Everyday life can be chaotic, and amidst this chaos, our homes often bear the brunt. While a cluttered space can be the sign of a busy household, it often leads to unnecessary stress and an overwhelmed mind. Organizing and decluttering our spaces is a great way to bring serenity and calmness into our lives. One simple yet powerful tool I’ve found to help maintain order in my home is the humble container. Here are 13 ways I use containers to declutter, and how you can do the same.
1. Organizing Kitchen Drawers
Kitchen drawers can become a hub for clutter. With utensils, gadgets, and more, it’s easy for drawers to become a mess. I use small containers to categorize items and keep the drawers tidy.
For example, one container might hold spoons and forks, another might hold knives and other sharp utensils, and a third might hold baking tools. This system makes it easy to find what I need and helps prevent the “drawer of doom” situation where everything gets jumbled together. You can use any small containers you have on hand, or purchase some specifically designed for kitchen drawers.
2. Sorting Crafts and Art Supplies
If you or your kids are into crafts, you know how quickly art supplies can take over your space. I use containers to sort and store everything from paintbrushes to pom poms.
I find that clear containers work best for this, as they allow me to see what’s inside without having to open each one. I organize the containers by type of supply (e.g., all the paint in one, all the glitter in another), and then store them on a shelf or in a cupboard. This way, when it’s time to get crafty, everything is easy to find and access.
3. Containing Bathroom Products
Bathrooms can quickly become cluttered with bottles, tubes, and other beauty and hygiene products. Here, I use containers to keep everything in check.
By placing a small container on the bathroom counter, I can corral items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and facial products. In the shower, a hanging container holds my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This not only keeps the bathroom looking neat but also makes cleaning easier, as I can simply lift the containers out of the way.
4. Organizing Kids’ Toys
Toys can quickly take over your entire home if you’re not careful. I use large containers to sort toys and keep them contained.
I sort toys by type, such as dolls in one container and cars in another. This makes it easy for my kids to find what they want to play with, and even easier for them to clean up when they’re done. It also prevents toys from becoming lost or broken.
5. Storing Seasonal Items
Seasonal items like holiday decorations and summer beach gear can take up a lot of space. I use large, stackable containers to store these items when they’re not in use.
This way, I can keep everything organized and easily accessible, but out of the way. It’s also a great way to protect delicate items like Christmas ornaments from getting damaged.
6. Managing Paper Clutter
Paper can quickly accumulate and create clutter. I use a small container on my desk to hold incoming mail, bills, and other important documents.
This not only keeps my desk tidy, but also ensures I don’t lose any important paperwork. Once a week, I go through the container and file away anything that needs to be kept, and recycle the rest.
7. Organizing Wardrobe
Clothes can create a lot of clutter, especially if you have limited closet space. I use a variety of containers to organize my clothes.
For example, I use small containers in my drawers to sort socks and underwear. In my closet, I use larger containers to store out-of-season clothes or items that I don’t wear often. This system keeps my clothes tidy and makes it easy to find what I’m looking for.
8. Storing Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies can be tricky to store due to their various shapes and sizes. I use a large container to store all of my cleaning supplies.
This not only keeps them all in one place, but also makes it easy to carry them from room to room when I’m cleaning. It’s a simple solution, but it really makes a difference in keeping my home tidy and my cleaning routine efficient.
9. Organizing Garage Tools
Garage can be another hub for clutter with tools scattered all around. I use large, sturdy containers to sort and store my tools.
By sorting tools by type or by project, I can easily find what I need when I need it. Plus, having everything in containers protects my tools from dust and damage.
10. Storing Books and Magazines
Books and magazines can quickly create clutter, especially if you’re an avid reader like me. I use containers to store my current readings and to organize my collection.
I keep a small container next to my favorite reading spot for the books and magazines I’m currently reading. I also use larger containers to organize my book collection by genre. This system keeps my reading materials tidy and easy to find.
11. Organizing Office Supplies
Office supplies like pens, sticky notes, and paper clips can easily become a mess. I use small containers to keep these items organized on my desk.
By keeping similar items together in containers, I can easily find what I need when I need it. Plus, it keeps my desk looking neat and tidy, which helps me stay focused and productive.
12. Storing Bedding
Extra bedding like sheets, blankets, and pillows can take up a lot of space. I use large, flat containers to store these items under the bed.
This not only saves space, but also keeps my bedding clean and ready to use. Plus, it’s easy to pull the container out when I need to change the sheets or when guests come to visit.
13. Organizing Pantry
Finally, I use containers to organize my pantry. This is a game-changer when it comes to keeping the kitchen tidy.
I use clear containers to store dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereal. This not only keeps the pantry looking neat, but also makes it easy to see what I have and what I need to buy. Plus, it keeps food fresh and prevents spills.
In conclusion, containers are a simple, effective tool for decluttering your home. By using containers to sort and store items, you can create a tidy, organized space that feels calm and peaceful. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at the difference it makes.
