How To Choose the Right Organizing Containers

Declutter first

Before choosing any containers, pare down to the items you actually need & use.

Sometimes we choose to keep things because there’s space in a container. This is exactly why container selection should be left until the end of the process. 

The goal of organizing and decluttering is to streamline your life, making it easy to find things when you need them. Having more stuff to sort through, even if it’s in a container, counters that goal.

Repurpose the containers you have

Most of us already own storage containers. Rather than buying something new, repurpose what you can. This will save a lot of money in the long run. However, don’t force something to “work” just because you have it. 

Repurposing a container and realizing it doesn’t work for your space can help you narrow down which type of container or organizing product you need. Once you’ve had time to work with it, you might realize a modular drawer might be better than a bin, or a lazy Susan would work better than a basket.

Here’s a tip to help you repurpose containers for the future: once you find a particular container you like, buy the same type or the same series of containers. This way, no matter where you repurpose the container, it will still match the rest of the house.

Now that we’ve covered the bases, let’s dig into how to choose containers.

Measure

One of the first steps in the organizing process is to take everything out of the area you’re organizing. Among many reasons for doing this, one is to measure the space for organizing products or containers.

Before making any decisions about containers, measure shelves & cabinets (width, length, & height) so you won’t have to deal with returning containers.

Choose containers by your organizing style, not social media

Social media is a great way to see what types of organizing storage options are out there. However, emulating exactly what you see in a picture could make it impossible to keep up the space depending on your habits.

Before making any decisions, take a look at your habits. For instance, do you need to see your items because out of sight means out of mind? Do lidded containers mean things won’t get put away?

Again, the whole point of organizing is to make it easy to find your stuff. Choose containers that help you to do that.

Choose container type by location 

Where the containers will live makes a difference in the type you choose.

Outside

If you plan on storing items in an area prone to temperature changes, dampness, or humidity, choose containers made to weather the conditions. These types of areas (garages, attics, basements) are typically storage areas. Clear containers enable you to see the contents.

Inside

If you’re one who needs to see the contents of a container, clear or mesh containers are a good choice. But if all the visual stimulation bothers you, put these types of containers inside closed cabinets or closets.

For anything out in the open, choose solid, open-topped containers, such as fabric bins or baskets. The contents are hidden from view, yet are accessible because of the open tops.

Examples of organizing containers

Here are examples of how I’ve used different containers around my home