You Don't Need More Bins: Why Home Organizing Systems Are the Real Solution

Storage baskets

 It's tempting to try to fix clutter with more storage.

Aisles of beautiful baskets, boxes and totes promise to solve your organizing problems by simply containing your things. For a little while, it might feel like it worked - everything looks neat and tucked away.

Until you don't remember where you put something.

Or your bin becomes a doom box (more on that below!)

Or your storage itself becomes clutter.

Storage is not the same a system, and more storage won't fix a broken - or missing - system.

What is an organizing system?

An organizing system is simply a way of doing things that is consistent and intentional.

It's how you put things away, get things done and how your space supports your life.

Systems are all about function!

A system helps you put your keys in the same spot, so you aren't scrambling to find them.

A system keeps your laundry moving, even when you're busy.

A system helps your family stay on the same page about who's where and when.

A system doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, simple systems often work best, because they are easier to implement and stay consistent with.

Why Storage Alone Doesn't Work

Storage in the short term might make you feel accomplished and successful in your organizing efforts.

But without having a system in place:

You still lose your keys

Your bins become doom boxes - containers full of random items you didn't have time or energy to sort (DOOM = didn't organize, only moved)

Your storage itself overflows and becomes cluttered

Then you are back to where you started, feeling overwhelmed and out of control, wondering why you can't keep up.

Building Systems

Start by identifying what isn't working.

• What keeps piling up (papers, shoes, clothing)?

• Where do you feel the most friction?

Then ask yourself:

• Where does it usually break down?

• What step can you take to interrupt the cycle?

Look for simple straightforward fixes:

• Put my shoes away in the closet when I come home or

• Sort the mail as soon as I bring it in

And Ask:

• Do I need to declutter first? Is there too much here to manage?

• How does this support how I actually move through the day and use my space?

  • If your shoe bin is across the house from the front door, can it be moved closer?

Systems can include storage after you understand:

• What the system is

• How it needs to function and

• How a storage item fits into that flow

Don't start with the container

Start with the why and how in your space.

When your system works, your space works and then you will feel it - in your mind, body and life.

If you want help creating systems for your space and life, let's work together.