4 Organizing Mantras I Keep Repeating (and Why They Work)

Lately, I’ve noticed myself repeating the same few organizing tidbits when working with clients. More than my usual, "Do you love it? Do you use it? Or do you need it?" these four have become mantras of sorts—little nudges that make a big difference in moving past the stuck points of decluttering and organizing. I thought I’d share them here in case you need some encouragement in your own home.

1. Prioritize Your Mental Health

“I really want my old sweaters to go to my niece who lives across the country…”

Finding the perfect home for every item can feel noble—but it often stalls progress. If the pressure of gifting to the exact right person or donating to the ideal charity is keeping you stuck and stressed, shift your focus. You don’t need the perfect place, just a place. Get items out of your house, and trust they’ll serve someone else well. Progress is the goal.

2. Instead of Putting It Down, Put It Away

“I’ll just drop these batteries in the toiletries bin for now…”

This one is about protecting your future self. Every time you put something down in the wrong spot, you’re creating work for later and making it harder to find the item when you need it. If you’re holding an item, ask: Where does this really belong? Then take the extra 10 seconds to put it away properly. Future-you will thank present-you.

3. Declutter First, Then Organize

“I don’t have room for these clothes in my cluttered closet, so I’ll stash them in a bin downstairs…”

Here’s the truth: you can’t organize clutter. Before deciding where things will live, you need to know what you actually own. Start by decluttering, then take inventory. Often, the “no space” problem disappears once you’ve cleared what you don’t love, use or need. Only then does organizing make sense.

4. What Is Its Destiny?

“I think I’ll keep this one, and this one too…”

When a client struggles to let go, I ask questions: When will you use it? How will it serve you? If the answers aren’t clear, the real cost becomes obvious—the item is taking up not just physical space but mental space too. Your peace of mind is worth more than a dusty object on a shelf.

Final Thought

These mantras aren’t rules, just gentle nudges that shift your perspective when you’re feeling stuck. Which one resonates with you most right now?