Organizing vs. Designing: Why One Works Longer Than the Other
Coming out of the holidays, I always find myself staring at my house wondering: Do I need a professional organizer to tame the chaos... or should I just implode the whole thing and start fresh?
(Okay, I'm exaggerating about the implosion.) But seriously, the holiday madness has me dreaming of renovations—or even an extension—to make everyday life smoother year-round.
So, what does your home really need? Better organization... or a renovation that fixes flow and function (including smart storage)?
The truth? Neither is wrong. It depends on your budget and what you're truly trying to solve.
Organization: The Starting Point
At its core, organization means creating systems where everything has a home. It starts with decluttering—those tough calls on what to keep, donate, or ditch.
Think baskets, bins, labels. Categories as broad or specific as your household needs. One "Tech" bin for cords, remotes, chargers. Or subdivide into smaller ones. No right or wrong—just what works for you.
When Organization Isn't Enough
Here's the hard truth: You can organize until you're blue in the face, but eventually, there comes a point where you simply don’t have enough functional space for the things you own and want to keep.
Another thing to remember is that organizational systems only stick if everyone follows them. People revert to old habits fast. Clutter creeps back—and suddenly you're blaming yourself.
But here's the thing: It's often not you. It's your home.
Take kitchens they are not used the same way now as when they were built. Countertops pile up with daily appliances—coffee maker, mixer, air fryer. No logical storage? They live permanently on the counters... or get banished to awkward cabinets/basements. The problem isn't "too much stuff." It's a kitchen not designed for your life.
That's a design issue, not a discipline fail.
Designing for Real Life (And When to Renovate)
When I say "designing," I mean renovations done right.
A thoughtful plan solves these frustrations for good. It means auditing what doesn't work and building solutions that do:
Improving layout and flow
Adding storage where it actually makes sense
Designing built-ins that work hard behind the scenes
Understanding how you move through your home day to day
It’s about creating intentional drop zones, smarter storage, and spaces that support real life—not just Instagram pretty.
You ready for a renovation if…
You feel completely stuck trying to make your space work.
You’re constantly scrolling Instagram or TikTok searching for “clever storage solutions” but nothing ever seems quite right.
You’ve organized the same areas over and over with little long-term success.
Believe me — it’s not you.
Working with a designer to create a functional floor plan and integrated storage solutions in key areas like kitchens and mudrooms with built-ins can make an enormous difference. While some of these solutions may require a higher upfront investment, spending a bit more in the right places can save you time, stress, and frustration for years to come.
The Takeaway
You don't need all the answers right now.
Test organization first. Consult with a professional organizer or interior designer for clarity. Pay attention to what doesn’t stay organized — that’s often where the real problem lies.
When it stops cutting it? Renovate for the long game. A home that works with you — not against you — is always worth the investment.