HOW TO SHOP FOR STORAGE
Getting organized can be therapeutic and fun! Everyone has areas of their homes that could use a good makeover. Staying organized 100% of the time is nearly impossible. But, if you have the right products, the right knowledge, and the right mindset, you could stay more organized than you ever imagined. If you're having trouble deciding where to start, use this guide to help you determine what is going to be most beneficial to you.
Decide which products will be the most useful and which ones will be a waste of space. Have you ever purchased a containment system for your kitchen counter? Did you imagine that wallets, keys, pocket knives, work ID badges, and change would all make it to the organizer daily? Most people have attempted to place a product designed for storage or organization in their home and then later found that it ended up taking up valuable counter space, it didn't hold enough, or the family simply didn't use it. Here's why.
People are creatures of habit when they are home. If they always kick their shoes off when they hit the couch in the afternoon, then it isn't very likely that you'll get them to keep up with putting their shoes in their bedroom closet every day. You're better off placing a shallow drawer on casters underneath the couch. If they don't have to get up to put their shoes inside, they just might do it.
The same goes for keys, wallets, cell phones, and other things that leave your family's hands every day when they get home. The containment system has to be easy access, and where they would normally drop everything. Charging stations with extra storage are great catch-all's for these types of items. If the kitchen counter is your family's thing, try mounting it underneath a cabinet. It'll still be easy access, in the area that they love, but it won't get in the way of you doing dishes or cooking dinner.
One general rule to follow when you're shopping for storage items is to avoid low quality items or items with lids. If you're going to use it often, it needs to hold up to every day wear and tear. You're wasting your money if it doesn't last. Also, storage containers with lids should only be used for things that need to be sealed. If you or your family has to remove a lid every time they want to use something, they are more likely to fall back into their old habit of just tossing their stuff wherever is most convenient.
Keeping the closet organized can help you keep the clutter down in the rest of the house. Use open bins, spacious shelves, and easy access solutions that keep the closet an easy place to work with. Choose hangers that save space if the closet is crowded and look for high quality hangers for items that need to keep their shape. Coats and suits should be hung on a wood hanger or coat hanger that will support the weight and keep the garment from ending up on the floor.
Getting everything in your home organized and keeping it that way is an ongoing process. Keep on top of it with your family's habits in mind and you'll be well on your way to an organized home.
About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for the largest selection of wholesale clothing hangers. For more information, please visit us here.