Solving disorganization with containers
Chronic disorganization is, in part, characterized by multiple failed attempts, over a long period of time, to obtain organization. Failed and incomplete attempts to create organization can result in many additional problems, and the one I see most frequently is an abundance of unused storage containers, bins, filing solutions, and other “organizing paraphernalia”. When wanting to create organization, it’s easy to see well-purposed containers in pictures online (or in our friends’ pantries) and assume that the organization is caused by the containers. This is false. “Organizing paraphernalia” are accessories. Organization CAN include bins, but they are far along in the process for most projects, not the beginning. They certainly will not solve the main issue of most chronic disorganization: too much stuff!
When looking at a space, it isn’t easy for many people to accurately assess the reasonable amount that space can comfortably hold. It can seem that the solution to the piles and mess is simply to put everything into containers. If you stop to look at the situation objectively, it’ll occur to you that if a space is already full, and you put a large portion into categorized bins (categorization is great, though!), all you end up with is a full space stacked with bins. And those bins take up even more of the inadequate space. At the end, you MAY be able to find your items’ bins, but they will be hard to access and the space may still be unusable.
Once the problem is correctly identified as too much stuff, the solution cannot be to get more stuff (bins). That is only going to contribute to and exacerbate the problem.
The proper order of operations is always to discard before containerizing when you want a space that is full to become more functional. Depending on volume, some people will need to discard more than others, but there is almost always room for significant reduction. In the typical chronically disorganized space, the ideal amount of reduction can be anywhere from 50-75% in order for the space to be accessible and usable. If you can’t tell how much needs to be reduced, you might ask a kind and honest friend or family member what they think. Some people have a natural ability to see how things can fit in a space, and you probably are not one of those people. It’s nothing to be ashamed about; I’m sure there are many great abilities you do have!
If you are chronically disorganized, have many unused “organizing paraphernalia” yet your instinct is to get more, and your space is hard to navigate and filled with piles, there are a few steps to get you started on the road to real organization.
Make a promise to yourself that you will not buy any more containers. (If you think you’ll break the promise to yourself, you can promise friends, family, or me.
Make an attempt to see the space and assess the situation realistically (with the help of an unbiased assistant, if necessary). Helpful hint: take a picture and use that to make the assessment, instead of looking at the space directly.
Declutter as much as you can. This step can be hard and may take some practice. Use what you learn in your assessment and aim for a percentage. For example, if you think 50% is necessary, aim to discard 1 item for every 1 that you keep. If 75% is your goal, shoot for discarding 3 items for every 1 kept.
Only once the declutter is done, use the containers you already have to containerize categories. They don’t have to be a perfect fit for your needs and you can upgrade later (making sure to discard the replaced containers) once you feel comfortable with what you have set up.
Remember, if you are experiencing chronic disorganization, containers should not be the first step because you can’t solve a problem of too much stuff with more stuff!
