A big part of my problem, pre-deslobification process, was not understanding how organizing solutions worked.
Because they didn’t work.
At least they didn’t work for me. And they definitely didn’t work AT ALL like they did in the pictures on the package.
I now know why.
I wasn’t accepting that any organizing solution, no matter how nifty or cool or perfect, was a container.
Because I didn’t know what a container’s job was.
But once I understood that containers are limits and that serving as limits is their most important function (especially for people like me who don’t notice limits), I was able to use them.
Not that they never get wonky again and need decluttering again.
They do.
Like this towel wall-hanging thingy. It worked great for towels in our old house. But in this house, I put it in my closet and started using it for belts and scarves. It works great for those, too.
But over time, other things ended up on it (since that’s how I roll), and it needed to be decluttered.
Again.
I had my trash bag ready, but I didn’t use it. My Donate Box filled up quickly. Understanding that this space was the limit to how many scarves and belts I could keep naturally revealed which scarves don’t deserve towel-rack-turned-scarf-and-belt-organizer space.
I accepted that the pretty blue one is pretty but I’d never worn it in the two years I’ve had it.
The wool hat (yes, a hat ended up there) was too itchy to deserve space.
Other things left, too, with pretty much no emotional trauma.
And when I came to something that did cause internal angst, I kept it. Because once I’d purged the things that were obvious, there was space for it. It wouldn’t win out over something I use all the time, but it gets to stay because it fits in the container.
Watch the video! I walk and talk through the process.
--Nony
Oh dear! Now you are making me re-think a couple of “solutions” in my closet. I’m pretty sure I need a hook for my purse in there (so I can find it–ever) and now I’m wondering if a belt hook makes sense too. Hmmm.
Yes! I have managed to convince my daughter (who absolutely comes by it naturally from her Mama) that her dresser drawers are containers. Once she – ahem – we finally got this concept, it’s like a miracle has happened. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts!!
Thank you! I’ve been working on the container thingy with children’s books. I need my bookshelves reserved for SCHOOL BOOKS. The children’s books are more for Little Visitors now.
Those kids like to sit on two comfy chairs that overlook part of my yard. Over the past two weeks I was able to find wicker baskets that slide right under these chairs.
Before I got the second basket (today) I went through the first box and got rid of ‘not-so-special’ books.
So now, not only do I have two containers of the right size, I always created a cozy reading corner for the Little Visitors.
Thank for the guidance! I really need it right now, since I inherited a bunch of things from my mother’s collections. 🙂
Thanks for the detailed “thinking” that explains the way a container works. I guess it would be obvious to some people (but not to me!) that a container is a limiting device. It pre-defines how much you can have of something. This is going to help me look at containers in a new way.
I’ve never thought about storing things in that way. I always adjust the containers to the stuff that I’ve got. More stuff, bigger containers. Thank you for that new concept. Maybe if I try limit myself, my decluttering will be more effective too 🙂
Lived the container concept video…I have way too much stuff…and moving after 40! Years had been difficult!!🤪
I’m decluttering one box one day at a time. I know I’m keeping too much for my new home but maybe I can get it right on the 2nd If 3rd round!🤗
Thank you for this video! Your container concept was a revelation to me when I first read it several months ago. Now if I can just put it into practice! Seeing you declutter this way, without creating a bigger mess, is so encouraging.
I’m so glad I found you! I’ve been listening to your audio books and podcasts over and over while I learn to keep my house under control in my very busy life. Today I had to laugh when I decided to switch things up by listening to a conventional “organization” audio book. After describing the various principles of sorting into categories, she actually starts a chapter with “Start with your linen closet. Take everything out.” Oh my goodness! While my bedroom is a mess, I’m going to start with the linen closet and make a bigger mess?? I’ve tried that before, and it does not work for me, for all the reasons you have said. Again, thank the Lord I found your site. And thank you!