Storage bins are often hailed as the go-to solution for decluttering and organizing spaces. These convenient containers promise to keep your belongings neatly tucked away, but is relying solely on storage bins truly the best approach? In this thought-provoking blog post, we’ll explore why you should avoid using storage bins to declutter, and I’ll offer alternative strategies to achieve a more organized and mindful living space.
Welcome to the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series! We will be starting decluttering specific tasks. Each day is dedicated to spending only 30 minutes decluttering your specific daily task. We will be working 5 days a week, so you can take 2 days to enjoy time with your loved ones.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can find that here.
Struggling with the daily housekeeping chores? Check out my ebook on this topic, entitled Make Over Your Homemaking. Use this link to get it at a discounted price.
Why You Should Avoid Using Storage Bins to Declutter
1. The “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Trap
One of the main reasons why you should avoid using storage bins to declutter is that you may never truly part with the clutter. Storage bins offer a temporary fix by hiding clutter from view. However, this approach often leads to the “out of sight, out of mind” trap. Storing items without addressing the underlying clutter can create a false sense of organization, making it easy to forget what you have and accumulate more unnecessary items.
2. Over-Reliance on Containers
Another reason why you should avoid using storage bins to declutter is the issue of waste and overconsumption. Relying solely on storage bins can inadvertently encourage overconsumption and clutter. Instead of addressing the root cause of clutter, you might find yourself buying more storage containers to accommodate items that you could actually do without.
3. Missed Opportunities for Letting Go
Decluttering should be about making intentional choices to keep only what adds value to your life. Storing items away in bins can prevent you from confronting the items you no longer need or use, making it difficult to let go of possessions that are no longer serving you. As you declutter, use bags or cardboard boxes that you are happy to donate.
4. Aesthetic Clutter vs. True Organization
A space filled with storage bins, even neatly labeled ones, can contribute to visual clutter. Instead of achieving true organization, you might end up with an array of containers that detract from the overall aesthetics of your living space.
5. Mindful Minimalism
Embracing minimalism involves being intentional about the items you bring into your life. Instead of relying on storage bins, focus on acquiring only what you truly need and value. This approach fosters a clutter-free environment from the start.
6. Functional Furniture and Multi-Purpose Solutions
Consider investing in functional furniture and multi-purpose solutions to declutter your space. Ottomans with storage, wall-mounted shelves, and built-in cabinetry can help you optimize your space without relying solely on bins.
7. Regular Decluttering Rituals
Create a habit of regular decluttering to maintain a clutter-free space. Regularly reassess your belongings, letting go of items that no longer align with your needs and preferences. This prevents accumulation and makes storage bins less necessary.
8. Mindful Placement
Rather than tossing items in bins, practice mindful placement. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and ensure that every item has a designated home. This approach encourages you to be more conscious of what you own and where it belongs.
9. Eco-Friendly Approach
Overreliance on storage bins can contribute to plastic waste and environmental concerns. Choosing sustainable organizing solutions, such as repurposed containers or natural materials, aligns with an eco-friendly lifestyle.
While storage bins can be useful tools for organizing, they should not be the sole solution for decluttering your living space. Relying too heavily on bins can mask the underlying clutter and hinder your journey towards mindful living. Instead, consider alternative strategies such as minimalism, functional furniture, and regular decluttering rituals. By embracing these alternatives, you’ll create a more intentional, organized, and clutter-free environment that reflects your values and enhances your overall well-being.
A few declutter guidelines to keep you on task:
1.Only spend time on your specific daily task.
2.Do not get side-tracked or distracted.
3.Work within a time of day that you have the most energy and stamina.
4.Avoid thinking too long about whether to keep or discard an item. Recruit help if you are stuck in the decision process.
5.Avoid cleaning during your declutter. Getting rid of the clutter is your priority. Cleaning can be accomplished later.
How to Declutter:
Supplies Needed:
1. boxes -preferably ones you can donate (Avoid plastic storage bins because you may be tempted to just store the items and not part with them.)
2. sturdy trash bags
3. marker/pen to label boxes
Decluttering Tip: Avoid using storage bins to declutter. Storage bins tend to tell your brain to “store” the items for later. That is just delaying decisions. If you aren’t getting rid of items when you declutter, you are not truly decluttering. This is why I recommend a trash bag, also. A trash bag tells your brain to “trash” the item.
Obviously, recycle if you have that option. The boxes you use should be ones you are willing to part with, so I recommend sturdy cardboard boxes. As to donations, there are many charities that will come pick up your items for you at your home.
I use one in particular where you can book an appointment for pick-up online. This is so convenient, as it saves you the hassle of hauling stuff away yourself. Scheduling that pick-up also motivates you to declutter by a certain date.
I use one in particular where you can book an appointment for pick-up online. This is so convenient, as it saves you the hassle of hauling stuff away yourself. Scheduling that pick-up also motivates you to declutter by a certain date.
How to Declutter:
1. Start by eliminating trash first- use a sturdy trash bag
2. Sort items by category if needed so you can see what you have
3.Get rid of duplicate items, broken items, outgrown clothes and shoes, anything you’ll never use again
4. Box up the donations and trash/recycle the rest
5.Select a charity to donate your items and schedule the pick-up if that is an option
We are working in the master bedroom this week. Your task today for today, February 24th is to: Declutter any DVD’s and VHS tapes.
Need to deep clean? I have lists for you to guide you along.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kids’ Rooms list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Living Room list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom list can be found here.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Deep Cleaning Your House Schedule here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize. What Does a Deep Clean Include? It includes a daily schedule, calendar pages, and deep cleaning checklists for every room and area of your home. Below is a sample page of what you’ll get in my Housekeeping Schedule for Home printables.
Also, to keep up the general housework, you may need to create a daily housekeeping schedule that suits your specific needs. To do so, I have created a helpful series you can read here.
Need to Declutter Every room? I have declutter checklists for every room and every space in your home to guide you along below.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
Struggling to decide if an item is clutter? Use these questions below to help you determine whether to keep or toss any item.
How to Declutter the Guest Room or Your Kid’s Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Laundry Room and Patio checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Coat Closet/Hall Closet/Linen Closet checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Home Office checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Attic checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Garage checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Living Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Kitchen Checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Entry/Foyer/Mudroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Clothing checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bedroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bathroom checklist can be found here.
Happy Decluttering!
To Subscribe to this Declutter Series, drop me a comment below. Your email will be sent to me but will not be posted publicly. You’ll receive a daily declutter task via email for the daily task we are working on. You can unsubscribe at any time.
New to deemiddleton.com and don’t know where to start? I recommend going in this order:
Step 1: Check out this post on the 1st step you should take to get organized. If you don’t have a calendar, you can grab my free weekly printable calendar page here. It is in my shopify store, but it is totally free, so you won’t be prompted to put in any payment information. It is a free download and will be delivered straight to your email.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
Step 2: Create a daily Housekeeping Schedule. You can use this series to start to set up your own schedule. You can also use this simplified weekly schedule.If you often ask: What is the fastest way to clean a dirty house? Or, if you struggle to get organized and have tried and failed time and again, you can likely find out which of these 11 reasons cause you to fail to get organized.
Step 3: How do you remove clutter?.…Sign up for the Declutter Series and get your entire home decluttered in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.”Declutter Your Home” checklists are provided in each email.
Step 4: What is the fastest way to clean a dirty house? Use a timer and use the Deep Cleaning Checklists above. They will help you get your home sparkling after you’ve decluttered.
Interested in becoming a full-time blogger like me? Check out my blogging series. At the top of every page on my blog, you’ll find a drop down menu. Just select the BLOGGING category.
Check out the most popular posts on deemiddleton.com:
14 Things That Make Your Home Look Cluttered
How to Create a Daily Housekeeping Schedule
How to Clean House When You Are Completely Overwhelmed By Clutter
What is Preventing You From Getting Organized?
Also, check out a great post on decluttering over here from becomingminimalist.com. Joshua Becker has some great tips on decluttering and minimalism.
For further reading, check out the fly lady here. She has some great cleaning and kitchen decluttering ideas plus excellent organization tips to get you started.
I hope you have benefitted from my Decluttering (tasks you can do in 30 minutes). Leave a comment below to subscribe to my daily declutter task email series.
Recent Comments