How We Buy Organizing Products

The sexy part of organizing is the containers and labels. While it’s a very small part of the process, it is the most fun, and people always ask me how we select and purchase the containers and labels we use to create organizing systems. So here’s what you can expect from the product selection and installation process!

First of all, we don't buy any containers up front. Why, you ask? Well, until we sort and declutter, we don't know what needs to be stored or where to store it! After all, containers are not just placeholders that you fill with whatever fits. Containers are the backbone of an organizing system, creating the infrastructure you need to intentionally store the things you need where you need them.

Instead, we think about containers for a space after we’ve completed the decluttering process. We take very detailed notes about what needs to be stored and in what type of container, and we take measurements of every spot we might place a container. We’re extremely familiar with the options out there, so we often know exactly which product we’re going to use, and we’ll note that as well.

Then, we go home and make a shopping list. It’s a simple Google Sheet that lists every container along with where we put it, what it will store, how many we need, what color we recommend, and how much it costs. We include a picture of each item and a link to the product page so that the client can check it out for themselves, and we send the spreadsheet to the client for their approval.

Once the client has approved the list, we are happy to make the purchase and pick up the items, or let the client do that on their own. We do insist, however, that if the client is doing their own purchasing, that they stick to the list. We’ve had clients try to get dupes, or go out and buy different items, and this always causes problems because dupes and alternatives often don’t fit!

Then, it’s time for the day everyone looks forward to: installation day! We position all the containers in their desired locations, place the client’s belongings in the containers, remove manufacturer and retailer labels, and label each container according to the client’s preferences. This is when all that work you put into the decluttering process pays off: you get that gorgeous Insta-worthy after photo and you know that the system is built especially for you!

LMW