The container concept

When you are trying to organize your space, it’s important to have a plan of attack. One of the most useful tools I share with my clients is the container concept, or having a space budget. In this blog post, I’ll explain what the container concept is, how it works, and why it’s essential for home organization.

The container concept: what is it?

Simply put, the container concept is the idea that every item in your home should have a designated spot, or “container”. I love organizer Peter Walsh’s famous quote, “Where is it going to live?” I try to keep it in mind whenever I acquire something. Whether that container is a physical bin or a shelf, drawer, or simply a place by the door, it’s important to assign a specific space to every item in your home. By doing so, you can keep your belongings organized and minimize clutter.

This photo was taken by tatiana syrikova For Pexels. Notice how this doesn’t look cluttered, because each object has been intentionally placed.

How it works

The container concept works by applying a few simple principles:

1 – Assess your space. Before you begin organizing, take a close look at the space you have available. Determine what areas need organization the most and how much storage you have to work with.

2 – Make a list of all the items you’ll be organizing. This will help you determine not only what can realistically fit in a designated space, but also what containers or storage solutions you’ll need.

3 – Designate a container. For each item on your list, designate a specific container or spot. This could be a shelf, a drawer, a bin, or any other type of storage solution.

4 – Stick to your space budget. This means that the amount of space you have available for each category of items is limited – if you exceed it, you end up with clutter. For example, you might allocate one drawer for all your socks, or one bookcase for all your books. By sticking to your “container” (the drawer or bookcase), your stuff is contained and can stay organized. If it exceeds those boundaries, that’s when it gets in your way and ends up being clutter – you’ll need to get rid of some items then. Sticking to the one-in-one-out rule makes this easier!

5 – Adapt as needed. The container concept can absolutely be flexible. If you find that a container isn’t working for a particular item, or that you actually need more (or less!) space for a category of items, don’t be afraid to adjust your organization plans.

This photo was taken by kelly sikkema for Unsplash. Markers and pens are corralled in this jar, so they are easy to find; it also serves as a visual reminder that there are enough pens and markers and no new ones need to be purchased.

Why it’s important

The container concept is an essential tool for home organization because it creates a structured system for your belongings. This approach prevents clutter by setting limits on how much space you have available for each category of items. By sticking to your space budget, you can avoid the temptation to accumulate more stuff than your home can handle. Moreover, by assigning a designated spot for everything, you can easily keep track of your belongings and find what you need quickly (not to mention, you now know exactly where to put it back). Apply the container concept in your home to experience the benefits of an organized space!