Why Taking Breaks From Organizing Matters
When you’re in the middle of an organizing project—whether it’s decluttering your home, sorting paperwork in your office, or finally tackling that overflowing closet—it can feel tempting to push through until every last thing is in place. Many people think the fastest way to get organized is to keep going without stopping. But here’s the truth: taking intentional breaks during the organizing process is not only helpful, it’s necessary for lasting success.
Professional organizers know that the human brain and body have limits. When you pause, even briefly, you give yourself space to reset, regain focus, and return to your organizing session with fresh energy. Without breaks, overwhelm and decision fatigue set in—two of the biggest challenges people face when trying to create organized systems that actually stick.
The Power of Rest in Professional Organizing
Think about it: organizing isn’t just about moving objects from one place to another. It’s about making decisions—what to keep, what to donate, what to recycle, and where things should live so they support your daily routines. That decision-making takes mental energy. By stepping back for a little while, you create the clarity you need to make better, more confident choices.
Breaks also keep the process sustainable. An organizing project, whether small or large, is like running a marathon—not a sprint. Building in time to rest ensures that the systems you set up are thoughtful, practical, and customized to your lifestyle rather than rushed and incomplete.
How I Recharge During Organizing Projects
For me, one of the best ways to recharge is through reading. Curling up with a book may not look like part of the organizing process, but it fuels the creativity and problem-solving I bring back to each project.
Some of my recent favorites include:
◈ Homebody by Joanna Gaines – A reminder that every home should feel welcoming and comfortable, designed around the real way you live. This reinforces one of my favorite principles as a professional organizer:
systems should support your daily life, not the other way around.
◈ Creating Effective Spaces by Natasha Swingler – Packed with practical, easy-to-implement strategies that translate into real-life solutions for clients. I love when a book bridges theory and action, much like the work
we do in organizing sessions.
◈ Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – While not a book on home organization, it’s full of encouragement about living with intention and courage. Those values are at the heart of every decluttering journey, helping people
let go of what no longer serves them and make room for what matters most.
Reading fills me up so that I can pour into others. It gives me fresh ideas, new perspectives, and joy—tools that become part of the transformation I offer clients. Every insight I gain is another way to help families and individuals create organized spaces that feel like the life they’ve always wanted.
Breaks Come in Many Forms
Of course, you don’t have to love reading the way I do. Breaks can be simple and tailored to your personality. A quick walk, a few minutes of stretching, listening to music, or even enjoying a cup of tea can shift your energy and help you return ready to continue.
The key is to step away intentionally. Don’t see it as “losing time”—see it as investing in your organizing success. Just as you wouldn’t expect to drive a car without stopping for gas, you can’t expect yourself to sustain an organizing session without moments to refuel.
The next time you find yourself knee-deep in bins, baskets, and boxes, remember this: pausing is part of the process. Taking a break doesn’t slow you down—it actually helps you move forward with clarity, motivation, and purpose.
Organizing is more than creating tidy shelves or neat drawers. It’s about transforming your space so it supports your life. And sometimes, the best way to reach that transformation is by giving yourself a moment to breathe.
So whether you’re a busy parent trying to manage family schedules, a professional juggling work-from-home spaces, or someone finally ready to tackle long-postponed clutter, build breaks into your plan. Your body, your mind, and your organized home will thank you.
✨ Remember: organizing isn’t just about things—it’s about people, energy, and the freedom to live better in your space. Breaks are part of what makes that possible.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Joel Muniz @jmuniz
