The following is a guest post on whether or not you can organize too much from regular contributor, Kristin at The Gold Project.
I never thought I would share this type of post. I have been an organizing fanatic since I was little. I found enjoyment out of reorganizing clothes in my closet and drawers. My final college English paper was supposed to be a descriptive one and I chose to describe how the clothes in my closet were arranged. I was so proud of that paper (I wish I could find it) that I actually stood up and read it aloud in class. Reading in front of people was one of my biggest fears too.
Since graduating college and moving several times, I have tried to develop better organizing systems with every move. I think I have a lot of my systems pretty much down, except for toys and my pantry. But, for some reason, it doesn’t stop me from having the itch to organize.
I find myself saying, “I am going to organize this today.” Then, getting in there and realizing that I have it pretty much the way I want it.
So, that brings me to the question, “Can you organize too much?”
My answer to this question would be, “Yes.” I do believe you can organize too much and I am going to share why I feel this way.
Time
Any type of organizing requires time. If you are reorganizing something that was already perfectly fine, then you are wasting valuable time. Time that you could be spending with your family or doing a different activity that brings you joy.
Stress
If you already have the ideal organization solution, trying to come up with a better one in your head may cause you more anxiety or stress. You already know that one is working perfectly, so why put yourself through the extra brain power and questioning?
Now, every time that I feel the need to reorganize something that is perfectly organized, I make myself wait it out to make sure it is something worth tackling. And, 9 times out of 10, I move on to the next task at hand.
What is your opinion? Can you organize too much?
My name is Kristin and I am a middle school career education teacher by day and a mommy/wife/blogger by night. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two loving children. We recently made a life-changing move to Arkansas, so our new house is always under construction. I get excitement out of finding new creative, functional, and cute ways to organize things! I also enjoy writing and documenting life as it happens. So, I put these loves together and created The Gold Project. With the help of my husband, I am attempting to turn our house into a home. So, check out this special place of mine and take this journey with me!
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Margot says
I find that my organization is sometimes stressful to my family and takes the some of the pleasure out of our time together.
Kristin @ The Gold Project says
You know, I never even thought about my family’s perspective. Very good point.
Kathy says
Hi Kristin. Guess the only thing you didn’t get organized was that college paper and now you wish you could find it! It’s definitely nice to be able to find something without “digging “. Paperwork is my nemesis but I’m gradually improving.
Kristin @ The Gold Project says
Actually, I think I went through my papers after college and got rid of a lot of them. I found a few of my business papers that I kept, but I think I didn’t save that one. I guess I didn’t dream of needing it again. LOL!!! One of the very few regrets that I have had about purging something.
Nancy says
I too send time organizing when I could be interacting with my family. I feel that I am enhancing my home and that is for my family. There is a fine line between enhancing and not having the time to enjoy interactions with loved ones or your community. If organizing is calming to you, this is better than medications for the same. So as with everything, moderation.
Kristin @ The Gold Project says
You are exactly right. I haven’t used the term, “moderation,” but I definitely need to. 🙂
Lena Bentsen says
Hi. Yes, you can surely declutter to much!!!
If your decluttering is a possession that gives you no joy, it is far to much.
The goal for decluttering should be to create space for joy, peace and harmony. In Denmark we call it Hygge when your surroundings support you with comfort and love.
I think you might like my book ‘Goodbye Clutter, Hello Freedom. How to Create space for Danish Hygge and Lifestyle by cleaning up, organizing and decorating with care’.
Best regards, Lena Bentsen, Danish Life Designer