It’s really easy to fall into the thinking that organizing will solve the clutter in our homes. As a result, we buy storage bins, shelves, and labels, believing that if everything has a place, our space will feel more orderly and peaceful.
But organizing is always, only a temporary solution. We can organize everything perfectly today—only to have to organize it again tomorrow.
That is because organizing only treats the symptom, not the problem. No matter how well-organized our home might get, too many possessions still create stress, demand our attention, and consume our time. Physical possessions take up physical space in our home and mental space in our minds.
Minimizing, on the other hand, is a permanent solution. Once an item has been removed from our home, the space is cleared forever.
Instead of focusing on how to store everything, focus on owning less. After all, the fewer things we own, the less time we spend organizing, cleaning, and maintaining them.
To give you an idea of what I mean, here are 10 common things you may feel tempted to organize—but would benefit more from minimizing instead.
1. Bathroom Toiletries
Often, we accumulate lotions, shampoos, and beauty products faster than we use them. Sometimes we buy for ourselves, sometimes they are gifted us, sometimes we take them from the hotel room.
Either way, organizing these items into bins or trays might seem like the solution, but owning fewer toiletries is even better. Use up what you have, and then be intentional about only buying what you need.
A simplified bathroom routine will save you time, reduce clutter, and help you focus on the essentials.
2. Tupperware
Most of us have far too many plastic containers crowding our cabinets. We stack them, try to keep the lids in one place, and still end up with mismatched pieces. Instead of trying to organize the chaos, minimize the number of containers you own. Keep only a few versatile sizes and discard the rest.
Fewer containers not only free up space but also reduce the frustration of searching for a lid that fits.
3. Towels and Linens
It’s easy to accumulate more towels, sheets, and blankets than we need. Organizing them in closets or baskets might keep them out of sight, but reducing your collection will make your home feel more spacious and manageable.
Keep just a few high-quality sets, and you’ll save time and effort when it comes to laundry and storage.
4. Kitchen Gadgets
Drawer organizers and dividers may help keep kitchen gadgets in order, but they don’t reduce the overwhelming number of tools we often accumulate. Consider which gadgets you actually use and minimize the rest.
Owning fewer, multi-functional tools makes cooking more enjoyable and your kitchen easier to maintain.
5. Clothing
Closet organizers and systems might create the illusion of order, but a cluttered wardrobe still leads to decision fatigue and frustration. Minimize your clothing by keeping only what you wear regularly and what makes you feel good.
A simpler wardrobe will reduce the time you spend choosing outfits and give you more mental clarity each morning.
6. Shoes
We often think a shoe rack or closet organizer will bring order to our growing shoe collection. But owning more shoes than we need creates clutter, even if it’s well-organized. Consider the pairs you actually wear regularly and donate the rest.
A smaller, intentional shoe collection makes it easier to find what you need—and simplifies your decision-making every day.
7. Jewelry
A jewelry box filled with tangled necklaces and unworn bracelets can feel like a mess waiting to be organized. But instead of spending time sorting and storing, minimize your collection. Keep only the pieces that you wear regularly and truly love.
With fewer items, your jewelry will stay organized naturally, and you’ll find joy in wearing what you own.
8. Board Games
Board games can provide hours of fun, but they also take up valuable space, especially when we keep ones we rarely play. Instead of organizing a shelf full of games, minimize your collection to just the ones you truly enjoy.
You’ll make room for other meaningful activities and be more likely to play the games you love when they’re not buried under ones you don’t.
9. Books
Many of us dream of organizing our bookshelves to display a well-curated collection. But books we don’t read or plan to read just take up space and collect dust. Minimize your bookshelf by keeping only the books that inspire or bring value to your life.
Donate or sell the rest, and you’ll discover more freedom and clarity in your reading life.
10. Photos
Many of us have boxes or hard drives full of old photos, thinking we’ll someday organize them into albums or neatly labeled folders. But instead of holding onto every single picture, minimize your collection by keeping only the ones that bring you joy or represent meaningful memories. Digitize what you can, and let go of duplicates or blurry shots.
Fewer photos make it easier to appreciate and share your most cherished moments.
In each of these areas, the key is recognizing that organizing, while helpful, is not the ultimate solution.
Minimizing—owning fewer items that truly add value to our lives—will bring lasting peace and freedom. When we have less to manage, we can focus more on the things that matter most.