Here's Why Organizing Feels So Hard (and How to Finally Tackle It)
Ah, January. The month of big dreams and bigger promises to ourselves. “This is it. This year, I’m finally going to organize everything.” You clear your calendar, maybe even take a few vacation days, ready to conquer the chaos once and for all.
And then… suddenly, Googling the history of the shoelace feels way more urgent than tackling that mountain of stuff. Been there? Same.
This exact topic came up in a recent conversation with one of my amazing clients Nancy. She’s been sharing her experience of working with Lemonaid Solutions, and one thing kept coming up: “I’ll just do it myself.” But realizing in that conversation, that they never actually did it themselves and was unable to follow through.
Hearing this echoed by so many people made me realize how common these feelings are. Organizing sounds so simple in theory, but in practice? It’s hard. And you’re not alone in feeling that way. Let’s dive into why organizing feels so hard—and how to tackle it before it becomes the thing you “just didn’t get to” yet again. (spoiler: it might involve a little help from your friends at Lemonaid Solutions).
So, whether you're gearing up for a fresh start in January or looking to tackle a space now, let's prepare you to make those big organizing goals a reality. Because the more ready you are today, the easier it’ll be when the calendar flips to the new year.
Why Organizing Feels So Hard
1. Overwhelm:
Let’s be real—facing years of accumulated clutter is daunting. You don’t even know where to start, so you end up doing…nothing. Sound familiar?
2. Perfectionism:
We convince ourselves we can’t start unless we do it perfectly. So, instead of organizing that one junk drawer, we scroll Instagram, paralyzed by the pressure to make it Pinterest-worthy.
3. Decision Fatigue:
“Do I keep this? Donate it? What if I need it later?!” Organizing is basically rapid-fire decision-making, and when life already feels like a whirlwind of choices, it’s no wonder we avoid adding more to the pile (pun intended).
4. Competing Priorities:
Organizing always gets bumped to the bottom of the list because life is busy. Work deadlines, family obligations, and that Netflix series aren’t going to binge themselves.
5. Lack of Accountability:
When no one’s checking in on your progress, it’s easy to push organizing off until “later.” And let’s be honest—later rarely comes.
3 Quick Wins to Tackle the Clutter
Want to start chipping away at the chaos on your own? Here’s how to make it manageable:
1. Start Small:
Forget the whole house. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one corner of a room. Finishing a small task feels amazing and gives you the momentum to keep going.
2. Sort First, Decide Later:
Don’t overthink it. Start by grouping similar items together—books, gadgets, socks that probably have mates somewhere. Once you see everything laid out, decisions come easier.
3. Set a Timer:
Organizing doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. Set a 20-minute timer, dive in, and stop when the alarm goes off. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make in bite-sized chunks.
Last week, I was watching a video of Mel Robbins, and something the Dr. she was interviewing really clicked for me—especially when it comes to organizing.
They were talking about manifestation, but it really applies to getting your home in order too. "You have to not have excessive expectations at first. This is about habit. Start small."
I mean, duh. You’re not going to organize your entire house overnight (as much as we’d all love to wave a magic wand and make it happen). Instead, we need to treat big goals like small ones. Little habit changes—like putting things away instead of just… setting them down “for now,” or maybe skipping that impulse buy—those tiny changes can be the first step.
And here's the secret: those small wins? They stack up. Over time, they make the bigger goal easier to achieve.
It’s like training for a marathon. You don’t start by running 26.2 miles (unless you’re superhuman). You start by waking up early, going for a walk, then a light jog. And those small steps add up until, one day, you're crossing the finish line.
The same goes for your home. Don’t try to conquer the whole thing at once. Start with one drawer. Once that’s sorted, move on to the next. And before you know it, you’ll have a whole collection of small wins, and your home will be feeling way more organized.
And, if you're thinking, “I’m not tackling this on my own,” or “I’d rather do literally anything else when I have the time,” then keep reading—because this next part is definitely for you.
Let’s Talk About That Little Voice
You know the one: “I should be able to do this myself.”
That thought has stopped more people from hiring help than I can count. There seems to be a weird stigma around asking for organizing support, even though we outsource so many other things in life. You don’t feel bad about hiring a plumber or calling a babysitter, so why is organizing any different?
Here’s the deal: Needing help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Organizing is emotional, overwhelming, and sometimes just too much to take on alone.
That’s why we’re here—to guide you, cheer you on, and make the process way less painful (and maybe even fun). No judgment, just solutions that work for your life.
A Gift That Actually Makes Life Easier
You know what’s even better than another scented candle this holiday season? The gift of a stress-free, clutter-free home. Our Lemonaid Solutions gift cards are the ultimate way to say, “I love you and your peace of mind.”
Whether it’s for your partner, your mom, or your best friend, it’s a present that keeps giving—long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Why Wait? Let’s Do This.
You don’t have to let another year slip by with those “someday” organizing plans. Whether you’re ready to dive in yourself or need some hands-on support, Lemonaid Solutions is here to make it happen.
Because an organized home isn’t just about pretty shelves (though we love those too)—it’s about creating a space that works for your life and your goals.
Ready to make 2025 the year of calm, clarity, and finally checking “get organized” off your list? Let’s do it together.
Thank you for being here. If you need any additional help or resources my inbox is always open.