Biggest Home Organisation Mistakes You Need To Avoid

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Not Having A Place For Everything
01:55 - Putting Things Down Not Away
02:44 - Not Corralling
03:38 - Not Thinking Function First
04:56 - Not Having Drop Zone
06:07 - Buying Containers First
06:58 - Too Much Open Storage
07:33 - Overcomplicated Systems
08:15 - Holding Onto Things You Don't Use
09:31 - Trying To Do Everything At Once
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[@reynardlowell]

Thanks for watching everyone! If you're interested I write a free fortnightly (every two weeks) newsletter about topics like today's video - rlowell.com/thecurations

[@garyhenderson9303]

My home is always messy because I spend to much time watching you tube videos about things rather than doing them.

[@H1mothyJames]

I started to have these types of videos on while I start cleaning/organizing. It helps 😂

[@carolinemarley8426]

Me too!!!!!

[@hchayes9431]

LOL 😂😂😂😂😂

[@iamjane9628]

That's our collective way of life, thanks to social media.

[@sexyshyscorpio]

Yes! Watching other people do the things I’m supposed to be doing

[@chrisfprescott]

The biggest organisational mistake I made in my home was children

[@hchayes9431]

And pets🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kalliemj]

Haha my mom would ageee

[@lillianbarker4292]

I need clean space, so motherhood was a big shock for me, and very stressful. It may seem endless now, but one day you’ll wake up with a strangely quiet tidy home. My sister didn’t have children so she got a 20 year start on me. 😂

[@AL-pu7ux]

The social media and designer types don’t understand real life

[@Jae-by3hf]

😂😂😂

[@anaalves3658]

The tip about putting similar items on a tray makes such a big difference. I have one in my kitchen next to the stove for olive oil, salt and pepper etc. One in my bathroom for perfumes and one on the bathroom vanity for my husband's shaving gear. It really helps it to look more organised and intentional and more high end as well. And definitely put things away in their designated place, this is a sticky point in our home, my husband and daughter are totally useless at this, i no longer put things away for them, i call them and get them to put items where they belong.

[@Coco-zu9ob]

I don't know if this guy has anything new wisdom to impart, but I find his calm voice very soothing.

[@Knowledgeseeker77]

Actually we already know all these things. But it's good to have nice reminders to organise ourselves😊

[@LaHermitess]

Amidst what must be hundreds if not thousands of KZbin videos on organizing, decluttering, simplifying, or minimizing one's possessions, this is one of the clearest, most concise, and realistic guides to having a genuinely clutter free home that I have yet come across. I can't say that every concept is novel and revolutionary, but you set things out so clearly and in such a calm & sequential format that there is minimal risk of feeling overwhelmed. Yet another success in your inventory of very practical and useful guides to home decorating, configuring, and maintaining ... thank you.

[@bwillan]

The tip I've seen for organizing and keep your home clean is to limit the amount of horizontal surfaces. They are magnets for clutter.

[@ichatwithcats]

Yeah we place them on the floor instead 😢

[@fancynancy2888]

Living in a small apartment I realize that any item (no matter how small) out of place makes the whole place seem disorganized and invites more items. There is no extra space to obscure or distract the eye. I feel I am constantly organizing or tidying up. I have found that organizing like any other endeavour (weight loss or fitness routine for example) is about changing your habitat, not your habits, to suit you.

[@33Jenesis]

I love trays big and small. I use them to hold items in kitchen, on coffee/side tables, bathroom counters, and top of chest (jewelry etc.). I organize my clothing items based on seasons and types. If i want a pair of shorts I know exactly where to find it. My mom is my opposite. She never organizes after laundry. She just put things away into empty space. She always complains about not having enough to wear or cannot find something. I organize her clothing items based on types and seasons. A few months later it’s chaos again.

[@lillianbarker4292]

I got some great advice from an old book called Clutter’s Last Stand. Avoid the “clutter bunker”. That is a larger basket or box used to organize clutter but ends up being a place you have to clean out because it gathers things that don’t have a specific place. I started them because my husband has ADD and leaves recites, batteries, and other stuff around. It gets full and then I have to ask him to clean it out. By giving him special places to put things and lots of wastebaskets, he does better.

[@diana7676]

I picked up that book yesterday from my bookcase

[@LondonGal73]

I loved the questions to ask yourself, in case you holding on to things you don’t need. No, no and no again 😊 Thank you so much for creating these amazing videos with great tips in the most calming voice😊

[@catherineelmandouh7165]

I started this process several years ago. It requires some discipline, but is so beneficial. My life has changed drastically. I’m so much more productive and happy. Biggest challenge was letting go of STUFF. It was necessary for me to cognitively select what I should keep and what I could let go. Why live in a muddled mess when clarity is available. ❤

[@kaktusdesiberie7196]

This video should pinned at the top of organizational videos list. Very good advices!

[@Natazavrik]

I love your soothing videos. ❤ Even if I’m not in the middle of an organization spree, it’s so nice to hear your calming voice :)

[@juliemarkham4332]

I like the idea of active and passive zones.

[@GilliMarieMoody]

You make some really good points. If I have a pile (or piles) somewhere and, uh, A Lot of time has passed, (1.) do I even remember what’s in the pile?! (2.) If I still like it, I TAKE A PHOTO OF IT then, it’s easier to give away.

[@janeb3024]

Making things accessible is a lesson that I learned while dealing with a shoulder injury. I could not reach up so more frequently used items had to be in lower locations. It didn't matter that it wasn't the usual kitchen arrangement.

[@t3chnicolor]

1 minute in and this man is blowing my mind. Thank you for this video.

[@YennieKim90]

My place always looked neat and clean until I had kids. But this phase shall pass. I also love teaching them how to organize things. May be I can show them your video and practice one thing at a time :)

[@parisakamali345]

Look up clutter bug. And find out what type you are. Kids are usually butterfly clutter type. She has loads on how different style / bug of clutter works and how to comprise with other types in your home. I am a lady bug, I need large baskets of broad categories. My kids are butterfly, they get hooks and clear basket so while they see it visually, it's still contained. Yes this will pass too, but helping them learn how to be organised reduces their stress and increases their independence which makes them ( and us ) feel good. Good luck, you can do it. (( hugs))

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

Agree 100%. All people should follow these rules and be much happier.

[@thedailyshare622]

We are in the process of organising our two separate apartments before finally moving into a bigger house together in the next few months. Clutter was the order of the day in both. I recently fell in love with kallax cube units and a cube has never made me so happy. Both apartments are literally covered in cubes units but the amount of extra space thos jas created is unbelievable. Our daughter doesn't have to throw her toys away anymore and every single room is organised. Decluttering even cures you mentally if you're prone to depression, which I am. I feel light and clear and free to enjoy the summer. Finding a system that works for you can change your entire outlook on life and it doesn't have to be expensive. In the bedrooms, I've used the wire and faux leather cube units which are cheaper than kallax, along with foldable fabric cubes. Loving it! Oh, the wire cube units are from amazon. So are the foldable cube baskets.

[@emmsue1053]

The faux leather cube units?

[@Farheen-vd8ib]

​@@emmsue1053she probably means the faux leather pouffes that double up as storage units

[@LivDeSantos]

This is so helpful! I've just moved into an unfurnished apartment with only kitchen cupboards (no wardrobes or shelves). So everything feels chaotic. The idea of gathering everything that doesn't have a home yet into containers is a wonderful tip. Thank you!

[@sunshinetogo4221]

What a beautiful way to explain 😢organizing . Very helpful.

[@claudianakasone1311]

I like the not having a drop zone. I will utilize this today. New idea, good idea. 🎉

[@SilviaN1]

Always looking forward to see, which topic you´ve picked for your video. Amazing how you keep coming up with great ideas. And you deliver them so well!!

[@LovetheIPAs]

I've watched a number of your videos and have found all of them helpful. Your delivery is paced well and is organized so that it's easy to follow. Thank you for all the tips!

[@lizharley5723]

I agree with everything you said. It's common sense but we all need reminders.

[@RS-gl9ht]

Thank you - love the suggestion of a tray to gather things in one spot!

[@amanda_eff]

Really great video. I've been following you since the beginning of your channel and always enjoy what you post.😊 Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. (Also, it's nice to see that you seem to be more comfortable on camera. I had a channel for a while and really struggled with that aspect. Kudos on your hard work!)

[@edgar9651]

Thanks, great video! Some of those ideas make sense if we think about what we should do. Others are not so obvious. Your video is a 10min summary of all of this. Great! I am sure I will watch it again and again and again maybe once a month or whenever I need a reminder.

[@nitzty]

Great suggestions, I am now on my way to use my latest Amazon box as Donation box just like how you have labelled it. Thanks!

[@susannee.colella6109]

I really like your videos they provide so much good information. Thank you

[@lemonadewithme]

Hi Reynard!! I love your videos so much. I'm moving soon into a 1 bed apartment and your videos really inspired me to try to achieve a Japandi look with it. However, I'm a anime nerd and I collect a lot of figures and artworks. Do you have any tips and tricks on how to incorporate collectible items into home/living room design, rather than stuffing them into a dedicated hobby room?

[@CK-jd8qd]

thank you for the down to earth practical advice!

[@jalmomaya]

Good that this is backed with some techniques & logics

[@dkirk5814]

That's a very useful tip about clothes. I feel confident in doing a good clear out. Thank you.

[@marjorieflack6903]

Very well said Reynard, loved this video. I always enjoy all your tips.

[@MeanOldLady]

Tbh, minimalism is luxury. People who live rurally need to plan ahead & buy extras in case they run out (food, cleaners, medication, etc.) & it's a 30m to 2h drive to town.

[@hyperulf]

People in rural areas just have too much space so they fill it up with clutter. It's normal.

[@lsamoa]

I think a lot of people realized this during lockdown, that the convenience of not having to store things at home and having basically shops storing them for you until you need them, is indeed a luxury. Can't just nip down to the corner shop to buy something on the fly because the corner shop has been closed for 3 months and you have no idea when it'll open again. Essentials such as those you listed need to never run out and you can't always rely on being able to buy them, I agree.

[@Jae-by3hf]

I came to this conclusion after watching my 2nd or 3rd video on minimalism. It’s also very wasteful, expensive and time consuming!

[@cassieoz1702]

​@@hyperulfI have quite a small home 🤷‍♀️

[@hyperulf]

@@cassieoz1702 I don't doubt that, but we tend to clutter our homes no matter how big or small. And people in rural areas tend to have bigger homes as space is more available. That's just a fact.

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

Thank you for organising thoughts, strategies and for motivating. ❤

[@jinil.4028]

Thank you for that video, i find that very helpful! Especially your advice how to clean up a messy home😂

[@oliaziabrieva8662]

Simply amazing and extremely useful video! Love it, and will try few tips tomorrow, thank you!

[@teaganv8882]

This vid is spot on! Nailed it!!!

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

Good, practical advice. Saving this one to "useful to rewatch."

[@cynthiapittard4086]

Great suggestions

[@frida507]

Good pieces of advice! It's better to be realistic.

[@HesterGene]

I need to know where this man gets his henleys. They always look great

[@chryselene]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you.

[@EWJC3]

Thanks you so much for this video! Some really good tips. Over the years I have read so many organising books and wondered why my home still felt messy. Finally, the penny dropped and I realised unless I decluttered first, all I was really doing was organising my clutter and my home still somehow looked messy. Decluttering has made all the difference. I loved the tip you shared about consolidating several items in one place. I found that the coffee table in our lounge always looked messy so I bought a nice tray and put the remote, the candle and the coasters on the tray. It looks so much better.Thanks for sharing your ideas. They make me feel like I’m on the right track in my home.😊

[@CozyToni]

Great tips!! 😊

[@WeTopia_]

While I enjoy and benefit from all of your videos, I think this is your best. Each point resonated but #2 was a direct hit. I’m just finishing a primary bathroom reno and midway through installing hardwood floors. It’s going to change how my home feels and I’m excited to use your framework to decide what I allow back in from storage. Thank you!

[@MsSarah-oq8zf]

Great point😄

[@catherinesupathirathevi5137]

Excellent video.

[@lsamoa]

What I often miss from these videos is how to organize items that are in those annoying in-between states. Like products you just bought that need airing for a couple of weeks to let them gas off that factory smell before you can store them away or even use them at all. Or used towels that need washing but that are still too wet to toss into the laundry bin yet. These things cause most of the clutter in my home.

[@Kate.g.]

If it helps, you need to find a home for all your belongings and needs. Example I have space for temporary things like an Amazon return, something to sell or give to someone, etc. In my laundry room (which is a large cupboard), I have 2 wall-mounted clothes drying racks (it looks like an arm that can be folded in 3, it doesn't really take up much space), I put my laundry there dirty household items to dry before putting them in the dirty laundry basket.

[@reynardlowell]

Yes this. If it is something you struggle with often, then it needs a designated spot - kind of like a drop zone. Maybe a smaller basket beside the main laundry bin to house the wet towels, something like that.

[@lsamoa]

@@reynardlowell If only it were that simple. Purchases off-gazing take variable amounts of space depending on their size and number of them, and they have to be put in different areas depending on how much they smell, whether they resist sunlight etc. Wet towels in a basket will mould, not dry, and you won't want to hang these on a rack right next to clean drying laundry either. Same with sports clothes you're not immediately able to wash, or yoga mats you've just cleaned after exercising and before they've air-dried enough to be rolled back etc etc. It's not a trivial issue I'm afraid. Unless you have a lot of space, these temporary things can easily take over your place and they keep varying from one moment to another, with varying requirements.

[@Jae-by3hf]

Wet towels, hand towels, flannels, wet gym clothes, I put on my indoor airers, washing machine door or radiators to dry, then put them in the laundry basket. But I do find in general that I have this issue too, the in between items!

[@danatebrinke7951]

I use the shower curtain rod to hang clothes that don't need to be washed yet for airing. You could try the same for your wet towels, using skirt hangers in order to hang several towels neatly. Of course you'll have to put them away before showering again, so this might not work if your shower is used at different times during the day. But if everyone in your household showers in the morning, you can hang all the towels there afterwards, then toss them in the laundry bin in the evening when they have dried.

[@mrsjunaid10]

Brilliant and efficient

[@winnini8761]

The thing that made a difference for me was making labels for every box and drawer so everyone in the family knows where things are and where to return them after use! Otherwise it’s just me maintaining the whole system and no one could find anything since things are all in close compartments.

[@maryhelmi12]

agreed. stick to ur own system

[@estherstephens1858]

@Reynard Lowell, can you please tell me about those hanging rods from your ceiling?

[@botanical500]

What hit me is if something simple works for you, then stick to it. Don't be swayed with what you see on Instagram or KZbin! Thanks, this video makes sense.

[@MeanOldLady]

I just need a bunch of built-ins. ^^; I want to sell or repurpose my clunky dressers & just have an entire closet wall that stores clothes & misc. hobby items in my bedroom. I think most contractors should skip the closets or just have 1 or 2 & just throw up some cheap built-ins for 1 or 2 bedrooms. A huge mistake is getting anything other than flat panels for cabinets as everything else collects dust & grime ridiculously easy.

[@nox2617]

Great tips, now I just have to convince my toddler son to stick to those rules like putting things back where they belong…

[@dealman3312]

Great video, you are really able to articulate the problem and solution here… I am a man of order. Not anal nerd order, like having individual drawers for every size of screw. But order with general categories of bins, hooks and storage. My wife on the other hand, Well that’s another story.

[@catherineelmandouh7165]

Sentimental hoarding is a killer!

[@parisakamali345]

I agree with point 8. It took me a ling time to figure out how much detail i needed when organising my things. I watched clutter bug and found out i am a lady bug. I still need large basket/containers to organise my stuff , but it need them in broad categories. Keeping tiny containers is not my organising style.

[@attheranch873]

Subscribed👍

[@MrLiveWest]

If I could ad an 11th idea to the list, buy nicer baskets and keep your mess's looking good. rather than having cheap plastic bins for dirty laundry, keeping my dirty laundry in something like a jute laundry bag looks nicer in the corner of my room. you maybe hit on this on your 3rd rule but it applies to more than just trays

[@juliejeavons6949]

I think you missed one thing off your list of things in a room; paperwork. That is a big struggle for me. I tried the different techniques to keep it in one place, but it still just builds up and the important stuff gets lost in the overwhelm and doesn’t get done.

[@33Jenesis]

I try to sort mails immediately, file away paper that need to be kept (bins with time marked because some are only needed for short time), shred sensitive bits, and put paper trash into recycling bin. I didn’t do this for decades and still have boxes of bank statements, tax returns, receipts, and all sorts of paperwork in storage that need to be checked.

[@frenchyroastify]

When getting cabinets, spend the extra money and get drawers. Items in the back of a swing door cabinet is good as gone.

[@user-ov6bv9cn1o]

My home is never messy and I’m not a minimalist. I’m just compulsively clean.

[@romee5763]

A place for everything and everything in its place.

[@super_decade5632]

What's the brand of your bed frame? Thanks!

[@kungazopa2831]

Clogging up the area under the bed is really bad feng shui!

[@liviumdec]

Where can I find your shoe storage cabinets?

[@malwenesmith1350]

I want a fire to declutter my hole place

[@bellyfulochelly4222]

Haha yes I always say this

[@alicetelford9027]

*whole

[@Coco-zu9ob]

😂😂😂😂.

[@hchayes9431]

I am so glad to see drawers being used for storage space that we traditionally used cabinets for.

[@kyliej2241]

I think the one thing missed is to remember it always looks worse during the process before it gets better.

[@icecreamforever]

Holy crap I'm sooo guilty of #9!!!

[@Whisperhollow]

My kids put stuff where it doesn't belong all the time. They do not feel inclined to put things where they belong. I even took pictures of how cupboards and shelves should look, printed those photos and posted them on the inside of the cupboard doors and behind the items on the shelves.

[@alysononoahu8702]

Teach them to finish

[@runningfromabear8354]

There are always random things that I use irregularly, but don't know how to store. Like I bought greeting card pack from my niece for school fundraiser. Where would I store that and be able to find it later? Like photo printer and stock paper. I use about once a month but I wouldn't have the first clue how to store it but keep it available to use. This is the type of clutter that gets me in trouble. Where do I store batteries without storing them somewhere impossible to reach or find later?

[@Coco-zu9ob]

Same it's like I know I bought batteries but where are they? Lol. I have a secretary/ desk in family room adjacent to kitchen and I keep that stuff in the drawers. I used to keep batteries and picture hangers and hooks and things like that under the sink, but became too much. So some of that stuff just goes in the garage. The kind of stuff growing up we kept in a "junk drawer" lol

[@fredrickachambers4945]

Where did you get those metal baskets with wooden handles? I hate plastic, but those look great and could be used for many things (I’m in the US).

[@aggiesmiles]

Target has those

[@lsamoa]

I think they're Yamazaki baskets

[@fredrickachambers4945]

@@lsamoa thank you!

[@fredrickachambers4945]

@@aggiesmiles thank you!

[@Deb.-.]

My home is messy because a son gave up his rural rental wanting to buy his own place and moved in with his little dog and house of furniture. Just where does one put an extra fridge and freezer into a 3 bed + family room house. Also one of the bedrooms is full of another sons items because he moved back from overseas and now has gone overseas again.. My house used to be minimalist. I walk through the house with blinkers on as it looks like a hoarders house now and I am so upset I don't even feel like trying anymore. I am 71 now and feel it is not fair on me.

[@letuswalkinthelightofthelo5350]

Into a storage unit. ?

[@kristinalebardin7908]

❤

[@emilu8214]

I go through my closet and throw everything I'm on the fence about in a trash bag where I can't see it. Then once the bag is full I go through it and if I forgot about the piece or don't feel motivated to wear it it gets donated.

[@shidehhafezi6826]

I have given up on organization. When I get organized, I cannot find things

[@ABo-jr8pg]

How do I deal with roommates who don't do basic tidying after I've reminded them multiple times?

[@JamesRyanGonzales]

First 🇵🇭

[@GameDrew.Gaming]

First!

[@saintclaire1201]

Any ADHD-ers here? I organize anything based on priorities within my eye sight otherwise out of sight, out of mind. I also have a piles to remember things. *It is not easy on top of anxiety and depression. However, this video still helps.

[@janethunt4037]

I keep the donation box in the trunk of my car so I can take things out of the house. It's there until I drive by a place to donate, and I donate when I have a few minutes to stop there.

[@SimMess]

My house is always messy bcs I have other priorities.

[@Annie18564]

I feel like a lot of this is nearly word for word the same as Caroline Winklers video where she tackles “this is why your home is a mess” - nearly word for word. It’s almost too similar not to acknowledge that there must be a relation…

[@chrispierce9699]

Too much stuff for your space is number one and you won't stay organized until you clean out unnecessary items.

[@user-ts8hf4lg8w]

Isn't it unhealthy to put shoes soon after removing them, in a closed space. By not airing them, there can be an increase in bacterial activity and bad oudurs. Also they are unclean since they have travelled around on unclean surfaces and streets.

[@JRspeaking]

Ohhhhh....nooooo....storing stuff under the bed is bad Feng Shui. 😕

[@alicetelford9027]

Exactly!

[@denisechavoya2813]

Great organizing ideas. About the actual video if I may, you talk very fast and, in doing so, this video is not as enjoyable or productive as it could be. Please slow down even if just a bit.

[@jeannebee2935]

I find it helpful to go to 'settings' and reduce the speed to .75 instead of normal. It really helps me to understand it better. I also turn on the closed captioning so I can read the words as well. I learn better by reading than listening.

[@ryansoo4000]

You spelled "organization" wrong in your title.

[@elizabethclark6524]

It depends on where you come from in the world. I’m from Europe and we spell many words with “s” instead of “Z”

[@alicetelford9027]

British English differs from American English. 🤙🏽

[@ChastityParish]

This video copies 80 % of the content by caroline winkler and her video on home organization.... Sometimes even phrased similarly

[@lsamoa]

These are all quite standard organizational principles. Caroline didn't invent them, not is she the first to describe them the way she does...

[@cassieoz1702]

Mistake number 1: watching Pintrest and Instagram