Organizer Explains How a Clear Definition of "Organized" Helps Avoid Aiming for Perfect With Clutter

Have you ever been caught in the organizing whirlwind? You know, the one — where we get so swept up in attempting to create the "perfect" system of organization that we end up drowning in clutter. A knick-knack here, a pile of papers there, and before we know it, our homes look more like a jumbled mess than the vision of serenity we conjured in our heads!

Luckily, organizational guru Janelle Cohen is here to drop a wisdom bomb, which might change how we approach organizing forever. According to Cohen, a clear definition of the term "organized" is not achieved by perfection but rather by the ease of cleanliness.

Let's delve a little deeper into this potential life-altering tidbit.

It's simple math. An effective organization system promotes cleaning and maintenance with minimal effort. After all, what’s the point of having a beautifully labeled pantry if it takes you an hour just to put away your groceries because you're trying to maintain a perfect order no one else but you understand?

So, what exactly do we mean when discussing organization systems that make for easy cleanups?

Related: Pro Organizer Explains How Simple Changes Balance Her Work and Family Life

Think about creating dedicated spaces within your home for specific items. Clearly defining where certain objects live can drastically reduce clutter. For example, have a bin specifically for your kids' toys. This way, when it comes time for tidying up, you and they know where everything goes.

Your organizing system should prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Although it's tempting to go for those gorgeous wicker baskets you've spotted on Pinterest, they might not be the most practical option for your extensive DVD collection. Opt for storage solutions that suit the items you're organizing.

We've all seen those Pinterest-worthy homes that scream perfection with neatly aligned rows and color-coded systems. However, Janelle reminds us that perfection is not the goal when organizing our homes. In striving for perfection, we often create complex systems that are challenging to maintain, leading us toward clutter and chaos.

No one knows your home better than you do. Trust your instincts when devising a system that works for you and your family. What might seem like a haphazard way of doing things to an outsider might be the best way for you to keep your home in check.

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