I get the appeal of baskets and trays, but I’ve seen it go sideways fast—like, suddenly every shelf is just a row of containers and you can’t find anything. I tried using some leather trays for remotes and chargers on my living room shelves, and honestly, it looked nice for about a week. Then random stuff started piling up and it felt more cluttered than before. Maybe it’s about finding that sweet spot... but I’m still not totally sold unless you’re super disciplined.
- Totally get where you’re coming from—baskets and trays can look super organized at first, but it’s so easy for them to just become “junk bins” after a while.
- I’ve tried the same thing with cheap bins from the dollar store. It worked for a bit, but then I started tossing random stuff in just to get it out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind... until you need something and can’t remember which basket it’s in.
- I think you nailed it with the “sweet spot” idea. For me, it’s about limiting how many containers I use. Like, one tray for remotes and that’s it—if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay.
- Honestly, I’m not super disciplined either, but I do a quick “basket purge” every couple weeks. It helps, but yeah, it’s a constant battle.
- At least you tried the leather trays! I always want to buy the fancy ones but end up sticking with whatever’s cheapest. Maybe it’s not about the container, but just having less stuff to corral in the first place... easier said than done, though.
Maybe it’s not about the container, but just having less stuff to corral in the first place... easier said than done, though.
That hits home. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on fancy organizers, but if you’re just shuffling clutter from one spot to another, it doesn’t really solve much. I always tell people—sometimes less is more, even if it means letting go of that random cable you haven’t used in years. It’s a process, but you’re definitely on the right track.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen people buy bins, baskets, even custom shelving, and still end up with a closet full of “organized” chaos. For me, it helped to lay out the space on paper first, then walk through each area and ask—do I actually use this, or am I just keeping it out of habit? Sometimes it’s tough to be honest with yourself about what you really need. Have you found any tricks for deciding what stays or goes, especially with stuff that’s got some sentimental value?
Sometimes it’s tough to be honest with yourself about what you really need.
That’s the hardest part, honestly. I always tell clients: if you’re struggling with sentimental stuff, try boxing it up and storing it out of sight for a month. If you don’t miss it, chances are you don’t need it. Physical space is valuable—sometimes more than the nostalgia tied to an old sweater or random trinket. It’s not easy, but being ruthless pays off in the long run.