Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt that flickering flame of jealousy ignite deep in the depths of your stomach as you gorge on other people’ s perfect homes? The ones that never have a stray sock in the middle of the landing, or piles of unidentified crap on the kitchen table. The ones where everything matches and there’s no paint chips, no mahusive cowebs that have been missed (because the owners had done a half arsed clean at the end of the week desperately in need of a glass of wine and thirty hours sleep), and the homes where there’s no half-finished-badly-orchestrated DIY jobs?
In an era of Instagram-worthy interiors and Pinterest-perfect homes, the pressure to maintain an immaculate, clutter-free space is higher than ever. But is this obsession with perfection actually helping us, or is it making our lives more stressful? The truth is, a perfectly organised, minimalist home is pretty much, totally and utterly unrealistic, especially for families, busy professionals, and anyone who values comfort (and having a life) over aesthetics.
In 2025 we want to make it cool to stop chasing an impossible standard and embrace a more practical, liveable approach to home organisation. Here’s how:
The comparison trap
Never have the words “It’s a trap” been more true as in today’s Grammable world! We are yelling it from the roof tops, hoping that you will all hear.
Scrolling through social media, it’s so damn easy to feel like your home doesn’t measure up. Pristine white kitchens, color-coded bookshelves, and spotless countertops set an expectation that real-life homes rarely meet- unless you are Monica Geller….and don’t forget people….even she had a crap closet!
What these curated social media pictures don’t show are the everyday realities—kids’ toys on the floor, unfolded laundry, and the stack of post waiting to be sorted. But they are all there!
With a little clever camera work, one can achieve miracles. Don’t fall into the comparison trap, because these images just aren’t real.
The constant pursuit of perfection can leave us feeling frustrated, inadequate, and exhausted because in real-life perfection doesn’t exist – not the kind you see on social media anyhow.
Functional over flawless
A home should serve its inhabitants, not the other way around. Instead of striving for magazine-ready perfection where everyone is terrified to leave a coffee cup ring on the counter top, focus on making your space functional. Ask yourself: Does my home support my daily routines? Can I easily find what I need? Is there a balance between organisation and comfort? A functional home isn’t necessarily clutter-free; it’s one that works for your lifestyle.
Realistic organisation strategies
Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all minimalist approach, consider practical organisation methods that suit your needs:
- Declutter with purpose: Instead of aiming for an empty space, remove items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Keep what you actually use and love, even if that thing is old and tatty and doesn’t match all the other things that you use and love.
- Contain, don’t eliminate: Use baskets, bins, and shelves to create organised “homes” for everyday items. It’s okay to have things visible as long as they are tidy and accessible.
- Embrace lived-in comfort: A home is meant to be lived in – it’s their purpose, their destiny and would you really want to deny anybody…or anything…it’s destiny?! A throw blanket draped over the couch, a stack of books on the coffee table, or a few plates in the sink are signs of life, not failure.
- Prioritise maintenance over perfection: Instead of deep-cleaning everything at once (aint nobody got time for that), focus on daily habits that keep chaos at bay—like a quick 10-minute tidy-up each evening, just to take off the edge of the mess.
The beauty of imperfection
Perfection is overrated. Your home is a reflection of your life, not a showroom. It should tell your story, showcasing memories, personal touches, and the ebb and flow of daily living. The occasional mess doesn’t mean failure; it means your home is being used, enjoyed, and loved.
A home should be comfortable, functional, and inviting—not a constant source of stress. By letting go of the ‘clutter-free’ myth, we create a space that works for real life, not just for social media. So, embrace the mess, enjoy the warmth of your home, and remember that a little imperfection is what makes a house a home.