Stop Organizing These 10 Everyday Things Backwards

You know that feeling when you’ve spent a whole afternoon tidying up, only to realize that… things still feel off? I’ve been there. A few years ago, I was standing in my kitchen, proud of how “Pinterest-worthy” my spice rack looked perched right above the stove. But fast forward to a month later, and all my cumin smelled like cardboard. That’s when it hit me—sometimes, we organize with our eyes instead of our heads.

Turns out, a lot of us are doing things backwards. Not because we’re messy—but because we’re too efficient. We go for what looks good, what feels logical in the moment, or what everyone else seems to be doing online. But home organization? It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. It should work for you, not against you.

So let’s talk about 10 places you might be organizing backwards—and how a few simple changes can make your daily routine smoother, calmer, and way more functional.

Why You’ll Love These Fixes

• Keep things fresher longer (looking at you, spices and fridge!)

• Save time hunting down everyday items

• Reduce food and money waste

• Make better use of tight storage spots

• Create systems that actually stick

Let’s Rethink These Everyday Habits

1. Spices Don’t Belong Above the Stove—Seriously

Sure, it’s tempting. You’re cooking, you reach up—bam, oregano. But the heat and steam from your stove? It’s a slow death sentence for your spices. They lose their kick, clump together, and before you know it, that chili powder tastes like dust.

Do this instead:
Keep spices in a drawer or cabinet away from heat. Use little jars with tight lids, and label the tops so you’re not squinting mid-recipe. If you’re short on space, try a tiered rack inside a cabinet—it’s a game-changer.

2. Rolling Towels? Not in Small Spaces

I know, spa vibes are real. But if your bathroom shelf is more “tight squeeze” than “luxury retreat,” rolled towels can waste valuable inches.

Try folding instead:
Fold towels into neat rectangles and stack them vertically. It’s cleaner, faster, and makes grabbing one way less chaotic (no more toppling towel towers!).

3. Cleaning Supplies Don’t Belong in the Bathroom

It seems practical—until your all-purpose cleaner starts smelling… off. Bathrooms are humid caves, and that messes with product longevity. Plus, if you’ve got kids or pets, it’s a safety risk.

A better idea:
Keep a cleaning caddy in a hallway closet or under the kitchen sink. Group sprays, scrubs, and cloths by task (bathroom, kitchen, floors). Bonus: you’ll always know when you’re low on supplies.

4. Pantry Flow Matters—Old Stuff Goes in Front

We’re all guilty of it—shoving new groceries in front and forgetting about the half-used pasta in the back. But that’s how food expires quietly, turning your pantry into a graveyard of good intentions.

Simple fix:
When you unpack groceries, move older items forward. It’s called FIFO (first in, first out), and restaurants swear by it. You’ll save money and avoid those mystery cans with faded labels.

5. Books by Color? Pretty, But Not Practical

I love a rainbow shelf as much as anyone—but if you’re hunting for your favorite cookbook and all you can remember is “it’s blue-ish,” it’s not exactly helpful.

Instead, go by size or category:
Group books by topic or size to keep things balanced. Bonus tip: Place heavier books lower on shelves and lighter ones up top to avoid sagging.

6. Cables Need More Than a Twist Tie

That tangled mess behind your TV? It’s not just annoying—it’s a fire hazard waiting to happen. Bundling cords together with rubber bands might look tidy at first, but it’s hard to separate when you need just one.

What works better:
Velcro wraps or reusable zip ties. Label both ends of each cable (you can use masking tape and a Sharpie—nothing fancy). Your future self will thank you when you’re unplugging the WiFi at midnight.

7. Shoes: Organize by Use, Not Type

Color-coded heels? Great in theory. But if you’re digging past party shoes just to find your dog-walking sneakers, that system’s not working for you.

Do this instead:
Keep your most-used pairs up front. Use cubbies or open shelves near your entry for grab-and-go access. Stash special occasion shoes in labeled boxes up top or under the bed.

8. Closet by Season > Closet by Color

Color-blocked wardrobes are trendy—but let’s be honest, you’re not reaching for that sleeveless sundress in January, no matter how nicely it matches your winter boots.

Try seasonal rotation:
Group clothes by season and use storage bins for the off-season ones. You’ll have less clutter and a closet that matches the weather and your morning mood.

9. Name Digital Files for the Brain, Not the Calendar

A file named “IMG_0063” or “Final_Final_2.doc” won’t help you six months from now. Trust me—I’ve spent hours searching for “that thing I saved last March… I think?”

What to do instead:
Use clear, descriptive names: “2023_Taxes_W2” or “BananaBread_Recipe_Grandma”. If you need dates, add them at the end. Bonus: your search bar becomes your new best friend.

10. Photos: Tell a Story With Chronology

Digital photos are great—until you’re scrolling through 400 random images and can’t remember what year your niece turned two. Sorting randomly makes memories harder to relive.

Make it make sense:
Organize photos into folders by year > month > event. Most phones already timestamp them—use that to your advantage. And don’t forget backups (I swear by Google Photos and a good ol’ hard drive).

Bonus Tip: Fridge Smarts Save Dinner

If your fridge is a sea of leftovers and mystery containers, rearrange things so you see what needs to be eaten first. Use bins labeled “Eat Me First” or place soon-to-expire items at eye level.

Storage Tips Worth Remembering

• Small spaces love vertical storage — shelves, risers, over-the-door racks

• Labeling saves your sanity — even if it’s just with painter’s tape and a Sharpie

• Don’t overorganize — make it simple enough to keep up with, not just pretty once

Wrapping Up (With a Hug From One Organizer to Another)

At the end of the day (oops—I said I wouldn’t say that!), organizing isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about making life easier, not prettier. And hey, we all get it wrong sometimes—I still catch myself storing things where they “fit” instead of where they function. But with a few thoughtful tweaks, you can save time, money, and sanity.

If you’ve got an organizing trick that works wonders for your home, I’d love to hear it. Or if you’ve realized you were doing something “backwards” all along, welcome to the club!

Leave a comment, ask a question, or just say hi—I always love chatting with fellow homebodies and accidental minimalists.

Until next time, keep it cozy and functional.