The Key to Organization Is Owning Less

The Home Edit and other organizational shows with a dramatic “before and after” moment have an innate ability to capture our attention and interest, as we gasp at some stranger’s broadcasted problems and “ooh” and “ahh” over the final product. There’s something satisfying about watching something go from chaos to order, with matching bins, color coordination, alphabetization and perfectly spaced out items.

I won’t go as far as The Minimalists, who say in this short essay that organizing is well-planned hoarding. But they’re not completely wrong, either. In reference to hoarders and organizers, they state:

“We posit to you these two sides are working together, colluding to achieve the same thing: the accumulation of more stuff. One side—the hoarders—does so overtly, leaving everything out in the open, making them easy targets to sneer at. But the other side—the sneaky organizers—are more covert, more systematic, more devious when it comes to the accumulation of stuff. Ultimately, though, organizing is nothing more than well-planned hoarding.”

But I will say that organization can sometimes function as a Band-Aid for a larger issue: too much stuff.

Organizers can provide a tremendous amount of temporary order and sense of control. I say “temporary” on purpose because organization in and of itself is not always a long-term solution. Organizing experts have pretty solid job security, as return visits to repeat clients are highly likely. The re-cluttering is inevitable if we haven’t solved the underlying issue of excess. Plus, if we create an environment for excess to thrive (like large bins acting as a home for one very specific type of item), we are inviting the accumulation of more, whether we realize it or not.

I’m not here to bash the organizational world at all. In fact, I organize our drawers and cabinets consistently — and there is immense value in organizing as a whole. Even the most “decluttered” homes require some organization to make sense of it all. It just makes sense to group like items together, make them look cohesive and orderly, and maybe even label them if you wish.

But I submit that the process is just easier when there’s less stuff to move around, file away, alphabetize, place in bins, or deal with altogether.

Although I understand much more happens beyond what makes the final cut, shows like The Home Edit often skip over (or at least fly through) the “editing” portion — and I think that’s the most crucial part of the whole organization process. It’s important to spend a lot of time on the initial decluttering process, where the excess is cut out and you’re left with only the essentials.

Simply rearranging what’s already there is a quick fix for an Instagrammable moment that will make you feel on top of your stuff for a few days, weeks — or even months, if you’re lucky.

On the contrary, cutting down your belongings provides true, lasting change that will transform the way you feel in your space, and quite possibly, the way you live your life.

Have At It!

This weekend, tackle the organization of your coat closet, your pantry, your linen closet or your garage, if you dare! But don’t forget the most important step: decluttering. If you need some direction, here are a few ways to get started with the decluttering process. And if you’re specifically decluttering your closet, here’s my process for getting rid of clothes.