It simply can’t be done. You can get rid of clutter but you can’t organize it. So if your cabinets and countertops are filled to the over-flowing level, it is time to get real. Decide to keep only what you use every week. Put those things away first. Next, put away those things that you use often. Finally, get rid of the things you seldom use or store them out of the kitchen. For example, those serving platters and chip/dip sets can go into a tub marked “entertaining” or into a cleared shelf in your linen closet.

Not Making a Decision

I call this the “Just for Now Syndrome.” That is where you set things down, just for now. Take that extra minute to put things in their permanent spot. It will save you a ton of time down the road when you have to dig through stacks or clear your kitchen table.

Not Labeling

This becomes a real problem in the kitchen. Not labeling leads to waste. We think we will remember what is in that plastic tub in the corner of the freezer or when we bought something but the truth of the matter is that we won’t. Label canisters, shelves, leftovers and more.

Failing to Divide

The more you can divide your task, the less chance you will fail at whatever you are organizing. Divide jobs into small parts. Do each small part well rather than rushing through the job. In addition, divide your storage by item. Put baking goods together, spices together, canned goods together, snacks together, serving pieces together, cleaning supplies together. The more you divide by category, the easier it is to find things later.

Forgetting to Change- Again

Let’s assume you made a resolution to get organized because things aren’t going well for you. So you try a new way to plan meals or organize the kitchen or keep it clean. In a week or two, you find yourself back in the same boat. Instead of shrugging and saying “Well, that didn’t work,” decide why it didn’t work and try something new. Clearly the old way didn’t work so don’t allow yourself to revert to it.