As social media platforms like TikTok continue to shape home organizing trends, some popular methods have drawn criticism from experts in the field. Morgan Olsen, an interior design expert at Thumbtack, shares eight organizing trends which actually do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do. She encourages people to think about where different pieces of gear need to be stored. This is critical for convenient locations with limited areas such as below the kitchen sink.
Olsen’s observations are a welcome reminder that most of these hit-or-miss fads ignore the specific, diverging requirements of different types of object. In one area, she illustrates how acrylic drawer dividers can create a “hairbrush graveyard” look. She drives home the necessity of choosing appropriate storage with an example, “If I put my hairbrushes in an acrylic drawer, all you would see are hairballs. It is all about selecting the best vessel to suit the purpose!
Common Pitfalls in Organizing
One of the biggest traps in today’s organizing craze is the boutique-style closet system. Here’s the thing—according to Marcia Olsen, one of the innovators behind this approach—this promise often delivers chaos instead of control. The fun thing about the ‘boutique-style’ closet system is that it’s actually no organization at all—you can hang whatever you want, anywhere,” she says. While this approach is attractive mostly on the outside, it doesn’t provide the structural support needed for usable storage.
Additionally, Olsen cautions against using buckets and totes for things that need a stiffer structure. Or, take one of the most common examples— users are often driven to store all their cleaning products in attractive dispensers. But when it comes to things like what you keep under the sink, aesthetics should be secondary to practicality, Olsen recommends.
The Importance of Decluttering
Consideration of the above factors and advice from experts shows that successful organization starts with clearing out—not just getting more bins or products. Dr. Regina Lark, a professional organizer and educator, further puts forth the value of decluttering. As Erin explains, “Decluttering is the most effective organizing solution—not just purchasing more bins. Moreover, she focuses on the fact that real order is found in a mindful minimization of belongings instead of a preoccupation with storage.
Lark to go more in-depth on mindful organization. She notes that a less cluttered lifestyle lends itself to a calmer space. In her case, the only way to arrive at order is through intentional consciousness. Rather than purchasing more things to tame the storm of disorder, let’s work on minimizing the amount of stuff we have to begin with. This method promotes a minimalist yet rigorous understanding of one’s materials.
Mindful Storage Solutions
In the context of these discoveries, it’s understandable that choosing the right storage solutions can mean the difference between productive organization and unproductive chaos. Olsen’s suggestions are a great inspiration to anyone who wants to improve their home. It’s critical to select vessels that best align with the unique requirements of the materials being housed.
When creating their own systems, people should be realistic and critical about what will work to create a functional system versus what creates simply more visual clutter. By prioritizing utility and intentional decluttering, they’ll find the way to a simpler, functional environment that feels as good as it looks.
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