A GON Reader Asks
"Maria, I feel like I’m stuck in a cycle. I’ll get motivated, clean and organize a space in my home, and for a few days it looks amazing. But then little by little, things start to pile back up.
Before I know it, the room looks just as cluttered as before, and I feel so defeated. It’s not that I don’t want to stay organized. I just slip back into old habits without even realizing it.
Why does
this keep happening, and what can I do to finally make my progress last?"
-- Christine L., Macon, Georgia
Maria Responds
Hi Christine,
First let me say that you are absolutely not alone. What you’re describing is something so many people go through,
and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means that while you’ve done the hard work of organizing, the maintenance piece hasn’t yet become a natural habit.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t do it once and expect it to last forever. Organization
works the same way.
One reason things slip back into old patterns is that our homes are constantly in motion. Mail comes in, dishes get used, laundry multiplies, and life keeps happening. Without small, consistent resets, the clutter sneaks back in.
That’s why it’s important to shift from “one big organizing project” to “quick daily habits.”
Here’s one easy place to start: Each evening, do a five-minute “tidy check.” Walk
through the space you’ve already decluttered and make sure nothing has snuck back in. Clear the counters, put away the shoes, and return anything to its home. It’s like tucking your house into bed for the night...and it keeps tomorrow from starting with yesterday’s clutter.
Another tip: Pay attention to the why behind the clutter. If
the mail piles up, maybe you need a simple basket near the door. If laundry ends up on the chair, maybe a hamper belongs closer by. Often, it’s the system that needs a little tweaking.
Finally, don’t overlook celebrating your wins. When you notice that an area is staying neat longer than before, give yourself credit. Those
little victories build momentum.
Over time, these new habits will become second nature, and you’ll find that organized spaces stick around much longer.
Hope this helps!
P.S.
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