Embrace the Container Concept: Declutter and Organize Your Home

I want to share a fantastic decluttering method I’ve found incredibly helpful in organizing my home. It’s called the “Container Concept,” and I came across it in Dana K. White’s book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life. As a big fan of Dana’s ideas, I’ve incorporated her concepts into my lifestyle to maintain a clutter-free and organized home.

Understanding the Container Concept

The basic idea of the Container Concept is that the purpose of a container is to contain. According to dictionary.com, “contain” means to keep under proper control, prevent or limit expansion, and succeed in preventing the spread of something. When applied to our homes, this means that our houses, rooms, closets, drawers, and even the containers we purchase can only hold so much stuff. When these containers become overstuffed, it’s a clear sign that we have too much.

Practical Application

For instance, when I open a kitchen cabinet filled to the brim, I have no idea what’s inside, and it’s incredibly frustrating. This is especially true for my spice cabinet, which is often overstuffed with spices I rarely use. To tackle this, I take everything out, check expiration dates, combine half-filled containers, and take inventory of how many items I have.

I keep only one container of an item in the cabinet and store extras in another location, like a shelf in the garage or basement. This approach helps create space and makes it easier to find what I need. The same method can be applied to other areas, such as the medicine cabinet, bathroom closet, and linen closet.

Designating Spaces

Deciding what doesn’t belong in a specific container is crucial. For example, I rarely bake, so I store baking items in a cabinet above the refrigerator, freeing up space in my main kitchen cabinets. This method ensures that only frequently used items occupy valuable space.

Maintaining Organization

By keeping an inventory of what you have and designating specific places for items, it becomes easier for the whole family to maintain organization. Everyone knows where things are, making it simpler to declutter and find what they need.

The Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering brings peace and contentment to your home. While it may take time to reorganize, the effort is worth it. Remember, a container is meant to hold things within its boundaries. If it’s overflowing, it’s time to downsize and get rid of excess stuff.

Conclusion

The Container Concept has been a game-changer for me, and I hope it helps you too. If you have any tips or ideas, especially for organizing spices, please leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!