The 1 bad organizational habit experts urge you to stop – and what you should do instead to avoid long-term clutter chaos

When clutter builds up on surfaces and floors, many of us respond in the same way: stuff it out of sight. Closets, cabinets, drawers, and even the garage become catch-alls for anything we’re not quite ready to deal with.

But while it might feel like a quick fix, experts warn that this one bad organizational habit will inevitably create more chaos over time.

When it comes to decluttering tips, the best place to start is by addressing the areas we are prone to ignoring. If you find yourself cramming items into an already overflowing closet, it’s time to hit pause and rethink your approach.

The one bad organizational habit to stop right now

It’s the organizational equivalent of sweeping dirt under the rug: stuffing things in closets instead of sorting them out. From seasonal clothing to old paperwork, closets often become holding zones for things we don’t know where to put – or don’t want to think about.

This bad habit is so common because it quickly creates the illusion of order. Within minutes, your living room looks clear, your hallway is navigable again, and guests are none the wiser. But the mental relief is short-lived, especially when you open the closet door later and release an avalanche.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, explains, 'Out of sight, out of mind – it's no surprise that this is the most common organizational habit we experts see in homes. Tossing stuff behind a closed door can give a brief sense of control, so when people don’t have the energy to sort or purge, they shove it away for “later”.

'But this is the one organizational habit we're begging you to stop. Whether it's seasonal clothing, sentimental items, luggage, or miscellaneous bits and bobs, stuffing them in closets is never a good solution.'

Why it's a problem

Stuffing things into closets doesn’t solve clutter – it simply delays the problem. Over time, these spaces become so jam-packed that they’re no longer functional.

Worse, stuffing things in closets creates a vicious cycle: because your storage is full, you have nowhere to put things when you're cleaning up in future, which only increases the visible mess elsewhere.

Before you know it, you're overwhelmed by clutter again.

Sherri Papich, professional organizer and CEO of Organize Your Life, says, 'While cramming things into bins, baskets, drawers, or closets just to get it out of sight might make you feel organized for a moment, all you’ve done is delay decisions and overwhelm.

'Mentally, it creates 'decision fatigue'. Every time you open a drawer or look in a bin, you're reminded of the unmade choices. Practically, it wastes space, time, and money. You're keeping things you don’t use, can’t find what you need, and might even re-buy items you already own.'

When you can't get to the back of your closets or garage, it's a sign you're 'paying rent for your stuff' and it's likely the reason clutter keeps creeping back into your home.

What to do instead

Rather than hiding clutter, try quick, visible resets that actually improve how your space functions. Pick one closet at a time, and don’t aim to empty it – just give it a little breathing room.

Toner says, 'The best tip to break the habit of stuffing things in closets is: don’t overthink it! Just group similar stuff together (scarves with scarves, cables with cables), toss them into designated bins, and label them quickly. You can use a vretti Label Maker Machine from Amazon, or simple sticky notes will do.'

Toner recommends mDesign Plastic Storage Bins with Handles from Amazon, which are clear and stackable. When it comes to sorting through a category, consider the 20/20 rule. If needed, could the item be easily replaced in 20 minutes for $20 or less? If yes, it may be time to let it go.

Toner adds, 'Remember: you’re not purging yet, just giving every category its own 'parking spot'. With that in mind, always designate a 'maybe' bin for anything you're unsure what to do with.'

Label your maybe box with a date one month ahead. If you haven’t missed or needed anything inside by then, it’s time to let it go. Much like the ODT method, this simple approach helps reduce the need for a big decluttering session but brings tangible results without the need for a huge decluttering session.

Professional organizer and certified KonMari® consultant Amélie Saint-Jacques says, 'Clothes are the most common items shoved in closets. The easiest quick fix for this is to remove what's out of season and store it in bins under the bed. I also often see shoes and boots all over the closet floor; a quick fix here is to buy a shoe rack, like the INGIORDAR Store Shoe Rack from Amazon.'

When it comes to sorting, Saint-Jacques recommends using Hefty Strong 30-Gallon Trash Bags from Amazon, plus these Amazon Basics Storage Boxes.

What to shop

Here is a selection of organization products our experts recommend to help you sort, instead of stuff things behind closed doors.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the experts

Karina Toner

With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning as operations manager at Spekless.

Sherri Papich

Sherri Papich is a professional organizer, productivity expert, and ADHD specialist with a passion for helping individuals and families create functional, clutter-free spaces. As the CEO of Organize Your Life LLC, she works with clients both in-person and virtually to simplify their lives through customized organizing solutions.

Amélie Saint-Jacques

A member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), Amélie is a Certified KonMari® Consultant who formed Amelie Organizes in 2022 to help people in the greater San Antonio, TX, area take control of their space and life.

So there you have it – the one organizational habit experts are begging you to stop, plus what to do instead. By resisting the urge to overstuff your closets and instead making small, strategic tidying changes, you create organized spaces that truly work for you.

Next, learn how to organize any space in six steps for maximum functionality.