Beyond NEAT: What Traditional Organising Systems Miss
I love a good basket. Give me a lazy Susan and some matching labels and I’m this close to feeling like I’ve got my life together. So when the NEAT method started trending in the organising world, I totally understood the appeal.
Note: When I refer to the NEAT method, I’m tipping my hat to the original NEAT Method created by Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves — a beautifully curated organising system that’s become iconic in the home organisation world. Their work has inspired many, and it’s easy to see why their aesthetic has become the gold standard.
What I explore here is how we can take the best of that brilliance and adapt it to suit different brains, bodies, and bandwidths.
NEAT is clean, clear, and methodical. It makes pantries look like magazine spreads and wardrobes behave like they’re in a department store. It’s satisfying, structured, and oh-so-pleasing to the eye. But here’s what I noticed — while NEAT works brilliantly for some, it can leave others feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like they’re “not doing it right.”
Especially if you’re short on time, low on mental bandwidth, or your brain doesn’t always play by the rules — following a rigid system can feel like just another thing to fail at. So let’s have a closer look at why NEAT is so popular, where it shines, and why it might not be the holy grail of organising for everyone.
The Allure of NEAT
There’s a reason we love the look of a NEAT space. Categories, zones, labels, and colour coordination can give us the illusion of calm. And for many people, it actually works wonders.
NEAT-style organising helps make things easier to find, quicker to access, and more pleasing to use. That pantry with matching jars? It makes cooking feel intentional. The wardrobe arranged by colour? You feel like the main character every morning.
If you’ve got a reasonably organised space to begin with, and a decent chunk of time or budget to invest in getting things ‘just so’ — NEAT can be a dream.
The Problem? Not Everyone’s Starting at NEAT
Here’s the rub. NEAT often assumes:
- That you have the time and energy to do a full overhaul.
- That your clutter is mostly logistical, not emotional.
- That once a system is in place, you’ll be able to maintain it.
But what if you’re drowning in life admin, kids, work, and the mental load?
What if just getting started feels impossible because of ADHD, burnout, depression or decision fatigue?
For those of us dealing with executive dysfunction, perfectionist paralysis, or simply too much going on, the highly curated NEAT aesthetic can feel more like pressure than help.
What Traditional Systems Miss
Traditional organising systems often focus on the stuff. What to keep, what to toss, where to put it. That’s helpful! But it leaves out a huge part of the puzzle: the person using the system.
They don’t always:
- Consider how your brain processes decisions.
- Acknowledge that you might be dealing with trauma, grief, or family pressure.
- Account for fluctuating energy levels, neurodivergence, or disability.
- Give you permission to try and tweak and reset when life throws you off track.
This is where I knew something needed to change. I wanted to create a framework that met people where they are — not where Pinterest says they should be.
Enter: The D.C.L.T.R. Framework
This is the heart of how I support my clients — especially those who feel like they’re constantly starting over or who don’t quite fit the mould of traditional organising advice.
🌟 D is for Dream
Before we touch a single sock or spice jar, we start with you. What kind of life do you want? What matters to you? What do you want your space to feel like? Your dream is your compass.
🌟 C is for Curate
This is more than just decluttering. It’s choosing what belongs in your life. What supports your dream? What doesn’t? It’s not about quantity — it’s about alignment.
🌟 L is for Learn
We learn from each other and from experience. We dig into your habits, your stories, your blocks. Why is this drawer a disaster? Why can’t you let go of those jeans? No shame. Just gentle awareness.
🌟 T is for Try
Here’s where we experiment. Maybe you try folding your clothes a new way. Maybe we test a visual timer or a to-do list app. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Trying is brave.
🌟 R is for Reset
Because life. Because laundry. Because kids. Resetting is part of the process, not a failure. We build rhythms that bring you back to calm.
Marrying NEAT with Real Life
I’m not here to throw out the baskets. In fact, a good basket might just change your life. But we need to acknowledge that aesthetics don’t always equal function.
Let’s keep what’s great about NEAT — the visibility, the logic, the style — and layer it with real life support:
- Low-energy wins: Start with one shelf, not the whole pantry.
- Body doubling: Join a virtual co-working session (like my Side-by-Side Sessions) so you’re not doing it alone.
- Flexible containers: Time can be a container too. Try a 15-minute tidy instead of aiming for perfection.
- Dream filters: Use your dream as a filter: “Does this item support the life I want?” If not, maybe it’s time to let it go.
You Deserve a System That Works for You
If NEAT inspires you — fabulous. But if it also makes you feel behind, broken, or not good enough? It might be time to try something different.
Your worth is not measured by how alphabetically your spices are arranged.
Your space should feel safe, functional, and like it supports the real, imperfect, brilliant human you are.
Let’s keep the baskets. But let’s add grace, flexibility, and a good dose of self-kindness too.
If you’re ready to try a gentler approach to getting organised, I’d love to help. Come learn more about the D.C.L.T.R. method and how we can work together to create a space that feels like you.
Want support that meets you where you are?
Check out my Side-by-Side Sessions for body-doubling, real-time help, and compassionate accountability.
TL;DR
Q: What is the NEAT Method?
A: The NEAT Method is a luxury home organising system founded by Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves, known for creating visually appealing, highly structured spaces.
Q: What if traditional organising doesn’t work for me?
A: That’s totally okay. My D.C.L.T.R. framework is designed to meet you where you are — especially if you’re neurodivergent, overwhelmed, or time-poor.
Q: Is decluttering really possible with executive dysfunction?
A: Yes — but you need the right support and flexible strategies. That’s where approaches like body doubling and Dream-based filtering come in.