The whole purpose of organization is to maximize your space. And the first thing that people think about when they think about organizing is the BINS.
Truth bomb. This should be the LAST thing you should do to organize. But the bins are the thing that makes everything pretty, and that’s really what everyone is dreaming of when they organize.
Bins create systems to help KEEP you organized, but you first have to edit and sort before you can put things back together, and maximize your space.
Once you have emptied your space, sorted what stays + what goes, along with sorting your stuff by type, only then can you consider what you’re going to store it in.
The purpose of the bins is to create a home with a home. Think of it like your silverware drawer. You likely have an organizer in that drawer to separate the spoons and knives and forks. This is the same concept for using bins in your storage spaces. So the “spoons” always go back where they belong, and it’s not a question of where the “knives” go.
But before you run to Target {for their new hot new Brightroom line}, you need to get organized in your plan.
Plan for bins
Defining homes for your things matters. But the vessel is important! There aren’t one-size-fits-all options, and you can’t grab just any bin and have it be successful for your needs.
To truly maximize your space, you need to use the right bin for the space ANDS your stuff. Here are some things to consider when you are planning to purchase your bins + systems:
The right size to maximize your space
The size of your space will define what systems you can implement. The tape measure will be your friend here. I have this mini tape in my purse at all times.
{Let me tell you, it’s pretty handy when you spot something in home goods that you *can’t live without* and aren’t sure if you can fit it in your space. Take the quick measurements and check at home. If it will work, hurry back and snag that find! Ok back to the organization tips…}
Measure measure measure. This is the height, length and width of your space. This is key to make sure you will maximize each shelf. And also ensures sure you don’t waste time buying a bin that doesn’t fit into the space.
The other measurement to consider is the size of your STUFF. This is where the edit and sort steps show their value. You can now quickly assess what size of container you need to hold your “kids granola bars” or your “hair tools.”
Then and only then can you look at the bins.
So. many. options
There are so many solution options for your storage. From acrylic to wicker bins, to something that stacks, to something that spins.
The edit + sort will again come in handy here. This is where you’ll be able to figure out what TYPE of bin you need to maximize your space. Do you need something that spins because you’ll be digging to the back for that *one thing* otherwise? Do you need something stackable because you have large gaps between the shelves?
Take a look at the categories of your things, as well as the space they are filling to determine which product makes the most sense for both the stuff and the space.
Matching matters
We are visual creatures. Our brains seek balance and order.
The purpose to get your space organized is to provide that order, but the bins are to make it PRETTY.
This is the 3rd reason why you need to buy bins last. If you would have collected random bins as you saw them at Target or TJ Maxx, they might have FIT the space and your stuff, but now they don’t match.
It might sound silly, but having the right visual vibe in your space helps in the maintenance of the space.
Just like when we look good, we feel good; when the space looks good, we want to keep it that way!
Having your bins vibe together will help your long-term success of being organized. So if you’re going to make the investment of the right systems and containers, let’s make sure we not only maximize the space but maximize your investment!
They don’t all have to be the same. But keep the same style on one given shelf, all acrylic or all wicker or all opaque. Same goes for the size. If you need several sizes, pay attention to keeping the same sized bins grouped together.
The key is to create visual balance, so focus on the symmetry.
Target’s new Brightroom line of products has great options for an economical price.
If you are looking for some hands-on help with visualizing and planning for your organization project, I’m here to create a custom plan for you! Check out program options at www.danielemineck.com to see what offer may work best for you and your needs.
Simplicity comes down to two things: Identify the essential + eliminate the rest.
Getting these simple systems in place will help you keep any space organized. It will be an ongoing process to maintain this system but simplifying maximizes your space and makes it effortless!
