How to Choose the Right Organizing Solution

Taking a trip to the organizing store can be exhilarating especially when you love different coloured containers, pretty baskets and the unique solutions that can be found there. However, before you get in the car to make the trip, here are some organizing solutions and tips that will help you save time & money all while creating the organized spaces you desire.

Watch the video:

Here is what I recommend:

1. Clear storage containers with lids: When choosing a container for your decluttering, organizing or downsizing project, it’s best to choose clear containers because they will allow you to see what is inside. Choose one with a lid to keep your items clean and protected from dust and other allergens.

Before storing your containers, be sure to label the exterior of the container with a list (or a photograph) of what is inside. If you are downsizing and/or moving, keep a master list of container numbers and their contents for easy reference at a later date.

2. Baskets: You will find a variety of baskets for multiple purposes. We recommend baskets with lids when storing items that need to stay clean of dust and other allergens (i.e. pet fur). Open-faced baskets are perfect for items that are used frequently and for which you need quick access.

3. Hangers: There are as many types of hangers as there are colours. You can be creative and choose a specific colour of hanger for a type of garment you are storing in your closet. For example, dark hangers for dress clothes, white hangers for blouses and a specific colour for pants. Or you can choose the colour of hanger to match the colour of the garment. The sky’s the limit so have fun and be creative.

HANGER TRICK: If you’ve downloaded the “Summer of Organizing” video series, you will recall the hanger trick I mentioned. Hang all your garments with hangers facing one direction. As you use a garment and return it after it being laundered, turn the hanger in the opposite direction. This will give you a clear visual of what you wear most often and what has not been worn. You will most likely see that you wear 20% of you own 80% of the time.

4. Final tip: Do not go to an organizing store without a specific list of what you need. Bring with you a list of what will require as containers for storage and the proper size for the space and/or item in question. This will save you time and money as you will purchase what you need knowing it provides the organizing solution you require.

If you need additional tips, you can view the two previous “on the road” videos in this month’s organizing series. The first video provided tips on the protective equipment I recommend when starting a downsizing, decluttering or moving project. The second video was all about the supplies you will need that can be purchased at your local grocery store. There are many other videos and resources on this blog so be sure to do click on the specific category on the right-hand side to find what you are looking for.

Remember, you do not have to do it alone. I am here to help so be sure to contact me with your questions. My team at Moving Forward Matters is also available to provide you with the one-on-one physical and emotional help you may require if you are downsizing and moving, decluttering and organizing or if you are going through a major life transition such as a death in the family or a separation or divorce.

You can also count on my team at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to bring items to local charity, to the recyclers and to the waste sites. They will come into your home or office, load all the items you need to have removed and make the trips to properly dispose of the items you no longer need, use or want.

We are here to help!

Pierrette Raymond

Pierrette Raymond is a multi-business owner and philanthropist. She has been running businesses since 1996, and has a background in Psychology, Education, Grief and Bereavement. She is the owner of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Ottawa and Gatineau, and recently became a professional dog trainer with multiple certifications in dog behaviour and training. She is a four-time published author, speaker, facilitator, a community leader and also a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She is the recipient of the Ontario Leading Women Building Communities award, given by the Government of Ontario to women in our province "who demonstrate exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in their communities”. And she is a a Forty Under 40 Award Recipient.