The following is a guest post from regular contributor, Kristin at The Gold Project.
It is spring organizing and cleaning out time in my household. For the past 2 weeks, I have been going through drawers and closets trying to eliminate clutter and junk. I don’t know about y’all, but getting rid of things makes me feel good. And, in some way, it makes me feel lighter. One project will lead to another and then, I just can’t stop.
But, I have a confession to make. While going through all of my belongings, I have realized that I am a container hoarder. Or, I used to be. I haven’t purchased storage boxes and bins in a long time and it is a good thing too. I have so many extras in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. When my husband and I purchased our first home back in 2009, I was so excited that I purchased every type of storage container imaginable. And, I had no idea how I was going to use them and didn’t even give it a second thought when purchasing them. I just thought I needed them and would find a wonderful way to use them. Fast forward 7 years and now, I am paying for not thinking. I have boxes and bins that I do not like and will probably never use hanging out in my garage and attic. It makes me a little nausea to think about how much money I wasted.
So, now, before I make any storage container purchases, I ask myself a few questions.
1. Do I already have storage containers that I can use for this project?
Let’s be honest. If it isn’t a container that will be shown in the middle of my house, does it really matter what it looks like? If I am just organizing items in my garage, then what I have on hand should work just fine. Now, if the basket or bin is sitting in my living room on a shelf, then I probably want something specific and something I do not have at home. Either way, my decision needs some thought.
2. Do I have a reason to purchase these storage pieces?
I can not tell you how many times I have walked into a Target store and wanted to purchase every single storage basket I saw in their organization section. After getting over the initial oohs and aahs, I will stop and ask myself if I really have a reason to purchase that adorable basket I have in my hand. If not, then it goes back. Sometimes this process is easier than others.
3. Do I really like these storage items or am I just wanting to buy something?
Oh, the impulse purchases. I am not a big impulse shopper, but sometimes, the mood will hit me. During those times, I will usually walk around the store with the item in my basket, which allows me time to think. Then, 9 times out of 10, by the time I get back to the checkout area, I have decided I really don’t need anything I have in my basket.
4. Are they worth the money?
If you haven’t noticed, storage containers can be expensive. And, you can spend a ton of money if you aren’t careful on things that you really do not need at home. So, I always ask myself if the container is worth the price. Is it something I can get cheaper at the dollar store? I want to make sure my money is well spent.
When I shop for storage pieces, not only do I ask myself these questions, but I give myself time to think about it. Normally, I do not find something and immediately buy it. I have to think about it first. I will take a picture of the item in the store with my phone, ask myself these questions, and go home and let my answers sink in. I am actually like that with everything. I am usually not a run out and make an impulse purchase person, unless we are talking about Target’s dollar spot. It gets me every time.
So, am I the only one or have y’all had a container hoarding problem in the past? I had one and didn’t even notice it until I started cleaning out and placed all of my unused containers in the same central spot. Now, I am aware of the issue and try to avoid it.
My name is Kristin and I am a middle school career education teacher by day and a mommy/wife/blogger by night. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two loving children. We recently made a life-changing move to Arkansas, so our new house is always under construction. I get excitement out of finding new creative, functional, and cute ways to organize things! I also enjoy writing and documenting life as it happens. So, I put these loves together and created The Gold Project. With the help of my husband, I am attempting to turn our house into a home. So, check out this special place of mine and take this journey with me!
Seana Turner says
Most of my clients have plenty of storage containers already… items they have bought in the past and either aren’t using or become “free” as we clear the clutter. Great post!
Katie Stewart says
This is me too, most of my stuff is plastic but as I clear out the stuff I find that my empty bins are the perfect vessel to put all the things I am getting rid of so I can go ahead and donate the whole package. I’ve also found a lot of uses for what I already have on hand like organizing the linen closet, yes I’d love it to all match but it looks pretty okay and more than that it works!
Becky L says
I find myself looking at containers in stores as well. So pretty..where would I put it…it would like nice in….Yes I’ve put things back as well. I love baskets but won’t buy any more since I have enough. I’ve got way too much storage stuff around and need to get rid of papers as well. I’m working on that this weekend. Always and finding throwing junk mail away right now works! Thanks for helping us keep on track.
http://grandmabeckyl.blogspot.com
P. Quinn says
I have so many containers left over from my days as a school teacher. Some I eventually find uses for and others still sit on a shelf in ths garage. We won’t even talk about my dbox collection.
Kristin @ The Gold Project says
I can feel your pain. I am a school teacher and it is amazing how many containers you can accumulate. Especially when you purchase them to meet the needs of one classroom, then you change jobs and don’t need them anymore. 🙁
Beverly Clarke says
I found that all my baskets were a different color and it all looked mish-mosh. I keep four cans of spray paint, white, black, silver and gold. I pick up cheapo’s at the Dollar Store and spray paint them all the same color. Sometimes I even use a bright color on a basket that I want to spot easily. Orange lacquer is my favorite. When my neighbor dumped their dishwasher, I found that their silverware holder was perfect for my scissors.
Laura Wittmann says
That’s just brilliant!
Christy Greer says
I have containers for my containers!
Lake says
I LOVE containers. I also have the rule that I don’t buy it unless I know exactly it’s purpose. Instead of buying containers I browse. I enjoy looking at all of them, opening and closing lids, zippers, and pockets. It relaxes me, I can take a break from work, walk to the store spend time in my mind thinking of how I would improve the designs of some of the containers. I leave the store with noting but a strange look from a staff member and feeling rejuvenated.
Donna says
I have quite a collection of containers and baskets. I even have baskets I bought in the 1980’s! That’s how far back my collection goes. And I am still actively using those 80’s baskets!