Why We Procrastinate – Traps and Solutions

Procrastination—it’s something we all deal with. Whether it’s tackling that overflowing storage closet, finally setting up a functional workspace, or taking the leap to start your professional organizing business, there’s always a reason to delay. “I’ll do it tomorrow” feels reasonable—until tomorrow turns into next week (or next month).

More often than not, procrastination isn’t about laziness. It’s a response to stress, uncertainty, or even loneliness. Thankfully, you can stop procrastinating and break the cycle with the right strategies.

Whether you’re a professional organizer, aspiring organizer, or simply someone trying to get more organized, understanding why procrastination happens—and how to move past it—can make all the difference.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

At its core, procrastination is avoidance. When a task feels overwhelming, tedious, or unclear, the brain looks for an easier option—whether that’s scrolling social media, cleaning out an inbox, or suddenly deciding now is the perfect time to reorganize the spice rack instead.

Some common reasons people procrastinate:

Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start
Fear of failure or wanting to get it perfect the first time
Finding the task boring or unpleasant
Lack of external motivation—some people work best with a little encouragement
No clear deadline or structure

Sure, putting it off might feel good in the moment, but that relief is short-lived. In the long run, procrastination leads to more stress, anxiety, and frustration.

So, how do you overcome procrastination and finally get things done?

How to Stop Procrastinating and Take Action

1. Get an Accountability Buddy

Some people are more productive when they have someone to check in with. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a fellow organizer, having an accountability partner can be a huge motivator.

A task buddy can:

Provide encouragement and motivation
Offer a sense of support and accountability
Keep you on track and help maintain progress

For professional organizers working with clients, a “buddy system” can help keep them engaged even after your sessions end.

2. Break It Down: Small Wins Lead to Big Results

One of the biggest reasons for procrastination? The task feels too big. The best way to beat that is to break it into smaller, bite-sized steps.

Instead of telling yourself, “I need to organize the entire garage,” try:

Sorting through just one shelf today
Decluttering tools tomorrow
Creating labeled storage bins over the weekend

Each small win builds momentum—and suddenly, the big task doesn’t seem so impossible.

3. Done Is Better Than Perfect

Procrastination and perfectionism often go hand in hand. If you feel like a task has to be perfect, it’s easy to keep putting it off indefinitely. Instead, focus on making progress rather than getting everything exactly right the first time.

Remind yourself (or your client): “This doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be done.”

4. Schedule the Task Like an Appointment

The phrase “I’ll do it later” is a procrastination trap. The best way to avoid it? Schedule the task just like you would a meeting or appointment.

Instead of “next week,” set a specific date and time
Block off small, focused work sessions
Use a planner, calendar, or digital reminders to stay on track

When something is scheduled, it’s much more likely to actually happen.

5. Set a 15-Minute Timer

Getting started is usually the hardest part. A simple yet highly effective trick is to set a timer for just 15 minutes.

Anyone can focus for 15 minutes
Once you start, motivation often kicks in to keep going
Even if you stop after the timer, you’ve made progress—which is a win

Short, focused efforts make big tasks feel much more manageable.

6. Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind

When a task feels unimportant, it’s easy to push it off. Instead, connect it to a larger goal. Ask yourself:

Why does this matter?
Will it reduce stress and bring peace of mind?
Will it make my space more functional?
Will it help grow my organizing business?

When you have a clear reason, procrastination loses its power.

7. Use Music to Stay Focused

Background music can be a powerful productivity tool. Studies show that the right playlist can:

Boost focus
Lower anxiety
Increase motivation

So, if you’re struggling to get started, turn on some energizing music and see how it changes your mindset.

8. Take Breaks, But Make Them Intentional

Working non-stop can lead to burnout and decision fatigue. Short, intentional breaks can actually increase productivity—but there’s a catch.

Good break: A 5-minute stretch, deep breathing, or a quick walk
Not-so-good break: Scrolling social media for 45 minutes and completely losing momentum

Set a limit, take a quick reset, then get back to work.

Progress Over Perfection

Overcoming procrastination is about momentum, structure, and making tasks feel achievable.

For professional organizers, helping clients move past procrastination is a key part of creating lasting change. Whether you’re working on your own space, helping a client, or launching your organizing business, these strategies will help you take action and stay on track.

At the end of the day, getting started is the hardest part—but once you do, everything gets easier.