Why Your Stuff Doesn’t Get Put Away (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Stuff Doesn’t Get Put Away (And How to Fix It)

Hello, my friend!

If you’re like many busy parents juggling kids, work, and everything in between, keeping your home tidy might feel like a never-ending battle. But there’s good news! As someone who spends their days helping families organise their homes, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make a huge difference. Let’s dive into why things around the house often don’t get put away and how we can fix that with some straightforward solutions.

Why Stuff Doesn't Get Put Away

1. No Specific Spot for Your Things

The main reason things don’t get put away? They simply don’t have a specific place to call home. Imagine coming home, taking off your coat, and then… where does it go? If you don’t have a hook or a closet readily available, it ends up on the nearest chair. The same goes for toys, shoes, mail, and just about anything else.

Solution: Make a Home for Everything

Creating a home for every item might seem like a big task, but it’s really about small steps. Start with one category at a time—like toys or shoes. Find a spot that makes sense, and then make it as easy as possible to put things back where they belong. Use clear bins for toys so kids can see where to put them after playing. Place a shoe rack or mat by the door to catch footwear as you come in. It’s all about making it simple.

2. It’s Just Too Complicated

Now, if things do have a home but still end up everywhere, it might be because putting them away is too much of a hassle. If it takes more than a few seconds to store something away properly, chances are it won’t happen—especially in a busy household.

Solution: Simplify the Process

The key here is making it as easy as possible to put things away. Forget about fancy, complicated storage systems. Opt for simple solutions. Hooks are fantastic for coats, bags, and even some toys. Open bins are great for quick clean-ups. And don’t forget the power of labels! Big, bold picture labels can help everyone remember where things go, turning clean-up into a fast, almost thoughtless process.

The view is over the should of a woman in a white t-shirt kneeling on the ground. She is touching a basket of toys under a table. On top of the table, there are a few brightly coloured toys laying out.

Making It Work for Your Family

The best part about these solutions is that they can be tailored to fit any family and any home. Start small, with just one problem area, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Involve the kids by making clean-up time a game, or set a good example by always putting your own things away promptly.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s improvement. Little by little, as you create homes for your belongings and simplify your storage, you’ll notice a big change. Not only will your home start to feel more organised, but you’ll also find yourself feeling less stressed and more in control.

It’s all about small steps leading to big changes. So, take a deep breath, pick a starting point, and make a start. 

Happy Organising!

Signature panel reading "Sally" in cursive script

As always, if you are struggling with your home, feeling overwhelmed or just need some organising advice, I am here to help. All you need to do is reach out.

Share This:

Facebook
LinkedIn
Email

Not sure where to start?
Download my FREE Home Audit!

Subscription Form