When “Good” Systems Aren’t Good for You: Why Organizing is Deeply Personal
Just because something is labeled an “organizing system” doesn’t mean it’s the right system for you — or for the season of life you’re in right now.
It’s a trap we all fall into: accepting a layout or method because it’s supposedly “efficient” or “standard”—without asking if it actually supports how we live. Spoiler alert: the answer is often nope.
Let me tell you about the wire shelving system that came with my closet…
The Closet That Looked Great—On Paper
You know those closets that seem functional at first glance? Mine had short and tall hanging areas, a full run of wire shelves, even some long ones that looked like they’d be super versatile. But in practice? I hated it.
Wire shelves and I are not friends. The gaps, the instability, the way everything tips or slides—just no. If you’ve ever tried stacking sweaters on wire, you know the rage.
But aesthetics aside, the real issue was usability.
I cannot with stacking things on wire shelves. The gaps! The wobble! Just me?
My Closet Didn’t Match My Habits
I’m someone who loves to hang most of my clothes. It helps me see what I have, makes getting dressed and tidying up easy, and gives me that delicious “shopping my closet” feeling. But this setup? It made that tough.
The short hanging sections were awkward—too high or too low—and the corners past the door frame created “dead zones” where clothes went to be forgotten. What I really needed wasn’t more shelves. It was one long, usable rod.
The Tweak That Changed Everything
One day, I gave myself permission to question the system. I shuffled brackets, removed shelves, added a longer rod, and reconfigured the layout. No demolition necessary.
Now? My closet fits me. I even carved out room for drawers and extra storage without sacrificing my preferred hanging space. It’s functional, joyful, and totally customized.
The single loooooong rod gives me so much flexiblity!
The Organizing Truth Most People Miss
Here’s the thing: some of you might love the exact layout I hated. And that’s the magic of organizing—there’s no one-size-fits-all. A “perfect” system isn’t perfect unless it works for you.
So consider this your gentle nudge: Is there a system in your space that’s technically “good,” but doesn’t actually serve you? Maybe it’s time to reimagine it.
And those tricky “dead zones”? We’ll tackle those next time.
Ready to make your space work for you?
If you’re tired of wrestling with systems that look great on Pinterest but fall flat in real life, I can help. Whether it’s your closet, your kitchen, or your digital life that’s feeling off, we’ll create something that fits you—not just your square footage.
💬 Reach out here to schedule a free discovery call or learn more about how we can work together. I’d love to hear what’s feeling stuck—and help you move forward.
