Why Organizing Gets Messy Before It Gets Magical

After a lifetime of personal organizing and over 3 years of helping our clients, we’ve seen it all. Tackling a project—whether it’s your overflowing closet, chaotic kitchen, or crammed garage—can feel like stepping into a disaster zone! You’re pumped to bring order to your space, but as soon as you dive in, it’s like a tornado hit: clothes everywhere, kitchen gadgets spilling across the counter, and tools scattered on the floor. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! That messy middle is completely normal, and we’re here to guide you through it.

Jacki and Erin caught in the "messy middle" in a recent office organization project in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Messy Middle: Why Chaos Is Part of the Process

When you start organizing, the first step is to pull everything out. Emptying your closet or clearing out the pantry creates a mess that can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, your space looks worse than before, and you might wonder if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.

This chaos isn’t a setback - it’s a necessary step. Think of it like cleaning out your fridge: you have to take everything out to see what’s there before you can make it functional. By laying it all out, you get a clear view of every stray sock, expired spice jar, or random tool. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s the foundation for creating order that lasts. As pro organizers, we embrace this stage, helping you navigate the mess with a clear plan and a calm approach. We have “back pocket” methods to keep the chaos under control while patterns and and habits are revealed in the process.

The Emotional Side of Organizing

Organizing isn’t just about sorting the stuff - all kinds of emotions can get stirred up along the way. Digging through old photos might bring back memories that make you laugh and cry all at the same time. That jacket you haven’t worn in years might spark guilt about the money you spent. Or maybe you’re clearing out the garage and realizing how many projects you’ve put off. Oof, that’s a lot to carry, friend. These feelings can make the mess feel heavier, tempting you to shove everything back and walk away and close the door forever.

Sitting shoulder to shoulder with our client as they navigate through items they want to keep, donate or toss is our specialty!

We’ve seen this time and again, and we get it. Our team is here to be your partner through the emotional ups and downs. We bring a supportive, judgment-free presence, helping you make tough choices and keep you focused on the goal: a space that feels like YOU through and through.

The Turning Point: Creating Your Dream Space

And then the magic starts to happen. You sort your stuff into piles: keep, donate,

toss. You find a home for every spatula or screwdriver. This is when the mess transforms into a system that works for your life. It’s like watching a blurry picture come into focus—suddenly, your space feels clear and functional, maybe for the first time ever. Our organizers shine in this phase! We bring practical solutions, custom storage ideas or shelving setups that maximize your space. With our experience, we’ll help you create a setup that’s not just organized but tailored to how you live, making your daily routines easier and seamless from start to finish.

Tips to Navigate the Mess

1. Expect the Chaos: Clear a spot for sorting, like a corner of the room or an empty table, and designate specific zones for each category. Knowing the mess is coming makes it less daunting. We can help you plan this stage to keep things manageable.

2. Start Small, Dream Big: Picture your ideal space—a closet where you find your favorite shirt in seconds or a kitchen that feels calm. Then tackle one small piece, like a single drawer. We’ll break it down into steps that feel doable.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Organized one shelf? That’s a victory! We’re cheering you on as those little steps add up to big results.

4. Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to quick fixes that don’t last. Our team sorts thoughtfully, building systems that stay organized.

5. Let Us Help: If the project feels overwhelming, our professional organizers are here to make it easier. We bring expertise, tools, and a friendly approach to turn the chaos into something beautiful. Saving you time, energy, and maybe most importantly, your sanity!

   
   

The Reward: A Space That Feels Like Home

A beautifully organized closet with newly implemented systems completed by The Love of Order.

When the mess clears, the payoff is incredible. Your closet becomes a place where you can grab your favorite outfit without a struggle. Your kitchen feels like a cozy hub instead of a stress zone. Your garage? Ready for action instead of an obstacle course. With a team of pros by your side, you’ll get there with systems that last and a space that makes you breathe easier every day.

Let’s Create Your Dream Space Together

Organizing projects can feel like a wild, messy ride, but that “worse before better” phase is just the path to something amazing. At The Love of Order, we’re here to guide you through the chaos, one step at a time, until your space feels like home. When you’re ready to dive in or need a helping hand, we’ve got you covered.