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Those plastic bins are not a cure-all – Metro US

Those plastic bins are not a cure-all

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Always configure your storage space for maximum use, using the full height by adding floor-to-ceiling shelving.

“By holding out, you’ll be in a position to get the perfect unit that will suit your needs.”

So many people think the first step in organizing is to purchase plastic bins. They think the bins will miraculously tame their excess stuff; they figure that they’ll suddenly be able to deal with all their unused, scattered, ill-fitting items by simply hiding them.

Well, I can tell you that boxes, bins, organizing gadgets and closet units are all wonderful if they’re used properly. But there’s no point investing in these expensive, clumsy units until you’ve dealt with their prospective contents and determined where to put the units.

So when you’re starting an organizing project, make sure you have a few inexpensive basics on hand like bankers boxes, large recycling boxes, and clear and black bags for easy sorting. You must forgo the bin-buying spree at this time — even if the bins are on sale! By holding out you’ll be in a position to get the perfect unit that will suit your needs.

Remember, too, that an excess of storage containers — we’ll call it container clutter —?can take over a room. If you’re already living in a space that’s overwhelmed with bins, spend an hour a day sifting through and editing the contents, one bin at a time, and stack the empties.

If you don’t, then the container clutter can easily grow to take over the entire space. Inevitably, you’ll end up renting an extra large bin such as a storage locker to house all that excess, leaving you plenty of new space in your residence to start filling up with stuff again. Stop the cycle!

Here’s how you proceed with a successful containment strategy:

  • Start with the storage areas that can potentially fit the most contents. In a house, storage areas may include a basement, garage, attic, pantry or spare bedroom; in an apartment, they could include a storage locker, closets or the space underneath the bed.

    Unraveling these neglected areas first will create instant storage space. Let’s face it: Much of the stuff hidden away in these spaces is unnecessary and has been forgotten, meaning parting with it would be easy for the most part.

  • Always configure your storage space for maximum use. As you would do with a storage locker, use the full height by adding floor-to-ceiling shelving.

  • When using an averaged-sized bin to store a multitude of items, try to group together like items first, containing them in Ziplock bags or labeled shoe boxes prior to packing them in the bin. Always label the bin with the current contents.

  • When you are ready to do the bin-buying thing, keep the following in mind. Most useful bins are clear, stackable, easy to open, strong, midsize and under $9. I find Home Depot is a great resource for this.

    Happy organizing until next time! E-mail me your organizing challenges at metro@organizedzone.com.

    Brenda Borenstein is your professional organizing guru. Look for her column every second Thursday. For more, visit www.organizedzone.comor call 416-665-2165. “There is nothing I haven’t seen and nothing that can’t be overcome.”

metro@organizedzone.com