Containerizing
When I help clients organize their physical space, I often talk about containerizing. When I talk to clients about using containers, baskets, bins, etc. I don't talk about it until after we've sorted, purged and assigned 'homes' to what is left.
When the sorting, purging and assigning a home is done, then - and only then - can we look at what is going where as well as what we can put things in. Using baskets, Tupperware, bins, etc. are helpful for a few reasons:
1. Containers provide a specific space for items to go. Part of my process involves creating a 'home' for items that are being kept. Once a 'home' is established we then know how big the space is and what type of container will be needed. We measure the space before we go and purchase any container!
2. Containers provide a limited amount of space. When the container is full, then a purge is necessary. This really helps my clients who tend to want to hang onto items. We establish a rule: no more room, then it's time to go through the container and re-evaluate (purchasing a larger container is not an option:)
3. Containers can be as creative as you like where you can show off your own style. There are so many products to containerize. From beautiful bins, to fabric-lined basket, to colorful containers. The sky really is the limit!
By containerizing, your space should be easy to maintain once it is set up. When something needs to be put away, it goes back into the container - right away. When looking for something, everyone will know where it is located. Learning these habits - and teaching the rest of your family - will help in your effort to become organized for good!
I've used many different containers with clients. To illustrate what a difference containers can make, click here for some before and after pictures.