I believe opposites attract. My husband and I are complete opposites that have been married over 33 years … successfully (most days, anyway).

    One of us (me) believes, “It’s perfect when it’s done.” The other believes, “It’s not done until it’s perfect.” One of us (again me) has finished all projects (with a possibility of a teeny tiny mistake) and the other has many incomplete projects. Which one of us is winning? Hint: The one sleeping peacefully at night with their projects completed probably has the advantage.

    Perfectionism can be exhausting and challenging. Can anyone relate?

    Why is perfection an organizing challenge? It’s because every decision feels incredibly important and making things perfect is often unattainable. Every drawer, cabinet, closet – even a simple organizing system – has to be perfect. Every donation requires an in-depth decision as to the perfect place it should be donated before it leaves the house.

    Perfectionism has a way of telling us that if it’s not perfect, it can’t be done at all. Instead of completing a small project, we try to tackle the entire garage “when we have more time.” That day is still waiting to get here and as a result, no projects are completed.

    Perfectionists love to research. It’s part of their process to make sure a purchase decision is the absolute correct one (the cost can even be as low as $10). Reading articles, comparing prices and looking at inspirational photos, before long they’ve spent three weeks planning something they could have finished in three hours.

    Everything is meaningful to a perfectionist. They can get stuck with decisions such as: what if my kid or friend needs it, what if I need it someday, what if it was really expensive and I can never find another one? Suddenly, tossing an old cord feels like making an irreversible life decision. Triple all the decisions with everything you own, and you will see why nothing gets done, nothing gets donated and it all stays in your house. Analysis paralysis.
 
    Most people organize one drawer and call it a success. A perfectionist thinks, “If I’m organizing this drawer, I should probably organize every cabinet, relabel the spices, and repaint the wall." Meanwhile, the drawer remains a mess.

    Perfectionists worry about making the wrong decision. The truth is that organizing isn’t permanent. Shelves can be rearranged. Containers can be returned. In most homes, the items people regret donating could easily be replaced for less than the cost of storing them for 10 years (I’m also talking about the mental storage of leaving the clutter in your home for 10 years).

    Over thinking donations is another issue my clients can struggle with. They spend hours trying to find the “perfect” home for their treasured donations. “Susie would love this, I’m going to save this for her.” (Unfortunately, Susie lives three states away and won’t visit until sometime next year.) “These art supplies would be great for this organization.” (The location of the organization is 20 miles away.) “My kids might want these items; I’ll ask them the next time they visit.” (The kids have already said no and have visited three times since.) 

    The problem here, as you can see, is that nothing gets donated. Take all your donations to a donation drop-off of your choice; they will make sure the donations get to the right places.

    So, how to work (live) with a perfectionist? Remind them to…

1. Remember that very few organizing decisions are permanent. Every item doesn’t need in-depth analysis.
2. Shrink the goal. One drawer is enough.
3. Break down the goals into smaller goals.
4. Redefine success. If the drawer closes, the counters are usable, and all the hammers are together, you’ve succeeded. 
5. Limit the questions. Instead of asking “What do you want to keep?” Ask, how many of these shirts have you worn this year or which kitchen utensils have you used this year.

    As an organizer, my job is to help my clients realize that organization isn’t about creating an Instagram-worthy home. It’s about creating a home that supports their life NOW. Progress beats perfection every time, letting go becomes much easier and staying organized becomes sustainable.

    Good enough wins! The happiest organized people aren’t the ones with the Pinterest pantries or closets. They are real people who now know where their scissors are and can find a birthday card without climbing over a dozen holiday bins to get them. 

    If you are a perfectionist, give yourself permission to lower the bar just enough to get started. Progress creates momentum and momentum creates organized homes. You are human and you can come to the realization that “good enough” really is perfect!