When to deploy storage bins
They're landmines, but if handled with care can be useful--sometimes.
Lest you think I am a universal hater of all storage bins after my last post about the Container Store’s impact on my nervous system, this week I’m here to show you how I incorporate bins into my organizing. I contain multitudes, you see.
For the record, there is a time and a place for bins. That time is limited and the space is small though, so don’t get too excited.
Bins, as we’ve established, are seductive. They suggest the promise of an organized life, a simple solution, a way to solve chaos with shopping. If you’re susceptible to bin-related fantasies, my advice is to abstain entirely. No one actually needs to be buying bins. But if you feel in control of impulsive shopping and your clutter is under control, a bin can be a fun addition. To keep myself on the straight and narrow, I have developed strict rules I follow for bin acquisition:
NEVER buy bins at the start of an organizing project, no matter how certain you are that you need them. You cannot solve clutter by buying more things. You cannot ice the cake before you bake it.
Instead, declutter first. Only keep what you need/use/love. I’ll share a thorough decluttering rant/strategy next week.
Once you’ve decluttered, organize. One home for each category of thing, and follow the rule of prioritization to decide if THIS is the best spot for each thing.
Implement temporary bins made out of whatever you already own — existing bins, boxes from food items, Amazon boxes, shoeboxes, whatever you have. The most important thing is to not purchase anything new.
Live like this for a few months and see if your area stays organized. Reflect and refine.
Once you’ve worked out what needs to live there, and proven out that your strategy works, I hereby grant you permission to purchase bins, if you want. You can also just rock those temporary solutions as permanent because no one strictly NEEDS bins.
Here’s how I’ve applied the above in my home.