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.
Available in multiple colors and three sizes, including 90 liters, this handy, portable basket makes a great decluttering companion. It has a soft handle and stands up even when empty. You can use this as a maybe bin, too.
These handy shelf dividers, which come in a pack of six, bring a sense of order to closets, cabinets, and open shelving, creating neat, adjustable sections so you can more easily stay tidy and organized.
We love under-bed storage items like this one, which makes it easy to store away those out-of-season clothes stuffed in a closet. It has a clear sealing lid, easy pull handles and wheels.
As well as looking great, this 50-pack of velvet hangers comes in multiple colors for easy organization. They have 360-degree rotation, and are available in smaller or larger amounts. Velvet hangers reduce visual clutter.
Home cleaning pro Karina Toner recommends this handy pack of more than 300 sticky tabs. She says, 'They're great for labeling categories or creating temporary zones while sorting.'
These vinyl storage bags are ideal for storing artwork, photos or certificates that might currently be stuffed in closets. Button-fastened closure snaps keep contents safe from moisture and dust.
Meet the experts
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.
