“Organizing for People Who Hate Organizing”
I’ll start with a confession: I am a list maker.
I make lists of what I need to do today, what I need at the grocery store, what I need to pack, where I want to go. I make lists inside of lists. On paper, that sounds very organized.
But the truth is—I don’t actually feel organized.
I like to see everything out. I sort, then re-sort. I move things around until it feels right. I love the calm that comes with a tidy, sorted space… and yet, somehow, I also thrive in a bit of chaos. It’s confusing, I know. Over time, I’ve realized I don’t hate organizing—I hate rigid systems that don’t match how my brain works.
So instead of forcing myself to organize “the right way,” I started paying attention to what actually helps me function. Through a lot of trial and error, here are a few approaches that have made life feel more manageable—without sucking the life out of me.
1. Lists Are a Tool, Not a System
If you’re a list person, use them—but don’t expect them to magically make you feel put together.
Keep lists simple
One list per purpose (today, groceries, ideas)
Rewrite them when they get messy
Rewriting a list isn’t wasted time. Sometimes it’s how your brain processes what actually matters.
2. Organize in Layers, Not All at Once
I work best when I can see everything first.
Try this:
Take everything out
Group like items together
Walk away
Come back and re-sort
You don’t need to finish in one go. Organizing in layers allows you to stop before you’re overwhelmed—and still make progress.
3. Clear Enough Is Good Enough
You don’t need Pinterest-perfect spaces. You need functional calm.
Ask yourself:
Can I find what I need?
Does this space feel less stressful than before?
If the answer is yes, you’re done.
4. Use Open Storage on Purpose
If you like seeing your things, fight the urge to hide everything away.
Baskets
Trays
Open shelves
Open storage lets your brain register where things live—without forcing you to remember hidden systems that never stick.
5. Organize for Who You Are, Not Who You Think You Should Be
Some people love labels and color-coded bins. Some people need piles they can see.
Both are valid.
The goal isn’t to eliminate chaos completely. It’s to create just enough order so life feels easier.
Final Thought
You can crave calm and still function well in chaos. You can love tidy spaces and hate traditional organizing methods. None of this means you’re doing it wrong.
If organizing has ever felt like another thing you’re failing at, consider this your permission slip to stop forcing systems that don’t fit.
Organizing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to work for you.
If you hate organizing, you’re probably just organizing for the wrong brain.
