Finding the Right Container Isn’t Easy!

Finding the right container isn’t easy! Even after 20 years of helping my clients organize and design their homes, picking the best storage solution is still challenging. I believe that if your space is functional and beautiful, you will be far more likely to keep it tidy and organized. So, it is very important to spend time finding just the ideal product for your needs. I implore you, do not buy whatever you see on sale. Please measure your space and the amount of stuff you have, and consider how everything will look visually when it’s complete.

Part of the challenge in finding the right container is that every space is different. Even if two homes have exactly the same design, the occupants have different needs regarding function and size. And people like different colours and styles, so using the same container for each job doesn’t always work. The other problem is retailers are constantly changing the style, shape, and size of storage containers. That means if I find a basket I love and the store stops selling it, the search for the right container starts all over. It is so frustrating! Although, it is so much fun when I find just what my client needs. Here are some examples of storage solutions I implemented at the homes of recent clients.

Closet Beside the Kitchen

We chose some very nice shelving for this closet, assembled and installed it. But because the client had just moved in, we weren’t sure exactly what they would use the closet for. So, we didn’t buy containers at the time. Actually, it’s always a good idea to wait until you know exactly what you need to store before finding the right container. Now we need eight bins to fit on the shelves. These nice sturdy blue fabric bins are the right size – a perfect match!

Kallex shelving unit from IKEA
Kallex shelving unit from IKEA
Droena fabric box from IKEA
Droena bin from IKEA

Linen Closet

After a good tidying and folding, we organized the linen closet. Since nothing is worse than a jumble of stuff at the bottom of the linen closet, these clear plastic bins with wheels were the only thing this closet needed.

clear plastic tote with wheels and snap-on lid
Plastic tote with wheels and snap-on lid from Amazon

Main Bedroom Closet

Finding the right containers for this space was challenging because it has built-in shelving. We needed 20 bins in three different sizes to fit on all the shelves. And we wanted them to look nice. I found some fabric bins with leather handles in small, large, and extra-large sizes. Yay!

small fabric baskets with leather handle on sides
large fabric baskets with leather handle on sides
Fabric bins with leather handles from Amazon
extra large fabric baskets with leather handle on sides

We also needed a solution to corral the laundry baskets scattered across the floor. A shelving unit with new perfectly-fitting laundry baskets worked well. And the homeowners were happy to replace their utilitarian laundry baskets with prettier ones.

Bekant shelving unit from IKEA
Bekant storage unit from IKEA
grey laundry basket with built-in handles
Laundry basket from Kent

It was an exhausting session of sourcing new products but well worth it. The spaces are functional and look nice too. I wish you much success finding the right container for your needs.

3 thoughts on “Finding the Right Container Isn’t Easy!”

  1. Love the idea of a container on wheels for the bottom of the linen closet. Going to measure the space and get a proper fitting container. The space is always a mess!!

    Reply
    • So glad Cathie. I find those bins work well in the bottom of closets. I don’t know about you, but I hate stuff loose on the floor. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. I strongly believe that the keys to successful organizing are 1)having less items and 2)perfect containers for storage (i call them ‘house’)!

    And I totally agree on ‘measure the space before buying containers’.

    Thanks for the post and I love the baskets for master closet on the post. 🙂

    Reply

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