Most of the time when I tell someone that I am a professional organizer, someone invariably responds with, "Oh, you must love the Container Store!" Well, let me set the record straight: I don't have anything against the Container Store, but it's not my go-to solution.
I'm a firm believer in Dana K. White's philosophy that your house is essentially a giant container, with everything inside it serving as smaller containers within. Drawers, closets, desks, and built-in cabinets, for example, all play a role in setting the boundaries and limitations for what we can keep. It's like a big puzzle, and our job is to ensure that the pieces fit together harmoniously.
However, there are times when containers can be your organizing superheroes, swooping in to save the day. Here are some reasons why I might recommend using containers in your quest for an organized life:
Grouping Like Items Together: Containers can help you keep similar items together, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Defining a Space: They're fantastic for creating a sense of order and purpose in each space.
Utilizing Vertical Space: Containers can be stacked to maximize your vertical storage, which is a game-changer for small spaces.
Setting Boundaries: Containers set boundaries and limitations. When the container is full, it's a reminder that you can't keep adding to it without revisiting what's inside and making decisions about what's truly essential. This is particularly handy for sentimental items. By designating a specific space for these treasures, you can revisit them and be reminded of their importance. It forces you to prioritize what truly matters.
Practical Reminders: Think of the designated spot where you always put your keys, or the bin where you keep bills and paperwork organized. These containers become your allies in daily life.
Handy Helpers: I have what I affectionately call my "upstairs downstairs" bin. It sits on a table near the stairs, serving as a temporary holding area for items that need to migrate to other parts of the house. This simple container has saved countless trips up and down the stairs.
Now, here's the catch: when it comes to getting organized, buying containers should not be your first move. In fact, it's often one of the last things you should do. Why? Because organizing is a process, not an event. It involves decluttering, reevaluating, and reorganizing your space to make it truly functional. Until you've tackled these initial steps, you won't know what kind or how many containers you'll need.
So, before you embark on a container-shopping spree, start by decluttering and reimagining your space. Consider how you can make better use of containers and storage solutions you already own. Once you've done that, new containers can be the icing on the cake, providing that final touch of order and convenience.