Juggling a long to-do list can be overwhelming. It's refreshing to know there are five areas in your home that experts suggest you don't need to organize. Sometimes, a less structured approach works best.
From toys to plastic bags, professional organizers share which organizing tasks you can bypass to reclaim your time and reduce stress.
5 Areas You Can Skip Organizing
1. Toys
A playroom should be for fun, not strict organization.
As Ben Soreff, a professional organizer, emphasizes, 'Toys are for play!' Trying to organize them can lead to frustration. Instead, employ smart storage ideas to maintain some order without going overboard.
He advises against hiding toys or creating specific bins for each type. A general bin for vehicles works better. Stack games and puzzles like books to ensure everything is accessible.
This method makes it easier to find board games and simplifies decluttering when you know exactly what you have.
All prices correct at time of publication.
Handwoven design
Available in four colors, this stunning handwoven seagrass basket adds charm to any playroom while keeping everything tidy without extensive organization.
BPA and phthalate-free
This durable storage bin allows for easy visibility of contents with a secure latch for reliable storage.
Four colors
This classic toy storage bench features a safe lid closure and is available in four neutral, non-toxic finishes.
2. Plastic Bags
Switching to reusable bags can cut down on plastic waste and simplify storage.
While reusing plastic bags is eco-friendly, Cara Palmer, a home organization expert, believes they don't require elaborate organization.
She suggests, 'Rather than creating an extensive system, consider eliminating most plastic bags. Use reusable shopping bags and keep just a few plastic ones for emergencies like wet items or dog outings. The effort required to organize a large collection isn’t worth it.'
Use your existing plastic bags until they wear out, recycle, or donate them before transitioning to more sustainable options.
Invest in a reusable bag, such as the FUYGRCJ Large Capacity Shopping Bags available at Amazon.
TOGETRUE Plastic Bag Holder
This handy holder makes storing plastic bags easier by compressing them into a smaller space.
3. Instruction Manuals
Paper clutter can overwhelm any home office; keeping documents organized is crucial.
Instruction manuals often accumulate unnecessarily. Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer, suggests they should be sorted through and likely discarded.
She notes, 'Most manuals are available online, so there's no need to keep large stacks of paper. If you must keep them, store them in a basket or drawer in a less accessed closet to minimize visual clutter.'
Keeping manuals in a compact document holder ensures you can find them when needed while keeping your space tidy.
4. Large, Awkward Items
For large items, such as gym equipment, organization can be impractical.
While organizing workout areas is beneficial, Ben Soreff advises against over-organizing large items like sports gear or holiday decorations.
'Sometimes, a soccer goal has to stay next to the sports zone, or a large decoration should simply sit with the rest of the holiday items,' he explains. Embrace the imperfections of your home.
5. Books You've Already Read
Skip extensive filing for books you've already enjoyed.
While arranging a bookcase can be delightful, there's no need to organize books you've finished, according to Cara.
'Unless you frequently revisit books, avoid complex systems. Just separate them into
