Container Frustration

Often, when I go to perform a consultation or begin a project for someone looking to get organized, many clients are quick to show me their "containers". Either because they are very proud of their great "head start", or are frustrated because they own all these containers and still don't have a solution.

Most container problems are avoidable, and here are the top 5 mistakes in purchasing a container. So before you head out to buy containers - do your homework!

The Top 5 mistakes are:

Problem #1 - Not Measuring!
*A 12” deep box hanging over an 11” deep shelf. I see it almost every week.
*Storage space available on each shelf is 10" high. Containers are 4" high.
Use up that space! The other 6" are wasted. Use any combo depending on the
contents. A 1 -10" box, or stack 2 -5" boxes or 3 - 3" boxes - you get the idea.
*I bought or need 10 boxes, but only 8 will fit.
*Contents don't fit in the container, can't close the lid!

Part of organizing is space planning. How much will fit in the container, how many will fit in the space, how many will I need, what are the height, depth and length measurements of the space? Avoid the frustration and returns and measure first. Allow for 10-20% growth/increase. If there is no more room for increase, use the one in – one out rule.

Problem #2 - Underestimating or Overestimating the Volume
* Overestimating: So you went out and bought 42 shoe boxes to store your shoes in your closet, because they were all over the floor. But after meeting with me, you discovered some did not fit, some were in very poor shape, some were duplicates, some weren't even yours, and now we have you down to 25 great pairs of shoes. You are now the proud owner of 17 extra shoe boxes. The answer of course is - do NOT buy any containers until you have PURGED.

*Underestimating: During a consultation you state you have 42 shoes in your closet and needed a storage solution. But after meeting with me, I had you gather and sort all your shoes from ALL over the HOUSE. Hmmm.. after the hunt we discovered you had 6 more pair between the garage, front door, and coat closet. Total now: 48. It is important to gather all "like items" from all areas in a home or office to see the true volume.


Problem # 3 - Impulse Shopping
*You see a really neat container but have no use for it.
*The containers are on sale!
*You can't wait, you just want to get the stuff out of the way.
* Impatience - you don't know where to look, hate shopping, so"this will do"
*You're caught in the organizing moment, and are totally motivated - get out of your way!
Ancient Chinese Wisdom says: Patience Grasshopper, do not buy any containers before it is time.


Problem #4 - Didn't Consider Storage Conditions or Room Decor
*Garage/Attic: Consider sturdy no-nonsense materials appropriate for extreme temperatures, moisture and dust/debris or pests. Boxes, wicker, fabric - not such a good idea ..
*Master Bedroom: Plastic Tubs clashing with your satin bedspread? Acrylic office magazine holder that screams Dr's office, not the feel you are looking for? Consider designs that match your decorating style, yet are functional such as wood, wicker, leather, linen, or other materials that "blend" with the room.

Problem #5 Poor Protection
Heirloom, valuables, and breakables require additional consideration. To keep pests out you need to ensure the container is airtight and consider cedar to keep away moths from fabrics. For preservation of heirlooms sensitive to moisture or light you may consider archival quality boxes or archival paper. Breakables require sturdy containers with plenty of cushion surrounding the contents.

Ok, NOW you are ready to purchase the containers. As you can see, the key to a perfect storage container is that it is the proper container for the problem or solution, and that it is purchased at the right time. By first sorting and purging your items, then properly space planning and measuring the contents and storage area, and finally giving consideration of the contents and storage location; you are now prepared to buy the perfect container that should provide a home for your belongings for easy retrieval, increase your storage capacity, as well preserve the value of the items you are storing!

Have fun shopping! - Sandy

Tips to Maintain.....

Yep, it's another blog about MAINTENANCE! I just can't stress enough it's importance in all areas of organization. So, here are a few quickies:

The formal dining table that no one ever eats at: Try setting the table to discourage everyone from "dumping" their belongings onto it as they walk in the door.
Photos: Ideally, write on the back of photos and put in albums or photo boxes as soon as you develop them. At a minimum, mark the date and occasion onto the envelope and file in a photo box by date. For digital photos; back up photos on to a CD every month and file the CD by date. You will never lose them if the CPU crashes and you'll be less overwhelmed looking through a CD with hundreds and hundreds of photos!
Laundry: Is your version of doing laundry "I put the dirty clothes into the washer"? Nice try... Laundry is done, when it is washed, dried and put AWAY. Fold or hang items as soon as they are dry. Do not dump clean, dry clothes onto the couch or bed to be folded and put away "later". Also avoid put into laundry baskets or hanging racks to put away later, unless later is before the end of the day.
Crafts/Projects: Have a dozen partially completed crafts or well intentioned projects stashed around the house? Only one project at a time, and finish it before you start another!
EVERYTHING: Apply the One in - One out rule. For every one new item you bring in the house, one item must go out. So before you run out to buy something, think hard about what you are willing to let go of first. Apply to all areas; magazines, clothing, toys, books etc. By doing this you will be able to keep yourself organized. If you are still struggling with clutter, consider a 1:2 ratio. Two items out for every one you bring in. This will help you reduce the clutter slowly.
Deal with it. If you are using something (a pen, kitchen item, purse, remote, electronic... you name it) and it breaks... Deal with it! Fix it, make a plan to fix it or get rid of it. Ask other family members to "deal with it". For younger children teach them to report it, vs just putting it back!

As you can see, getting"organized" is not a one-time event, and then it's done. It is an ongoing process of changes and maintenance. Before you overwhelm yourself, remember you don't have to organize every area of your life in a single day, week or month! Work on small chunks at a time, and then focus on "maintaining" that area before you start on another. As Donna Smallin in "The One Minute Organizer" wrote: "Trying to organize your entire home in a DAY is like trying to eat an entire piece of cake in one bite. You'd choke". Good point.