I get it—those sleek storage bins, colorful baskets, and stackable drawers at the store are so enticing. It’s easy to believe they hold the promise of a perfectly organized space. I’ve even had clients tell me they stocked up on bins before even starting to declutter because they wanted to "get a head start." But here’s the truth: buying organizing items before you declutter is like buying a new wardrobe before cleaning out your closet. It often leads to wasted money, unused items, and more clutter to manage.
Why Decluttering Comes First
When you declutter first, you’re making decisions about what truly matters to you and what deserves a place in your home. Without that step, it’s impossible to know how much storage you actually need or what kind will work best for your space. By starting with decluttering, you can avoid buying containers for items you might ultimately decide to donate or throw away. Plus, you’ll have a much clearer sense of the space you’re working with and how you want it to function.
The Problem with Preemptive Buying
One of the biggest challenges I see with clients who buy organizing supplies too soon is that they often end up with the wrong items. Maybe the bins are too big to fit on a shelf, or the baskets don’t suit the type of items they want to store. Worse, those unused organizing products can quickly become clutter themselves. It’s frustrating and discouraging to realize that what was supposed to help you feels like it’s just added to the mess.
How to Make Smarter Decisions
Here’s my advice: wait until after you’ve decluttered to purchase any organizing items. Once you’ve pared down to what you love and need, you can take accurate measurements and make thoughtful choices about the storage solutions that will work best. You might even find that you already have everything you need, like shoe boxes, jars, or trays, to store your items in a way that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s all about using what works for your space and your goals—not just what looks good on a store shelf.
A Space That Works for You
Decluttering before buying storage solutions isn’t just practical; it’s empowering. By focusing on what you truly need, you’re creating a space that reflects your priorities and makes your life easier. So next time you’re tempted by that aisle of bins and baskets, take a step back and ask yourself: "Have I done the work to declutter first?" Trust me, when you tackle organizing in the right order, the results are not only more effective—they’re also much more satisfying.
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