The Hidden Cost of Clutter: Part 9 Organization SAVES!

Xtreme Audacity
Oct 22
6 min read

Updated: Nov 6

The Hidden Cost of Clutter: Part 9 Organization SAVES!

Before we dive into this week’s blog, did you know this content is also available on YouTube?

If you’re more of a visual learner, or just prefer to watch or listen, I've got you covered.

🎥 Catch last week’s podcast where we talked about The Hidden Cost of Clutter: Part 8 When Clutter Pushes You.

🎧 And check out this week’s episode on The Hidden Cost of Clutter: Part 9 Organization SAVES!

While you are there, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support the channel and stay up to date on all things The Organized Life!

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You’re familiar with these scenarios: you can’t find the charging cable you need, so you order a new one (wasting money). You waste 10 minutes hunting for keys, then 5 more calling a loved one, then another 20 minutes rummaging because you can’t remember where you last placed them (wasting time & energy).

You feel overwhelmed by the “stuff” creeping into every corner, and that constant undercurrent of anxiety keeps you from focusing on what truly matters. On top of that, clutter costs you visible and invisible dollars every day: buying duplicates, paying late fees because you missed a bill or procrastinating projects because you can’t think straight. The emotional toll is real too, the stress, guilt, embarrassment, and exhaustion puts a strain on you.

In Part 9 of The Hidden Cost of Clutter, we dive into how and what organization can save you (Space, Time, Energy, Money). Because it’s not just about neat shelves and pretty baskets — it’s about building S.Y.S.T.E.M.s that deliver measurable ROI in your life.

What Does “Organization Saves” Really Mean?

“Organization Saves” can mean a lot of things. In our world of The Organized Life and S.Y.S.T.E.M.s Save You Space, Time, Energy, and Money, here’s how to think about it:

Save Space: When you optimize your storage, you create breathing room, not just for your belongings, but for yourself. Every inch of cluttered space takes up mental and emotional space, too. When your environment feels tight and crowded, your mind mirrors that feeling. By reclaiming your space through intentional organization, you allow energy to flow freely. You can move through your home with ease instead of bumping into piles or feeling the weight of unfinished projects. The physical space you gain becomes symbolic of the inner space you create for clarity, creativity, and peace.
Save Time: When everything has a home, you eliminate the daily time leaks that clutter causes. You stop wasting precious minutes searching for your keys, receipts, bills, chargers or that one favorite pen. Systems turn chaos into flow. Simple, repeatable processes, like labeling bins or creating drop zones, save hours each week because they reduce decision fatigue and streamline routines. Time is one of the few things you can’t get back, so when you use organization to protect it, you’re truly honoring your life, priorities, and peace.
Save Energy: Everything is energy, as Robyn stated in yesterday’s podcast. The things you own, the spaces you live in, even the thoughts you think, all carry energy. When you’re surrounded by too many items, conflicting colors, or constant visual noise, your energy becomes scattered and drained. That’s why clutter feels heavy. It’s constantly pulling at your attention, even when you’re not consciously looking at it.
- An organized space, on the other hand, restores balance. It allows energy to flow freely through your home, your body and your business, creating calm instead of chaos. You begin to notice how much lighter you feel when your environment supports you rather than competes for your focus. This is why decluttering isn’t just about “stuff,” it’s about protecting your life force, your mental clarity, and your emotional peace.
- When you choose organization, you’re choosing alignment, your energy, your environment, and your intentions all working together in harmony.
Save Money: Clutter costs you more than you think. When you can’t find what you need, you buy duplicates. When bills are buried under stacks of paper, you pay late fees. When your pantry or closet is overflowing, you waste food, clothing, and storage space. But when you put systems in place, you take control of your financial flow.
- Organization turns chaos into awareness. You know what you have, what you need, and what you can let go of. You stop buying out of stress or guilt and start spending with purpose. The money you save through organization adds up quickly, but even more valuable is the peace that comes with financial clarity.

These four pillars, space, time, energy, and money, are the core of your system’s ROI.

Building S.Y.S.T.E.M.s That Save You Space, Time, Energy, Money

Here’s a roadmap for designing systems that deliver:

7 Phases of Organization

I believe there are 6 phases to creating successful organizing systems. The phases are designed to be completed in order. Do not move on to the next phase until the previous one is fully complete. If a phase is already complete, you may proceed to the next, but no phase should be skipped entirely. Each one builds the foundation for the next, which creates lasting organization.

Phase 1: Make Room – Before you start purging & sorting any area, quickly clear the floor. Throw away trash, place clothes in a basket, and create one pile for miscellaneous items that will be sorted later. This will provide an instant sense of gratification and give you more space to work in.
Phase 2: Purging – The act of releasing or removing something (or even someone) that carries an unwanted quality, quantity, condition, or feeling. Removing anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings joy. Use the purging provoking questions blow to achieve the most effective purge.
Phase 3: The Quick Sort – This sorting happens simultaneously while purging. Creating your initial 5 piles: Keep, donate, sell, trash, or relocate.
Phase 4: The Detailed Sort & Categorizing – This involves breaking down your keep pile into detailed categories. For example: Long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, dress shirts, Cami’s, etc. Grains, baking, snacks, condiments, etc. First aid, hair products, body products, facial products, etc. This detailed sorting helps create a more organized and efficient space.
Phase 5: Measure & Purchase – Measure and purchase after the purge, for what’s left, NOT based on what you started with. This will allow you to make purchases for what you have decided to keep. Measure the D x W x H. This will ensure you purchase the right containers. Write down as much details as possible (the exact drawer or cabinet it is, etc).
Phase 6: Organize & Beautify – Arrange the sorted items so they are easy to find and simple to maintain. Add decorative touches and cohesive design elements to make the space feel inviting, not just organized. A functional system that also looks good motivates you to keep it up.
Phase 7: Maintain & Sustain – Create simple routines and habits that keep your organized space running smoothly. Once you finish organizing a zone you want to immediately put a system in place to maintain the organization of the zone. Reset areas daily, weekly or monthly, return items to their designated homes, and make quick adjustments as life changes. When maintenance becomes a natural part of your lifestyle, staying organized feels effortless.

Putting It Into Action: A Mini Checklist

Create a mini checklist of your clutter hotspots, maybe your mail desk, pantry, or sewing corner. Once you’ve identified them, start with the smallest and most manageable area. Begin your organizing session with that single space and work through each phase intentionally. Even tackling one small zone can bring noticeable results, improving your day, clearing your mindset, and positively impacting your budget. Most importantly, that one win builds the momentum and confidence you need to take on the next area with ease.

Final Thoughts & Invitation

Organization isn’t just about clean shelves. It’s about creating S.Y.S.T.E.M.s that Save You — literally saving you space, time, energy, and money. When you shift from reactive to intentional, clutter becomes less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity for growth.

On my podcast, I dive deeper into these concepts with the amazing Robyn Reynolds, CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) and the force behind Organize 2 Harmonize. We explore how clutter truly affects your life, and she’s also the new author of What Is Clutter Costing You?. You can catch our discussion on YouTube as well, be sure to listen and get inspired by the systems that change lives.