Managing Expectations: The Secret Ingredient to Successful Organizing

Every organizing system works better when expectations are clear and well managed.
The problem? Expectations often live quietly in our heads—unspoken, assumed, and sometimes unrealistic.

Ideally, expectations are discussed at the start of a project. But even once a project is underway, it’s important to pause and check in:

• Are the expectations still realistic?
• Are they clear?
• Are they kind?

Expectations can come from yourself or others—and sometimes they even conflict.
For an organizing project to be successful, managing expectations isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Five Actions to Help You Manage Expectations

1. Be realistic

Before you begin, ask yourself honest questions.

Can the entire garage truly be organized in one day—or would two days be more realistic? Will you need help? A helpful rule of thumb is to double the amount of time you think a project will take.

Another example:
Do your child’s Le...