Perfectionism & Organizing Are Not a Good Match

By Sherry Onweller

Don’t wait for the perfect day, the perfect schedule, or the perfect time to start getting organized, because that perfect moment may never come. Perfectionism and organization can be like fire and water. Perfectionism can put out the drive and motivation someone needs to get organized. It can make it hard to started, or it can cause someone to stop altogether once they have begun.

Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, it is important for people to remember that everyone’s organizing journey is unique. Some people like to get things done quickly, while others prefer to take their time and work gradually. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The important thing is for each person to step back and think about their own personality and energy level. What speed feels comfortable? What style works best for them? The focus should be on finding what works, not on doing everything perfectly.

The same goes for timing. Waiting for the perfect day when everything is lined up just right can become another excuse for not taking action. Instead, people should think about which days of the week and times of day they tend to have the most energy. Maybe mornings are their best time, or perhaps they have more energy in the evening. Finding that natural rhythm can make organizing feel much more manageable. It also helps to relax and stay present during the process. Getting organized shouldn’t become another source of stress. Instead, it can be seen as an opportunity to make a positive change, one that a person has control over, can take ownership of, and can ultimately feel proud of.

Starting with baby steps is often the best approach. Small, manageable actions can help someone experience what success feels like without becoming overwhelmed. There’s no need to tackle the entire house, or even an entire room all at once. This is especially important for people who already have many responsibilities, such as caregiving, work, family commitments, volunteer activities and anything else. It is like starting an exercise program, it is good to start slow and ease into it. The same applies to organizing, it is better to aim low and overachieve than to set the bar too high and end up feeling unsuccessful or discouraged.

It’s easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed by organizing tasks, especially for someone who tends to be a perfectionist. Sometimes people can psych themselves out before they even begin. Setting realistic goals and breaking organizing projects into manageable chunks of time and energy can make a huge difference. When the process feels doable, there is a much better chance of sticking with it and seeing results.

Another thing to consider is organizing style. Not everyone wants their home to look the same. Some people love a clean, Spartan look where almost nothing is left out. Others prefer a warmer, more welcoming space with decorative items and personal belongings on display. And for many people, the ideal space falls somewhere in between. The goal is to create an environment that feels comfortable and works for the individual, not to create a space that looks like someone else’s idea of perfect.

Ultimately, organizing works best when it becomes a way of life rather than a one-time project. Small organizing habits can be incorporated into everyday routines and maintained. A great place to start is with something that doesn’t carry much emotional weight. For example, people can begin by checking expiration or code dates on pantry items and spices, or by creating a simple system for dealing with incoming mail. These are great starting points because they tend to be less emotional than tackling sentimental belongings. They can also help nip clutter in the bud and keep everyday items from becoming overwhelming. The goal is not perfection. The goal is to create systems and habits that make everyday life easier and to find an organizing approach that works for the person, their home, and their life.

Sherry Onweller, a professional organizer and life strategy coach, and owner of Everyday Organizing Solutions by Sherry LLC. She can be reached at [email protected], 908-619-4561 and EverydayOrganizingSolutions.com. See ad, page 26.