Start with the most disorganised person in mind
Think of it this way: if the system is too complicated for the messiest person in your home, they’re just not going to use it. And once they stop using it, things quickly spiral back into chaos.
You can download a copy of this article which includes a 10-point checklist for each disorganised person in your household.
When it comes to organising a home, most people focus on creating neat and stylish spaces that reflect their ideal living environment. But here’s the thing: no system is going to stick if it only works for the most organised person in the house. Instead, the best approach is to build your organisation systems with the least organised person in mind. Here’s why.
Why the most disorganised person matters
Every home has that one person (or maybe a few) who struggles to keep things tidy. It could be a partner who drops their keys in random places, a child who leaves a trail of toys like breadcrumbs, or even a housemate who swears they’ll fold the laundry “later.” These are the folks who will test your home’s organisation to its limits. If your system can work for them, it can work for anyone.
The goal is to create systems that are so simple and intuitive that even the most scatterbrained member of your household can follow them without much effort.
Keep it simple, not perfect
When you’re designing an organised space, aim for simplicity over perfection. It’s tempting to arrange everything in colour-coordinated bins or go all out with fancy labels, but those systems often fall apart when they’re too rigid. Think of it this way: if the system is too complicated for the messiest person in your home, they’re just not going to use it. And once they stop using it, things quickly spiral back into chaos.
For example, instead of requiring shoes to be stored in a perfectly lined-up shoe rack, try a large, easy-to-access basket by the front door. Rather than expecting everyone to file away papers in a specific order, have a “drop zone” for all incoming mail and important documents. The key is making it easier to put things away than to leave them lying around.
Consider habits and behaviour
Take a moment to observe the habits of the least organised person in your home. Where do they naturally drop their things? What’s their go-to spot for dumping clutter? Instead of fighting against these habits, work with them. If your partner always leaves their keys on the kitchen counter, set up a designated tray or hook right there. If your kids toss their school bags by the door, place some hooks or cubbies in that exact spot.
By designing systems that align with existing behaviours, you’re far more likely to create a home that stays organised for the long haul.
Involve the whole household
Involving everyone in the organising process is crucial. Ask for input from the most disorganised members of your home. Find out what they struggle with and what would make things easier for them. If they feel included and see that the system works for them, they’re much more likely to stick with it.
Plus, getting everyone on board fosters a sense of shared responsibility. When the systems are designed with everyone’s needs in mind, it’s easier to encourage the entire household to participate in maintaining an organised space.
At the end of the day, the goal of home organisation isn’t about achieving perfection or creating Pinterest-worthy spaces. It’s about designing a home that functions well for everyone who lives there—especially the most disorganised among us.