Those “Satisfying” Organization Videos on TikTok Give Me the Creeps

In a clear attempt to unnerve me, TikTok keeps bombarding my For You page with those hyper-organized videos. If you haven’t encountered one yet, here’s the scoop: these tightly edited clips show someone’s hands swiftly arranging household items — whether it’s a pantry, fridge, closet, or drawer — with robotic efficiency. The end result is always a spotless, supposedly gratifying showcase of what was once a messy area. Everything is perfectly aligned, labels are facing forward, and there are no unsightly boxes or oddly shaped containers to disrupt the sleek aesthetics.

Typically, these organization videos are paired with ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) elements — the rhythmic sounds of items being shifted on shelves, the satisfying “swoosh” of a jar lid being removed, or the “pop” of an airtight container opening.

The comment sections of these videos often overflow with enthusiasm. “So satisfying!” and “I could watch these ALL day!” or “I need to organize my pantry, like, yesterday!” These videos are crafted to evoke satisfaction. Most people enjoy witnessing the transformation from chaos to order, right?

Well, not me. I appreciate a good #cleantok video or even watching a fence get pressure-washed, but these specific hyper-organization videos make me feel as unsettled as watching a swarm of cockroaches scuttle from a crack, or seeing a gymnast land awkwardly and injure themselves. It triggers a visceral reaction of disgust.

But Why Does This Happen?

What is it about these videos that stirs such irritation and irrational anger within me?

For starters, I can’t shake the thought of what happens to the leftovers when all those fancy containers can’t hold everything from the original store-bought packaging. Where does that half-empty container go? Surely it can’t just disappear, right? Is there a messy cupboard somewhere filled with all those unsightly bags and boxes? Doesn’t having a picture-perfect storage area imply the existence of a second, chaotic one?

Then what’s the point?

I’m clearly not the only one pondering this. A TikTok user, Jamie, stitched an organization video and mused about whether there’s a “cupboard of shame” hidden away. Another commenter questioned if these organizers ever order takeout or have leftovers, and if so, how do they store them? It’s hard to imagine that a takeout container would fit into this hyper-idealistic system.

There’s something inherently pointless, tedious, and wasteful about these videos. They scream privilege and abundance. Do these individuals not realize life is finite? Do they truly want to spend their precious time ensuring all labels in their pantry are perfectly aligned and transferring cereal from a cardboard box into an expensive plastic container? Honestly, go out for a nature walk, cuddle a dog, or pick up a new hobby.

Some videos even make light of OCD, as if the disorder is a quirky trait or a helpful sidekick. “Haha, sometimes OCD comes in handy!” But those struggling with real, diagnosed OCD know it’s no laughing matter. If you don’t have OCD, stop pretending you do. It’s cringeworthy.

Take, for instance, the woman who boasts 4.2 million followers. She’s “organizing her pantry” while transferring contents from bags that are too unattractive to be displayed into more aesthetically pleasing containers. But all the unsightly bags still contain items. This means there’s a second storage space — an unsightly one. That’s what bothers me the most: the sheer excess of having two distinct storage areas: one to flaunt and another to hide away.

Another video from the same creator features over 21 million views, showcasing blatant materialism. Millions of people globally lack electricity or basic safety, yet this individual has multiple computers, fancy stands, and an entire collection of identical pens. It’s grotesque.

In another clip, detergent that resembles sugar is stored in a jar that looks like it should contain sugar. Is that not a poisoning hazard? Plus, as she stocks up, she pours new products on top of old ones, meaning those older items may never get used.

Why Create Extra Labor?

Why would anyone willingly create this much extra labor for themselves?

So yes, I detest these organization videos. However, given their popularity and the large following of these creators, it’s likely that I’m in the minority. If you also find these videos nauseating, know you’re not alone.

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Summary

Organization videos on TikTok, often filled with ASMR elements, are designed to be satisfying, but for many, including me, they evoke feelings of discomfort and irritation. The excessiveness and implied privilege behind these videos raise questions about practicality and waste. They highlight a disconnect from reality, prompting us to reflect on how we choose to spend our time. If you find these videos unsettling, you’re not alone.