Today’s whine is this: getting organized is a huge pain in the you-know-where. BUT–this whine has a happy ending because I figured out how to solve the disorganization problem that plagues everyone on the planet (with the possible exception of Martha Stewart). Here’s the answer in one word: bins. Yup, storage bins have changed my life. When I decided to organize my basement, I realized that while there was a lot of junk (translation: useless crap) I could easily get rid of, there was also quite a bit of stuff I wanted to keep. Sentimental stuff that I don’t (or rarely) use but can’t part with–like cards that my husband has sent me. My field day shirts from when my son was in elementary school. Sweaters my mom has knitted me over the years. But where to keep these seldom used treasures? And that’s when I discovered the wonder of storage bins.
They come in every size you can imagine, and they hold a ton of stuff. Really, a TON of stuff. Plus, they make you appear totally organized–actually, not only LOOK organized (good-bye messy basement!), but you ARE organized. I got myself over to Home Depot and loaded up the trusty SUV with a bunch of bins and a few storage shelves. I couple hours later and VIOLA! One bin for magazines, one for sweaters, one for Legos, one for cards, all labeled, put on the shelf, and the next thing you know, my basement looked like something from HGTV. I then organized my closet–put all my purses in a bin, one for shawls, and I gained a load of shelf space in my closet! It’s a miracle! And you should now see my garage–thanks to the bins and shelves, the car actually fits! If I had little kids, I’d place a few bins in their bedroom, toss in the toys, and POOF! Instant clean room.
So, my advice is to get yourself to Home Depot (or Costco or Target–they sell bins, too) pick up a few, and get yourself organized. Now please share–what organizational tips can you suggest–or what room do you need suggestions for? Maybe the whiners can help!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Like Julia, I’ve been tossing, tossing, tossing. My problem is tiny, tiny closets and No. Freaking.Basement. Maybe I should dig a basement…….I’ll get the girls on that.
I think that’s an excellent project, LOL!
I moved from Chicago to Denver a year and a half ago and I used bins in addition to moving boxes. It made things so much easier, I had less breakage and things were more protected. Once I finally unpacked I had extras which helped me reorganize in my new space.
Exactly, Michelle! Good for you!
We don’t have basements here. Julie Kenner, why don’t we have basements? So stuff goes in the attic or the garage. I have a few bins, but my favorite place is Goodwill. Recycle the junk, that’s my motto!
I sooooooooo want a basement.
Every house I’ve lived in has had a basement. I can’t imagine not having one! Where else do you put your stuff??
During the Great Basement Clean-up I donated a ton of stuff–clothes, toys, household items. It’s definitely a great way to recycle!
Actually, I’d just like to have a basement.
Bins are good, but I think I’m going to just throw a grenade in my basement and take care of the problem that way. Sometimes I really wish I didn’t have any stuff at all because keeping on top of it can be so frustrating.
My basement was a DISASTER. It not only had 15 years worth of stuff–including TONS of outgrown childhood toys–but also dozens of boxes of my stuff that had been in parents’ house that I’d never unpacked. It took me three weeks to get through everything, but you should see it now–bins, labels, shelves. Pristine. It’s like a work of art!
Get thyself to Home Depot! (bombs are messy, and, well, illegal, LOL!).
I need bins. That is all.
You do. Seriously. Wanna go to Home Depot with me?
Yes, wouldn’t that be fun? But I can’t go to the ‘pot without a good twenty minutes of wandering aimlessly.