The Bin Trap: Why Less Stuff Matters More - Thoughts from a Professional Organizer

 

What is one of the most common things I see when walking into a client's home? A mountain of bins, baskets, and storage containers—most of them half full, full of nobody knows what, mismatched, or... empty.

Here’s the truth: Bins don’t solve clutter. Systems do.

It’s tempting to think that buying the “right” container will somehow make the mess go away. I get it—organizing products are marketed as instant solutions. But if the stuff inside hasn’t been sorted, edited, or given a clear home, no bin in the world is going to make it feel organized.

Before you buy another basket, stop and ask yourself:

  • Do I actually need everything I’m trying to contain? Decluttering is the first—and most powerful—step. The less you own, the less you need to manage.
  • Have I grouped similar items together by category? Organizing is about categories, not random piles tucked into pretty containers. Like with like.
  • Does everything have a designated home? Zones and homes matter. If items don’t have a clear place to live, they’ll keep floating around, no matter how many bins you own.
  • Do I have a simple system to maintain this space? Systems are what keep spaces functioning. Think: labels, routines, and easy-to-follow logic that works for you and your lifestyle.

If the answer to any of those questions is “no,” then don’t buy the bin—yet.  Solve the real problem first.

Once you’ve done the editing, the sorting, and the zoning, then the right containers can support the system—not replace it.

Trust me: your space—and your sanity—will thank you.

Thank you for reading! 

Kristen 

Professional Organizer - London, Ontario

KAS KONCEPTS - Helping you get and stay organized! 

W: https://kaskoncepts.godaddysites.com

Location: London, ON, Canada

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