When you consider tackling a home organizing project, your mind may go straight to buying storage bins. However, there are a few other tasks you should prioritize first.
"Organizing clutter is not creating a system; it’s just containing things that you don’t actually need, use or want," says Shannon Littlehale, professional organizer and owner of Make Space NJ. "It’s hard to know what the system should entail or what types of organizing products are the best for your space until you’ve gotten rid of what doesn’t belong."
We spoke with professional organizers about what you should do before buying storage bins, from decluttering to taking inventory of your space.
Declutter your items
Start by looking at everything you need to go through before storing it. "Categorize items by ‘like things,’ as well as by how you would like to find and access them," says Wendy Trunz, partner and head organizer at Jane’s Addiction Organization. "Get rid of anything you truly do not need by either disposing of it or donating it."
Additionally, Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer of Professional Organizer New Orleans, says that after decluttering, you might find that you don't need as many storage bins as you originally thought, or any at all. This can help you save money and space.
Take inventory of what you're organizing
According to Trunz, categorizing everything first helps you better determine the depth, width and length of the bins you’ll need, which makes shopping easier. "If you are storing pictures, photo albums, framed pictures or holiday decor, the size and shape of the bins will change depending on what you’re storing," she explains.
Measure your space
Many people get carried away buying bins but forget to measure the space they plan to keep them in. "You want the bins to help define the system, and you want to really maximize the space you have," says Littlehale. "Use a small tape measure to capture the width, depth and height of the space. Be sure to account for any door swing or if you are working with a cabinet with inset doors."
If you’re measuring a drawer for drawer organizers, don’t forget to measure the drawer height so you can find organizers that fit well inside.
Consider the placement of the bins
Another important factor before buying storage bins is whether you want to stack them or place them on shelves. Stacking your organizers can be helpful if you live in a small apartment where vertical space is your friend. "If you’re going to stack your bins, make sure the lids are extremely sturdy and can handle the weight of the bins stacked on top of them," says Trunz.
Decide to place them on a shelf? Then make sure they are small enough to fit on the shelf without spilling over, for a more uniform look.
Casey Clark is a freelance consultant who is interested in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She learned from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.
