Stop Buying More Containers- There's a better way to get organized!
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2016
- It's a myth that buying more containers will make you more organized. I've learned first hand that there is a better way. I'm sharing my true container confessions!
Please let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to help you gain control of your container clutter:-)
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Thanks for being here.
xo Kristen
Bin there! 😉
*standing ovation* hehe
(Your comment was from two years ago ... I hope you are well, stranger! ✊❤️)
That's a very excellent pun!! Good job!!
He. He. He…🤣
LMFAOOOOOO MA’AM
🤣
Just remember that you are not alone! I use all my wife's containers to store all her containers. :)
I understand that! 😂
Lol
As I am sitting in my craft room surrounded by all my empty containers you have me laughing 😃 😀
I too am a container addict 😅
Set a hard limit on the amount of floor space you'll allow for "stuff" in percentage terms of your square footage for that room. That includes furniture, anything on the wall, or hanging from the ceiling that blocks or limits movement. It is the lack of empty space in your living areas that cause the majority of the problem in the same way a lack of empty countertop space in a kitchen causes problems.
The amount of space necessary depends on the function of the room, but more is almost always better. The more movement that occurs in the room, the more open it should be and thus less stuff.
Here are some "rule of thumb" metrics as a starting point:
Kitchen: 90% open
Living Room: 80% open
Hallway: 95% open
Bathroom: 80% open
Bedroom: 70% open
Closets: 50% open
Office: 70% open
Workshop/Garage: 70% open
I've found these rough percentages are necessary for the room to be appropriately navigable for its purpose. The less often a room is used (such as a closet) and less movement is done within it, the less open it needs to be.
After reducing the total amount of floor space occupied, arrange the items so that they do not block any of the normal paths you walk to important objects in the room or block the door to door or door to window paths.
After reclaiming your floor space, consider visual clutter next. Focus first on things at eye level that are complex, noisy, busy, distracting, annoying. Get rid of them. If you truly cannot get rid of them due to functional value, then eliminate as much visual clutter around the functional object and instead let that functional object occupy its own space.
I applied these principles in my house and experienced a significant benefit in mental clarity, reduced annoyance, and reduced frustration.
Love this detailed info about keeping our spaces open!!!
Regarding the things that one decides to keep. -- It helps plenty if containers are modular and stackable. A uniform size helps to maintain order instead of boxes of different sizes. if there is a need for small boxes it helps if they can be set inside the larger ones. I have 25 identical clear "shoeboxes" from Container Store and this helps a lot. Easy to see what is inside and even to place a labeled card inside the box the on the clear end.
Love the container inside a container! And yes... most of my containers are now clear. Much easier to see what I've kept.
I'm using my empty containers to put in extra linens that I didn't give away the first time. The local veterinarian hospital is glad to receive both. Just food for thought.
Tammy Roberts That’s a great idea, I forget that would be a good use for linens and blankets.
I used to have this exact problem as what you're showing now (but a little less extreme). I find it funny how RUclips has influenced me so much in my early 20's, because part of the problem for me was that I wanted this container I saw on RUclips or that organizing system I'd see on Pinterest, so it all just kind of pushed me into buying containers for every little thing I had in my bedroom or bathroom.
I used to get a thrill from new containers... now I get a thrill from donating empty containers!! Good luck!
I watched this video a couple of years ago. Changed how I do stuff. I quit buying g containers, used those I had, and somehow, are more organized. How is it that it never occurred to me to stop buying storage containers til i saw this!
Hi Marcia- I'm glad the info was helpful and still feels relevant. I know it's still pertinent in my own life. ☺
This is me :) a container for everything but I now have them all in use and declutter regularly. I set limits too like a container for bath products and once it's full I can't buy anymore
Thanks for your comment! I agree...I let the container set the limits for things I'm tempted to collect- like toiletries and stationery supplies! :-)
Yes!! I am SICK of all of these containers!!! Thank you!!🙏🏾
This video bridged the gap for me. I recently decluttered my kitchen. I donated 4 reusable grocery bags full of cake pans and other kitchen stuff I didn’t use. I’ve been watching over organizing, tidying, decluttering videos and was inspired by the storage bins with labels and was ready to jump in to finish the rest of the house. But I knew there was a detail missing. That detail was to get rid of more stuff first. If I bought the bins now I might have completely different things in them after I sorted through the clutter. I might not have enough bins. I might have the wrong sizes or too many. Anyways, wanted to jump in and say, “thank you” for helping me to make the decision on what to do next.
Hello, Suzanne- Thank you for your comment and your patience with my delayed reply. I hope you've been able to declutter and edit out more stuff since you wrote. Maybe you've even found some great bins for the absolute keepers. So glad the video was helpful for you. 💕 Kristen
Excellent video. I've done the konmari method in my entire home and I was left with a lot of containers. I've been giving them away and plan on keeping very few. :)
Thank you! I've just spent some time going through my empty containers. I save a few...but the rest are heading to Goodwill!
Exactly..very good advice. A lot of people simply buy more n more storage containers to organise n store their items, items they really don’t need multiples n multiples of. It becomes a house that’s turned into a storage unit. I only have storage tubs for specific things, two large ones aquarium accessories and bits but I wanna cut that back to just one tub as it’s become way too much collected over the years. One small/medium tub for hair dying n bleach products, one small for sticky wall hooks and attachments, one medium for cables, cords n electrical. One small for excess bathroom needs like spare new toothbrushes, mouth wash etc.
some of these are usually kept in my linen cupboard except for aquarium stuff. The prob with my house is things are not put away in their home.the “clutter” I have is clothes plonked on a table not put away, left in laundry baskets “not “put away…etc. the aquarium stuff is all out n about and not in the tubs. Iv many buckets used for aquarium water changes that simply never get placed away. I tend to simply leave then in living room on floor along with other tank stuff. Using them once a week or fortnight I don’t place them away out of site which I really WANT to do. Spare room has aquarium stuff all about plus random other things. So with all that and the clean clothes to put away I get overwhelmed and often lay on bed thinking …nup. Never used to be this way. Started with injuries then a back injury and operation. Over few years got a little more. Then mum, my brother and my soul mate cat passed all in a year n half. I seemed to get much worse with bothering about mess. That along with more injuries made it hard, painful doing cleaning and house stuff. Been doing a life motivation achiever course this last year in hope to change my ways, my thinking and my “life” situation in general. It’s been hard, this clutter thing is hard. It shows but the fact I’m laying on bed now watching you instead of putting atleast one small area of stuff away. I wished I had some one who could just come over for a couple of hours every few days or per week just to be here. I tend to actually “do stuff” when someone’s around. Strange ….even if they just sit n have a coffee and say , “Lis…oh ok what’s all this gear here, do you really need some of this or wanna put in the *throw/rehome* box?”
I find it relatively easy to say…”pftt yeah just chuck it out.
Thanks for this video, I shared to a neighbour who is crazy on storage tubs n filling them ☺️🩵
Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate you sharing a bit about your story. It sounds like you've endured a lot over the years. I'm so sorry for your losses. Give yourself some grace and work in small doses when you feel up to it. And definitely invite a friend over to chat while you tidy. Maybe commit to that once a week or every two... cheering for you! 💖
Wow. I'd be proud of myself too! I'm really happy for you, and hope to get to this point myself, you are part of the reason I started the Konmari method in the first place, so I thank you for the earlier videos that got me inspired. Like you, I actually plan on doing the konmari-ing of my house twice just so I can really fine tune it. I think I'll be better at it the second time and that it will be easier cos most of the hard work was done during the first go. I'm looking forward to seeing your updates about that :-). Seeing all your empties has got me inspired to keep going - thanks.
Thank you! I'm so glad my KonMari experience helped you begin. I'm ready to tweak the areas that are still a problem in my house. The empties have definitely motivated me to keep moving forward:-) Best of luck to you!
Thank you. I realized today that I was doing the same thing. I was buying many bins instead of Decluttering.
It's a sneaky trap... so many fabulous containers available! They are hard to resist! I always remind myself to declutter first and then buy a container only when it is absolutely necessary. Happy 2022! xx K
How the universe works. I was talking to a coworker about feng shui bc they said they never heard of it. Then I come across this video, add the book you mentioned, and while looking it up, see that it’s in the Feng Shui category…. i’ll take it as a sign and tidy up 😌
I love it! The Universe is always paying attention. Good luck with your tidying! You've got this!! 💖
I thought that was my basement lol,loved this video!!
I so understand the attraction to containers. And I appreciate your honesty!
I'll be looking forward to seeing your next round of decluttering! Thank you for sharing, encouraging, and motivating!
Thanks! I'm trying to be gentle with myself for not having my life completely organized:-) Remembering that perfection is not the goal! I'll keep you posted as I revisit the KonMari method this summer.
Thank you for sharing! You brought it home and well done!
were so alike! i decluttered recently and Im frustrated bc I was left with tons of bins and its not my style anymore. I used to hate visual clutter (still do) and so I kept on buying bins usually drawer types and small to medium ones and I realized its just to much.
I love containers too ❤ and organizing
So true. I've donated many containers and I've given myself a limited number of storage trunks that I love to put my entire life into. Category is my key so hoping to downsize into 300sq foot without feeling crowded. I'm in 358sq foot now and still have a bit too much bins.
Good luck!
Here! I am the only who watching containers for everything stress me and get anxious
Congratulations! I have a thing for containers too-working through that "addiction"! Your advice is solid, I'm trying to do the same transition to having less stuff to need storage for. Good work.
Thanks, Suzanne- You can do it!
Please, come back and do new videos about decluttering. I hope you are fine, love jannike from sweden!🇸🇪❤️
Love this! I roll my eyes every time I see a YT video about organizing, which shows a lady with 30 new containers to put crap in. Ugh!
Thank you! 🙌
Your hair style is adorable. Looks like you have naturally curly hair and the cut you have is so becoming.
Oh thank you! It is natural. Started getting curly about 5 years ago.
LOL as I sit in my lvg rm, working diligently on purging, among several as yet unopened boxes from Target of storage containers in various sizes etc--- I am thinking I am about to make a trip there to return 90% or more of them.... thank goodness for an easy return policy...
Hi, you will probably never see my comment but I just wanted to say thank you for making me finally GET IT. I was "organizing" and purging, but now I am deciding what I love and keeping that and getting rid of the rest. I've only been at it a short time, but was in the "i need more storage containers" phase - and thank goodness i saw your video! I watched the konmari series on netflix and have been watching other decluttering videos but not until you did it FINALLY CLICK. So thank you!!!!!!
Hello Liz- I see your comment and I appreciate it! Thank you. I'm thrilled that my video helped you 'get it'. I completely understand that feeling. Sometimes we see the same information a dozen times before something finally makes it click! I'm so happy I could help! By editing the clutter and keeping only what you love and truly need... the bin problem disappears. Good luck! Let me know if I can help further.
Best,
Kristen
That is a great accomplishment! I started reading the book and this type of video helps me to keep motivated. Thanks!
Thank you so much! Good luck with your tidying...it's all worth it:-)
☺
Wonderful video, thank you for your honesty!
You are so welcome! Thanks!
Very helpful advice! Thanks for sharing! 😊🌎♥️
You are so welcome!
After buying my first Kallax unit- I got my first storage boxed draw that fits perfectly---moved the unit from bedroom into the dinning room- I get FREE half boxes from Aldi- I use them to put my dirty wet wellington boots in- other boxes I use for Craft emphemera- makeup ( game changer). After a breakup and my father passing away- lost myself for abit- it was time to declutter. Now 6 years later I am re- discovering myself again- did a carboot sale- sold many items- gave some stuff away- felt better- so many wedding events- so buying some makeup as will be doing my own -
Oh, this is so good. I'm glad that you're finding yourself after some difficult times. I'm sure your new makeup looks beautiful. 💕
Love this video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I think it like u said it right depends on the stage your home is in when there was only one person in the home was really different from when there was two people in a dog in the home
that's a lot of containers! good thing you found the kon mari method. I was wondering about the tune up? did you bring more stuff in or waiver in getting rid of it in the first place?
Great question! I'm not entirely sure...I think mostly, I didn't get rid of enough stuff in the first round. I've been really good about not purchasing things I don't really need or love. It's mostly stuff that I wasn't ready to let go of last summer.
That’s exactly what I been doing for the past two months! Then I ended up with dozens of bins that I’ve been donating together with stuff I got rid of
Great work!! Feels amazing, huh?
Thank you, I really needed to hear this
I'm so glad it was helpful!
This is so me!
Thank you!
This is so me! I LOVE a good container & have LOTS more than you do. :)
Same! The lure of a fabulous container is no joke!
This is how I am with boxes. Ahhhhh
I liked your video , Thank you
I thought the "Container illness " was exclusively mine. I AM proud of the fact that I have NEVER visited The Container Store in my city. It would be a trap for me.
You're not alone! I rarely go into The Container Store for that reason. I'd be an easy sell and I'd end up with lots of cool containers when I really need to keep decluttering! 😉
I’m using shoes and diapers boxes as containers 😅
I luv ur videos!
I like the your voice... some of the clutter people influencers have harsh, nasally voices. This is refreshing since I am sound sensitive.
Thank you. 😊
how would I get rid of things that I think im going to use later I have pens I haven't opened iw as going toques in college but I got an iPad and I never used the color pens like I thought I would and I don't want to give it away yet I might do journaling or drawing Burt I don't want to make clutter from it. what should I do keep it or throw it away ad cry that I wasted like 50 bucks
Hello, Calista- Thanks for your comment and your patience with my reply. I can understand how you're feeling about the pens. I've had many similar experiences. I work hard to feel more abundance than lack. I think there are a few ways to go here... I would suggest you do whatever feels the most abundant to you. You could gift them to a friend or family member who loves to draw. You could donate them, trusting that the right artist will find them! You could give yourself a deadline to begin using them and if you haven't (or if you use them and don't love drawing) then give them away. The 'sunk cost' often creates more drama than we need. You could try to sell them, but keep in mind that giving them more time and attention is actually costing you some peace. I hope that helps! Happy Holidays! 💕
You should see my collection of bins 🙄 way worse then what you have. I have 2 giant wire shelving units full of labeled and categorized totes for kids toys and another shelf for homeschooling/office supplies. And then I have about 15 totes for kids clothes. I still end up with stray toys that don't get put away after the last bin was out. I'm left with a pile of random toys that need to be put away It still is very stressful. I don't want to do it anymore that's why I came across your video
Hello, Erica-
Thanks for your comment. Please know that my clutter situation was much different when my kids were young. I remember those days and certainly understand your struggle. I think it helps to get really clear on what you need and begin to let go of the rest of it. Small steps. Good luck! Kristen
@@KristenCainStyle thanks for the advice!
I do have empty containers as the result of downsizing. I don't have a huge number and I want to hold onto them for future use. Any way to store them in a single room without having them overtake the space? Some are collapsible but not all of them.
The empty containers that I do keep, I nest together inside a larger container.
I’m addicted no longer. Gave a ton away
I think we need to find a happy medium sometimes ppl are to hard on themselves looking for perfection
Yes 😭
Oh, Meredith! Such truth. Perfectionism was a part of my life for so long! I didn't realize how much joy it was taking from me every single day.
I don't have any containers, and never had any. Always thought of them as clutter holders. When you have less stuff you don't need them.
You're my hero!! It took me a while to get to this point. I have way fewer containers now than I did even after this video!! Progress feels good! Happy New Year!
@@KristenCainStyle Happy new year!
I don't have too much extra stuff, I think i am going to just throw everything out now that I don't need.
As I'm perusing videos and fearful (yes! afraid) of embarking on decluttering and organizing.
Not sure why maybe I am scared of confronting the memories in all that mess 😢
Decluttering often stirs up a lot of emotions. Big feelings like shame and sadness can feel overwhelming as we begin to edit our belongings. Find a way to create safety in your body before you begin... favorite song, cup of tea, walk outside. And set a time limit for your decluttering sessions. Work in small batches and feel the feelings as they surface. You've got this!
I still think you should get rid of some of the other totes too
Thanks! I have eliminated so many totes and boxes... and so much more stuff since I made this video. :-)
your arms are AMAZING, make a video about that!
Nice T-shirt .. İstanbul..Turkiye :)
If i was to do the marie condo method there would be nothing left in my home cos i don't feel joy full stop
I'm so sorry to hear that. Maybe start really small... is there one thing you own that makes you smile or that you would miss if you didn't have it? Keep looking until you find something that creates even a tiny twinge of a good/better feeling. 🌷
You don't need more containers to organize your old containers 😢
You said the name of the book so fast I didn’t get it
Hi Rebecca-
So sorry, my east-coast-fast-talking is still in place after almost 9 years in Colorado. 😉 The book is ... The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. It's true life-changing.
1:11
that's nothing to be embarassed about. containers are needed for storage space....and for organizing.
Thanks!
I Didnt learn one thing
Pretty basic info. Common sense.
You say stop buying storage containers, but you did not organize one thing in the video. Organize something.
Thanks, Michelle. 🌻
You have a binheritance you could have shared with your children 😅
Too many commercials - I am leaving since it's been about 4 ads and the video hasn't started yet.
Wheres the better way to store change the title
Thanks for your comment, Patti. 💕