Controlling Containers
by Karen Henke

If you’re not careful storage containers designed to organize you may actually add to the clutter. Here are three things to consider before you buy.

1) Determine your needs. Assess what you have and what you will keep before you buy. How will you store the item? How big is it? How many do you have? What are the dimensions of the area you want to outfit? Go to the store armed with this information and a measuring tape.

2) Go for a test drive. You might not always figure out the perfect arrangement the first time. So experiment a little. Sort small toys in shoeboxes before buying containers. Store paper in shirt boxes until you decide if file baskets will work for you. Substitute empty check boxes and jewelry boxes for drawer dividers in your junk drawer. This enables you to see if you like the home you’ve created. There is no need to commit to the plan or the container until you are satisfied. This trick can save you costly mistakes.

3) Never throw away a container. Unless it has a serious design flaw, containers can be re-purposed for your next project. Many of my baskets, boxes and bins have had several incarnations.

Copyright 2005 Come2Order

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Karen Henke is the owner of Come2Order in Minneapolis, MN. Visit www.come2order2day.com and request a free Time-Savers Kit which is loaded with time-saving tips and services. And sign up for a subscription to the free monthly newsletter.