Baskets for laundry and clothes on the store shelf
At the beginning of every new year, stores have bins and containers on sale- to help in your resolution to get organized. Purchasing new baskets and organizing supplies seem like the perfect way to start getting organized. There are so many options, how do you know what to buy? I’ll break it down for you.
When Should I Buy Containers?
One of the first questions new clients always ask is if they should buy baskets or bins for our session. My short answer is no. There are a few organizing steps that have to be done before we know which containers will fit our needs. The last thing we want to do is buy a bunch of containers that aren’t right for the space and end up adding more clutter. Finding storage options is actually the last step.
My Organizing Process
The first step in my organizing process is to determine your goals for the project. Asking yourself questions like; What’s my vision for the space? What do I imagine doing in this area? What would it look like when it’s finished? The answers to these questions provide a road map for the process.
The second step includes the all-important task of purging. Taking inventory and editing what you want and need in your space versus what should be donated, recycled, sold, or relocated to a different room. Be vigilant and honest with yourself, because at the conclusion of this step, the remaining items will need to be housed.
Placement is Key
Next, we will consider where everything will be used and how often. This helps us with the placement of your items. A helpful exercise can be to imagine yourself doing whatever activities you would do in this space. For example, if you are organizing your office, pretend you are working at your desk. Visualize going through your day and what items you want closest to you? Is the copier right beside you? Do you need a stapler on your desk?
Finding the Right Storage Container
Containers serve different purposes in organizing. The most common one is storage. If your goal for the stuff is to pack it up and not use it very often, like you might do for seasonal decorations, or baby clothes, then the best choice would be a storage bin with a lid. It will keep dust out and can be stacked on top of other lidded containers to save space.
These containers tend to be deep, be sure to label them so you can easily locate the bin you need. My favorite labels are Cardinal Hold-It. Using your own note card, you can change the contents quickly.
Maximizing the Space
In closets and cabinets that have a door on them, using stackable, containers are efficient for maximizing available vertical space. To make it easier to spot what you’re searching for you’ll also want those containers to be clear. In a linen closet, these bins can be filled with extra first aid supplies, bars of soap, and skin care products.
Keeping it Visible
Kitchens are a place where our stuff tends to get hidden and expire. To prevent waste, clear containers work well. They can be used in pantries and refrigerators. Stackable bins that are open in the front are perfect for snacks. In garages, the blue bins are strong and convenient for tools.
Hiding Clutter
While clear bins are often preferred, sometimes we don’t want or need to see all the clutter. This is when baskets are useful containers. End tables tend to get cluttered with the tv remotes, pens, charging cords, and other things we use daily. Baskets give the appearance of less clutter on your bookshelves or other areas that don’t have a door.
StorageWorks – Water Hyacinth Rectangular Storage Baskets
A Final Note
Containers are a great tool for organizations. With some thought about how you will use them, you can choose ones that will help you maintain your space and create attractive, efficient, and functional spaces.
Do You Need Help Organizing?
Healthier Spaces Organizing (HSO) can help you create a healthier space in your home or office. Laura Souders, founder, and operator of HSO, is an expert organizer who has worked with clients for over 9 years. She specializes in residential and business organizing. She also offers public speaking engagements where she discusses how organizing can help people lead happier lives.
Contact us today to know more!
