you to be honest when you answer the simple question of why?

Mistake #1

Too much stuff, not enough storage

I understand, no one likes to be told that they have too much. Who doesn’t love stuff? Stuff, stuff and more stuff. It is, however, a top organizing mistake when we cannot selectively eliminate what isn’t needed.

Simply put, your brain doesn’t love to be overwhelmed with stuff and excess choices in your environment. On the other hand, there is a good possibility that you have things that you simply don’t need. Additionally, there is another possibility that your space could be used more effectively.

Mistake #2

Lack of Intentionality

Space is incredibly valuable. To maximize its use, you need to use it intentionally to ensure functionality and harmonious living. Furthermore, if you have implemented effective organizational systems and eliminated excess stuff (the first of the top organizing mistakes), but still seem to struggle in your space, you might need to prioritize accessibility to the things you use most frequently.

Mistake #3

You’re Missing the Right Cue

You may be asking, what does that mean? A cue is something that triggers you to nearly automatically elicit a behavior. Not only does having the right tool to cue us to behave differently make habit changing easy and natural but having the right tool for the job also makes your life easier and saves you time.

Consequently, this is almost the opposite problem of having too much stuff. In the example below, dirty floors could be easily resolved with a “shoes off, slippers on” policy, or even an outdoor boot brush/rug to help remove grime.

Mistake # 4

Broken System

You planned how you want things to be. You were intentional and took your time, but you forgot to include critical stakeholders in the process. In this example, the stakeholders happen to be your kids. When you commit the fourth of the top organizing mistakes, it’s obvious because you feel like you are doing all the work. Even the best of intentions doesn’t magically get everyone else in your family onboard.

Mistake # 5

Time Management

Undoubtedly, time management is the crux of most home process inefficiencies. It’s difficult to slow down and deal with each task as it comes especially when you have young children pulling you in multiple directions all day long. It’s hard to find uninterrupted time to think through logical tasks. While your free time might rather be spent watching a show or going for a walk, sometimes you need to stop and dedicate time to maintaining your environment.

Simple is Sustainable

Put briefly, you can avoid the top five organizing mistakes by:

• Keeping your solutions simple
• Being intentional with your space and the purchases you make
• Including others in your plan
• Setting aside time to sustain and maintain the simplicity you’ve worked hard to create
• Controlling what you can and letting go of what you cannot