How to Buy the Best Containers for your Space

So you are ready to get organized but don’t know where to start when it comes to buying containers? Use these four steps to help you find the right container for your space.

Step 1 | Choose where items will live

Before you think about buying new containers, you need to decide where you want things to live. This means, you need to do the first step of organizing the space. If you know where you want items to live, you save yourself time and money when buying products. I even like to give myself a few days of living with the newly organized space to make sure it is how I like it.

Step 2 | Measure your space

After you have decided where your items will live, you want to measure the space. Measure each distance – length, width and height. This will narrow down what size containers will fit into your space.

Step 3 | Choosing types of containers

After you have decided where items will live and measure the space, you can choose your containers. When shopping, take the time to think about what works for you.

Do you like clear or opaque containers?

This depends on what type of person you are. 

Do you need to see what’s in a container so you don’t forget it? 

You may need a clear container so you can see the contents and know what you have.

Do you have kids and it bothers you when you can see the mess in containers?

You may need an opaque container that you can’t see into.

Do you like a monochromatic look to your organization?

Opaque containers give you the look without seeing the different colors inside.

Take a moment before you go shopping to think about these questions and determine what kind of containers you are looking for. Also, consider mixing it up and using clear containers for some items and opaque for others.

Do you want handles or a lid for the containers?

Are you pulling the containers from a higher shelf?

You may need a handle to help you get the container down.

Are you stacking containers?

You may want lids so you can easily stack the containers.

Are your kids getting the containers out?

You may want handles so your children can easily get the containers out themselves.

Do you want to keep your kids out of a container?

Find a container with a lid that they cannot get into.

And don’t forget about your drawers.

Most drawers do well with some kind of drawer divider to keep items contained. This helps the items not get cluttered and gives a place for everything. Just make sure to measure the height of the drawer as well!

Step 4 | Labeling

After you have found your containers and decided how to organize them into the space, you will want to consider labels. Labels help the entire family know what goes in each bin so they don’t have to ask every time they are looking for an item.

If you have young children who cannot read yet, you can also use pictures on the labels of their toys to help them clean up when it is time.

My favorite containers and labels

I hope these steps can help you find the containers that work best for your space. After following these steps, tag me on Instagram @wildelyorganized so I can see your new, organized space!