Underestimating Organization: Why People Underestimate What It Takes to Get Organized

Feb 245 min read

Organization is often viewed as a simple task, something anyone can achieve with a few labeled bins and a weekend of decluttering. Yet, those who truly embark on the journey of organization quickly realize it is far more complex than it appears. The reason? Organization isn’t just about putting things away—it’s about creating a system that sustains itself, aligning your space with your lifestyle, and reshaping your habits.

The Myth of Instant Organization

In a world where social media showcases picture-perfect pantries and pristine closets in under a minute, many people assume that organization is a quick, one-time effort. However, those snapshots don’t capture the planning, decision-making, and maintenance required to achieve and sustain such order.

True organization isn’t about making a space look good for the moment; it’s about establishing functional systems that prevent clutter from accumulating again. People often approach organization with a "weekend warrior" mentality, believing a single deep-clean will resolve all their chaos. In reality, it’s an ongoing process that requires time, effort, intentionality and consistency.

Underestimating the Emotional Weight of Clutter

What many don’t realize is that decluttering and organizing often come with emotional baggage. It’s not just about getting rid of things; it’s about making decisions that reflect your values, lifestyle, and priorities.

For example, someone holding onto clothes that no longer fit may be struggling with body image issues or memories attached to certain pieces. Sentimental items, gifts, and inherited belongings often carry emotional weight that makes it difficult to let go. Without acknowledging these emotional barriers, people may find themselves stuck in a cycle of decluttering without ever making real progress.

The Time Commitment Is More Than Expected

Most people underestimate how long it truly takes to get organized. While television makeover shows create the illusion that a home transformation happens in a day, real-life organization takes time. A complete overhaul of a single space—such as a kitchen or garage—requires hours of decision-making, categorizing, and strategizing. I have worked with clients for months working to get their entire home in line with what works best for them.

Beyond the initial setup, organization requires daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance. Without an ongoing commitment, even the best-laid systems fall apart, leading to frustration and a belief that "organization just doesn’t work" for them. So once you get one space organized, you have to have a plan in place to keep the system going.

The Mental Load of Organization

Getting organized isn’t just about finding space for everything—it’s about developing the mental capacity to maintain it. Many people don’t realize that clutter creates decision fatigue, leading to stress and procrastination. When there’s no system in place, every misplaced item becomes a micro-decision that never gets decided: Where should I put this? Do I need it? What if I need it later?

By establishing clear systems, organization reduces mental clutter, freeing up cognitive energy for more important decisions. You don’t have to carry the burden of where things go and where things are. However, the process of setting up those systems takes thought, planning, and the willingness to change long-standing habits.

The Cost of Getting Organized

Another overlooked aspect of organization is the financial investment. While decluttering is technically free, truly effective organization often requires storage solutions, furniture adjustments, and in some cases, professional guidance. People who attempt to organize on a budget sometimes struggle with subpar solutions that don’t work long-term, leading them back to square one or they purchase things that don’t fit their space or the items they need to house in said space.

Investing in quality storage solutions and organizational tools can make a significant difference in maintaining an orderly home. However, even with all the right products, you have to remain consistent and committed to the system.

The Need for a Lifestyle Shift

Perhaps the biggest misconception about organization is that it’s simply a physical process. In reality, getting and staying organized requires a fundamental shift in mindset and daily habits. Many people don’t realize they also have to change the behaviors that led to disorganization in the first place.

For example, a person who struggles with paper clutter may organize their desk but continue bringing in excessive mail and documents without a plan for processing them. Someone who organizes their pantry may fall back into the habit of overbuying groceries without a grocery list and clear inventory system.

To maintain organization, individuals must evaluate their consumption habits, decision-making processes, and time management skills. Organization is not just about where things go—it’s about how you interact with your space on a daily basis.

The Importance of Maintenance

Many people believe that once they’ve organized a space, the work is done. But organization is not a one-time achievement; it’s a continuous process. Remember, life changes, needs evolve, and systems must be adjusted accordingly.

A closet that worked perfectly in the summer may need reevaluating in the winter. A home office that functioned well during a remote work period may require new adjustments once a hybrid schedule is introduced. Organization is about adaptability, and without a commitment to maintaining systems, disorganization can creep back in.

Why Professional Help Makes a Difference

Given the complexities of organizing, many people find success by working with a professional organizer. Yet, some hesitate, thinking, "I should be able to do this myself." What they don’t realize is that professional organizers bring not just expertise, but an outside perspective that helps identify blind spots in current habits and systems. They bring a high level of understanding of people and things and accountability.

A professional organizer doesn’t just tidy up—they create customized strategies that align with an individual’s lifestyle, helping to set up sustainable systems that actually work. More importantly, they provide accountability and support, which is often the missing piece in many failed organization attempts.

Final Thoughts

Getting organized is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about reclaiming control over your space, time, energy and money. The reason so many people underestimate what it takes to get organized is because they focus on the physical aspect while overlooking the mental, emotional, and habitual shifts required for long-term success.

True organization requires commitment, time, and a willingness to change. It’s not an overnight transformation, but rather a continuous process of refining, adjusting, and maintaining. The next time you find yourself underestimating what it takes to get organized, remember: it’s not just about putting things away—it’s about creating a lifestyle that supports order, peace, and productivity.

If you're in the Charlotte metro area, we can help and if you’re not Join The Organized Life Intensive where we will walk with you to help you create the organized life you desire.

If you're ready to take your organization to the next level, join me for The Organized Life Intensive—a workshop designed to help you build lasting organizational habits, create sustainable systems, and transform your space with intention. This immersive experience will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to maintain a clutter-free and functional lifestyle. Don't just get organized—stay organized. More details coming soon!