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How to Choose the Right
Organizing Containers
for Your Needs

Bins, boxes, and baskets and other organizing containers can help you to control clutter and optimize your use of space. To choose the right solutions for your needs, consider what you will store inside, what it should be made of, the required level of protection, size, transparency, colour, stackability and accessibility.

Always begin by identifying what you need to store as this will determine all of the other considerations. Group your belongings into categories and place similar things together in the same container, if possible. Consider the size, shape, and weight of each item and choose products accordingly.

Just as containers come in every size and shape, they're also made of many different materials. The most common are cardboard, wicker, wood, metal, glass and plastic. To determine which option is best for your needs, consider the climate of your space. If the container will be placed in a dry, clean, temperature controlled area, any option will work. If, however, the area is prone to be damp and/or dirty, then you should choose a material that is appropriate for those conditions. Plastic and glass are universal choices as they work virtually anywhere.

Organizing Containers

Next, consider the level of protection that is required. Lidded containers that are made from climate resistant materials protect more than open products that are less durable. Ultimately, your choice is determined by the contents of the container and by the term of storage. Delicate belongings that are susceptible to dirt, dust, moisture and pests and that are in medium to long term storage generally require the highest degree of protection. For example, out of season cashmere sweaters should be stored in sealed plastic containers. The lower the level of protection required, the more alternatives you have.

Some other considerations when choosing organizing containers are size, transparency and colour. Size is an important consideration in two ways. The container must be big enough to accomodate what you plan to store in it and it must also fit in the area where you plan to place it. It's a good idea to take measurements before you go shopping.

You should also think about whether you want the product to be transparent. From a practical standpoint, transparency is helpful in locating your belongings later as you'll be able to see what is inside your containers. This same benefit can become a liability from an aesthetic viewpoint, however, as being able to see the contents of many containers can make your space look messy.

Another aesthetic consideration is colour. If you plan to buy many containers and store them in the same area, ensure that they match the rest of the decor and each other. You may wish to take pictures of your space before you go shopping to help you choose the colours that will work.

Organizing Containers

Finally, think about stackability and accessibility. This is important if you have a high volume of similar items that tend to get stored one or a few to a container and are used often. Shoes are perhaps the best example. They require storage products that can be stacked as each container generally only fits one pair. In addition, choosing products that open from the side is helpful for easy access.

By making careful choices and taking into account all of these criteria, you'll get the right containers to accomodate all of your needs. You'll optimize your use of space, conquer clutter, and store more.

Organizing Containers, Services, and Solutions:

If you reside in Toronto or the GTA, our services can help you to get organized. Contact Professional Organizer Andrew Neary for a free, no obligation consultation at (416) 570-8861 or e-mail Andrew@Organizing-Toronto.com.

Organizing
Containers

For Canadians needing home organizing products and systems, we recommend this well known and trusted retailer. Make this store your first stop for it's competitive prices and low shipping. You’ll also avoid expensive border fees and duties by shopping Canadian. Just as importantly, the hassle free return policy offers peace of mind in case you are not happy with your purchase.

For USA readers, we suggest this Storage and Organization Retailer. This store offers a breathtaking selection of home organizing products -- literally everything that you could ever need -- and, they're priced very competitively. Check it out.

Return to Our Guide for More Home Organization Tips.

Return to Professional Organizer Home Page.

Andrew Neary
Professional Organizer
http://www.Organizing-Toronto.com
100 Hayden Street, Suite 1708
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 3C7
CANADA
(416) 570-8861
Andrew@Organizing-Toronto.com

SBI!

How to Choose the Right Organizing Containers for Your Needs

How to Choose the Right
Organizing Containers
for Your Needs