Last month, I shared 10 things I (almost) always do that help keep my home and mind calm even when life isn’t.  If you missed it, you could check it out here. While the things I do are key, the things I don’t do also make a significant impact. Here are ten habits I AVOID to keep my home organized and easy to maintain.

#1 I Don’t Take Freebies

It’s tempting to accept the free tote, mug or hat, but most freebies quickly become clutter. Free things still have a cost; they occupy your space and mental energy. Therefore, if I don’t need or love it, it doesn’t come in.

#2: I Don’t Keep Gifts Out of Guilt

Once a gift is given, its purpose has been fulfilled, and it’s yours to do with as you wish. You can genuinely appreciate the thought behind a gift and convey thanks, without keeping the gift.

#3: I Don’t Keep Something Just Because It Was Expensive or Is Part Of a Set

Regardless of the cost of an item, if I don’t use it or it doesn’t serve me now, I let it go.  Keeping something I don’t use doesn’t bring the money spent back,  and letting it go doesn’t cost me any more money. However, when I let go, I do regain valuable space.

Likewise, I don’t keep a whole set of something if I only actually like and use one or two parts of it.  I keep what I use and let go of the rest.

#4: I Don’t Try to Sell Everything I’m Letting Go

Selling items takes time, effort, and energy. Therefore, I only sell items that meet my “worth it” threshold, a number based on the time, energy, and patience I’m willing to devote to selling them and how quickly I want them out of my space.

I also set a deadline to sell by because if they’re sitting in a box or bag waiting to be listed, it’s still clutter I have to deal with. If they don’t sell by the deadline, I donate them.

#5: I Don’t Bring Something New Home Without a Storage Plan

If I don’t have a specific, permanent spot for something or if I’m not willing to let something I already own go to make room for something new, I don’t bring it into my home.

Every item needs a designated home to avoid becoming clutter, including backstock and bulk shopping items. Those savings at the store quickly vanish if you must stash items all over, then forget you have them; not to mention the frustration of having to search and dig for what you’re looking for.

#6: I Don’t Organize Before I Declutter 

Organizing without editing is merely rearranging clutter.  Decluttering first saves time and makes organization truly effective, creating more space and less stress.

#7: I Don’t Create Systems Based Only on My Preferences

My home would be organized very differently if it were just for me.  However, I live with my husband and 12-year-old daughter, so the systems we use have to work for all of us.

Organizing systems will only last in the long term when they are easy for everyone in the household to use and maintain.

 #8: I Don’t Create Systems Without Room To Grow

Our lives are not static, and “stuff” fluctuates over time, so it’s essential to build breathing room into closets, drawers and bins.  A little extra space prevents feeling overwhelmed when your needs change.

#9: I Don’t Value Form Over Function

Cute and pretty products are fun, but practicality comes first.  A system that maximizes space and function and that works with your habits and how you use the space, will always look better because it will last.

#10: I Don’t Strive For Perfection

My goal isn’t for my spaces to always be perfectly organized.  That’s unrealistic, and just the thought of trying to achieve it exhausts me!

My goal is to have streamlined spaces and systems that make my life easier; easier to find and access what I need, easier to tidy, and easier for me to rest and recharge in.

Calm & Clutter-Free Homes Are All About Boundaries

A truly calm, organized home comes from setting boundaries about what comes in, what stays, and what goes. These 10 habits I avoid help keep my house organized, functional and peaceful. Consider creating your own “Don’t” list to protect the peace in your space as well!

Do you struggle with any of these habits? Let me know in the comments below. And if you liked this post, please share it.

Happy Organizing!