Containers Aren’t a Cure for Clutter 

The Truth About Organizing Containers

We’ve all been there – standing in a store, mesmerized by the pretty organizing baskets and stackable bins. Their promise of order and tidiness beckons. It’s easy to be lured into the belief that buying organizing bins, containers or new storage furniture is the path to an organized and clutter-free home.

But here’s a reality check: bins aren’t the cure-all for clutter and disorganization. In reality, they can make the problem worse.  Living an organized lifestyle is about having less and creating simple systems so that managing your stuff becomes effortless.

We can’t buy our way out of clutter with more stuff, even if it’s organizing stuff. 

The Deception of Hidden Clutter

Stashing clutter away behind doors and in bins doesn’t make it disappear. The clutter is hidden, but not forgotten, right?

Stacking labeled bins in closets or under beds won’t necessarily lead to a less cluttered and manageable home. Instead, bins often become repositories for things we forget about, no longer use, or can’t get to, adding to your clutter rather than alleviating it.  

It it’s too difficult to get to what you need, it probably won’t happen, right? Moving two bins, taking off a lid, and then replacing it all just to get to an item is too much work for anyone.  How likely are you to just put that thing down anywhere, rather than go through all that effort to put it back where you found it when you’re done with it? 

If it’s not effortless to find and put away your things, it probably won’t happen.

Basket Clutter is a Thing

Remember the last time you impulsively purchased cute bins, only to get them home and find out they don’t quite fit the space, the contents or just didn’t work the way you thought they would?

Where do these misfit bins end up? Tucked away in closets, out of sight, and, more importantly, out of use.  Um…creating even more clutter.  (I had to say it). 

Declutter first, then purchase containers as needed.  In our effortless organization process, the very last step is to determine what we need for storage tools, measure and plan out the space.  We only purchase what is needed for the items remaining.  Don’t create your storage systems around cute bins, rather determine your storage tools based on what should be stored in each space or zone and the space you have available.

The Pitfalls of Large Catch-all Bins When Organizing

Large catch-all baskets may seem like the perfect way to tidy up the immediate surroundings quickly. Most of the time, they morph into a black hole of baskets where items are tossed in, never to see the light of day again.

How many times have you finally gotten up the energy to empty out a catch-all, and have found all kinds of forgotten, unrelated items lingering at the bottom of the bin?

The more drop-in containers you have around the house, the more random clutter they collect.

The True Solution: Did You Know This About Decluttering?

The secret to creating more space in your home and in your mind is decluttering. Removing the excess and unused items can reduce your housework by up to 40% and help you to feel at peace in your home.

Organizing your stuff doesn’t necessarily create more space in your home. In fact, effective organization systems often take more space, as you zone and create homes for like items. 

How Containers Help

Now, don’t write off containers entirely. When used effectively, they are important allies in your battle against clutter and disorganization. Here’s how they can assist:

1. Designate a Home for Similar Items: Containers help you create designated spaces for similar items. You know what you have and there is a spot for everything.  Like items or items used for a task can be grouped together in a container.

2. Effortless Retrieval and Storage: Well-organized containers simplify the process of finding and returning items to their designated spot.  Set a goal of being able to access your items with easy reach of where you perform the task.

3. Establish Boundaries: Bins create boundaries, forcing you to limit the quantity of items to whatever fits inside. This helps to curbs excess accumulation.  Think big or small here.  A bookcase, a shoe rack or a container all work as effective boundaries.

4. Combat Clutter Creep on Open Shelves: Containers can be a strategic tool to keep open shelves organized and prevent items from clutter creep. Left uncontained, a shelf full of toiletries eventually becomes a mishmash of supplies where you’re looking for any open spot to put something.

Barb’s Pro Tips:

• Always declutter before organizing.  Set a goal of reducing your contents by 50%.
• Organize for the space, not just the items. Think about how you perform tasks and bring all related items together in a storage area if you can.
• Size Matters: Take time to determine the right size containers.  Yes, this is about measuring the space ahead of time.  More importantly, decide if you are sorting items into micro or macro categories before you buy. 
• Do you need a lid so you can stack, or would it be easier to be able to reach in and grab what you want?
• “Containers” can be used in vertical spaces like the back of doors or inside cabinets.
• In large containers, add smaller bins inside to separate contents further.
• Clear containers allow you to easily see what’s stored.
• Label opaque containers and baskets for easy identification.
• Think twice before decanting loose food into clear containers; aesthetics may not matter as much when the bins are filled unevenly and you’re having to refill the containers frequently.
• Don’t expect perfection.  Done is better than perfect.  Start with what you have and add pretty or matching containers as you go.
• Do expect to edit your system as you refine what works best for you in the space. 

The Ultimate Goal: Simplification

Creating a real-life organization system for your family is all about simplifying the space and using organizing tools like containers to make your new system effortless to maintain. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection or an Instagram-worthy after photo. The goal is to make like easier in your home so you can spend your time and energy on what matters most.

Organized clutter is still clutter, even if it’s tucked away in pretty bins and baskets. In the end, less is more. So, before you rush to buy another container, take a moment to declutter and truly free yourself from the overwhelm of excess. Your home and your mind will thank you for it.

If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and ready to ditch the clutter once and for all, reach out to your local professional organizer and decluttering specialist to chat about working together.

Less Stuff ❤ More Space ❤ Better Life ❤

Cheers to creating an organized and simplified lifestyle!  Barb