10 Common Home Organization Mistakes (And Expert Solutions) from a Phoenix Professional Organizer

Are you struggling to keep your home organized despite your best efforts? As a professional organizer I've seen countless homeowners make common organizing mistakes that lead to frustration and clutter. Let's explore these mistakes and learn how to fix them for good! Let's dive right in!

1. Starting without a Plan

🚫 The Mistake: Diving into organizing without a clear strategy

 ✅ The Solution: Begin with a room-by-room assessment and create an action plan. As a professional organizer in Phoenix, I recommend starting with a detailed walkthrough of your space. Consider factors like daily routines, problem areas, and storage needs before beginning any organization project.

2. Not Decluttering First

🚫 Mistake: Trying to organize clutter instead of getting rid of excess items.

✅ Solution: Before investing in bins and baskets, declutter your space by sorting through what you truly need. Donate usable items to Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona or UMOM New Day Centers in Phoenix.

3. Buying Storage Bins Before Organizing

🚫 Mistake: Purchasing baskets, bins, and containers before knowing what needs to be stored.

✅ Solution: Organize first, measure your space, and then buy only what you need. We recommend shopping at The Container Store in Scottsdale for high-quality organization solutions.

4. Using the Wrong Storage Solutions

🚫 Mistake: Stuffing everything into oversized bins or choosing style over function.

✅ Solution: Use clear, labeled containers for easy visibility and drawer dividers to keep small items tidy. (Need help? Our professional home organizing services in Phoenix specialize in custom storage solutions!)

5. Not Labeling Items Properly

🚫 Mistake: Assuming you’ll remember where things go without labels.

✅ Solution: Labels keep everything in place—especially in shared spaces like pantries, closets, and offices. Try using a label maker or printable labels for a polished look.

6. Holding Onto Items “Just in Case”

🚫 Mistake: Keeping items you rarely use because you “might need them someday.”

✅ Solution: Ask yourself: “When was the last time I used this?” If it’s been over a year, let it go! Consider donating to Arizona Humane Society Thrift Store or selling valuable items on Ebay, Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace.

7. Ignoring Vertical Space

🚫 Mistake: Wasting valuable wall space and focusing only on floor storage.

✅ Solution: Install shelves, hanging organizers, and wall-mounted hooks to maximize vertical storage. For expert installation, check out Closet Factory Phoenix for custom shelving solutions.

8. Failing to Maintain the System

🚫 Mistake: Organizing once and expecting it to stay that way forever.

✅ Solution: Organization isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process! Without regular upkeep, clutter can slowly creep back in. To maintain a tidy and functional space, establish weekly maintenance habits, such as resetting key areas, decluttering hot spots, and returning items to their designated places.

9. Not Having a Dedicated “Home” for Everything

🚫 Mistake: Items don’t have a set place, leading to daily clutter buildup.

✅ Solution: Clutter accumulates when items are constantly left out because they don’t have a designated home. The key to maintaining an organized space is to follow the “One Home Rule”—every item should have a specific spot where it belongs. This makes it easy to find what you need and just as easy to put things away.

10. Trying to Organize Everything at Once

🚫 Mistake: Attempting to organize your entire home in one weekend—leading to burnout.

✅ Solution: While the idea of a fully organized home is exciting, tackling everything at once can be overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead of trying to declutter and reorganize every room in a single weekend, start small—focus on one space or category at a time, such as your closet, kitchen pantry, or bathroom drawers. Use the 15-minute rule—spend a short, dedicated time each day organizing a specific area to build momentum without stress.

For those who live in Arizona and need expert guidance, we, at Professional Organizing Plus offer custom home organization services in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale. Our team helps streamline the process, while creating systems that are easy to maintain.

Book a Free Consultation Today!

👉 www.professionalorganizingplus.com

📍 Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and More!