AREAVOICES: I can see clearly now

• Areavoices.com

Areavoices.com

Talk about it

Whenever you buy a storage container, think clear.

I have been in basements of many clients with Rubbermaid tubs filled to the brim with unknown items. Homes can become filled with boxes that are equally as hard to see through without X-ray vision.

All because the tubs are not clear.

Years ago, plastic containers were sold in blue or green. I know because my basement storage closet is full of them. Even with labels, we still didn’t their full contents.

Most labels are generic, i.e. “Christmas” or “baby clothes.” But when the tub is clear, you can see what’s in them. You see that it contains Christmas items, but you also see your tree skirt and Nativity set are in that clear bin. This doesn’t mean you should get rid of all of your bins, unless you are OCD and like having matching ones like me. But as you transition to new ones and shop, lean toward clear bins.

I recently cleaned out a pantry shelf and used clear bins.The steps to do this were simple.

1. Clear everything off the shelf or drawer.

2. Wipe it down.

3. Sort and discard items that have expired or those you know you will never use.

4. Group all that remains into like items. (For me, it was putting my soups and Mexican canned good together as well as everything that I would use for baking. Another bin holds what I like to call “gourmet party food.”)

5. Locate a clear container to help keep the grouping together. I only had three and I still need to buy two more for my beans and tomato products. I loved these because they had an opening to easily grab the whole container to see what the contents are. I also loved that they are tall, and it gives me more vertical space without having to worry about the cans tumbling down.

6. Place bin back in drawer or on shelf.

Remember to see what you need before purchasing organizing supplies. You can guess, but in my experience, people either under- or over-estimate, which means two trips to the store instead of one. Often, people can even find the perfect container already in their home.

MS. Simplicity, also known as Melissa Schmalenberger operates her business as I Did it with MS. Simplicity. She is a Professional Organizer based out of Fargo, ND and her website can be found at www.mssimplicity.com.

Tags: ms. simplicity, accent, updates, organization, home