Staying organized can sometimes feel like an endless battle. You try your best—creating lists, color coding bins, and organizing every little thing—but somehow, you can still feel the chaos creeping in. It’s easy to get caught up in “helpful” habits that make things worse, and the truth is, many of the strategies we think are keeping us on track can actually be holding us back. From overcomplicating your organizational solutions to hoarding old files “just in case,” we’re often working against our own efforts without even realizing it.

In an attempt to save you from organizational purgatory, we tapped a pair of experts to dive into all the sneaky mistakes you’re making at home—and how to right the wrongs. By making a few small changes to how you approach your daily routines, you’ll find it’s much easier to keep things in order without feeling overwhelmed. Ready to ditch the chaos and finally make your system work for you? Let’s dive in.

You Choose the Wrong Bins

There’s a common misconception that all organizational products should be clear so you can see your items at all times, but according to pros, that’s not ideal. “Using too many clear bins and not mixing in other solid baskets or wood items into their design can be a big mistake,” says pro organizer Ryen Toft, owner of Simply Luxe Organizing. “If you’re using too many clear items and you don’t live like The Home Edit, you’re going to constantly be battling the visual clutter that clear bins create.”

Instead, assess each need individually—kids’ toys may benefit from clear bins for easy distinction, but maybe your medicines and toiletries are best stored in opaque boxes for less visual clutter. 

You Organize Based on Trend Instead of Function

Creating an organized home isn’t just a common goal—it’s a full-blown industry, and with that comes the usual trends and Insta-perfect feeds that make you feel like there’s a “right” way to tackle your mess. Here’s a hint, though: the only real right way is the one that works for your family.

“Organizing based on an aesthetic trend, like Pinterest or Instagram-inspired setups, can lead to frustration when the design doesn’t fit your lifestyle or space,” says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organizer and owner of Rachel & Co. “A beautiful, perfectly color-coded system may not work for everyone, especially if it doesn’t align with your natural organizing habits.”

Instead, organize based on how you actually live and use your space. “Consider what items you use frequently and how you naturally tend to categorize things,” Rosenthal says. “Create a system that works for you, whether it’s by function, frequency of use, or size of items. Sustainable organization means creating systems that are functional, maintainable, and personalized.”

You Label Ineffectively 

There’s no denying that labeling your organizational solutions is useful—how else are you supposed to distinguish the many holiday decor boxes in the basement? That said, if you’re slapping on a one-size-fits-all text label on every little thing, you may be doing yourself a disservice. “Labels are everything, but when you’re not labeling to your audience, you might still lose them,” says Toft. “If you’re teaching your kids Spanish, think of doing English/Spanish labels. If you’re dealing with kids under the age of 6, add photos of said item on the label too.” The more descriptive you can be (i.e., swapping a general label that says “Toiletries” for one that says “Sunscreen, lotions, and skincare”), the more you increase your ability to find what you need, when you need it. 

You Ignore Seasonality

If space in your home allows, it’s always a good idea to separate your seasonal storage items from those you’re reaching for weekly, or even monthly. “Storing seasonal items in the same place year-round can make it harder to keep things organized,” says Rosenthal. “For example, winter coats or holiday decorations take up valuable space when not in season, leading to overcrowded closets and drawers. Try implementing a seasonal rotation system for items you don’t need every day, storing off-season items in labeled bins or under-bed storage to free up space for more frequently used items. This will make your space feel less cluttered and allow you to keep everything organized and easily accessible throughout the year.”

You Over-Purchase Organizing Products

More is not always better, even when it comes to organizational solutions. You may think having a box or bin to fill every nook and cranny is helpful, but before you know it, your organizational efforts actually become…more clutter. “Many people think they need to buy new containers, bins, and organizers every time they want to organize,” says Rosenthal. “This can lead to over-purchasing, creating unnecessary waste, and sometimes adding to the clutter rather than reducing it. Before buying more storage solutions, try using what you already have. Repurpose items like glass jars, old boxes, or baskets to organize. Not only will this help save money, but it’s a more sustainable choice. If you do need new storage, look for products made from eco-friendly or recycled materials.”

You Hesitate to Tap a Pro

Maybe it’s when a pile of food storage containers topples onto your head during meal prep, or maybe it’s losing your favorite moisturizer into the abyss of your vanity for the 300th time. Whatever the impetus, there are moments when even the most organizationally motivated of us have to give up and ask for help. “We all need help and there is no shame in hiring a professional organizer,” says Toft. “They are seeing your stuff from a different angle and can cheerlead you through the project or design and take control of the whole thing. Invest in your sanity and get back time—and a beautifully organized space—in the meantime.”