More containers might not be your closet’s solution if you don’t follow these steps first.
After the hustle and bustle of the Yom Tov season many of us are hit with the “organizing bug.” You’ve just had enough of looking for something AGAIN or you just can’t shut the closet door and forget about what’s going on inside (that is, if you can actually close the door!). You wish everything would organize itself into containers on its own.
Here’s what NOT to do: Grab your keys and head to the store for some MORE containers and then try to explain to your husband that this time it’s for real and a totally worthwhile investment.
Instead, follow these steps FIRST!
Step 1: The Evaluation
Ask yourself some really basic questions. What is the function of this closet? What have I done in the past to get it organized? What’s working? What’s not working? Are the bins I used up until now functioning properly or they are making things worse (yes, the wrong bins CAN make things worse!) Am I maximizing the space properly?
Step 2: The Purge
-Things that actually belong in this closet that you’re putting back.
-Things you’re putting somewhere else in your home. Don’t put it away now. That’s too distracting!
-Garbage
-Give away, recycle
Step 3:The Planning
Step 4:The Shopping
With a list in hand, now you can shop!
Once you have the correct bins, organizing is the easiest part. Just don’t forget to label!
Happy organizing!
How do containers on a shelf stay in place?
Hi Gittel! The short answer is that if you put the bins back neatly they don’t move around on their own! Right! Lol!
The long answer is:
There is functionality and then there is neat. It’s 2 different things. Your closets can be functional and organized but if you don’t line your bins up perfectly, they won’t look picture perfect. Maybe that’s not a priority for you right now? And that’s totally ok!
Thanks Shulamis for this post! – Any suggestions for Maximizing and Organizing shelves in a closet that are used for basics (socks, underwear, snoods… etc)?
Anyone else out there?? living without dresser space and have to use the closet shelves for everything? I would love some tips…
TIA!.
Hi Aadinah! Great question! Having a “no dresserhome” is actually quite popular these days! Put the basics in matching bins. It will look fabulous, neat and also saves space.
Hi Shulamis. I love your work. I have a question about kitchen organizing. What company container fits square matzah ? and similar style for organizing open food like pretzels. chips etc
A cereal container posted here once I have works perfect for square matza
Hi Debby! Thanks! Target makes an 8×8 inch container that fits matzah perfectly! Happy Organizing! Shulamis Weil
Shulamis, I love your ideas and inspiration. I live out of town do you ever do coaching by phone or video call?
Yes I do! You can reach me at 732-998-7253. Thanks!
Hi Shulamis,
What containers that come in different sizes do you recommend for toys?
Thanks!
Hi CM ,
The Container Store has bins that I love for toys. They are called “our bins”.
Happy Organizing,
Shulamis
Hi!
Do you have container/bin suggestions for a deep kitchen pantry?
Thank you