Have you ever spent so much time organizing something until it’s just right—and then realized you’re not actually using it? Or it’s not really helping you?

Want to know why this happens?

Because we all have a picture in our heads of what being organized should look like, and we run after it before thinking it through.

This is called over-organizing, and our time is too precious for it.

This episode is all about recognizing what over-organizing looks like and learning how to keep it from sneaking up on us so we stop wasting time, money, and energy on things that don’t end up being worth it.

Examples of over-organizing:

– Pantries, closets, or other spaces that are rarely used or are so high-maintenance we can’t keep up with them.

– Overplanning holidays, parties, or vacations.

– Finding the perfect app or program—you may have found it, but how often do you actually use it?

– Routines that you just can’t motivate yourself to maintain.

– Chore charts, family calendars, or other systems that feel too complicated.

How to spot over-organizing:

Your feelings are like a smoke alarm that indicates an over-organizing fire. Notice feelings of resistance, procrastination, resentment, inadequacy, anxiety, or a desire to control other people. Feelings have a message, and if we notice these or other negative feelings while organizing, it’s a sign that we are overdoing it. These feelings are a cue to take a break. Go on a walk, get a nap or a snack, come back to it the next day, and then shift your approach using one of the ideas below.

How to prevent over-organizing:

1. Simplify. Can you use fewer bins, less sorting, fewer labels, fewer steps? Can there be less frequency, less detail, fewer expectations, or less pressure? A little of these things is good, but too much leads to over-organizing.
2. Done is better than perfect. Perfect is unrealistic, so don’t try to achieve it! You have more important things to do than perfect a routine, a space, or a vacation—so realize that simply completing it is going to be a big win.
3. Use first, organize second. Instead of setting up the “perfect” system from the start, test what works. Organize based on what you actually use, not just what looks the best.

Some detail and structure is good, but pay attention to when your feelings tell you it’s too much. This is how you will avoid over-organizing, which can waste your time, money, and energy. Your feelings will get it right almost all the time, so listen for their message.

So what?

Think of an area in your life where you notice procrastination, resentment, overwhelm, stress, anxiety, or another negative feeling. This could be a part of your home, a relationship, something you are planning, or a routine you are trying to force yourself to keep. Your feelings are identifying some over-organizing, so ask yourself if simplifying, “done is better than perfect,” or the “use first, organize second” principle could help.

Your life is too valuable to spend it over-organizing! When you find the right balance, you will notice that your organizing is serving you—and not the other way around.