Organizing Isn't One-and-Done

It’s easy to think of organizing as a project you check off once and never think about again. But in reality, organizing is an ongoing process. Life changes, our needs shift, and our spaces have to keep up.

One of the biggest reasons systems need to change? Interests and hobbies evolve. This is especially true with kids. The things they’re passionate about at age 7 might not hold the same magic at age 12—and our homes need to flex with that.

Take the “craft cupboard” in my house as an example. For years, my kids loved making all kinds of crafts. We devoted an entire kitchen cupboard to craft supplies—paper, glue, stamps, markers, you name it (except glitter, of course, for obvious reasons 😉). It made perfect sense at the time.

But lately that cupboard hasn’t been getting nearly as much use. My kids aren’t into crafts the way they used to be, and most of those supplies were just sitting there. That prime kitchen real estate was being wasted on stuff we didn’t really need anymore.

So here’s what I did:

• Decluttered the cupboard, letting go of supplies we no longer use.

• Moved a few things to a less central spot so they’re still accessible if inspiration strikes.

• Reorganized what was left so it’s tidy and easy to manage.

• Freed up space for kitchen items we actually use all the time.

Now, the cupboard makes so much more sense for the way we live right now. And that’s the point: organizing isn’t about setting up a system once and declaring it “done forever.” It’s about noticing when something no longer fits and giving yourself permission to shift it.

📸 See the before and after pictures below.

The takeaway? Organizing isn't one-and-done. Your systems should serve your life as it is today—not as it was years ago. As your family’s needs and interests change, your home should change right along with you.