Three Organizing Mistakes To Avoid

While these three organizing missteps might seem trivial, I promise that when remedied, they will drastically improve the functionality of your home. And the whole point of any of this is to make you a happier human being in said home. Let’s get to it.

1.    Declutter first, bin second. 

 I can’t tell you how many times I’ve decluttered a client’s home only to end up with a surplus of shiny plastic bins with no home. Before you get bin happy at the Container Store, I *highly* recommend decluttering your items (this goes for clothes, kitchenware, toiletries) and only then buying what you need in the way of containers. This method will save you tons of space and money, and even more money if you use containers that you already have! (You’d be surprised how many lives an iPhone box can live as a storage container!)

2.    Put a lid on it…or line up your lids. 

 I often wonder how many homes have a cupboard of mismatched lids and containers where Tupperwares go to die (my guess is a lot!). Only slightly less impractical is the lid stack/container stack combo, which still takes time to fish out the right lid for the container. Instead, I strongly recommend this Lid Organizer, which beautifully lines up your lids and saves you many headaches. If you have the vertical storage space, however, I also recommend storing your glass lock containers/tupperware with the lids on. Boom.  

3.    My wish is your command center. 

 I’m totally here for a minimalist entryway/foyer, but it should still serve a function. These spots are the perfect place to drop off (read: dump) your keys/mail/masks and never worry about losing a thing. This critical zone is so often disregarded and underestimated! Called a command center for a reason, this area boosts the likelihood you’ll open your mail (I like trays for incoming mail and mail that needs attention). It also ups the chances you’ll leave your masks in one proper pile and your keys in the same spot. My go-to system is a console table topped with a tray for keys, masks, and mail, but you can also opt for a wall organizer too.